U.S. patent application number 16/017878 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-17 for firearm sound suppressor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Travis Griffis. Invention is credited to Travis Griffis.
Application Number | 20190017767 16/017878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65000159 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190017767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffis; Travis |
January 17, 2019 |
FIREARM SOUND SUPPRESSOR
Abstract
Implementations of a firearm sound suppressor are provided. The
firearm sound suppressor comprises a non-cylindrical, monolithic
baffle core that is enclosed by a front plate and a back plate. In
some implementations, the baffle core may comprise a proximal end
configured to mount onto the muzzle of a firearm barrel, a distal
end having an outlet aperture, and a plurality of baffles. The
plurality of baffles may be positioned transverse to a projectile
pathway extending through the sound suppressor and form expansion
chambers therebetween. In this way, propellant gasses generated by
the discharge of a firearm may be dispersed throughout the interior
of the sound suppressor, and directed away from the projectile
pathway extending therethrough, by the shearing effect of each
baffle. The baffle core may further comprise two longitudinally
extending expansion chambers, each of which may be in fluid
communication with ports extending through an exterior sidewall of
the baffle core.
Inventors: |
Griffis; Travis; (Brunswick,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Griffis; Travis |
Brunswick |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65000159 |
Appl. No.: |
16/017878 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62524995 |
Jun 26, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/30 20060101
F41A021/30 |
Claims
1. A sound suppressor for a firearm comprising: a baffle core, the
baffle core comprises a proximal end having an inlet aperture, a
distal end having an outlet aperture, and at least one baffle
positioned between the proximal end and the distal end to define a
plurality of expansion chambers, the baffle core defines a
longitudinally extending projectile pathway that extends from the
inlet aperture to the outlet aperture; wherein the at least one
baffle is positioned transverse to the projectile pathway; wherein
the at least one baffle comprises a ridge feature having a first
curved member and a second curved member extending from opposite
sides thereof, one end of the first curved member is connected to a
first interior sidewall of the baffle core, and one end of the
second curved member is connected to a second interior sidewall of
the baffle core; wherein the at least one baffle includes an
aperture that extends through the ridge feature thereof, the
aperture is coaxial with the longitudinally extending projectile
pathway; a front plate configured to cover a first side of the
baffle core; and a back plate configured to cover a second side of
the baffle core.
2. The sound suppressor of claim 1, wherein the baffle core further
comprises a first longitudinally extending expansion chamber and a
second longitudinally extending expansion chamber, both
longitudinally extending expansion chambers are in fluid
communication with an expansion chamber defined by the at least one
baffle positioned transverse to the longitudinally extending
projectile pathway of the baffle core.
3. The sound suppressor of claim 2, wherein the first
longitudinally extending expansion chamber is in fluid
communication with at least one port extending through a first
exterior sidewall of the baffle core; and wherein the second
longitudinally extending expansion chamber is in fluid
communication with at least one port extending through a second
exterior sidewall of the baffle core.
4. The sound suppressor of claim 3, wherein the first
longitudinally extending expansion is positioned between the first
interior sidewall and the first exterior sidewall of the baffle
core; and wherein the second longitudinally extending expansion
chamber is positioned between the second interior sidewall and the
second exterior sidewall of the baffle core.
5. The sound suppressor of claim 1, wherein the ridge feature of
the at least one baffle includes an apex, the apex points towards
the proximal end of the baffle core.
6. The sound suppressor of claim 1, wherein the front plate and the
back plate are removably secured to the baffle core.
7. The sound suppressor of claim 6, wherein the front plate is
secured to the first side of the baffle core by a plurality of
threaded fasteners and the back plate is secured to the second side
of the baffle core by a plurality of threaded fasteners.
8. A sound suppressor for a firearm comprising: a baffle core, the
baffle core comprises a proximal end having an inlet aperture, a
distal end having an outlet aperture, a longitudinally extending
rib feature, and at least one baffle positioned between the
proximal end and the distal end to define a plurality of expansion
chambers, the baffle core defines a longitudinally extending
projectile pathway that extends from the inlet aperture to the
outlet aperture; wherein the at least one baffle is positioned
transverse to the projectile pathway; wherein the at least one
baffle comprises a first curved member and a second curved member
that extend from opposite sides of the longitudinally extending rib
feature, one end of the first curved member is connected to a first
interior sidewall of the baffle core, and one end of the second
curved member is connected to a second interior sidewall of the
baffle core; wherein the longitudinally extending rib feature
includes an aperture that extends therethrough, the aperture is
coaxial with the longitudinally extending projectile pathway; a
front plate configured to cover a first side of the baffle core;
and a back plate configured to cover a second side of the baffle
core.
