U.S. patent application number 14/452288 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-08 for firearm flash suppressor.
The applicant listed for this patent is SILENCERCO, LLC. Invention is credited to Casey Brandol, Harrison Holden, Jonathon Shults.
Application Number | 20150285576 14/452288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48799630 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150285576 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shults; Jonathon ; et
al. |
October 8, 2015 |
FIREARM FLASH SUPPRESSOR
Abstract
A flash suppressor configured to be secured in place relative to
a muzzle of a barrel of a firearm is disclosed. The flash
suppressor includes a plurality of tines, with each tine of the
plurality of tines being configured (e.g., with different masses,
different lengths, etc.) to affect resonance, harmonic interaction
and/or induced harmonic noise reduction as a result of expanding,
and combusting gases and/or a projectile exiting the muzzle of the
firearm. The flash suppressor may comprise part of a suppressor
system that also includes a sound suppressor, or silencer.
Inventors: |
Shults; Jonathon; (Sandy,
UT) ; Holden; Harrison; (Sandy, UT) ; Brandol;
Casey; (Salt Lake City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SILENCERCO, LLC |
West Valley City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48799630 |
Appl. No.: |
14/452288 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13743331 |
Jan 16, 2013 |
8794376 |
|
|
14452288 |
|
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|
|
61587118 |
Jan 16, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/14.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/325 20130101;
F41A 21/34 20130101; F41A 21/30 20130101; Y10T 29/49826
20150115 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20060101
F41A021/34; F41A 21/30 20060101 F41A021/30 |
Claims
1. A suppressor for a firearm, comprising: a flash suppressor
configured to be positioned adjacent to a muzzle of a firearm, the
flash suppressor including a plurality of tines, each tine of the
plurality of tines having a different mass from every other tine of
the plurality of tines, the plurality of tines configured to
disperse gases exiting the muzzle in a manner that reduces flash
without affecting an accuracy of a projectile discharged by the
firearm.
2. The suppressor of claim 1, wherein the different masses of tines
of the plurality of tines minimize resonation of the plurality of
tines as the gases exit the muzzle of the firearm and/or as the
projectile is discharged by the firearm.
3. The suppressor of claim 1, wherein the different masses of tines
of the plurality of tines minimize harmonic interaction between the
tines as the gases exit the muzzle of the firearm and/or as the
projectile is discharged by the firearm.
4. The suppressor of claim 1, wherein the different masses of tines
of the plurality of tines are configured to minimize or eliminate
induced harmonic noise emitted by the flash suppressor as the gases
exit the muzzle of the firearm and/or as a projectile is discharged
by the firearm.
5. The suppressor of claim 1, wherein the flash suppressor includes
an axial central bore having a diameter that is larger than a
diameter of a bore of a barrel of the firearm.
6. The suppressor of claim 1, further comprising: a sound
suppressor configured to be assembled with the flash
suppressor.
7. A suppressor for a firearm, comprising: a flash suppressor
configured to be positioned adjacent to a muzzle of a firearm, the
flash suppressor including a plurality of tines, each tine of the
plurality of tines having a different length from every other tine
of the plurality of tines, the plurality of tines configured to
disperse gases exiting the muzzle in a manner that reduces flash
without affecting an accuracy of a projectile discharged by the
firearm.
9. The suppressor of claim 7, wherein different lengths of the
plurality of tines impart the plurality of tines with different
masses from one another.
10. The suppressor of claim 7, wherein different lengths of the
plurality of tines minimize resonation of tines of the plurality of
tines, minimize harmonic interaction between the tines and/or
minimize or eliminate induced harmonic noise emitted by the flash
suppressor as gases exit the muzzle of the firearm and/or as a
projectile is discharged by the firearm.
11. The suppressor of claim 7, wherein the flash suppressor
includes an axial central bore having a diameter that is larger
than a diameter of a bore of a barrel of the firearm.
12. The suppressor of claim 7, further comprising: a sound
suppressor configured to be assembled with the flash
suppressor.
13. A suppressor for a firearm, comprising: a flash suppressor
configured to be positioned adjacent to a muzzle of a firearm, the
flash suppressor including a plurality of tines configured to
disperse gases exiting the muzzle in a manner that reduces flash
without affecting an accuracy of a projectile discharged by the
firearm.
14. The suppressor of claim 13, wherein the plurality of tines are
configured such that resonation between tines of the plurality of
tines is minimized as the gases exit the muzzle of the firearm
and/or as the projectile is discharged by the firearm.
15. The suppressor of claim 13, wherein the plurality of tines are
configured such that harmonic interaction between tines of the
plurality of tines is minimized as the gases exit the muzzle of the
firearm and/or as the projectile is discharged by the firearm.
