U.S. patent application number 14/120804 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor for firearms.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joshua Dan MacMurray, Steven Michael Pappas. Invention is credited to Joshua Dan MacMurray, Steven Michael Pappas.
Application Number | 20150377577 14/120804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54930114 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20150377577 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pappas; Steven Michael ; et
al. |
December 31, 2015 |
Harmonically De-Tuned Flash Suppressor for Firearms
Abstract
A prong-type harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor that is
usable with a sound suppressor. As a consequence of its harmonic
de-tuning, the flash suppressor does not produce an audible ping
when the firearm to which it is attached is discharged, due to
harmonic variance among the prongs of the flash suppressor.
Harmonic variance, or de-tuning, of the flash suppressor is
accomplished by varying centers of gravity of the prongs such that
each prong of the flash suppressor has a different fundamental
harmonic than each other prong. This harmonic de-tuning of the
flash suppressor is accomplished while maintaining each prong at an
equal length to each other prong, and while maintaining the general
exterior appearance of each prong as being about the same as the
general exterior appearance of each other prong. Centers of
gravities of the prongs, and thus fundamental harmonics of the
prongs, may be varied by placing payloads within the prongs which
serve as harmonic dampers. The payloads may be fixed within the
prongs, or they may be allowed to freely move within the
prongs.
Inventors: |
Pappas; Steven Michael;
(Marion, UT) ; MacMurray; Joshua Dan; (Murray,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pappas; Steven Michael
MacMurray; Joshua Dan |
Marion
Murray |
UT
UT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54930114 |
Appl. No.: |
14/120804 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/14.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20060101
F41A021/34 |
Claims
1. A harmonically-detuned flash suppressor for a firearm, and which
may be capable of use in conjunction with a sound suppressor, the
flash suppressor comprising: a body which is attachable to a
firearm barrel, a plurality of prongs extending from said body
distally from said firearm barrel, said prongs being generally the
same length as each other, at least a plurality of said prongs
having load-carrying cavities therein, at least a plurality of said
cavities having a payload located therein, said load-carrying
cavities and payloads in combination serving to result in each
prong having approximately the same mass as each other prong, said
load-carrying cavities and payloads in combination serving to
result in each prong having a different center of gravity as each
other prong, said different centers of gravity resulting in each
prong having a different fundamental harmonic resonance from each
other prong, and said differing prong harmonics of yielding a
harmonically de-tuned flash hider.
2. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 1 wherein said payloads
serve as harmonic dampers.
3. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 2 wherein said harmonic
dampers are each in a fixed position within their load-carrying
cavities.
4. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 2 wherein said harmonic
dampers are free to move within said load-carrying cavities.
5. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 4 further comprising
plugs in said load-carrying cavities to prevent said harmonic
dampers from escaping from said cavities.
6. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of
said payloads includes a matrix material.
7. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 2 wherein each of said
harmonic dampers is located within its prong a different distance
from the muzzle of said firearm barrel than each of said other
harmonic dampers.
8. A harmonically-detuned flash suppressor for a firearm
comprising: a body which is attachable to a firearm barrel, a
plurality of prongs extending from said body distally from said
firearm barrel, a means for attaching a sound suppressor to the
flash suppressor, and at least a plurality of said prongs having
cavities therein; wherein said prongs each has a different center
of mass; and wherein said prongs each has a different fundamental
harmonic resonance.
9. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 8 wherein the harmonic
resonance of each of said prongs tends to interfere with the
harmonic resonance of at least another of said prongs.
10. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 8 further comprising a
harmonic damper located in each of said cavities.
11. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 10 wherein each of said
prongs with said harmonic dampers installed is of approximately the
same mass as each of said other prongs.
12. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 11 wherein said harmonic
dampers are placed at different locations within the prongs,
resulting in differing centers of mass for said prongs.
13. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 10 wherein each of said
harmonic dampers has the same specific gravity of each other
harmonic damper.
14. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 10 wherein each of said
harmonic dampers has a different specific gravity from each other
harmonic damper.
15. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 10 wherein the
combination of prong and harmonic damper has the same mass as each
other prong and harmonic damper combination.
16. A flash suppressor as recited in claim 10 wherein each of said
harmonic dampers has a different mass from other of said harmonic
dampers.
17. A harmonically-detuned flash suppressor for a firearm
comprising: a body which is attachable to a firearm barrel, a
plurality of prongs extending from said body, each of said prongs
being of equal mass, each of said prongs being of equal length, at
least a plurality of said prongs having a cavity located within it,
and each of said cavities having a payload located therein; wherein
each of said prongs each has a different center of mass from said
other prongs; wherein each of said prongs each has a different
harmonic resonance from said other prongs.
