U.S. patent application number 15/230660 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-08 for suppressed upper receiver group having locking suppressor with through brake.
The applicant listed for this patent is MARK C. LARUE. Invention is credited to MARK C. LARUE.
Application Number | 20180038663 15/230660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61069116 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180038663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LARUE; MARK C. |
February 8, 2018 |
SUPPRESSED UPPER RECEIVER GROUP HAVING LOCKING SUPPRESSOR WITH
THROUGH BRAKE
Abstract
A suppressed upper receiver group for a firearm having a
suppressor mounted to the barrel thereof. The suppressor has a
tubular housing defining primary and secondary flow paths for
propellant gas processing, diverting a portion of the propellant
gas to the secondary flow path for pressure control. A number of
baffle members are arranged in spaced relation within the housing
and define serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers. A
suppressor mounting adapter is connected with the barrel and has a
propellant gas processing section having a propellant flow bore and
extends completely through the housing and has a flash retarding
tip projecting through a discharge opening of the housing.
Inventors: |
LARUE; MARK C.; (Leander,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LARUE; MARK C. |
Leander |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61069116 |
Appl. No.: |
15/230660 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/30 20130101;
F41A 21/325 20130101; F41A 3/66 20130101; F41A 21/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 3/66 20060101
F41A003/66; F41A 21/34 20060101 F41A021/34; F41A 21/32 20060101
F41A021/32; F41A 21/30 20060101 F41A021/30 |
Claims
1. A method for processing the gunpowder residue laden propellant
gas of a sound and flash suppressed firearm having a group having a
barrel having a threaded muzzle end and defining a barrel bore,
comprising: connecting to said barrel a generally cylindrical sound
and flash suppressor device having a generally cylindrical tubular
housing having a longitudinal axis and front and rear ends and
defining a front wall, said generally cylindrical tubular housing
having a plurality of baffle members axially spaced therein
defining serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers
within said generally cylindrical tubular housing; and connecting a
suppressor mounting adapter to said barrel, said suppressor
mounting adapter having an integral propellant gas processing
section within said generally cylindrical sound and flash
suppressor device with said suppressor mounting adapter and
propellant gas processing section extending completely through said
generally cylindrical tubular housing and having an integral flash
reducing projection extending forwardly of said front wall; said
propellant gas processing section defining a flow bore aligned with
said barrel bore and defining abruptly oriented passages
communicating propellant gas of said barrel bore with said serially
arranged propellant gas processing chambers in a manner causing the
dense gunpowder particulate to continue through said flow bore thus
separating the dense gunpowder particulate and preventing the dense
gunpowder residue from entering said serially arranged propellant
gas processing chambers and causing substantial buildup on said
plurality of baffle members.
2. The method of claim 1, comprising: securing said suppressor
mounting adapter to said threaded muzzle of said barrel; assembling
a suppressor housing adapter within said generally cylindrical
tubular housing thus creating a housing assembly; connecting said
generally cylindrical tubular housing with said suppressor mounting
adapter; and releasably attaching said housing assembly with said
suppressor mounting adapter, rotating said housing assembly on said
suppressor mounting adapter and making up a releasable thread
connection of said suppressor housing adapter and said suppressor
housing adapter.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising: said step of releasably
attaching said housing assembly with said suppressor mounting
adapter being rotation of said housing assembly on said suppressor
mounting adapter until said releasable thread connection becomes
tight; and locking said housing assembly against loosening
counter-rotation.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said step of locking comprising:
forcing movement of flexible spring locking fingers of said housing
mounting adapter from normal release positions to rotation
preventing locking engagement with said suppressor mounting
adapter, upon release of said forcing movement said flexible spring
locking fingers returning to said normal release positions,
permitting rotation of said housing assembly for loosening and
removal from said suppressor mounting adapter.
5. A suppressed upper receiver group for a firearm, comprising: an
upper receiver having a barrel mounted thereto, said barrel
defining a barrel bore and having a threaded muzzle end; an
elongate tubular housing having front and rear ends and having a
propellant gas discharge wall at said front end thereof having a
primary propellant gas discharge opening, said elongate tubular
housing defining a propellant gas processing chamber therein, said
elongate tubular housing having a primary flow path therein; a
plurality of baffle members being positioned in spaced relation
within said elongate tubular housing and defining serially arranged
propellant gas processing chambers between said baffle members; and
a suppressor mounting adapter being threadedly connected with said
threaded muzzle end of said barrel and having an integral
propellant gas processing section having a propellant flow bore
aligned with said barrel bore and extending longitudinally through
said elongate tubular housing, said integral propellant gas
processing section having a flash retarding tip projecting through
said opening of said wall of said elongate tubular housing, said
propellant gas processing section and said serially arranged
propellant gas processing chambers collectively defining said
primary flow path and having lateral passages from said propellant
flow bore to said plurality of propellant gas processing chambers
and being oriented so that the dense gunpowder residue particulate
contained within said propellant gas is conducted through said
propellant flow bore past said lateral passages and is
substantially excluded from said plurality of propellant gas
processing chambers thus substantially preventing dense gunpowder
residue from striking and building up on said baffle members.
6. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 5, comprising: a
housing mounting adapter being secured within said rear end of said
elongate tubular housing and having an internal thread section; and
an external thread section being defined by said suppressor
mounting adapter and being engaged with said internal thread
section of said housing mounting adapter, permitting threaded
attachment of said elongate tubular housing to said suppressor
mounting adapter.
7. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 6, comprising:
spaced tapered annular external sealing surfaces being defined by
said suppressor mounting adapter and having said external thread
section of said suppressor mounting adapter located therebetween;
spaced tapered annular internal sealing surfaces being defined
within said housing mounting adapter and having said internal
thread section of said housing mounting adapter located
therebetween; and complete threading of said elongate tubular
housing to said suppressor mounting adapter establishing sealing
engagement of said spaced tapered annular internal and external
sealing surfaces and isolating said external and internal thread
sections from contamination by gunpowder residue.
8. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 6, comprising: a
locking mechanism being provided on said housing mounting adapter
and being actuatable from a normal non-locking position to a
locking position to secure said housing mounting adapter and said
elongate tubular housing against inadvertently becoming loose or
separating from said suppressor mounting adapter during use of the
firearm; and a lock actuating member selectively engaging and
moving said locking mechanism from said non-locking position to
said locking position.
9. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 8, comprising: said
locking mechanism being a plurality of moveable spring locking
fingers normally having non-locking positions with respect to said
suppressor mounting adapter and a locking thread on said housing
mounting adapter; and said lock actuating member being a locking
ring having an thread engaging said locking and having a lock
moving portion, upon locking movement of said locking ring said
lock moving portion engaging said moveable spring locking fingers
members and moving said spring locking fingers into locking
engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter, upon movement of
said lock moving portion toward said non-locking position said
plurality of spring locking fingers returning to said non-locking
positions thereof.
10. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 9, comprising: an
annular locking rim being located on said suppressor mounting
adapter and having an annular ratcheted external surface; and
annular ratcheted internal surfaces being define by each of said
spring locking fingers and establishing locking engagement with
said annular ratcheted external surface of said annular locking rim
at said locking positions of said spring locking fingers preventing
loosening rotation of said housing mounting adapter and said
generally cylindrical tubular housing
11. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 5, comprising: an
internal wall surface being defined by said generally cylindrical
tubular housing; An annular rim being supported in forwardly spaced
relation by said housing mounting adapter and defining an annular
bypass chamber within said generally cylindrical tubular housing,
said annular rim defining a plurality of bypass ports communicating
said annular bypass chamber with said propellant gas processing
chamber; said baffle members having generally cylindrical external
walls and having external spacer members engaging said generally
cylindrical internal wall surface of said and defining an annular
space establishing a secondary flow path between said generally
cylindrical tubular housing and said generally cylindrical external
walls, said secondary flow path being in communication with said
annular bypass chamber; a plurality of bypass ports being defined
in said propellant gas discharge wall of said generally cylindrical
tubular housing and being in communication with said secondary flow
path and conducting discharge of propellant gas to said secondary
discharge ports substantially simultaneously with discharge of
propellant gas from said primary flow path.
12. A suppressed upper receiver group for a firearm, comprising: an
upper receiver having a barrel mounted thereto, said barrel
defining a barrel bore and having a threaded muzzle end; an
elongate tubular housing having a propellant gas discharge wall
defining a propellant gas discharge opening, said elongate tubular
housing defining a propellant gas processing chamber therein; a
plurality of baffle members being positioned in spaced relation
within said elongate tubular housing and defining serially arranged
propellant gas processing chambers between said baffle members; and
a suppressor mounting adapter being connected with said barrel and
having an integral propellant gas processing section having a
propellant flow bore aligned with said barrel bore and extending
longitudinally through said elongate tubular housing, said integral
propellant gas processing section having a flash retarding tip
projecting through said propellant gas discharge opening of said
elongate tubular housing.
13. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 12, comprising: a
housing mounting adapter being secured within said elongate tubular
housing and having an internal thread section; and an external
thread section being defined by said suppressor mounting adapter
and being engaged with said internal thread section of said housing
mounting adapter, permitting threaded attachment of said elongate
tubular housing to said suppressor mounting adapter.
14. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 13, comprising:
spaced tapered annular external sealing surfaces being defined by
said suppressor mounting adapter and having said external thread
section of said suppressor mounting adapter located therebetween;
spaced tapered annular internal sealing surfaces being defined
within said housing mounting adapter and having said internal
thread section of said housing mounting adapter located
therebetween; and complete threading of said elongate tubular
housing to said suppressor mounting adapter establishing sealing
engagement of said spaced tapered annular internal and external
sealing surfaces and isolating said external and internal thread
sections from contamination by gunpowder residue.
15. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 13, comprising: a
locking mechanism being provided on said housing mounting adapter
and being actuatable from a normal non-locking position to a
locking position to secure said housing mounting adapter and said
elongate tubular housing against inadvertently becoming loose or
separating from said suppressor mounting adapter during use of the
firearm; and a lock actuating member selectively engaging and
moving said locking mechanism from said non-locking position to
said locking position.
16. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 15, comprising:
said locking mechanism being a plurality of moveable spring locking
fingers normally having non-locking positions with respect to said
suppressor mounting adapter and a locking thread on said housing
mounting adapter; and said lock actuating member being a locking
ring having an thread engaging said locking and having a lock
moving portion, upon locking movement of said locking ring said
lock moving portion engaging said moveable spring locking fingers
members and moving said spring locking fingers into locking
engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter, upon movement of
said lock moving portion toward said non-locking position said
plurality of spring locking fingers returning to said non-locking
positions thereof.
17. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 16, comprising: an
annular locking rim being located on said suppressor mounting
adapter and having an annular ratcheted external surface; and
annular ratcheted internal surfaces being define by each of said
spring locking fingers and establishing locking engagement with
said annular ratcheted external surface of said annular locking rim
at said locking positions of said spring locking fingers preventing
loosening rotation of said housing mounting adapter and said
generally cylindrical tubular housing.
18. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 12, comprising: a
primary flow path being defined within said generally cylindrical
tubular housing by said baffle members, said plurality of
propellant gas processing chambers, said suppressor mounting
adapter, said integral propellant gas processing section and said
propellant flow bore and terminating at said flash retarding tip;
an internal wall surface being defined by said generally
cylindrical tubular housing; An annular rim being supported in
spaced relation by said housing mounting adapter and defining an
annular bypass chamber within said generally cylindrical tubular
housing, said annular rim defining a plurality of bypass ports
communicating said annular bypass chamber with said propellant gas
processing chamber; said baffle members having generally
cylindrical external walls and having external spacer members
engaging said generally cylindrical internal wall surface of said
and defining an annular space establishing a secondary flow path
between said generally cylindrical tubular housing and said
generally cylindrical external walls, said secondary flow path
being in communication with said annular bypass chamber; and a
plurality of bypass ports being defined in said propellant gas
discharge wall of said generally cylindrical tubular housing and
being in communication with said secondary flow path and conducting
discharge of propellant gas to said secondary discharge ports
substantially simultaneously with discharge of propellant gas from
said primary flow path.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention generally concerns firearms, such as
rifles, and more particularly concerns sound and flash suppressors
that are mounted by threading a generally cylindrical suppressor
device onto the threaded end of the barrel of a firearm. More
particularly, the present invention concerns a suppressed upper
receiver group including an upper receiver mechanism and cartridge
gas energized auto-loading mechanism and a barrel for a tactical
rifle wherein a sound and flash suppressor device is provided at
the forward end or muzzle of the barrel. Even more specifically the
present invention concerns a sound and flash suppressor having a
generally cylindrical suppressor body or housing having a muzzle
brake device that extends completely through the tubular body of
the suppressor body and is designed to substantially eliminate
baffle strikes by hot gunpowder residue and thus significantly
minimize the need for frequent cleaning of suppressor
components.
Description of the Prior Art
[0002] A significant number of firearm sound suppressor devices and
flash suppressor devices, generally referred to as suppressors
herein, have been developed over the years for use with firearms
such as rifles, shotguns and handguns. In most cases the
suppressors are attached to the barrel of a firearm, such as by
threaded attachment. In some cases suppressor are constructed
integrally with a firearm barrel so as to be a permanent component
of the firearm. United States patents of general interest to
current suppressor manufacture and use are U.S. Pat. Nos.
9,038,770, 9,115,949, 9,222,747 and 9,273,920.
[0003] Typically, a suppressor comprises an elongate tubular body
that attaches in any suitable manner to a firearm barrel and
provides for the movement of a projectile from the bore of a
firearm barrel and through the tubular body of the suppressor. To
facilitate sound suppression a number of internal baffles are
typically positioned in stacked relation within a suppressor
housing with baffle partitions disposed in axially spaced relation
within the housing and with central openings in each baffle
partition for projectile and propellant passage. A number of
chambers that are defined between the internal baffles, causing the
propellant gas to progress in serial but serpentine fashion through
the multiple chambers, with its velocity being diminished as it
progresses.