16. The suppressor of claim 13, wherein the plurality of tines are
configured such that induced harmonic noise emitted by the flash
suppressor is minimized or eliminated as the gases exit the muzzle
of the firearm and/or as a projectile is discharged by the
firearm.
17. The suppressor of claim 13, wherein the flash suppressor
includes an axial central bore having a diameter that is larger
than a diameter of a bore of a barrel of the firearm.
18. The suppressor of claim 13, wherein the flash suppressor
includes a socket configured to enable coupling of the flash
suppressor in place relative to the muzzle of the firearm.
19. The suppressor of claim 13, wherein the flash suppressor
includes a waist portion configured to provide for a compressive
friction fit with a mount assembly associated with a sound
suppressor.
20. The suppressor of claim 19, wherein the waist portion of the
flash suppressor comprises a taper oriented toward a front of the
flash suppressor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/743,331, filed on Jan. 16, 2013, and titled
"FIREARM FLASH SUPPRESSOR SYSTEM" ("the '331 Application"), now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,376, issued on Aug. 5, 2014, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/587,118,
filed on Jan. 16, 2012, and titled FIREARM NOISE SUPPRESSOR SYSTEM
("the '118 Provisional Application"). This application is also
related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/743,328, titled
"FIREARM FLASH SUPPRESSOR SYSTEM" ("the '328 Application") filed
Jan. 6, 2013, which application also claims priority to the '118
Provisional Application. The entire disclosures of the foregoing
the '331 Application, the '118 Provisional Application and the '328
Application are, by this reference, incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a flash suppressor for a
firearm and to systems for removably attaching a noise suppressor
or other auxiliary device to the muzzle of a firearm barrel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Noise suppressors for firearms are well known in the prior
art, and many have been patented over a considerable period of
time. Many different techniques have been developed and patented,
and flash suppressors and baffles of varying designs have been
extensively used. The aim and intention of a noise suppressor,
regardless of the technique used, is to reduce the pressure and
velocity of the propellant gases from the noise suppressor so that
the resulting sound level is significantly reduced.
[0004] Prior art noise suppressors include flash suppressor systems
and internal baffles for reducing the muzzle flash of a firearm
when it has been discharged. Previous flash suppressor designs
provide a combination of features which have culminated in systems
for reducing the muzzle flash of a firearm to various degrees. B.E.
Meyers' four tine design, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,837,139 and 7,302,774
(Myers), Smith Enterprises' Vortex flash suppressor, U.S. Pat. No.
5,596,161 (Sommers), and Advanced Armament Corp.'s flash
suppressor, U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,170 (Brittingham), are currently
available in the market place. The aforementioned designs fail to
provide several features necessary and desirable for today's
firearms. Most particularly, and as exemplified by Advanced
Armament Corp.'s flash suppressor, the design of the respective
tines of the flash suppressor results in an undesirable "ringing"
tone to be emitted from the flash suppressor upon the discharge of
the firearm due to imparted harmonics on the respective tines of
the firearm.
[0005] Quite complex baffle structures are known in the prior art.
Some of these baffles have more recently used asymmetric features,
such as slanted sidewalls or baffles that have been positioned at
an angle to the bore, to achieve high levels of sound reduction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,043 (Finn) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,535
(Leasure) are indicative of the complex baffles using slanted
sidewalls or asymmetric cuts into the bore of the baffles. Known
prior art as practiced also includes baffles known as "K" baffles,
where the baffle consists of a flat flange joined to a conical
section by a web. An inner chamber is formed between the front face
of the flat flange and the rear face of the conical section. The
"K" baffle first appeared during the mid-1980s, and while initially
symmetrical venting or porting was used to vent gases into the
inner chamber between the rear and front faces of the baffle,
slanted sidewalls were used to improve the performance of the "K"
baffle, as well as asymmetric cuts or scoops on the rear face and
on the conical front face, with the scoop on the front face
penetrating through the conical front face and into the inner
chamber. This had the effect of venting gases into the inner
chamber, which enhanced the sound reduction of the suppressor.
These asymmetric cuts or scoops are similar to the slanted sidewall
feature of the Finn patent in that the cuts or scoops are
positioned 180 degrees apart. However, while such a modified "K"
baffle works well with pistol caliber firearms, the asymmetry
causes some detrimental effects on accuracy when used with rifle
caliber firearms, and requires an increase in the size of the bore
aperture of the baffle to ensure minimization of bullet yaw. This
would otherwise result in projectiles striking the baffles and the
end cap of the suppressor. What is required is a baffle that offers
high levels of sound reduction, minimizes bullet yaw and enhances
and/or maintains the normal accuracy of the host firearm.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a noise suppressor for a
firearm using flash suppressors and baffles that have little or no
detrimental effect on the accuracy of the fired projectile, and
produce high levels of sound and flash reduction. This is achieved
through the use of a flash suppressor and downstream baffles whose
design provides enhanced performance over the prior art
systems.