18. A flash hider as recited in claim 17 wherein at least one of
said payloads is free to move within its cavity.
19. A flash hider as recited in claim 17 wherein at least one of
said payloads if in a fixed position within its cavity.
20. A harmonically-detuned flash suppressor for a firearm as
recited in claim 17 wherein the harmonic resonance of each prong
interferes with the harmonic resonance of each other prong, so that
the vibration of each prong tends to dampen the vibration of each
other prong instead of adding to it.
Description
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/995,956 filed on Apr.
25, 2014.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When a firearm is discharged, gunpowder is burned, creating
expanding gases that drive a bullet down the firearm's barrel. The
bullet exits the firearm's barrel, followed by the expanding gases
which typically include some residual burning gunpowder. If the
firearm is discharged in the dark, the burning gunpowder will be
seen as a ball of fire or "flash" coming out of the muzzle of the
firearm.
[0003] A problem with the flash created when a firearm is
discharged in low light conditions is that it will cause the
shooter's pupils to contract, resulting in the shooter losing his
night vision. In addition, the flash will tend to mark the
shooter's location, so that an adversary will be able to direct
fire onto that location.
[0004] In order to mitigate the problem of flash, so-called "flash
hiders" or "flash suppressors" were created. These are devices that
are located at the muzzle end of a firearm's barrel and tend to
reduce the size of the ball of fire or flash seen when the firearm
is discharged in the dark. None of those devices has been
completely effective at eliminating flash, so the term "flash
hider" is a misnomer. Therefore, for the remainder of this
document, such devices are referred to as "flash suppressors." Most
flash suppressors are effective at reducing the amount of flash
seen from a firearm's muzzle.
[0005] Another issue related to the discharge of firearms is sound.
Typically the discharge of a firearm is accompanied by a loud
report or sound, often referred to as a "bang." The report from
discharge of a firearm can be unpleasant for the shooter and can
cause hearing damage. The report can also distract a shooter's team
mates or companions and cause damage to their hearing as well. For
a hunter, the report from shooting a firearm can frighten animals
away. The report can also surprise, frighten or annoy neighbors if
a firearm is discharged in a residential area. And the report of a
firearm being discharged can allow a hostile adversary to locate
the position of the shooter and to direct fire on that location.
Therefore the loud report from a firearm is considered a
disadvantage in many situations, including military, law
enforcement, hobby shooting, hunting and pest elimination.
[0006] In order to mitigate the problem of the loud report which
accompanies the discharge of a firearm, "sound suppressors" or
"silencers" were developed. These are devices which mount to the
muzzle of a firearm and through which the bullets discharged from a
firearm pass when the firearm is discharged. For the purpose of
this document, such devices are referred to as "sound suppressors"
because they do not completely silence the report of a firearm
being discharged. Sound suppressors receive and temporarily confine
the expanding gases created by the discharge of a firearm.
Typically sound suppressors include a tube which has a series of
baffles in it. The baffles reduce the sound of the firearm report
in a similar fashion to the way an automobile muffler quiets an
automobile engine.
[0007] Sound suppressors that are effective at performing their
desired function are not tiny, compact devices as depicted on
television or in movies. They can be from several inches to a foot
or more long, and therefore they increase the length of the firearm
to which they are attached. Lengthening the firearm by attachment
of a sound suppressor can make the firearm unwieldy to carry.
Therefore many users of sound suppressors prefer to leave their
sound suppressor detached from their firearm during transport, and
even for some firing, but attach the sound suppressor to the
firearm when the situation calls for it.
[0008] To accommodate firearm users who would like to be able to
enjoy both the benefits of a flash suppressor and a sound
suppressor, and who would like to be able to carry and/or use their
firearm without its sound suppressor, yet have the ability to
quickly mount the sound suppressor when the situation calls for it,
flash suppressors to which a sound suppressor can be mounted have
been developed. Often these flash suppressors have internal threads
for mounting the flash suppressor to the muzzle end of a firearm
barrel, and external threads (or another attachment mechanism) for
mounting a sound suppressor to the flash suppressor. This
arrangement is believed to offer the firearm owner great
flexibility in the use of his firearm.
[0009] Unfortunately, firearm users noticed a problem when using a
firearm that has a sound suppressor mounted to a flash suppressor.
When the firearm is discharged, although the sound suppressor
reduces the report from the firearm, there is a noticeable "ping"
heard by everyone in the vicinity of the firearm. As the purpose of
a sound suppressor is to reduce noise created by the firearm, the
audible "ping" is considered undesirable. The source of the ping
was traced to the flash suppressor.