9. The sound suppressor of claim 8, wherein the baffle core further
comprises a first longitudinally extending expansion chamber and a
second longitudinally extending expansion chamber, each
longitudinally extending expansion chambers is in fluid
communication with an expansion chamber defined by the at least one
baffle positioned transverse to the longitudinally extending
projectile pathway of the baffle core.
10. The sound suppressor of claim 9, wherein the first
longitudinally extending expansion chamber is in fluid
communication with at least one port extending through a first
exterior sidewall of the baffle core; and wherein the second
longitudinally extending expansion chamber is in fluid
communication with at least one port extending through a second
exterior sidewall of the baffle core.
11. The sound suppressor of claim 10, wherein the first
longitudinally extending expansion is positioned between the first
interior sidewall and the first exterior sidewall of the baffle
core; and wherein the second longitudinally extending expansion
chamber is positioned between the second interior sidewall and the
second exterior sidewall of the baffle core.
12. The sound suppressor of claim 8, wherein the front plate and
the back plate are removably secured to the baffle core.
13. The sound suppressor of claim 12, wherein the front plate is
secured to the first side of the baffle core by a plurality of
threaded fasteners and the back plate is secured to the second side
of the baffle core by a plurality of threaded fasteners.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/524,995, which was filed on Jun. 26, 2017,
and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to implementations of a firearm
sound suppressor.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A firearm sound suppressor, or silencer, is a device that
reduces the noise and muzzle flash emitted by a firearm when it's
discharged. A sound suppressor may be a detachable accessory to, or
an integral part of, a firearm's barrel. In general, a sound
suppressor reduces noise and muzzle flash by allowing the
propellent gasses resulting from the discharge of a firearm to be
decelerated and cooled prior to exiting.
[0004] A typical sound suppressor design comprises a cylindrical
metal tube having internal baffles that are configured to delay the
flow, expansion, and exiting of the propellent gasses from interior
expansion chambers. The result is a reduction in the noise and
muzzle flash produced by the exiting propellant gases.
[0005] The propellent gasses produced during the discharge of a
firearm are dispersed within the silencer. At the same time, lead
and carbon deposits are also dispersed within the silencer, and
after repeated firings, result in a build-up therein. To remove
these built-up deposits from the sound suppressor, the sound
suppressor needs to be disassembled for cleaning. In preparation
for this cleaning, it is important that the baffles be easily
accessible for maintenance.
[0006] Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the firearm
sound suppressor disclosed herein. It is to the provision of a
firearm sound suppressor configured to address these needs, and
others, that the present invention in primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Implementations of a sound suppressor, or silencer, for a
firearm are provided. The firearm sound suppressor is configured to
permit a fired projectile (i.e., a bullet) to freely pass through
the sound suppressor along a longitudinal axis thereof, while
dispersing the resulting flow of high-pressure gases throughout the
sound suppressor. In this way, the impulse noise and the muzzle
flash generated by the discharge of the firearm may be mitigated by
the firearm sound suppressor. In some implementations, the firearm
sound suppressor is configured to be disassembled for service
(e.g., cleaning and/or repair).
[0008] In some implementations, the firearm sound suppressor
comprises a monolithic baffle core having a front plate and a back
plate secured thereto.
[0009] In some implementations, the baffle core may comprise a
proximal end configured to mount onto the muzzle of a firearm
barrel, a distal end having an outlet aperture, and a plurality of
baffles (e.g., six, but there could be more than, or less than, six
baffles). The baffles of the baffle core are positioned to form
expansion chambers therebetween. In some implementations, the
baffle core may further comprise a first longitudinally extending
expansion chamber and a second longitudinally extending expansion
chamber that may be in fluid communication with ports extending
through a first exterior sidewall and a second exterior sidewall,
respectively, of the baffle core. In this way, a measured portion
of any gasses trapped within the sound suppressor may be discharged
through the ports.
[0010] In some implementations, the proximal end of the firearm
sound suppressor may comprise a socket having an internal thread
that is suitable for affixing the proximal end of the firearm sound
suppressor onto a threaded muzzle of a firearm barrel.
[0011] In some implementations, the outlet aperture in the distal
end of the firearm sound suppressor is configured to permit the
unobstructed passage of a discharged projectile (i.e., a bullet).