[0007] Further, various systems are known in the firearms art for
attaching a noise suppressor to a firearm, and specifically for
removably attaching a noise suppressor to a flash suppressor
affixed to the muzzle end of a firearm. There nevertheless exists a
need for improving such systems, particularly for increasing the
ease by which a user may attach a noise suppressor to a flash
suppressor while at the same time affecting a reliable securement
therebetween capable of withstanding vibrations incidental to the
firing of such firearms as automatic rifles used by military
personnel.
SUMMARY
[0008] This application relates to a suppressor for a firearm. More
specifically, this application relates to a noise suppressor system
for attachment to a firearm including a barrel having a
longitudinal axis, comprising the combination of: a flash
suppressor adapted to be attached to the muzzle of the barrel
coaxially therewith and a noise suppressor including a proximal
mount assembly having an interior expansion chamber for coaxially
receiving the flash suppressor. Additionally, this application
relates to a system for selectively securely coupling the noise
suppressor system to the firearm.
[0009] In one aspect, the flash suppressor of the noise suppressor
system provides a means for suppressing or hiding the flash of the
firearm, which is the result of expanding and combusting gases
exiting the muzzle of a host firearm when discharged. In one
aspect, the flash suppressor utilizes tines that are sized and
shaped to provide advantageous sound reduction characteristics over
conventional tine noise suppressors. Conventionally, the heat and
pressure from expanding gases which are the result of discharging a
firearm may cause the tines of a flash suppressor to resonate. This
resonation is a concern due to the audible ringing tone emitted by
the flash suppressor as a result of the harmonic interaction of the
conventionally sized and shaped tines of the prior art flash
suppressors. While the conventional tines of prior art flash
suppressors are identically sized and shaped, each tine of the
disclosed flash suppressor has a different mass, which results in
minimal to no induced harmonic noise being emitted by the flash
suppressor upon the discharge of the firearm.
[0010] The noise suppressor of the noise suppressor system can
comprise a cylindrical housing, a proximal mount assembly having a
means for selective attachment to the flash suppressor and to the
cylindrical housing, a distal end cap with means for attachment to
the housing, and a plurality of baffles positioned within the
housing and between the proximal mount assembly and the distal end
cap of the noise suppressor. In one aspect, separate cylindrical
spacer elements, or "spacers," can be positioned between the
proximal mount assembly and the distal end cap of the noise
suppressor and between the baffles. These spacers provide for
desired axial positioning of the baffles within the cylindrical
housing of the noise suppressor. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate, the distal end cap of the noise suppressor is provided
with a concentric circular hole or aperture for the projectile to
pass through the end of the noise suppressor. Further, a plurality
of expansion chambers are formed between the baffles within the
noise suppressor.
[0011] In a number of aspects, the noise suppressor utilizes
baffles that can use at least one of the disclosed features that
enhance reduction of sound and flash, these features including
proximally facing first frusto-conical section in communication
with a central bore sized and shaped for the projectile to pass
therethrough, a distally facing second frusto-conical section
having at least one circumferentially extending shoulder element
positioned at the distal edge of the first frusto-conical section
to induce turbulence into the gas stream as the gas stream moves
distally toward the concentric circular hole or aperture in the
distal end cap of the suppressor, and at least one gas cross-flow
aperture positioned proximate the proximal end of the second
frusto-conical section to direct a substantially perpendicular gas
jet onto the discharge gas stream as the discharge gas stream
passes the at least one gas cross-flow aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the
invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in
which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a noise suppressor
system for a firearm, according to one aspect. In one aspect, a
proximal attachment cap is rotatably coupled to a cap base member,
showing a plurality of rotatable cam members mounted therein a
plurality of slots defined in the base portion of the cap base
member, each cam member being selectively rotatable upon rotation
of the cap base member relative to the proximal attachment cap
about and between a withdrawn position, in which the cam member is
withdrawn to underlie a lip that defines an opening sized for keyed
fixed receipt of the base of the flash suppressor, and an operative
position, in which the distal portion of the cam member is urged
outwardly and toward the longitudinal axis of the proximal mount
assembly to overlie a portion of a bottom shoulder surface of the
flash suppressor. The distal portion of the interior surface of the
cap base member is threaded for operative receipt of the external
threads defined thereon the proximal end portion of the
intermediate mount member. Further, a spring member and a first
ring member are shown sized and shaped for receipt thereon the
exterior surface of the distal portion of the non-threaded exterior
surface of the cap base member. The first ring member has a
plurality of male protrusions extending proximally from the back
surface of the first ring member. Each male protrusion of the first
ring member being configured for selective receipt therein
complementary slots defined therein the distal face of the
peripheral edge of the proximal attachment cap. The first ring
member further defining a transversely oriented slot on the front
surface of the first ring member for partial receipt of a
transversely mounted pin. The spring member is shaped to provide
compressive resistance between the front surface of the first ring
member and the proximal face surface of the second ring member. In
a further aspect, an intermediate mount member and the second ring
member are shown. In this aspect, the proximal end portion of the
intermediate mount member has a proximal peripheral edge having a
cutout portion extending about a desired arcuate portion of the
proximal peripheral edge. The cutout portion accepts the distal
portion of the transversely mounted pin and, as one skilled in the
art will appreciate, acts to limit the rotational motion of the cap
base member relative to the coupled proximal attachment cap.