[0010] Flash suppressors to which sound suppressors are mounted
typically consist of a body that mounts to a firearm muzzle, and
plurality of prongs extending distally from the body and away from
the firearm, and through which the bullet and expanding gases from
the firearm pass. In the prior art, those prongs act like an
acoustic resonator. The prongs resonate when set vibrating by
discharge of the firearm. Although the vibration dies out quickly,
the sound of the resonating prongs is both audible and undesirable.
In some respects, prior art flash suppressors behave as tuning
forks due to their general shape and the balanced design. This
vibrational effect also creates harmonics, which are a component
frequency of the fundamental vibration or signal produced by the
prongs. Each harmonic is an integer multiple of the fundamental
frequency of the prongs. The harmonics have the property that they
are all periodic at the fundamental frequency, therefore the sum of
harmonics is also periodic at that frequency. Harmonic frequencies
are equally spaced by the width of the fundamental frequency and
can be found by repeatedly adding that frequency. The prongs of the
flash suppressor will typically vibrate at more than one harmonic
at a time. A tuning fork is designed to vibrate at a particular
frequency or pitch, and is therefore tuned to do so. But it is not
desirable for the prongs of flash suppressor to behave in the same
manner. To the extent that the prongs of a flash suppressor behave
in this manner, they produce an audible ping which interferes with
the desired function of the sound suppressor. The undesirable
effect of harmonic resonance which produces an audible ping is
found in nearly all prior art prong-type flash suppressors.
[0011] The only prior art device known to the inventors that is
intended to address the audible ping created by the harmonics of a
flash suppressor used in conjunction with a sound suppressor is the
Trifecta.RTM. flash suppressor made by Silencerco of West Valley
City, Utah. The Trifecta.RTM. has three (3) prongs, each having a
different length. Due to the differences in length of the prongs,
each prong also has a different mass. As a result, the three (3)
prongs of the Trifecta.RTM. flash suppressor each have a different
harmonic resonance. This reduces the audible ping heard from other
prior art flash suppressors used in conjunction with a sound
suppressor. There are problems with the Trifecta.RTM. flash
suppressor, however. First, it has a very strange and unusual
appearance due to the different lengths of the three (3) prongs. At
first glance, it appears that the flash suppressor may actually be
the result of a manufacturing defect or poor quality control due to
its lopsided appearance. User objections to the strange appearance
of the product can be overcome by explaining the operation of the
flash suppressor to the customer. Also, due to inherent limitations
in the amount of length variance possible in a useful flash
suppressor, the Trifecta.RTM. is also limited in the harmonic
variance among the three (3) prongs.
[0012] The prior art Accu-Tac.RTM. flash suppressor offered by
Wilson Combat of Berryville, Arkansas was designed to address an
issue other than the audible ping heard when prior art prong-type
flash suppressors were used in combination with a sound suppressor.
The "Accu-Tac AR flash hider sports a three-pronged external
profile and our exclusive external accurizing flutes that improve
muzzle harmonics over other blast dispersing brakes. These
extensively tested features effectively dissipate flash and
minimize muzzle signature but unlike many competitive AR muzzle
devices, the Accu-Tac.RTM. flash suppressor has no negative impact
on accuracy. Hardened 4140 steel, fits standard, GI threaded AR
barrels." See
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Accu-Tac-Flash-Hider-556-NATO/productinfo/TR--
ATFH/. Because the Wilson Accu-Tac.RTM. flash suppressor was
designed to enhance accuracy rather than to address undesirable
audible harmonics, it is not known whether that design, if adapted
to be used in conjunction with a sound suppressor, would be
effective or not.
[0013] There remains a need in the firearms industry for a flash
suppressor usable with a sound suppressor that does not produce an
audible ping due to harmonic resonance.
SUMMARY
[0014] A prong-type harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor has been
invented that is usable with a sound suppressor. As a consequence
of its harmonic de-tuning, the flash suppressor does not produce an
audible ping when the firearm to which it is attached is
discharged. This is achieved by harmonic variance among the prongs
of the flash suppressor. Harmonic variance, or de-tuning, of the
flash suppressor is accomplished by varying either the masses of
the prongs, or the centers of gravity of the prongs, or both, such
that each prong of the flash suppressor has a different mass than
each other prong of the flash suppressor, or each prong of the
flash suppressor has a different center of gravity than each other
prong of the flash suppressor, or both. This harmonic de-tuning of
the flash suppressor is accomplished while maintaining each prong
at an equal length to each other prong, and while maintaining the
general exterior appearance of each prong as being about the same
size and shape as the general exterior appearance of each other
prong. From external observation, the flash suppressor appears to
the firearm user to have three (3) equal prongs, but internally the
masses, centers of gravities, and harmonics of the prongs may all
be different from each other. The prongs are frequency de-tuned in
such a manner that each prong resonates at a different fundamental
frequency and each prong produces a different pitch. In some
embodiments of the invention, the resonance of each prong can
interfere with the resonance of each other prong, so that the
vibration of each prong tends to dampen the vibration of each other
prong instead of adding to it. The methodology for achieving these
functions is described in the Detailed Description below.