Also, at least a portion of any gasses trapped by, and dispersed
throughout, the sound suppressor by the baffles may be discharged
through the outlet aperture.
[0012] In some implementations, each baffle may be positioned
transverse to a projectile pathway extending through the firearm
sound suppressor. In this way, propellant gasses generated by the
discharge of a firearm may be dispersed throughout the interior of
the sound suppressor, and directed away from the projectile pathway
extending therethrough, by the shearing effect of each baffle. In
some implementations, each baffle may comprise a ridge feature
having a first curved member and a second curved member extending
from opposite sides thereof, one end of each curved member is
connected to, and supported by, an interior sidewall of the baffle
core. In some implementations, the apex of each ridge feature
points towards the proximal end of the firearm sound suppressor. In
some implementations, a centrally positioned aperture extends
through the ridge feature of each baffle.
[0013] In another example implementation, the baffle core may
further comprise a longitudinally extending rib feature. Each
baffle of this baffle core may comprise a first curved member and a
second curved member that extend from opposite sides of the rib
feature, one end of each curved member is connected to an interior
sidewall of the baffle core. In some implementations, a centrally
positioned aperture may extend through the rib feature of the
baffle core. This longitudinally extending aperture defines a
portion of the projectile pathway that extends through the baffle
core and openings that connect adjacent expansion chambers. In this
way, a fired projectile is able to freely pass through the baffle
core along the longitudinal axis thereof and adjacent expansion
chambers separated by the rib feature are placed into fluid
communication. Accordingly, the longitudinally extending aperture
allows the flow of high-pressure gases resulting from the discharge
of a firearm to be dispersed throughout the interior of the sound
suppressor by the baffles.
[0014] In some implementations, each expansion chamber of the
baffle core may be configured to contain expanding propellant
gasses dispersed therein by the baffles. In this way, the expanding
gases are given time to cool as there progression through the sound
suppressor is delayed.
[0015] In some implementations, the first longitudinally extending
expansion chamber is positioned between the first interior sidewall
and the first exterior sidewall of the baffle core, and the second
longitudinally extending expansion chamber is positioned between
the second interior sidewall and the second exterior sidewall of
the baffle core.
[0016] In some implementations, the first longitudinally extending
expansion chamber and the second longitudinally extending expansion
chamber of the baffle core may be in fluid communication with a
first expansion chamber via a first passage and a second passage,
respectively. The first passage and the second passage may each
extend through a segment of the first interior sidewall and the
second interior sidewall, respectively, that separates the first
expansion chamber from the longitudinally extending expansion
chambers. In this way, at least a portion of the expanding
propellant gasses dispersed within the initial expansion chamber
are able to flow through each passage, into a first end of each
longitudinally extending expansion chamber, before exiting the
second end thereof through the ports extending through the exterior
sidewalls of the baffle core.
[0017] In some implementations, there may be no ports extending
through the exterior sidewalls of the baffle core.
[0018] In some implementations, the projectile pathway of the
baffle core extends from the inlet aperture of the proximal end,
through the aperture in each baffle, to the outlet aperture of the
distal end. In this way, when the proximal end of the firearm sound
suppressor is affixed to the muzzle of a firearm barrel, a fired
projectile is able to freely pass through the sound suppressor
along the longitudinal axis thereof, while the resulting flow of
high-pressure gases are dispersed throughout the sound suppressor
by the baffles. In some implementations, the projectile pathway may
be co-axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the firearm
sound suppressor.
[0019] In some implementations, the front plate and/or the back
plate may be removably secured to the baffle core using a plurality
of threaded fasteners. In this way, the baffle core may be serviced
by the user (e.g., cleaned and/or repaired).
[0020] In some implementations, the firearm sound suppressor may be
configured to removably secure to a flash hider, a muzzle brake,
and/or another suitable mount positioned on the muzzle of a firearm
barrel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric bottom view of an example
firearm sound suppressor according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric top view of an example
baffle core according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the firearm sound suppressor
shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is another view of the baffle core shown in FIG.
2.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric top view of another example
baffle core according to the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 is another view of the baffle core shown in FIG.
5.