Further, external threads are defined thereon the proximal end
portion adjacent the proximal peripheral edge for operative receipt
of the threaded interior surface of the cap base member. The second
ring member has a plurality of male protrusions extending distally
therefrom the bottom face of the second ring member. Each male
protrusion of the second ring member being configured for selective
receipt therein complementary radially spaced slots defined therein
the distal face of the locking ring. Further, the central portion
of the intermediate mount member is configured for hydraulic
compressive coupling of the interior surface of the locking ring
and the complementarily configured interior surface of the proximal
portion of the top member. In an additional aspect, a locking ring
and a top member are shown in which the locking ring has a
plurality of radially spaced slots defined therein the distal face
of the locking ring. The interior surface of the distal end portion
of the top member has an inwardly tapered shape that is
complementary to the tapered exterior surface of the distal end of
the intermediate mount member. In one aspect, it is contemplated
that the top member would be fixedly connected to the proximal end
of the housing of the suppressor.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of the
noise suppressor system of FIG. 1, according to one aspect and
showing a proximal mount assembly having a means for selective
attachment to the flash suppressor and to the cylindrical housing
of a noise suppressor.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a distal side perspective view of the noise
suppressor system of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the noise suppressor system of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the noise suppressor
system of FIG. 4, taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a distal perspective view of a first baffle of a
plurality of baffles of the noise suppressor of FIGS. 1 and 3-5,
according to one view.
[0019] FIG. 6B is a distal top plan view of the first baffle of
FIG. 6A.
[0020] FIG. 7A is a proximal perspective view of the first baffle
of FIG. 6A.
[0021] FIG. 7B is a proximal top plan view of the first baffle of
FIG. 6A.
[0022] FIG. 8A is a distal perspective view of a second baffle of a
plurality of baffles of the noise suppressor of FIGS. 1 and 3-5,
according to one view.
[0023] FIG. 8B is a distal top plan view of the second baffle of
FIG. 8A.
[0024] FIG. 9A is a proximal perspective view of the second baffle
of FIG. 8A.
[0025] FIG. 9B is a proximal top plan view of the second baffle of
FIG. 8A.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a flash suppressor of
the noise suppressor system, according to one aspect.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the flash suppressor of FIG.
10.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 10, taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 10, taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 11.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a distal plan view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention can be understood more
readily by reference to the following detailed description,
examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following
description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or
methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that
embodiments described herein are not limited to the specific
devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise
specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0032] The following description is provided as an enabling
teaching of the invention in its best and currently known
embodiments. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the described embodiments. It
will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the
embodiments of the present invention can be obtained by selecting
some of the features described herein without utilizing other
features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize
that many modifications and adaptations are possible and can even
be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the
embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the following
description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the
embodiments of the present invention and not in limitation
thereof.
[0033] As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a slot" can include two
or more such slots unless the context indicates otherwise.
[0034] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one
particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When
such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one
particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the
antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value
forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to
the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
[0035] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean
that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may
not occur, and that the description includes instances where said
event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0036] As used herein, the words "front," "forward," and "distal"
correspond to the firing direction of the firearm (i.e., to the
right as shown in FIGS. 3-5); "rear" and "rearward," "back," and
"proximal" correspond to the direction opposite the firing
direction of the firearm (i.e., to the left as shown in FIGS. 3-5);
"longitudinal" means the direction along or parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm or of the noise
suppressor system 10; and "transverse" means a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0037] A system and device for suppressing noise from a firearm is
presented. More specifically, and as generally shown in FIGS. 1-14,
this disclosure relates to a noise suppressor system 10 for
attachment to a firearm including a barrel having a longitudinal
axis, comprising the combination of: a flash suppressor 30 adapted
to be attached to the muzzle of the barrel coaxially therewith and
a noise suppressor 50 including a proximal mount assembly 100
having a bore for coaxially receiving the flash suppressor 30.
Additionally, this disclosure relates to a system for selectively
securely coupling the noise suppressor system 10 to a firearm.
[0038] It is contemplated that the noise suppressor system 10 can
be configured for use with conventional weaponry, for example and
without limitation, standard United States military weaponry,
particularly the AR-15 and M-16 firearms. These firearms have a
standard bore of .223 caliber (5.56 mm). Further, such firearms
have a barrel with a conventional male threaded extension.