[0004] Propellant gas emitted from the bore of a gun barrel enters
the much larger volume of the internal chamber of the tubular body
and progresses serially from chamber to chamber, with the gas
expanding and its pressure being diminished within each successive
chamber. The partitions of the baffles of most suppressors are
impacted by the hot propellant gas and are designed to reflect
propellant gas and cause gas agitation within the chambers to slow
the progress of gas transition through the suppressor and increase
the dwell time and reduce the typically sharp and loud noise of the
propellant gas being discharged from the suppressor.
[0005] Hot propellant gas striking the baffles and other components
within a surpressor housing typically creates significant problems
which until the present time there has been no reasonable solution.
The hot propellant gas contains gunpowder residue in the form of
small particulate that strikes baffle surfaces with significant
velocity and energy. As the extremely hot propellant gas progresses
through a sound and flash suppressor the hot gas and its gunpowder
residue strikes the baffle members and causes the gunpowder residue
to build up, i.e., essentially become plated, onto the surfaces of
the baffle members. In a relatively short period of time the
buildup of propellant residue will cause the suppressor to begin to
lose its optimum operational characteristics, requiring personnel
to accomplish disassembly of the suppressor and thorough cleaning
of the baffle members and other internal components as well.
Removal of this residue buildup is difficult and time consuming
because of its essentially plated nature and requires cleaning
equipment and expensive residue solvent to accomplish. It is
clearly seen therefore that there is a need to provide a sound and
flash suppressor mechanism that is designed to virtually eliminate
the potential for significant buildup of propellant gas residue on
the internal components of a firearm suppressor. The present
invention accomplishes this benefit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is a principal feature of the present invention to
provide a novel firearm having a suppressed upper receiver
cartridge incorporating a sound and flash suppressor that
substantially eliminates gunpowder residue strikes on the internal
baffles within the suppressor, thus minimizing the frequency of
residue cleaning that is required to maintain optimum performance
thereof.
[0007] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a
novel sound and flash suppressor for firearms having a muzzle brake
device that is mounted to the threaded end of the barrel of a
firearm, is received within the tubular housing of a suppressor and
extends completely through the housing, with its forward end
defining a pronged flash reducing tip surrounding the discharge
port.
[0008] It is an even further feature of the present invention to
provide a novel sound and flash suppressor for firearms that
incorporates a collet clamping mechanism for releasably mounting a
suppressor to a suppressor mounting adapter that is affixed to a
firearm barrel and having ratcheted surfaces that ensure that the
suppressor is maintained in tight and secure assembly with the
mounting adapter without inadvertently becoming loose or separating
from the suppressor mounting adapter.
[0009] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a
novel sound and flash suppressor for firearms that defines primary
and secondary internal flow paths for cartridge gas flow to ensure
that the internal pressure within the suppressor remains within
operational limits for efficient sound suppression and
substantially eliminating visible gunpowder flash.
[0010] Briefly, the various objects and features of the present
invention are realized through the provision of a tactical firearm,
such as an M-4, M-16 or AR-15 cartridge gas energized autoloading
rifle having a suppressed upper receiver group having an upper
receiver to which is mounted a barrel cartridge including a barrel,
handguard and cartridge gas actuation system for cycling the bolt
carrier and bolt to retrieve cartridges from a magazine, charge a
cartridge chamber of the barrel with cartridges for firing and
extract and eject spent cartridge cases following firing of each
cartridge. The barrel cartridge of the upper receiver group is
provided with a sound and flash suppressor device which is mounted
to the threaded muzzle end of the barrel by means of a suppressor
mounting adapter. The suppressor mounting adapter includes an
integral propellant gas processing section of member that extends
completely through the suppressor housing, being positioned with
its external surface in close proximity with a central opening
being collectively defined by each of several multiple baffle
members that have fixed locations within the housing of the
suppressor. The integral propellant gas processing section has
transverse passages and bores that intersect a central bore through
which projectiles and propellant gas pass during firing of the
firearm.
[0011] The suppressor device is designed to divide the propellant
charge from cartridge firing into primary and secondary flow paths
to ensure low pressure conditions and prevent excessive back
pressure or blow-back to the bore of the firearm barrel. This
feature minimizes propellant gas discharge from the cartridge
chamber of the barrel toward the shooter as the spent cartridge
case is unseated. This feature also ensures that the spent
cartridge cases, typically referred to as "brass" are quite clean,
i.e., quite free of gunpowder residue, when extracted and
ejected.
[0012] The suppressor mounting adapter includes a propellant gas
processing geometry and projects through the suppressor housing,
with an integral front flash hider end thereof projecting through a
central opening in the forward closure wall of the suppressor
housing. The gas processing suppressor mounting adapter ensures
minimal buildup of propellant residue within the suppressor housing
so that internal cleaning of the suppressor is required with much
less frequency.