[0027] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an example firearm sound suppressor
100, or silencer, according to the principles of the present
disclosure. In some implementations, the proximal end 105 of the
firearm sound suppressor 100 is configured to mount onto the muzzle
of a firearm barrel. In some implementations, the firearm sound
suppressor 100 may be configured to permit a fired projectile
(i.e., a bullet) to freely pass through the sound suppressor 100
along a longitudinal axis 102 thereof, while dispersing the
resulting flow of high-pressure gases throughout the sound
suppressor 100. In this way, the impulse noise and the muzzle flash
generated by the discharge of the firearm may be mitigated by the
firearm sound suppressor 100. In some implementations, the firearm
sound suppressor 100 may be configured to be disassembled for
service (e.g., cleaning and/or repair).
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in some implementations, the
firearm sound suppressor 100 may comprise a monolithic baffle core
120 having a front plate 110 and a back plate 115 secured
thereto.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in some implementations, the
baffle core 120 may comprise a proximal end 105, a distal end 107,
and a plurality of baffles 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f
(collectively baffles 122). While a baffle core 120 having six
baffles 122 is shown, in some implementations, the baffle core 120
may include more than six, or less than six, baffles 122. In some
implementations, the baffles 122 of the baffle core 120 are
positioned to form expansion chambers 124 therebetween. In some
implementations, the baffle core 120 may further comprise a first
longitudinally extending expansion chamber 126a and a second
longitudinally extending expansion chamber 126b that may be in
fluid communication with ports 128 extending through a first
exterior sidewall 130a and a second exterior sidewall 130b,
respectively, of the baffle core 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4). In
this way, a measured portion of any gasses trapped within the sound
suppressor 100 may be discharged through the ports 128.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in some implementations, the
proximal end 105 of the firearm sound suppressor 100 may include a
direct thread mount 106 therein. In some implementations, the
thread mount 106 may comprise a socket having an internal thread
that is suitable for affixing the proximal end 105 of the firearm
sound suppressor 100 onto a threaded muzzle of a firearm barrel. In
some implementations, the thread mount 106 is not a discrete piece
of the baffle core 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In some
implementations, the thread mount 106 is a discrete piece that is
secured to the baffle core 120 of the firearm sound suppressor
100.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the proximal
end 105 of the firearm sound suppressor 100 may also include an
inlet aperture 132a that extends from a front end of the thread
mount 106 to a first expansion chamber 124a of the baffle core 120.
In some implementations, the inlet aperture 132a may be co-axially
aligned with the socket of the direct thread mount 106. In this
way, the inlet aperture 132a may be co-axially aligned with the
bore of a firearm barrel to which the sound suppressor 100 is
affixed.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in some implementations, the
distal end 107 of the firearm sound suppressor 100 may include an
outlet aperture 132b therein that is configured to permit the
unobstructed passage of a discharged projectile (i.e., a bullet).
In this way, a discharged projectile can exit the firearm sound
suppressor 100 without making contact therewith. Also, at least a
portion of any gasses trapped, and dispersed throughout the sound
suppressor 100, by the baffles 122 may be discharged through the
outlet aperture 132b.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in some implementations, each
baffle 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f may be positioned
transverse to a projectile pathway extending through the firearm
sound suppressor 100. In this way, propellant gasses generated by
the discharge of a firearm may be dispersed throughout the interior
of the sound suppressor 100, and directed away from the projectile
pathway extending therethrough, by the shearing effect of each
baffle 122. In some implementations, each of the baffles 122 may
comprise a ridge feature 134 having a first curved member 136a and
a second curved member 136b extending from opposite sides thereof,
one end of each curved member 136a, 136b is connected to, and
supported by, an interior sidewall 140a, 140b of the baffle core
120. In some implementations, the apex of each ridge feature 134
points towards the proximal end 105 of the firearm sound suppressor
100. In some implementations, a centrally positioned aperture 138
may extend through the ridge feature of each baffle 122a, 122b,
122c, 122d, 122e, 122f (see, e.g., FIG. 4).
[0035] In some implementations, the opening defined by the inlet
aperture 132a, the central aperture 138 extending through each
baffle 122, and the outlet aperture 132b is larger than the caliber
of the projectile to be passed therethrough.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, each expansion
chamber 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, 124g of the baffle core
120 may be configured to contain expanding propellant gasses
dispersed therein by the baffles 122. In this way, the expanding
gases are given time to cool as there progression through the sound
suppressor 100 is delayed.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the volume of
the first expansion chamber 124a may be defined by the position of
the first baffle 122a relative to the back end 103 of the baffle
core 120. In some implementations, a portion of the first expansion
chamber 124a may extend rearwardly past the proximal end 105 of the
baffle core 120 on two sides thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 4).