[0039] In one aspect and as shown in FIGS. 10-14, the flash
suppressor 30 of the noise suppressor system 10 provides a means
for suppressing or hiding the flash of the firearm, which is the
result of expanding and combusting gases exiting the muzzle of a
host firearm when discharged. In one aspect, the flash suppressor
30 comprises tines 32 that are sized and shaped to provide
advantageous sound reduction characteristics over conventional tine
noise suppressors. Conventionally, the heat and pressure from
expanding gases which are the result of discharging a firearm may
cause the tines of a flash suppressor to resonate. This resonation
is a concern due to the audible ringing tone emitted by the flash
suppressor as a result of the harmonic interaction of the
conventionally sized and shaped tines of the prior art flash
suppressors. While the conventional tines of prior art flash
suppressors are identically sized and shaped, each tine 32 of the
disclosed flash suppressor 30 has a different mass, which results
in minimal to no induced harmonic noise being emitted by the flash
suppressor 30 upon the discharge of the firearm. It is contemplated
that the respective masses of the tines 32 can vary by less than
1%, less than 2%, less than 3%, less than 4%, less than 5%, less
than 6%, less than 7%, less than 8%, less than 9%, less than 10%,
less than 11%, less than 12%, less than 13%, less than 14%, less
than 15%, less than 16%, less than 17%, less than 18%, less than
19%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%,
less than 40%, less than 45%, or less than 50%. Optionally, the
respective masses of the tines 32 can vary by at least 1%, at least
2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least
7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least
12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at
least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 25%,
at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least
50%.
[0040] As shown in the figures, one contemplated way to vary the
respective masses of the individual tines 32 is to vary the
respective lengths of the otherwise substantially identical shaped
and sized tines 32.
[0041] In one aspect, the flash suppressor 30 generally includes a
cylindrical socket 33 which has a threaded recess for receiving the
threaded extension of the gun barrel. In another aspect, the
cylindrical socket 33 defines an axial central bore 35 having a
diameter that is slightly larger than the bore of the firearm to
which the flash suppressor 30 is attached so as to prevent the
exiting projectile from touching any portion of the flash
suppressor 30 as it proceeds.
[0042] In a further aspect, the body of the flash suppressor 30
surrounding the exit chamber can comprise a plurality of equally
spaced angled troughs 34 running the length of the exit chamber and
a plurality of distally longitudinally extending slots 36 defined
in a forward portion of the flash suppressor. In the example
illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, there are exemplarily three equally
spaced angled troughs 34 and three longitudinally extending slots
36. In an optional aspect, the troughs 34 have radius ends at their
proximal ends and are open at their distal ends, thereby defining a
concave profile. Optionally, and as may be seen on FIGS. 13 and 14,
the troughs 34 can be positioned slightly offset from tines 32,
which are defined between adjacent slots 36.
[0043] In one aspect, the exterior surface of the body of the flash
suppressor 30 has a tapered waist portion 38. The tapered waist
portion 38 tapers inwardly (i.e., to a smaller diameter) from its
proximal side to its distal side. As will be explained in a later
portion of this application, the tapered waist portion 38 of the
flash suppressor 30 provides a surface for a compressive friction
fit with a complementarily tapered interior surface of an
intermediate body member of the proximal mount assembly 100.
Further, the peripheral edge surface of the back end of the body of
the flash suppressor 30 defines at least one key surface 40 that is
complementarily shaped to mate within a recess defined therein the
top surface of the proximal attachment cap of the proximal mount
assembly 100. In addition, intermediate the tapered waist portion
38 and the back end of the flash suppressor 30, a shoulder surface
42 can be defined that allows for selective compressive contact
with portions of the plurality of cam members of the proximal mount
assembly 100. Optionally, wrenching flats 44 can be defined on
portions of the exterior surface of the flash suppressor 30
intermediate the shoulder surface 42 and the back end of the flash
suppressor 30.