[0015] The valuable and desirable features and advantages of the
invention as described in the prior paragraph are achieved by
implementation in the interior of a plurality of the prongs of the
invented flash suppressor a harmonic damper mechanism. The harmonic
damper mechanism may be implemented in several ways as described in
greater detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example flash suppressor
of the invention, with cavities created longitudinally in the three
(3) prongs of a flash suppressor, and each cavity being of a
different depth from each other cavity to yield a flash suppressor
with equal length prongs but unequal masses and unequal centers of
gravity, resulting in a harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a front end view of the flash suppressor of FIG.
1A.
[0018] FIG. 1C is a cross sectional view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 1B at C-C
[0019] FIG. 1D is a cross sectional view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 1B at D-D.
[0020] FIG. 1E is a cross sectional view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 1B at E-E.
[0021] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of another flash
suppressor of the invention using metal balls as harmonic
dampers.
[0022] FIG. 2B depicts a front end view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 2C depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 2B at C-C.
[0024] FIG. 2D depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 2B at D-D.
[0025] FIG. 2E depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 2B at E-E.
[0026] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of another flash
suppressor of the invention using matrix as a damper.
[0027] FIG. 3B depicts a front end view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 3A.
[0028] FIG. 3C depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 3B at C-C.
[0029] FIG. 3D depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 3B at D-D.
[0030] FIG. 3E depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 3B at E-E.
[0031] FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another flash
suppressor of the invention using rods of equal lengths as dampers,
placed into cavities of equal depths. In order to vary the centers
of mass of the prongs (and the prong masses), rods of different
specific gravities are used, resulting in prongs with different
harmonics which are thus harmonically de-tuned.
[0032] FIG. 4B depicts a front end view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 4A.
[0033] FIG. 4C depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 4B at C-C.
[0034] FIG. 4D depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 4B at D-D.
[0035] FIG. 4E depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 4B at E-E.
[0036] FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of another flash
suppressor of the invention using rods of equal lengths as dampers,
placed into cavities of equal depths at unequal locations along the
longitudinal axis of the flash suppressor in order to create a
harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor. The rods can each be of the
same material and the same mass. This results in a flash suppressor
with prongs of equal masses and equal lengths but unequal centers
of mass and therefore unequal harmonics, resulting in a
harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor.
[0037] FIG. 5B depicts a front end view of the flash suppressor of
FIG. 5A.
[0038] FIG. 5C depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 5B at C-C.
[0039] FIG. 5D depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 5B at D-D.
[0040] FIG. 5E depicts a cross sectional view of the flash
suppressor of FIG. 5B at E-E.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] There are many varied implementations of the inventive
concept covered by the patent claims, several of which are
described below.
[0042] One implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a cavity in each of
the prongs of the flash suppressor. Each cavity is responsible for
the same amount of mass removed from its prong as each other
cavity, so that the prongs each have the same mass. The prongs also
each have the same length. However, each cavity may be of a
different width and depth, or may otherwise vary in dimensions from
the other prongs, so that the distribution of material along the
prong is different in each prong, resulting in a different center
of mass of each prong. A different center of mass for each prong
will yield a different fundamental harmonic for each prong, which
gives the user a harmonically de-tuned flash hider that does not
ping when used in conjunction with a sound suppressor. The
resulting flash hider has prongs which can be described as having
(a) the same masses as each other, (b) the same lengths, but (c)
different centers of gravity and (d) different harmonics. The
designer can go one step further and select the dimensions and
placement of the cavities to achieve harmonic interference among
the prongs, if desired.