[0013] For efficient and secure suppressor mounting with the barrel
of the firearm the rear or connecting end portion of the suppressor
is provided with a generally circular array of tapered spring
fingers defining a locking collet and being integral with the
housing mounting adapter. The tapered spring fingers each have a
normal release position and are flexed to a locking position by
application of a closing force by a locking ring member. The
locking ring member is captured to the housing mounting adapter and
is tightened by rotation on a threaded section of the housing
mounting adapter to apply closing and locking force to the spring
fingers. The housing mounting adapter and the spring fingers of the
locking collet each have ratcheting surfaces having ridges and
grooves that engage when the collet is locked by tightening of the
locking ring. The engaged ratcheting surfaces prevent the locking
ring from inadvertently backing off, such as during handling of a
firearm or as the result of the vibration that occurs during
sustained firing of the firearm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] So that the manner in which the above recited features,
advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and
can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the
preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended
drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.
[0015] It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings
illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0016] In the Drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a tactical firearm having a
suppressed upper receiver group according to the present invention
which includes a sound and flash suppressor having a dual gas flow
path and a suppressor mounting adapter that extends completely
through the suppressor housing;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration showing the suppressor
structure and having a cut-away portion showing the interior
components of the suppressor;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section view of the suppressor of
FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view of the suppressor
mechanism with a forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter
thereof shown in full line;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section view showing the suppressor
structure, with the suppressor mounting adapter separated from the
firearm barrel;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view showing the external
configuration of the suppressor of FIGS. 1-5;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an isometric illustration showing the sound and
flash suppressor, emphasizing the rear or firearm barrel mounting
feature of the present invention, with the collet locking cover
removed to simplify an understanding of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is another isometric illustration showing the rear
mounting end portion of the suppressor in detail;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a partial isometric illustration showing the rear
attachment end portion of the suppressor, with the suppressor
mounting adapter partially received within the suppressor housing,
such as during installation thereof;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an isometric illustration presenting the rear or
mounting portion of the sound and flash suppressor of the present
invention, particularly showing the internal locking collet
thereof;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary isometric illustration showing the
spring fingers of the collet locking mechanism of FIG. 10 in
detail;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a partial isometric illustration showing a
portion of a circular ratcheted surface for engagement with
corresponding ratcheted surfaces of the spring fingers to ensure
against rotation of the suppressor housing relative to the
suppressor mounting adapter in the locked condition of the
suppressor; and
[0029] FIG. 13 is an elevation view showing parts of the ratcheted
surfaces of the spring fingers of the collet locking mechanism and
a corresponding annular ratcheted surface of the suppressor
mounting adapter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Referring now to the drawings and first to the side
elevation view of FIG. 1, a tactical firearm constructed according
to the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 10
and is of the character identified as an M-4, M-16 or AR-15
auto-loading rifle. The M-4 and M-16 rifles are typically utilized
by military and law enforcement personnel and have settings for
semi-automatic fire, where the trigger of the rifle is pulled for
discharge of individual rounds of ammunition and full automatic
fire, where the rifle will continuously fire round after round as
long as the trigger remains pulled. AR-15 tactical rifles are
typically provided with a non-adjustable setting that limits the
rifle to semi-automatic fire. AR-15 rifles are widely used by
sportsmen for target shooting, hunting and a wide range of general
shooting activities.
[0031] The firearm 10 has a barrel cartridge or upper receiver
group shown generally at 12 in FIG. 1 is generally defined by an
upper receiver 13 having an internal bolt and bolt carrier
mechanism for cycling ammunition during firing activity as is
explained in detail below. The barrel cartridge has a firearm
barrel 14 having a rifled central bore 15 through which bullets and
residual cartridge gas pass during firing activity. The barrel
defines a cartridge chamber within which cartridges are fed prior
to firing and from which cartridge cases are extracted after firing
has occurred. A handguard 16 of the barrel cartridge is positioned
about the barrel member 14 with its wall structure surrounding and
being spaced from the barrel structure to provide the user with
protection against the rather high temperature that the barrel can
reach especially during sustained or frequent firing activity. The
handguard defines multiple openings through which air is caused to
circulate by thermal convection to remove heat that is liberated
from the barrel and maintain the handguard as cool as possible.
[0032] To the upper receiver is typically pivotally mounted a lower
receiver mechanism or group 20 having a hand-grip 22, a trigger
guard 24 and a magazine receptacle 26 within which a box-type
ammunition magazine 28 containing a supply of cartridges is
releasably received. A pivot pin 30 is extended through pivot holes
in the upper and lower receivers to establish the pivotal assembly
and a locking pin 32 is extended through corresponding locking
holes in the upper and lower receivers to secure the upper and
lower receivers in operative assembly as shown in FIG. 1. To the
lower receiver group 20 is typically mounted a gun-stock, which can
be an adjustable gun-stock as shown at 18 to permit the gun-stock
to be adjusted to a length that is desired by the shooter or to
accommodate the firearm to persons of different body
characteristics or a gun-stock that is non-adjustable.