[0044] In an optional aspect, at least a portion of the exterior
surface of each tine 32 can taper inwardly (.gamma.) toward the
central longitudinal axis of the flash suppressor 30. In operation,
and as shown in the figures, in the noise suppressor system 10, the
respective tines 32 are well spaced from the interior portion of
the suppressor housing when the noise suppressor 50 (FIGS. 1-5) is
selectively mounted to the flash suppressor 30, thereby providing
adequate spacing and helping to prevent copper and carbon build up
from inhibiting the removal of the noise suppressor 50.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the noise suppressor 50 for the
firearm can comprise a cylindrical housing 52, a proximal mount
assembly 100 having a means for selective attachment to the flash
suppressor 30 and to the cylindrical housing 52, a distal end cap
54 with threaded means for attachment to the cylindrical housing
52, and a plurality of baffles 60 positioned within the cylindrical
housing 52 and between the proximal mount assembly and the distal
end cap 54 of the noise suppressor 50. In one aspect, separate
cylindrical spacer elements 62, which are referred to herein as
"spacers 62" can be positioned between the proximal mount assembly
and the distal end cap 54 of the noise suppressor 50 and between
the baffles 60. These spacers 62 provide for desired axial
positioning of the baffles 60 within the cylindrical housing 52 of
the noise suppressor 50. As one skilled in the art will appreciate,
the spacers 62 can be integrally formed as a distal portion of each
of the respective baffles 60 and are shown and described as such
for convenience. In a further aspect, the distal end cap 54 of the
noise suppressor 50 is provided with a concentric circular hole or
aperture 55 for a projectile to pass through the end of the noise
suppressor 50. Further, a plurality of expansion chambers 58 are
formed between the baffles 60 within the noise suppressor 50.
[0046] In a number of aspects, the noise suppressor 50 utilizes
baffles 60 that use at least one of the disclosed features that
enhance reduction of sound and flash. In one optional aspect, as
depicted by FIGS. 8A-9B, these features can include one or more of:
a proximally facing frusto-conical section 63 in communication with
a central bore 64 sized and shaped for the projectile to pass
through, a distally facing surface 70 of the frusto-conical section
63 having at least one circumferentially extending shoulder element
72 positioned at the distal edge 74 of the frusto-conical section
63 to induce turbulence into the gas stream as the stream moves
distally to be vented from the aperture 55 in the distal end cap 54
(FIGS. 1, 3 and 5) of the noise suppressor 50, and at least one gas
cross-flow aperture 80 positioned proximate the proximal end 76 of
the frusto-conical section 63 to direct a substantially
perpendicular gas jet onto the discharge gas stream as the
discharge gas stream passes the at least one gas cross-flow
aperture 80.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the noise suppressor 50 of the noise
suppressor system 10 can define an interior expansion chamber 57 in
the proximal end portion of the cylindrical housing 52 having an
enlarged diameter. As shown in the figures, the distal portions of
the tines 32 of the flash suppressor 30 are positioned in the
interior expansion chamber 57 of the noise suppressor 50 when the
noise suppressor 50 is operatively coupled to the flash suppressor
30.
[0048] In one aspect, the noise suppressor 50 can comprise a first
baffle 60' positioned adjacent and downstream of the interior
expansion chamber 57 and a plurality of second baffles 60'', as
described previously herein, that are sequentially positioned
downstream of the first baffle 60'. In one aspect, it is
contemplated that the plurality of spaced baffles 60 extends along
a bullet or projectile pathway. Each baffle 60, 60' can define a
central bore 64, 64' that is coaxial with the bullet pathway (see,
e.g., FIGS. 6A-7B). Further, it will be appreciated that the
plurality of spaced second baffles 60' defines a plurality of
adjacent chambers that are spaced along the longitudinal axis of
the cylindrical housing 52. In further aspects, each baffle 60, 60'
can substantially separate the adjacent chamber and at least a
portion of at least one of the baffles 60, 60' can lie in a plane
that is transverse to the bullet pathway.
[0049] In one aspect, and referring to FIGS. 5-7B, the first baffle
60' can comprise proximally facing section 62' that has a
proximally facing circular male ridge 61' extending proximally
therefrom. In this aspect, the male ridge 61' can be spaced
radially from and in communication with a central bore 64' sized
and shaped for the projectile to pass through. In another aspect, a
distally facing section of the first baffle 60' can define a
circular trough 63' that can be spaced radially from and in
communication with the central bore 64'. As shown in FIG. 5, the
central bore 64' of the first baffle 60' is co-axial with the axial
central bore 35 of the flash suppressor 30. In one aspect, the
central bore 64' can comprise a limited elongate length extending
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the noise suppressor 50.
[0050] In one aspect, as illustrated by FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is
contemplated that the proximally facing section 62' of the first
baffle 60' can have a substantially "M" cross-sectional shape, in
which the proximally facing section 62' (in cross-section) has an
inner surface 65' adjacent and facing inwardly toward the central
bore 64' and an outer surface 67' that faces outwardly away from
the central bore 64'. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the
inner surface 65' can be sized and shaped to selectively direct a
percentage of discharged gas initially through the central bore 64'
and into communication with the downstream plurality of second
baffles 60 and the outer surface 67' can be configured to aid in
recirculating discharge gases that impact the outer surface 67'
within the interior expansion chamber 57 (FIG. 5) until eventual
discharge through the central bore 64'.