[0038] In some implementations, the volume of the second expansion
chamber 124b may be defined by the position of the second baffle
122b relative to the first baffle 122a of the baffle core 120 (see,
e.g., FIG. 4).
[0039] In some implementations, the volume of the third expansion
chamber 124c may be defined by the position of the third baffle
122c relative to the second baffle 122b of the baffle core 120
(see, e.g., FIG. 4).
[0040] In some implementations, the volume of the fourth expansion
chamber 124d may be defined by the position of the fourth baffle
122d relative to the third baffle 122c of the baffle core 120 (see,
e.g., FIG. 4).
[0041] In some implementations, the volume of the fifth expansion
chamber 124e may be defined by the position of the fifth baffle
122e relative to the fourth baffle 122d of the baffle core 120
(see, e.g., FIG. 4).
[0042] In some implementations, the volume of the sixth expansion
chamber 124f may be defined by the position of the sixth baffle
122f relative to the fifth baffle 122e of the baffle core 120 (see,
e.g., FIG. 4).
[0043] In some implementations, the volume of the seventh expansion
chamber 124g may be defined by the position of the outlet aperture
132b relative to the sixth baffle 122f of the baffle core 120 (see,
e.g., FIG. 4).
[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the first
longitudinally extending expansion chamber 126a may be positioned
between the first interior sidewall 140a and the first exterior
sidewall 130a of the baffle core 120, and the second longitudinally
extending expansion chamber 126b may be positioned between the
second interior sidewall 140b and the second exterior sidewall 130b
of the baffle core 120.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the first
longitudinally extending expansion chamber 126a and the second
longitudinally extending expansion chamber 126b of the baffle core
120 may be in fluid communication with the first expansion chamber
124a via a first passage 142a and a second passage 142b,
respectively. In some implementations, the first passage 142a and
the second passage 142b may each extend through the segment of the
first interior sidewall 140a and the second interior sidewall 140b,
respectively, that separates the first expansion chamber 124a from
the longitudinally extending expansion chambers 126a, 126b (see,
e.g., FIGS. 2 and 4). In this way, at least a portion of the
expanding propellant gasses dispersed within the initial expansion
chamber 126a are able to flow through each passage 142a, 142b, into
a first end of each longitudinally extending expansion chamber
126a, 126b, before exiting the second end thereof through the ports
128 extending through the exterior sidewalls 130 of the baffle core
120.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, there may be
two ports 128 extending through the first exterior sidewall 130a
and/or the second exterior sidewall 130b of the baffle core 120. In
some implementations, there may be more than two, or less than two,
ports 128 extending through the first exterior sidewall 130a and/or
the second exterior sidewall 130b of the baffle core 120. In some
implementations, there may be no ports extending through the
exterior sidewalls 130a, 130b of the baffle core 120.
[0047] A shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the centrally
located projectile pathway of the baffle core 120 extends from the
inlet aperture 132a of the proximal end 105, through the central
aperture 138 of each baffle, to the outlet aperture 132b of the
distal end 107. In this way, when the proximal end 105 of the
firearm sound suppressor 100 is affixed to the muzzle of a firearm
barrel, a fired projectile is able to freely pass through the sound
suppressor 100 along the longitudinal axis 102 thereof, while the
resulting flow of high-pressure gases are dispersed throughout the
sound suppressor 100 by the baffles 122. In some implementations,
the projectile pathway may be co-axially aligned with the
longitudinal axis 102 of the firearm sound suppressor 100.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the front plate
110 and/or the back plate 115 may be removably secured to the
baffle core 120 using a plurality of threaded fasteners 112. In
this way, the baffle core 120 may be serviced by the user (e.g.,
cleaned and/or repaired). In some implementations, the front plate
110 and/or the back plate 115 may be welded along a peripheral edge
thereof to the baffle core 120 (not shown). In some
implementations, the front plate 110 and/or the back plate 115 may
be secured to the baffle core 120 using any method known to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0049] In some implementations, the front plate 110 and/or the back
plate 115 may be removably secured to the baffle core 120 using the
following steps:
[0050] Initially, in some implementations, the front plate 110 may
be positioned to overlay the front side of the baffle core 120 so
that the openings 116 extending through the front plate 110 are
aligned with the threaded openings 144 in the front side of the
baffle core 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 1).
[0051] Then, in some implementations, a threaded fastener 112 may
be inserted through each opening 116 in the front plate 110 and
threadedly secured to the aligned threaded opening 144 in the front
side of the baffle core 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In this way, the
front plate 110 may be secured to the baffle core 120.
[0052] Next, in some implementations, the back plate 115 may be
positioned to overlay the back side of the baffle core 120 so that
the openings 116 extending through the back plate 115 are aligned
with the threaded openings 144 in the back side of the baffle core
120.
[0053] Then, in some implementations, a threaded fastener 112 may
be inserted through each opening 116 in the back plate 115 and
threadedly secured to the aligned threaded opening 144 in the back
side of the baffle core 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In this way, the
back plate 115 may be secured to the baffle core 120.
[0054] In some implementations, the front plate 110 and/or the back
plate 115 may be removed from the baffle core 120 by performing the
aforementioned steps in reverse. In this way, the baffles 122, and
the baffle core 120 as a whole, may be made accessible for
maintenance.
[0055] In some implementations, each threaded opening 144 in the
front side and the back side of the baffle core 120 may extend into
a sidewall thereof (e.g., the interior sidewalls 140a, 140b as
shown in FIG. 4 and/or the exterior sidewalls 130a, 130b).
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in some implementations, the
baffle core 120 may be machined, cast, and/or fabricated from a
single piece of material.
[0057] In some implementations, the baffle core 120, the front
plate 110, and/or the back plate 115 of the firearm sound
suppressor 110 may be made from heat conducting and/or heat
absorbent materials (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, titanium,
plastics, etc.).
[0058] In some implementations, one or more washers may be used to
orient, or "time", the firearm sound suppressor 100 on the muzzle
of a firearm barrel.
[0059] In some implementations, the firearm sound suppressor 100
may be configured to removably secure to a flash hider, a muzzle
brake, and/or another suitable mount positioned on the muzzle of a
firearm barrel.
[0060] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another example implementation of a
baffle core 220 in accordance with the present disclosure. In some
implementations, the baffle core 220 is similar to the baffle core
120 discussed above but includes a longitudinally extending rib
feature 235 that is configured to support the curved members 236a,
236b of each baffle 222a, 222b, 222c, 222d, 222e, 222f
(collectively baffles 222). The baffle core 220 may be enclosed
using a front plate and a back plate that are similar to the front
plate 110 and the back plate 115 used to enclose the baffle core
120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some implementations, the rib
feature 235 of the baffle core 220 may extend between a sidewall
250 adjacent a distal end of the inlet aperture 232a and the last
baffle (e.g., baffle 2220 of the baffle core 220.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, each baffle
222a, 222b, 222c, 222d, 222e, 222f may comprise a first curved
member 236a and a second curved member 236b that extend from
opposite sides of the rib feature 235, one end of each curved
member 236a, 236b is connected to, and supported by, an interior
sidewall 240a, 240b of the baffle core 220. In this way, the rib
feature 235 supports the center of each baffle 222 and thereby
reinforces it.
[0063] In some implementations, a centrally positioned aperture 238
may extend through the rib feature 235 of the baffle core (see,
e.g., FIG. 5). The longitudinally extending aperture 238 defines a
portion of the projectile pathway that extends through the baffle
core 220 and openings 239 that connect adjacent expansion chambers
(e.g., expansion chambers 224a and 224b). In this way, a fired
projectile is able to freely pass through the baffle core 220 along
the longitudinal axis 202 thereof and adjacent expansion chambers
separated by the rib feature 235 are placed into fluid
communication (i.e., adjacent expansion chambers 224a and 224b;
224c and 224d; 224e and 224f; 224g and 224h; 224i and 224j; 224k
and 224l). Accordingly, the longitudinally extending aperture 238
allows the flow of high-pressure gases resulting from the discharge
of a firearm to be dispersed throughout the interior of the sound
suppressor (i.e., a baffle core 220 that is enclosed by a front and
rear plate) by the baffles 222.
[0064] Implementations of the baffle core 220 that include the rib
feature 235 may be particularly useful as part of a firearm sound
suppressor configured for use with a firearm that shoots high
pressure ammunition (e.g., 0.338 Lapua Magnum, 0.50 BMG, etc.).
[0065] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment"
or "implementation" or words of similar import means that a
particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the phrase "in some implementations" or a phrase of similar import
in various places throughout this specification does not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0066] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings.
[0067] The described features, structures, or characteristics may
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In
the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled
in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of
the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In
other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations
may not be shown or described in detail.
[0068] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a
particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results.
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