[0033] A sound and flash suppressor, shown generally at 34, is
provided at the muzzle end 36 of the rifle barrel 14 as shown in
FIG. 3 and has an elongate, generally cylindrical tubular housing
38 having an intermediate section 40 and enlarged structurally
enhanced end sections 42 and 44. The intermediate section 40
defines a plurality of annular external ribs 46 that are provided
to enhance the pressure containing capability of the tubular
housing. The annular external ribs are roughened by providing
annular bands of longitudinal grooves 48 and ribs 50 to enable ease
of manual rotation of the suppressor housing, such as for
tightening the housing with the suppressor mounting adapter during
installation or loosening the housing and adapter connection for
removal of the suppressor from the mounting adapter.
[0034] The suppressor housing 38 defines an internal propellant gas
processing chamber 54 within which is positioned a generally
cylindrical spacer member 58 having a cylindrical wall 60 that is
maintained in spaced relation with an inner cylindrical wall
surface 62 of the suppressor housing, thus defining a secondary
propellant gas flow passage 64 in the form of an annulus that
extends along the length of the suppressor housing. The secondary
propellant flow passage is also defined by an annular space between
a plurality of baffle members 56 and the inner cylindrical wall
surface 62 of the suppressor housing 38. Each baffle member 56 has
an outer generally cylindrical wall 57 that is maintained in spaced
relation with the inner cylindrical wall surface 62 of the
suppressor housing by means of external annular spacer members 66.
Each of the external annular spacer members is interrupted by a
number of outwardly facing slots or grooves 68 about the periphery
thereof that cooperatively segmented spacing members with the
spaces defining portions of the secondary flow passage of the
suppressor.
[0035] The secondary propellant flow passage or path 64 conducts
the propellant gas into an annular gas discharge chamber 70 in
which the gas is subjected to further energy dissipating
turbulence. The gas is then discharged from the annular gas
collection and discharge chamber 70 via a circular port array
having a multiplicity of secondary discharge ports 72 that are
formed in a front wall structure 74 of a front closure member 76 of
the suppressor housing. Each of the secondary discharge ports 72 is
angulated toward the center-line of the suppressor mounting adapter
120 and the suppressor housing 38. The front closure has a
generally centrally located propellant gas discharge opening 75
that is of tapered configuration having its smallest dimension
facing forward. The front closure member 76 defines a generally
cylindrical extension 78 having an externally threaded section 80
that has threaded engagement with an internally threaded section 82
within the enlarged structurally enhanced end section 44 of the
suppressor housing 38. An annular seal member 84 is located within
an annular groove in the front closure member 76 and serves to
maintain a sealed condition between the suppressor housing 38 and
the front closure member 84. The secondary discharge ports 72 are
each angulated inwardly so as to direct discharge jets of
propellant gas toward the longitudinal center-line of the
suppressor.
[0036] At the rear or connecting end of the sound and flash
suppressor 34 the enlarged and structurally enhanced rear or
connecting end section 42 of the suppressor housing 38 defines an
internally threaded section 86 that is threadedly engaged with an
externally threaded section 88 of a housing mounting adapter 90. A
rearward extension 92 of the enlarged end section 42 of the
suppressor housing overlies an annular seal groove 94 containing an
annular sealing member that maintains sealing of the suppressor
housing with respect to the housing mounting adapter 90. The
circular rear end 96 engages an annular positioning shoulder 98 to
accurately position the tubular suppressor housing with respect to
the housing mounting adapter 90.
[0037] The extreme rear end portion of the housing mounting adapter
90 is provided with a plurality of moveable spring locking fingers
100 which are present in the section views 3-5 and are best seen in
FIGS. 7-9, 10 and 11. Each of the spring locking fingers is
integral with the housing mounting adapter 90, being connected with
the housing mounting adapter by means of a small connector section
102 which is flexible and spring-like. The flexible connector
section permits the spring locking fingers to be moved inwardly to
locking positions by application of an external force. When the
external force is removed, the spring fingers will be returned to
their non-locking positions. Flexibility of the spring fingers is
enhanced by slots 104 and 106 that extend from the sides of each
spring locking finger.