[0051] In one aspect, it is contemplated that the inner surface 65'
of the proximally facing section 62' can be angled (.beta.) with
respect to the longitudinal axis from between about 20.degree. to
about 70.degree., from between about 30.degree. to about
60.degree., from between about 40.degree. to about 50.degree., and
preferably about 45.degree.. Further, it is contemplated that at
least a portion of the inner surface 65' of the proximally facing
section 62' can be curved in cross-sectional shape (with either a
convex or concave cross-sectional shape) as the inner surface 65'
tapers inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis from
locations furthest from the central bore 64' to locations adjacent
to the central bore 64'. In optional aspects, it is contemplated
that the distal end of one or more of the tines 32 of the flash
suppressor 30 (FIG. 5) can be spaced from the proximally facing
section 62' of the first baffle 60' or can extend therein at least
partially into an interior chamber defined by the proximally facing
circular male ridge 61' of the first baffle 60'.
[0052] In another aspect and as shown in FIGS. 5, 8A, 8B, 9A and
9B, a proximal end of each of the second baffles 60 can define a
central bore 64 that can comprise a limited elongate length
extending parallel to the longitudinal axis or optionally can form
a transversely extending shoulder 66 that defines the central bore
64 and that expands the width of the central bore 64 immediately
proximate to the proximal surface of the shoulder 66. In this
aspect, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the interior
surface of the distally facing surface 70 of the frusto-conical
section 63 of the second baffle 60 can be curved in cross-sectional
shape as the interior surface expands outwardly with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the second baffle 60, toward the distal
peripheral edge of the frusto-conical section 63 of the second
baffle 60. Of course, it is also contemplated that at least a
portion of the distally facing surface 70 of the second baffle 60
can be linear in cross-sectional shape.
[0053] In another aspect, the distally facing surface 70 of the
frusto-conical section 63 of the second baffle 60 can have at least
one circumferentially extending shoulder element 72 positioned
proximate the distal edge of the frusto-conical section 63 to
induce turbulence into the gas stream as the stream moves distally
through the second baffle 60. In this aspect, the respective steps
are preferably sequentially shaped to affect a stepped expansion of
the operative width of the second baffle 60 proximate the juncture
of the distal edge of the frusto-conical section 63 and the
distally extending cylindrical spacer portion of the second baffle
60. In a further aspect, the distal peripheral edge of the second
baffle 60, i.e., the distal end of the spacer portion of the second
baffle 60, can be complementarily formed to mate with a peripheral
edge portion of a downstream second baffle 60.
[0054] In another optional aspect, it is contemplated that at least
one gas cross-flow aperture 80 can be positioned proximate the
proximal end of the frusto-conical section 63 of the second baffle
60 to direct a substantially perpendicular gas jet onto the
discharge gas stream as the discharge gas stream passes the
shoulder 66 at the proximal end of the second baffle 60. As one
skilled in the art will appreciate, the shoulder 66 can form a lip
that extends peripherally about a large arcuate portion of the
central bore 64 and helps to direct the flow of gas being injected
therein the discharge stream through the at least one gas
cross-flow aperture 80. In one preferred aspect, the at least one
gas cross-flow aperture 80 of the second baffle 60 is elongate and
can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis from proximate the
shoulder 66 into a proximal portion of the frusto-conical section
63 of the second baffle 60.
[0055] Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, a means for selectively
coupling the noise suppressor 50 to the flash suppressor 30 of the
noise suppressor system 10 is illustrated. One skilled in the art
will, by reference to the cross-sectional FIG. 5, the exploded FIG.
1, and the enlarged portions of the exploded illustration of FIG.
2, appreciate the means for creating a compressive coupling of a
proximal mount assembly 100, which is coupled to the proximal end
of the cylindrical housing 52 of the noise suppressor 50, to the
respective tapered waist portion 38 and shoulder surface 42 of the
flash suppressor 30.
[0056] FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion
of the means for selectively coupling the noise suppressor 50 to
the flash suppressor 30 showing a proximal attachment cap 102 that
is rotatably coupled via interrupted complementary threads to a cap
base member 110. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, a
plurality of rotatable cam members 104 can be pin mounted therein a
plurality of slots 106 defined in the base portion of the cap base
member 110. Each cam member 104 can be selectively rotatable by
biased application of cam surfaces on portions of the interior
surface of the proximal attachment cap 102 upon rotation of the cap
base member 110 relative to the proximal attachment cap 102. In
this aspect, each cam member 104 is selectively rotatable between a
withdrawn position, in which the cam member 104 is withdrawn to
underlie a lip 103 of the end surface of the proximal attachment
cap 102 that defines an opening sized for receipt of the base of
the flash suppressor 30, and an operative position, in which the
distal portion of each cam member 104 is urged outwardly and toward
the longitudinal axis of the proximal mount assembly 100 to overlie
a portion of a shoulder surface 42 (FIG. 12) of the flash
suppressor 30.