[0043] Another implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a cavity in each of
the prongs of the flash suppressor. Each cavity is responsible for
a different amount of mass removed from its prong than from each
other cavity, so that the prongs each have a different mass. The
prongs each have the same length as each other prong. The different
masses of each prong results in a different center of mass of each
prong. A different center of mass for each prong will yield a
different fundamental harmonic for each prong, which gives the user
a harmonically de-tuned flash hider that does not ping when used in
conjunction with a sound suppressor. The resulting flash hider has
prongs which can be described as having (a) different masses from
each other prong, (b) the same lengths, but (c) different centers
of gravity and (d) different harmonics. The designer can go one
step further and select the dimensions and placement of the
cavities to achieve harmonic interference among the prongs, if
desired.
[0044] Another implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a cavity in all but
one of the prongs of the flash suppressor. Each cavity is
responsible for a different amount of mass removed from its prong
than from each other cavity, so that the prongs each have a
different mass. The prongs each have the same length as each other
prong. The different masses of each prong results in a different
center of mass of each prong. A different center of mass for each
prong will yield a different fundamental harmonic for each prong,
which gives the user a harmonically de-tuned flash hider that does
not ping when used in conjunction with a sound suppressor. The
resulting flash hider has prongs which can be described as having
(a) different masses of each prong, (b) the same lengths, but (c)
different centers of gravity and (d) different harmonics. The
designer can go one step further and select the dimensions and
placement of the cavities to achieve harmonic interference among
the prongs, if desired.
[0045] Another implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a harmonic damper
cavity or payload cavity in a plurality of the prongs of the flash
suppressor. Each cavity is of the same size. Into each harmonic
damper or payload cavity a payload or harmonic damper may be
secured in place in a non-movable position. Securing the payload
may be accomplished by screwing, welding, gluing, friction fit or
other securement. The payloads can each be of the same mass but
place in different locations within the payload cavity. The prongs
each have the same length as each other prong. The different
locations of the payloads results in a different center of mass of
each prong. A different center of mass for each prong will yield a
different fundamental harmonic for each prong, which gives the user
a harmonically de-tuned flash hider that does not ping when used in
conjunction with a sound suppressor. The resulting flash hider has
prongs which can be described as having (a) same masses of each
prong, (b) the same lengths, but (c) different centers of gravity
and (d) different harmonics. The designer can go one step further
and select the dimensions and placement of the cavities to achieve
harmonic interference among the prongs, if desired.
[0046] Another implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a harmonic damper
cavity or payload cavity in a plurality of the prongs of the flash
suppressor. Each cavity is of a different size. Into each harmonic
damper or payload cavity a payload or harmonic damper may be
secured in place in a non-movable position. Securing the payload
may be accomplished by screwing, welding, gluing, friction fit or
other securement. The payloads are each of a different mass to
balance out the masses lost due to the payload cavities, resulting
in prongs of equal masses. The payloads are placed in different
locations within the payload cavities. The different locations of
the payloads results in a different center of mass of each prong. A
different center of mass for each prong will yield a different
fundamental harmonic for each prong, which gives the user a
harmonically de-tuned flash hider that does not ping when used in
conjunction with a sound suppressor. The resulting flash hider has
prongs which can be described as having (a) same masses of each
prong, (b) the same lengths, but (c) different centers of gravity
and (d) different harmonics. The designer can go one step further
and select the dimensions and placement of the cavities to achieve
harmonic interference among the prongs, if desired.
[0047] Another implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a harmonic damper
cavity or payload cavity in a plurality of the prongs of the flash
suppressor. Into each harmonic damper or payload cavity a payload
or harmonic damper may placed. The harmonic dampers are not secured
into position, and can slide along the interior of the payload
cavity. The payload cavity is closed at the end so that the payload
does not escape. When the firearm is fired, the flash suppressor
experiences rearward motion due to recoil. The rearward motion of
the flash suppressor tends to cause the harmonic dampers to strike
the distal or front end of the flash suppressor. At the moment that
the harmonic dampers strike the distal end of the flash suppressor,
the harmonics of the prongs are set. Before that, the harmonics are
variable or indeterminate. When the harmonics are set, the prongs
each have a different center of mass to yield different harmonics
for each prong, which gives the user a harmonically de-tuned flash
hider that does not ping when used in conjunction with a sound
suppressor. The payload cavities and payloads may be selected so
that the prongs each have the same or different masses, as desired.
The payloads may be solid, liquid or gas. If solid, the payloads
may be one or more discrete objects. Alternatively, each payload
may be a different material from each other payload, such as gas in
one payload cavity, steel balls in another payload cavity, and
mercury in a third payload cavity.
[0048] Another implementation of the harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor of the invention involves creating a cavity in at least
some of, and perhaps each of the prongs of the flash suppressor. A
harmonic damper or payload is placed into at least some of those
prong cavities. Each cavity may be of the same dimensions and
volume as each other cavity, and each damper object may be of the
same mass and dimensions as each other damper object (or
otherwise). In that situation, the damper objects could be fixed at
different longitudinal locations in each prong, resulting in (a)
each prong having the same length as each other prong, (b) each
prong having the same mass as each other prong, (c) each prong
having a different center of gravity from each other prong, and (d)
each prong having a different fundamental resonance harmonic from
each other prong, resulting in a harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor.
[0049] Another implementation of the harmonic damper mechanism
involves creating a cavity or receptacle in each of the prongs of
the flash suppressor, wherein each cavity is of the same dimensions
and volume. Then a damper object is placed into each cavity of each
prong. In this embodiment of the invention, each damper object has
a different mass (and perhaps different dimensions) from each other
damper object, but each damper object is placed in the same
relative position in each cavity. In this embodiment of the
invention, (a) each prong has the same length as each other prong,
(b) each prong has a different mass from each other prong, (c) each
prong has a different center of gravity from each other prong, and
(d) each prong has a different fundamental resonance harmonic from
each other prong, resulting in a harmonically de-tuned flash
suppressor.
[0050] Yet another implementation of the harmonic damper mechanism
involves creating a cavity or receptacle in N-1 of the prongs of
the flash suppressor, where the flash suppressor has N prongs, and
N is an integer. Each of the cavities created will be different
dimension and volume. No damper object is placed in the cavities as
the cavities themselves cause the flash suppressor prongs to be of
different masses and different centers of gravity, and therefore to
be harmonically de-tuned.
[0051] Another implementation of the harmonic damper mechanism of
the invention involves creating a cavity or receptacle in each of
the prongs of the flash suppressor, and placing a damper object in
at least some of those cavities. The dimensions and volumes of the
cavities are matched to the masses of the damper objects so that in
the resulting flash suppressor, (a) each prong has the same length
as each other prong, (b) each prong has the same mass as each other
prong, (c) each prong has a different center of gravity from each
other prong, and (d) each prong has a different fundamental
resonance harmonic from each other prong, resulting in a
harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor. This may be achieved by
balancing the dimensions and volumes of the cavities with the
masses of the damper objects so that the resulting finished prongs
each have the same mass but a different center of gravity. Each
damper object may be of the same or different dimension and the
same or different masses as long as the finished prong masses
remain the same, yet each prong has a different center of gravity.
The harmonic damper objects may be each of the same size or each of
a different size, and they may be each of the same material, or the
materials may be varied, as long as the resulting prongs are each
of the same mass but are harmonically de-tuned from each other.
[0052] In another embodiment of the invention, a prong-type flash
hider has a body and a plurality of prongs extending distally from
the body. The body is attachable to a muzzle of a firearm. The body
can be structurally configured to allow a sound suppressor to be
attached to the flash suppressor. In the finished harmonically
de-tuned flash suppressor, each prong is of the same length as each
other prong, and each prong is of the same mass as each other
prong, but each prong has a different center of gravity from each
other prong and each prong has a different fundamental harmonic
from each other prong. The difference in centers of mass and
harmonics are achieved by at least a plurality of the prongs each
having a load bearing cavity, and within those cavities, each has a
payload. The sizes of the load bearing cavities and the masses of
the payloads may be varied from prong to prong as long as the
resulting masses of the prongs remain equal. The locations and
sizes of the load bearing cavities may be varied from prong to
prong as long as the resulting centers of gravity of the prongs are
each different from each other. The load bearing cavities may be of
any desired shape or location. The payloads may be of any desired
material, such as solids, liquids, or gases. Example payloads
include metal rods, metal spheres, loose metal particles, ceramics,
oil, mercury, alcohol, polymers, other hydrocarbons, matrix
materials, wood, other natural materials, nanomaterials, compressed
gas, non-compressed gas and a vacuum. The payloads may be fixed in
place within the load bearing cavities or they may be allowed to
freely move within the load bearing cavities.
[0053] In another embodiment of the invention, self-centering
payloads cane be installed in the prong receptacles. When the
firearm moves rearward during recoil, the payloads initially move,
but eventually strike the end of the prongs and are temporarily
fixed in that location. It is the fixed location of the payloads
which determines the centers of gravity of each prong. The centers
of gravities of the prongs may differ from each other for a
harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor.
[0054] The cavities in the prongs of the flash suppressor may be
sealed, plugged, welded or left open, as desired. The damper
objects may be held in the cavities by any desired means such as by
being threaded, friction fit, welded, mechanically interlocked,
epoxied or otherwise secured, or they may be allowed to move or
float within the cavities. The materials of the damper objects may
be the same as the materials of the prongs, or they may be
different materials, as long as at least some of the objects
generally described above are achieved. Further, the material of
the damper objects can be of a higher or lower specific gravity
than the material of the prongs, as desired. If the material of the
damper objects has a significantly greater specific gravity than
the specific gravity of the flash suppressor prong material, then a
greater variance in center of gravity of each prong and thus a
greater variance in fundamental harmonic frequency of each prong
can be established in the finished flash suppressor.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E, one example embodiment of the
invented harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor usable with a sound
suppressor is depicted 101. The flash suppressor 101 has a body
section 102 which accommodates mounting to the muzzle of a rifle
barrel (not shown), and which accommodates mounting of a sound
suppressor (not shown) to the sound suppressor 101. The mounting of
the flash suppressor to the muzzle of a firearm may be accomplished
by use of threads or other mechanical fitment, welding, or other
attachment means. Threads 103 or other attachment means will
accommodate mounting of a sound suppressor to the flash suppressor
101.
[0056] The flash suppressor 101 also has a plurality of prongs
which are shaped and structurally configured to minimize flash from
the discharge of a rifle. In this example embodiment of the
invention, three (3) prongs 104a, 104b and 104c are shown, although
a different number of prongs may be used in different embodiments
of the invention. Each prong is depicted as being of approximately
equal length to the length of each other prong. Longitudinally
placed within the distal end of each prong 104a, 104b and 104c is a
cavity 105a, 105b and 105c. The cavities depicted in this
embodiment of the invention each have the same radial dimension but
a different depth and therefore a different volume, so that the
mass of each prong differs from the mass of each other prong after
formation of the cavities. The differing cavity volumes result in a
different center of gravity for each prong, which yields a
different harmonic resonance for each prong compared to each other
prong. The cavity ends may be left open or sealed as desired. In
this embodiment of the invention, no harmonic damper or payload is
placed within the cavities. Alternatively, dampers or payloads
could be placed in the cavities if desired. The flash suppressor
101 also has a bore 130 through which a bullet may pass without
touching the prongs.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2E, another example embodiment of the
invented harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor usable with a sound
suppressor is depicted 201. The flash suppressor 201 has a
plurality of prongs 251a, 251b and 251c which are shaped and
structurally configured to minimize flash from the discharge of a
rifle. The prongs are shown to have load carrying cavities 257a,
257b and 257c . The load carrying cavities may be sealed with a
plug, screw, welding or other seal 254a, 254b an 254c. The load
carrying cavity seal keeps the payload 253a, 253b and 253c from
escaping from the load carrying cavity.
[0058] The payloads may be established in any configuration
desired. For example, the payloads can be a plurality of discrete
objects such as metal balls. Or the payloads can be a liquid such
as oil or mercury. Or the payloads can be a gas or a vacuum.
Alternatively, the payload can vary from one payload cavity to
another. In the drawings, the payloads are shown to be round balls,
such as metal, ceramic or rubber balls. The payloads can be fixed
in place within the cavities, or the payloads can be allowed to
move within the cavities. For example, the balls could be pressed
into place within the cavities, or the payloads would move within
the cavities until they are forced against the payload cavity plugs
under recoil, thus setting the center of gravity of the prong and
thus its harmonic. One simple way to vary centers of gravity of the
prongs is to have a different number of balls in each payload
cavity. The masses of the plugs could be selected to balance out
the masses of the payloads so that the resulting prongs each has
the same mass as each other prong. The result is a flash suppressor
whose prongs each have a different harmonic than each other
prong.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, another example embodiment of the
invented harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor usable with a sound
suppressor is depicted 300. The flash suppressor 300 has a
plurality of prongs 301a, 301b and 301c which are shaped and
structurally configured to minimize flash from the discharge of a
rifle. The prongs are shown to have load carrying cavities 303a,
303b and 303c. The load carrying cavities may have payloads 390a,
390b and 390c within them. The payloads may be fixed within the
load carrying cavities by a press fit, screwing, epoxy, welding or
other sealing means. Each payload may be the same material as the
prongs or a different material. If different materials are used,
then the specific gravities of the payloads may vary from one
another. The payloads may each be of the same mass as each other
payload, or otherwise. The size and shape of each load carrying
cavity and each payload may be different than the others, yet still
result in prongs of equal masses but differing centers of gravity
and differing fundamental harmonics.
[0060] The payloads may be established in any configuration
desired. For example, the payloads can be a plurality of discrete
objects such as metal balls. Or the payloads can be a liquid such
as oil or mercury. Or the payloads can be a gas or a vacuum.