[0038] A locking ring 108 is maintained captive with said housing
mounting adapter 90 by an annular retainer wall 110. The locking
ring has an internal thread section 112 that is received by an
external thread section 114 of the housing mounting adapter to
permit the locking ring 108 to be threaded onto the housing
mounting adapter. The locking ring defines a rearwardly extending
generally conical actuating portion 116 that engages and actuates
the locking fingers to their locking positions when the locking
ring is tightened on the housing mounting adapter. When the locking
ring is rotated in the opposite rotational direction the generally
conical actuating portion 116 is moved away from the locking
fingers, allowing the small spring-like connector sections 102 to
move the locking fingers back to their non-locking or release
positions. When the locking fingers are at their release positions
the suppressor housing 38 and its housing mounting adapter 90 can
be rotated in a direction releasing the housing and housing adapter
for removal from the suppressor mounting adapter 120.
[0039] A suppressor mounting adapter 120 defines a rearwardly
oriented barrel mount receptacle 122 having an internally threaded
section 124 that receives the externally threaded muzzle end of the
firearm barrel 14 and defines an internal stop shoulder 126 against
which is seated a positioning shoulder of the barrel. The
suppressor mounting adapter defines external wrench flats 127,
enabling a simple wrench to be employed to apply sufficient torque
force to the suppressor mounting adapter to establish its threaded
connection with the firearm barrel 14.
[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 the suppressor mounting
adapter 120 defines an annular rim 119 having a roughened or
ratcheted external surface 121 that is defined by a 360.degree.,
130 tooth arrangement. However, it should be borne in mind that
roughened surfaces of other character may be employed without
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Correspondingly, the inner gripping surfaces of each of the spring
locking fingers 100 define matching roughened or ratcheted surfaces
123 that establish locking engagement with the roughened or
ratcheted external surface 121 which the spring locking fingers
have been forced inwardly to their locking positions by the locking
force of the locking ring 108. When the external and internal
ratcheted surfaces are engaged the suppressor housing is firmly
locked in place with respect to the suppressor mounting adapter and
cannot be rotated for tightening or loosening.
[0041] Centrally of the suppressor mount receptacle 122 extends a
bore 128 through which a projectile, such as a bullet, and
cartridge gas generated by combustion of the powder charge of a
cartridge pass upon discharge or firing of a cartridge by the
firearm.
[0042] It is necessary to ensure that the suppressor mechanism 34
remains positively aligned with respect to the bore of the barrel
14 at all times. This feature is achieved, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 by
spaced externally tapered sealing surfaces 130 and 132 that are
engaged for sealing and alignment by correspondingly spaced tapered
sealing surfaces 134 and 136 within the housing mount adapter 90.
Between these spaced pairs of tapered sealing surfaces is located
an external thread section 138 of the suppressor mounting adapter
120 and an internal threaded section 140 of the housing mounting
adapter 90. When the thread connection of the external and internal
thread sections 138 and 140 are made up and the spaced pairs of
tapered sealing surfaces are in sealing engagement the thread
connection between the suppressor mounting adapter and housing
mounting adapter is protected from contamination by the
constituents of the propellant being processed by the suppressor.
Additionally, the spaced pairs of tapered sealing surfaces have a
back-sealing capability and serve to prevent propellant gas and
residue from being forced rearwardly within the suppressor by
propellant pressure to exit the suppressor in a direction toward
the shooter.
[0043] Each of the baffle members 56 defines an annular tapered
reflecting wall 142 having an inner end portion 144 defining a
relatively large central opening 146 as compared with most
suppressor designs. The edges defining the large central opening
are located in close proximity to the outer peripheral surface 151
of the propellant gas processing section. The suppressor mounting
adapter 120 has a port 154 at the intersection of the axial bore
128 shown generally at 150 that is an integral part of the
suppressor mounting adapter 120 and extends throughout the axial
length of the suppressor housing 38. The forward end portion 148 of
the propellant gas processing section 150 has a flash hider
geometry that is defined by tapered projections 152 that surround a
port 154 at the forward terminus of the axial bore 128. The flash
hider geometry is in the form of an open, angled, four-prong flash
reducing tip reduces the small residual muzzle flash to near
invisibility. The axial bore 128 is of slightly greater diameter as
compared with the diameter of the bore of the firearm barrel, thus
permitting projectile travel through the axial bore 128 without
contact of the projectile with the wall surface of the axial bore
upon discharge of the firearm.
[0044] Transverse passages 160 and 162 extend through the
propellant gas processing section 150 and communicate the
propellant processing chamber 54 with the central bore 128 so that
propellant gas is caused to enter the processing chamber 54 at
greater volume and slightly higher pressure via transverse passage
160 as compared with the volume of propellant gas entering the
processing chamber 54 via the transverse passage 162. Some of the
propellant pressure entering the propellant gas processing chamber
54 via the transverse passages 160 and 162, because of the higher
pressure in chamber 54, will enter an annular bypass chamber 164
via a generally circular array of bypass ports 166. The annular
bypass chamber 164 is in the form of an annular groove that is
defined by an axially spaced annular rim 165 that is supported by a
generally cylindrical rim support 167. An annular seal member 169
is contained within an annular seal groove in the housing mounting
adapter as shown in FIG. 5 and maintains a seal between the housing
mounting adapter and suppressor mounting adapter.