[0057] In a further aspect, the distal portion 112 of the interior
surface of the cap base member 110 is threaded for operative
receipt of the external threads defined thereon the proximal end
portion 142 of an intermediate mount member 140.
[0058] In another aspect, a plurality of spring members 120 and a
first ring member 130 are shown that are sized and shaped for
complementary receipt on the exterior surface of the distal portion
of the non-threaded exterior surface of the cap base member 110. In
this aspect, the first ring member 130 can have a plurality of male
protrusions 132 extending proximally from the back surface of the
first ring member, each male protrusion 132 of the first ring
member 130 being configured for selective receipt therein
complementary grooves 107 that are defined in the distal face of
the peripheral edge of the proximal attachment cap 102. In another
aspect, the first ring member 130 can further define a transversely
oriented slot 134 on the front surface of the first ring member 130
for partial receipt of a transversely mounted pin. In a further
aspect, each spring member 120, such as, for example and without
limitation, a wave spring, can be shaped to provide compressive
resistance between the front surface of the first ring member 130
and the proximal face surface of a second ring member 150.
[0059] Perspective views of the intermediate mount member 140 and
the second ring member 150 are also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In one aspect, the proximal end portion 142 of the intermediate
mount member 140 can have a proximal peripheral edge with a cutout
portion in the proximal peripheral edge. The cutout portion is
sized to accept the distal portion of the transversely mounted pin
145 and, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, can thereby
limit the rotational motion of the proximal attachment cap 102
relative to the cap base member 110. In a further aspect, external
threads can be defined thereon the proximal end portion 142
adjacent the proximal peripheral edge for operative receipt of the
threaded interior surface of the cap base member 110.
[0060] In one aspect, the second ring member 150 can have a
plurality of male protrusions 152 extending distally from the front
face of the second ring member 150. Each male protrusion 152 of the
second ring member 150 can be configured for selective receipt in
complementary radially spaced slots 163 defined therein the
proximal face of the locking ring 160. Optionally, it is
contemplated that the respective male protrusions 152 of the second
ring member 150 can be spaced from one another at an angular
relationship that insures less than all of the respective male
protrusions 152 of the second ring member 150 can be selectively
received in complementary radially spaced slots 163 defined in the
proximal face of the locking ring 160 in any singular relative
position. Thus, it is contemplated that only one of the respective
male protrusions 152 of the second ring member 150 can be
selectively received into its complementary radially spaced slot
163 defined in the proximal face of the locking ring 160 in any
singular relative position.
[0061] In another aspect, a central portion 146 of the intermediate
mount member 140 has external threads defined therein for
rotational receipt of the complementarily threaded interior surface
162 of the locking ring 160 and a complementarily threaded interior
surface 172 of a proximal portion 174 of a top member 170.
Optionally, in another aspect, the central portion 146 of the
intermediate mount member 140 can have a substantially smooth
inwardly tapering frusto-conical surface that is configured to
affect an operational hydraulic compressive coupling to a
substantially smooth complementary interior surface 162 of the
locking ring 160 and to a substantially smooth complementary
interior surface 172 of the proximal portion 174 of the top member
170.
[0062] In one aspect, the locking ring 160 can have a plurality of
radially spaced slots 164 defined in the proximal face of the
locking ring 160. In another aspect, the interior surface of the
distal end portion 176 of the top member 170 can have an inwardly
tapered shape that is complementary to the tapered exterior surface
of the distal end of the intermediate mount member 140. In optional
aspects, it is contemplated that the top member 170 would be
selectively or fixedly connected to the proximal end of cylindrical
housing 52 of the noise suppressor 50.
[0063] With added reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in operation, in
order to selectively mount the noise suppressor 50 to the flash
suppressor 30, the proximal attachment cap 102 is rotationally
fixed as a result of the keyed relationship between the keyed
opening in the proximal attachment cap 102 and the complementary
key surface 40 of the flash suppressor 30. Subsequently, the
rotation of the proximal mount assembly 100 initially operatively
extends the respective cam members 104 to the operative, extended,
position and then compressively draws a tapered interior surface of
the intermediate mount member 140 into operative contact with the
complementary tapered waist portion 38 of the flash suppressor 30
while simultaneously drawing the cam members 104 into operative
contact with the shoulder surface 42 at the proximal end of the
flash suppressor 30.
[0064] To release the noise suppressor 50 from the flash suppressor
30, rotation in the opposite direction is affected, which results
in the operative spacing of the contact portions of the proximal
mount assembly 100 and the flash suppressor 30. The last operation
to release the noise suppressor 50 results in the movement of the
respective cam members 104 to the withdrawn position, which allows
separation of the noise suppressor 50 from the flash suppressor
30.
[0065] Although several embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those
skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of
the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains,
having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing
description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the
invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed
hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as
in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and
descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the
described invention, nor the claims which follow.
* * * * *