Alternatively, the payload can vary from one payload cavity to
another. In the drawings, the payloads are shown to be round balls,
such as metal, ceramic or rubber balls. The payloads can be fixed
in place within the cavities, or the payloads can be allowed to
move within the cavities. For example, the balls could be pressed
into place within the cavities, or the payloads would move within
the cavities until they are forced against the payload cavity plugs
under recoil, thus setting the center of gravity of the prong and
thus its harmonic. One simple way to vary centers of gravity of the
prongs is to have a different number of balls in each payload
cavity. The masses of the plugs could be selected to balance out
the masses of the payloads so that the resulting prongs each has
the same mass as each other prong. The result is a flash suppressor
whose prongs each have a different harmonic than each other prong.
The payloads may be made of a matrix material, such as an epoxy
embedded with metal flakes. The matrix material can be used to
achieve prongs with differing harmonics from each other so that the
resulting flash suppressor is harmonically de-tuned. The material
may any of countless matrix materials known. For example, the
matrix material could be a resin with heavy metal balls embedded in
it. Or the matrix material could be a resin with microspheres
embedded in it. Or the matrix material could be foamed. The matrix
material could result in each prong of the flash suppressor having
the same mass or different mass as each other prong as desired. Or
the matrix material in each cavity could be a different matrix
material from the matrix material in each other prong so that each
prong has a different mass from each other prong. For example, the
matrix material in prong 301a could be epoxy embedded with lead
flakes. The matrix material in prong 302b could be epoxy embedded
with microspheres. And the matrix material in prong 302c could be
epoxy embedded with carbon fibers. As used herein, matrix materials
are materials made from two or more constituent materials with
significantly different physical or chemical properties, that when
combined, produce a material with characteristics different from
the individual components. The individual components remain
separate and distinct within the finished structure, as opposed to
chemically bonding with each other. Modern matrix materials include
fiber-reinforced polymers and metal composites.
[0061] FIGS. 4A-4E depict a flash suppressor 401 that has a
plurality of prongs 401a, 401b and 401c , each prong having a load
bearing cavity 402a, 402b and 402c of equal volume and equal depth.
Into the cavities are place harmonic damper rods 403a, 403b and
403c of equal lengths. In order to vary the centers of gravity of
the prongs and thereby de-tune the harmonics of the prongs, it is
necessary for the rods to each have a different specific gravity.
That would also result in the prongs each having different masses
from each other. The rods are depicted as being seated at the
bottoms 420a, 420b and 420c of the cavities, although other
placement could be used, or the rods could be allowed to freely
move within the load bearing cavities. Each cavity has a plug 404a,
404b and 404c to prevent is payload from escaping. Plugs also help
to improve the appearance of the harmonically de-tuned flash
hider.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, another flash suppressor 570 of
the invention with prongs 501a, 501b and 501c that use rods 503a,
503b and 503c of equal lengths as dampers, the rods being fixed
into prong cavities 504a, 504b and 504c of equal depths at unequal
locations along the longitudinal axis of the flash suppressor in
order to create a harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor. This
results in a flash suppressor with prongs of equal masses and equal
lengths but unequal centers of mass and unequal harmonics. In this
example embodiment, the dampers are in the form of cylindrical
rods. The rods could be pressed into place, screwed into place or
otherwise affixed in their desired positions. The rods could each
be made from the same material as each other rod. The rods could be
made of the same material as the prongs or from a different
material. The cavities are each designed to accept placement of a
payload or harmonic damper therein. This placement of the dampers
results in prongs which each have a different center of gravity and
therefore a different harmonic resonance, thereby creating a
harmonically de-tuned flash suppressor.
[0063] Unused voids remain in the prong payload cavities. In this
example embodiment, the dampers are depicted as each being of the
same dimensions as each other, each being of the same mass, and
each being of the same material, although that would not
necessarily be the case in other embodiments of the invention. The
cavities are depicted as being unsealed, but they could be closed
with a cap, plug, screw, welding, epoxy or other device as desired.
Press-fit dampers are held in place by friction with the walls of
the cavities. Or they could be otherwise affixed.
[0064] While the present invention has been illustrated and
described with respect to a number of specific example embodiments,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and
modifications may be made without departing from the fundamental
principles of the invention as herein described, illustrated and
claimed. The present invention may be implemented in a variety of
different forms without departing from its fundamental
characteristics or spirit. The described embodiments are to be
considered as illustrative and are in no way intended to be
restrictive of the scope of the invention. The scope of the
invention is defined by the appending claims rather than the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claim are to be embraced within
their scope.
* * * * *
References