[0045] Propellant pressure within the annular bypass chamber 164
will enter the secondary propellant flow passage or bypass passage
64 that is defined by the annular space between the cylindrical
walls of the spacer and baffle members and the inner cylindrical
surface of the housing 38 as mentioned above. From the secondary
propellant flow passage the propellant gas is conducted past the
multiple restrictions defined by the multiple slots and grooves 68
and enters an annular collection and discharge chamber 70. From the
chamber 70 the propellant gas, now at a much reduced pressure, is
directed through the circular array of secondary angulated
discharge ports 72.
[0046] The axial bore 128 and the series arrangement of propellant
gas processing chambers 54 and 172 serve to establish the primary
flow path for gas propagation through the suppressor mechanism for
conducting a majority of the propellant gas to the ejection port
154. The processed gas that is diverted into the secondary flow
path decreases the gas flow and pressure that flows to and is
discharged from the primary flow path, thereby ensuring decreased
discharge pressure and prolonged discharge pulse, significantly
decreasing the sound output of the suppressor.
[0047] Other transverse passages 168 are spaced along the length of
the axial bore 128 and serve to conduct propellant gas from the
central bore 128 into various annular chambers such as 170 and 172
that are defined between the annular tapered reflecting walls 142
of adjacent baffle members 56. The transverse passages and a number
of transverse bores 174, also intersecting the oriented at
90.degree. with respect to the transverse passages, function to
create turbulence within each of the annular gas processing
chambers that surround central bore 128 and to permit controlled
flow of propellant gas from chamber to chamber serially toward the
discharge end of the suppressor. Each of the segments 156 of the
gas processing forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter
120 reflect propellant gas energy and thus serve to further create
turbulence within the gas processing chambers of the suppressor.
This turbulence slows the propagation of gas flow through the
suppressor mechanism. Various annular chambers such as 170 and 172
of FIG. 4 receive propellant pressure from the central bore 128 via
the transverse passages 160-162 and the transverse bores 174.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, within the forward end portion of the
suppressor 34 two of the baffle members are oppositely positioned
and define a large propellant gas processing chamber that is
partitioned 177 by a generally planar circular wall 178 to define
propellant gas accumulation chambers 176. The generally planar
circular wall 178 has a central opening 180 having a circular edge
located in close proximity to the segment 182 of the gas processing
forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter 120. It is
evident that a small amount of propellant gas is forced by pressure
to flow through the small spaces between the inner surfaces of the
tapered reflecting walls of the baffles and the generally planar
circular wall 178 and the external surfaces of the various segments
of the gas processing forward portion of the suppressor mounting
adapter 120. This feature further retards gas flow through the
suppressor, lowering gas pressure, extending suppressor dwell time
and minimizing both sound and flash.
[0049] As mentioned above, the baffles of the suppressor of this
invention are essentially protected against buildup of gunpowder
residue during use of the suppressor. The propellant gas contains
residue particulate that has greater mass than the mass of the gas.
As the gas is diverted from the central bore 128 the particulate,
having greater mass, tends to resist being diverted and thus
continues to be moved through the central bore to the discharge
port 154, rather than being diverted into the gas processing
chambers and impacting the baffle surfaces. This feature causes the
baffle surfaces to remain clean for longer periods of time so that
suppressor down time for cleaning is minimized.
[0050] When the housing 39 and the housing mounting adapter 90 are
unthreaded from the suppressor mounting adapter 120 and removed the
gas processing forward section 150 of the suppressor mounting
adapter 120 remains as a portion of the barrel assembly of the
firearm and is completely exposed. Being exposed and supported by
the barrel, the suppressor mounting adapter, and particularly its
forward section 150 are easily cleaned such as by means of a wire
brush that is perhaps supplemented by a solvent for any buildup of
gunpowder residue.
[0051] Since the internal baffles within the suppressor housing
collectively define a relatively large central passage the baffles
can be easily cleaned of gunpowder residue, such as by means of a
rotary wire brush that is rotated within the large central passage
and may be driven by an electrically powered rotary drill. In field
conditions a cylindrical wire brush may be used alone or in
combination with a solvent to easily and efficiently remove the
slight accumulation of the gunpowder residue that may exist. Since
the baffles will have minimal buildup of gunpowder residue as
explained above, cleaning of the baffles is typically simple and
relatively easy to accomplish.
[0052] In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present
invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and
features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and
features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.
[0053] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the
present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and
all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *