U.S. patent application number 16/355924 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-14 for flash signature hider.
The applicant listed for this patent is Morreau Combat, LLC. Invention is credited to Max A. Gianelloni, III, David Russell Morreau.
Application Number | 20190346227 16/355924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63519948 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190346227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gianelloni, III; Max A. ; et
al. |
November 14, 2019 |
FLASH SIGNATURE HIDER
Abstract
Flash signature hiders, and methods of manufacturing flash
signature hiders, having at least one contracting and then
expanding burn chamber are described. The contracting and then
expanding burn chamber may include one or more ribbed surfaces that
enhance burning of propellant gasses and ambient oxygen before the
gasses exit the flash signature hiders. In some examples, a burn
chamber may include a spirally threaded inner and/or outer surface,
which swirls and cools the propellant gasses to enhance burning
before the propellant gasses exit from the flash signature
hiders.
Inventors: |
Gianelloni, III; Max A.;
(Vancleave, MS) ; Morreau; David Russell; (Wilmer,
AL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Morreau Combat, LLC |
Vancleave |
MS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63519948 |
Appl. No.: |
16/355924 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15913514 |
Mar 6, 2018 |
10234231 |
|
|
16355924 |
|
|
|
|
62471399 |
Mar 15, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20130101;
F41A 21/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 21/34 20060101
F41A021/34; F41A 21/30 20060101 F41A021/30 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a firearm flash signature hider,
comprising: providing a proximal end of the flash signature hider,
the proximal end configured to attach the flash signature hider to
at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider, or a muzzle brake;
providing a distal end of the flash signature hider, the distal end
comprising a first opening for allowing a bullet to exit the flash
signature hider and a second opening for allowing gas to exit the
flash signature hider; providing an inner tube between the proximal
end and the distal end, and including a passage configured to allow
the bullet to travel through the flash signature hider; and
providing an outer tube between the proximal end and the distal
end, and at least partially surrounding the inner tube, wherein, an
outer surface of the inner tube and an inner surface of the outer
tube at least partially define a burn chamber configured to allow
burning of a gas exiting from the at least one of a firearm muzzle,
a flash hider, or a muzzle brake, wherein, at least one of the
outer surface of the inner tube or the inner surface of the outer
tube includes a contour that changes a cross-sectional area of the
burn chamber, and wherein a thickness of the outer tube changes
over a length of the burn chamber, the change in thickness of the
outer tube at least partially causing a reduction and expansion of
the cross-sectional area of the burn chamber.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximal end comprises a base
cap configured to attach to a standard fitting included in the at
least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider, or a muzzle brake,
and configured to attach to and detach from the outer tube.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximal end is configured to
attach to a muzzle brake, and gas enters the flash signature hider
via side ports included in the muzzle brake.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the distal end comprises an end
cap configured to attach to and detach from the outer tube, the end
cap including an outlet port configured to allow gas from the burn
chamber to exit the flash signature hider.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the inner tube is configured to
attach to and detach from the end cap via threading within the
first opening.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the inner tube is configured to
seat securely against the at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash
hider, or a muzzle brake, and to fixedly align center axes of the
passage and the at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider, or
a muzzle brake.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the passage of the inner tube has
a substantially uniform cross-section.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein a thickness of the inner tube
also changes over a length of the burn chamber, the change in
thickness of the inner tube also at least partially causing the
reduction and expansion of the cross-sectional area of the burn
chamber.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein a sleeve at least partially
surrounds the outer tube, and an insulating material is disposed
between the sleeve and the outer tube.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer
surface of the inner tube or the inner surface of the outer tube
includes a ribbed surface.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the burn chamber includes a
spiral contour configured to swirl gas passing through the burn
chamber.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the burn chamber is free of
baffles.
13. A method of manufacturing a firearm flash signature hider,
comprising: providing an inner tube of the flash signature hider,
the inner tube including a passage configured to allow a bullet to
travel through the flash signature hider; providing an outer tube
of the flash signature hider, the outer tube configured to at least
partially surround the inner tube and to form a burn chamber
between the inner tube and the outer sleeve; providing a base cap
attached to the outer tube and configured to attach the flash
signature hider to at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider,
or a muzzle brake; and providing an end cap attached to the outer
tube and the inner tube, the end cap including an exhaust port in
fluid communication with the burn chamber for allowing gas to exit
the flash signature hider, wherein, the inner tube is configured to
seat securely against the at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash
hider, or a muzzle brake, and to fixedly align center axes of the
passage and the at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider, or
a muzzle brake, wherein, the passage of the inner tube has a
substantially uniform cross-section, and a thickness of at least
one of the inner tube or the outer tube changes over a length of
the burn chamber to change a cross-sectional area of the burn
chamber, and wherein the base cap is removably attached to the
outer tube via a first set of cooperating threads included in the
base cap and the outer tube, the end cap is removably attached to
the outer tube via a second set of cooperating threads included in
the end cap and the outer tube, and the end cap is removably
attached to the inner tube via a third set of cooperating threads
included in the end cap and the inner tube.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the base cap is configured to
attach to a muzzle brake, and includes at least one inlet port
configured to allow gas from the muzzle brake to enter the burn
chamber.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the inner tube
changes over the length of the burn chamber.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the outer tube
changes over the length of the burn chamber.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the thicknesses of the inner
tube and the outer tube both change over the length of the burn
chamber.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the outer tube includes a solid
cylindrical wall and does not allow gas to escape from or enter the
burn chamber.
19. A method of manufacturing a firearm flash signature hider,
comprising: providing an inner tube of the flash signature hider,
the inner tube including a passage configured to allow a bullet to
travel through the flash signature hider; providing an outer tube
of the flash signature hider, the outer tube configured to at least
partially surround the inner tube and to form a burn chamber
between the inner tube and the outer tube; providing a base cap
attached to the outer tube and configured to attach the flash
signature hider to at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider,
or a muzzle brake; and providing an end cap attached to the outer
tube and the inner tube, wherein, the inner tube is configured to
seat securely against the at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash
hider, or a muzzle brake, and to fixedly align center axes of the
passage and the at least one of a firearm muzzle, a flash hider, or
a muzzle brake, wherein, the passage of the inner tube has a
substantially uniform cross-section, and a thickness of the inner
tube changes over a length of the burn chamber to change a
cross-sectional area of the burn chamber, and wherein an outer
surface of the inner tube includes a plurality of circumferential
ridges disposed at different locations along the length of the burn
chamber.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein a thickness of the outer tube
is substantially uniform along the length of the burn chamber.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/913,514, filed Mar. 6, 2018, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/471,399 filed Mar. 15, 2017 and
entitled "FLASH SUPRESSOR," the contents of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present subject matter relates to the field of firearms,
and more specifically, to flash suppressors for firearms.
[0003] There are a number of different accessories that may be
mounted to the end of a firearm barrel for different effects. One
example of such accessories are commonly referred to as muzzle
brakes, which are used to reduce upward movement of the barrel
(muzzle climb) and/or rearward movement of the barrel (recoil)
during firing by allowing propellant gasses to forcefully exit the
muzzle brake, typically through voids or gas ports, in a specified
upward and/or rearward direction. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,207,799 by Tocco depicts a number of different muzzle brakes
consisting of tubular bodies with ports that allow gasses to escape
in a generally upward manner.
[0004] Sound suppressors, or silencers, are used to reduce the
noise signature generated when firing a weapon. Noise suppression
is desirable for various reasons including stealth and protecting
the shooter and observers from hearing damage. Sound suppressors
typically use a number of internal baffles or partitions that are
connected to, or engaged with, an outer tube of the suppressor, and
positioned in a longitudinally spaced relation. There is a central
opening in each of the baffles that allows an inner tube, or a
bullet, to pass through the suppressor. A number of chambers or
compartments are defined between the baffles, and the propellant
gas is allowed to progress through each of the chambers via ports
in the baffles and/or via central openings. Such configurations can
be relatively costly to manufacture, and difficult to assemble
and/or disassemble. Moreover, they usually require a significant
amount of maintenance due to fouling of the baffles, chambers
and/or threads of the suppressor by accumulation of cartridge
powder residue. U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,635 describes a firearm
suppressor including an outer housing and a baffle stack mounted
inside the outer housing.
[0005] Flash hiders may also be used to reduce the flash of burning
gas and propellant that exits the barrel during firing. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,254 to Heath describes a flash
suppressor for use with a firearm including a plurality of
"perforations" or gas vents, arranged around the upper portion of
the device, that allow propellant gas to exit and ignite.
[0006] These accessories may be attached to a firearm barrel via
threading that is provided at the end of the firearm barrel. They
may also be attached to one another, such as attaching a silencer
to a flash hider or muzzle brake that is directly attached to the
firearm barrel. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,746 to Vaden
describes a coupler for attaching a noise suppressor, or silencer
to a firearm flash hider.
[0007] Despite advances in the art, there are still needs for
improved flash suppressors that effectively reduce the flash of a
firearm without the expensive production costs and without the
difficult assembly, disassembly, attachment, detachment and
cleaning procedures common in the field.
SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of
the disclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are further
described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary
is not intended to identify key or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation
to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009] According to first aspects of the disclosure, a firearm
flash suppressor may include a proximal end, which may be
configured to attach the flash suppressor to a firearm muzzle,
flash hider, and/or muzzle brake, and a distal end including a
first opening for allowing a bullet to exit the flash suppressor
and/or a second opening for allowing gas to exit the flash
suppressor. Embodiments may include an inner tube disposed between
the proximal end and the distal end, with a passage configured to
allow the bullet to travel through the flash suppressor, and/or an
outer tube disposed between the proximal end and the distal end,
and at least partially surrounding the inner tube.
[0010] In embodiments, an outer surface of the inner tube and an
inner surface of the outer tube may at least partially define a
burn chamber configured to allow burning of a gas exiting from the
firearm, e.g. exiting the firearm muzzle, flash hider, muzzle
brake, etc.
[0011] In embodiments, at least one of the outer surface of the
inner tube or the inner surface of the outer tube may include a
contour that changes a cross-sectional area of the burn
chamber.
[0012] In embodiments, the proximal end may include a base cap
configured to attach to a standard fitting included in the at least
one of a firearm muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake, and
configured to attach to and detach from the outer tube.
[0013] In embodiments, the proximal end may be configured to attach
to a muzzle brake, and gas enters the flash suppressor via side
ports included in the muzzle brake.
[0014] In embodiments, the distal end may include an end cap
configured to attach to and detach from the outer tube, the end cap
including an outlet port configured to allow gas from the burn
chamber to exit the flash suppressor.
[0015] In embodiments, the inner tube may be configured to attach
to and detach from the end cap via threading within the first
opening.
[0016] In embodiments, the inner tube may be configured to seat
securely against the firearm muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake,
and to fixedly align center axes of the passage and the firearm
muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake.
[0017] In embodiments, the passage of the inner tube may have a
substantially uniform cross-section.
[0018] In embodiments, a thickness of the inner tube may change
over a length of the burn chamber, with the change in thickness of
the inner tube at least partially causing a reduction and an
expansion of the cross-sectional area of the burn chamber.
[0019] In embodiments, a thickness of the outer tube may change
over a length of the burn chamber, with the change in thickness of
the outer tube at least partially causing a reduction and expansion
of the cross-sectional area of the burn chamber.
[0020] In embodiments, the outer sleeve may include an insulating
material between the inner surface of the outer sleeve and an outer
surface of the outer tube.
[0021] In embodiments, at least one of the outer surface of the
inner tube or the inner surface of the outer tube may include a
ribbed surface.
[0022] In embodiments, the burn chamber may include a plurality of
reverse jets formed by the change of the cross-sectional area of
the burn chamber.
[0023] In embodiments, the burn chamber may include a spiral
contour configured to swirl gas passing through the burn
chamber.
[0024] In embodiments, the burn chamber may be free of baffles.
[0025] According to further aspects of the disclosure, a firearm
flash suppressor may include one or more of an inner tube including
a passage configured to allow a bullet to travel through the flash
suppressor; an outer tube configured to at least partially surround
the inner tube and to form a burn chamber between the inner tube
and the outer sleeve; a base cap attached to the outer tube and
configured to attach the flash suppressor to a firearm muzzle,
flash hider, or muzzle brake; and/or an end cap attached to the
outer tube and the inner tube, the end cap including an exhaust
port in fluid communication with the burn chamber for allowing gas
to exit the flash suppressor.
[0026] In embodiments, the inner tube may be configured to seat
securely against a firearm muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake,
and to fixedly align center axes of the passage and the firearm
muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake.
[0027] In embodiments, the passage of the inner tube may have a
substantially uniform cross-section, and a thickness of the inner
tube and/or the outer tube may change over a length of the burn
chamber to change a cross-sectional area of the burn chamber.
[0028] In embodiments, the base cap may be removably attached to
the outer tube via a first set of cooperating threads included in
the base cap and the outer tube, the end cap may be removably
attached to the outer tube via a second set of cooperating threads
included in the end cap and the outer tube, and the end cap may be
removably attached to the inner tube via a third set of cooperating
threads included in the end cap and the inner tube.
[0029] In embodiments, the base cap may be configured to attach to
a muzzle brake, and include at least one inlet port configured to
allow gas from the muzzle brake to enter the burn chamber.
[0030] In embodiments, the thickness of the inner tube may change
over the length of the burn chamber.
[0031] In embodiments, the thickness of the outer tube may change
over the length of the burn chamber.
[0032] In embodiments, the thicknesses of the inner tube and the
outer tube both change over the length of the burn chamber.
[0033] In embodiments, the outer tube may be configured in a manner
that prevents gas from escaping the flash suppressor anywhere along
the length of the outer tube.
[0034] According to further aspects of the disclosure, a firearm
flash suppressor may include one or more of an inner tube including
a passage configured to allow a bullet to travel through the flash
suppressor; an outer tube configured to at least partially surround
the inner tube and to form a burn chamber between the inner tube
and the outer tube; a base cap attached to the outer tube and
configured to attach the flash suppressor to a firearm muzzle,
flash hider, or muzzle brake; and/or an end cap attached to the
outer tube and the inner tube.
[0035] In embodiments, the inner tube may be configured to seat
securely against the firearm muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake,
and to fixedly align center axes of the passage and the firearm
muzzle, flash hider, or muzzle brake.
[0036] In embodiments, the passage of the inner tube may have a
substantially uniform cross-section, and a thickness of the inner
tube may change over a length of the burn chamber to change a
cross-sectional area of the burn chamber.
[0037] In embodiments, an outer surface of the inner tube may
include a plurality of circumferential ridges along the length of
the burn chamber.
[0038] In embodiments, a thickness of the outer tube may be
substantially uniform along the length of the burn chamber.
[0039] In embodiments, the outer tube may be configured in a manner
that prevents gas from escaping the flash suppressor anywhere along
the length of the outer tube.
[0040] Other embodiments may include methods of manufacturing a
flash suppressor as described herein, and various methods of using
such devices.
[0041] These and other aspects of the invention will now become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the
following description of embodiments of the invention in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of
embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had
by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the
appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended
drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and
are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0043] FIGS. 1-3 depict a related art muzzle brake.
[0044] FIG. 4 depicts an exterior view of an exemplary flash
suppressor according to aspects of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view including further details
of the exemplary flash suppressor shown in FIG. 4.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an outer tube included
in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 4.
[0047] FIG. 7 is an isometric perspective view of an end cap
included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 4.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing additional details
of an inner tube included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG.
4.
[0049] FIG. 9 is an isometric perspective view showing additional
outer surface details of the inner tube shown in FIG. 8.
[0050] FIG. 10 depicts an exterior view of another exemplary flash
suppressor according to aspects of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including further details
of the exemplary flash suppressor shown in FIG. 10.
[0052] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an outer tube included
in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 10.
[0053] FIG. 13 is an isometric perspective view of a base cap
included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 10.
[0054] FIG. 14 is an isometric perspective view of an end cap
included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 10.
[0055] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing additional details
of an inner tube included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG.
10.
[0056] FIG. 16 is an isometric perspective view showing additional
outer surface details of the inner tube shown in FIG. 15.
[0057] FIG. 17 depicts an exterior view of another exemplary flash
suppressor according to aspects of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view including further details
of the exemplary flash suppressor shown in FIG. 17.
[0059] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an outer tube included
in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 17.
[0060] FIG. 20 is an isometric perspective view of a base cap
included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 17.
[0061] FIG. 21 is an isometric perspective view of an end cap
included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG. 17.
[0062] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing additional details
of an inner tube included in the flash suppressor shown in FIG.
17.
[0063] FIG. 23 is an isometric perspective view showing additional
outer surface details of the inner tube shown in FIG. 22.
[0064] It is to be expressly understood that the description and
drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain
embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They
are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the
particular methodology, protocols, etc., described herein, as these
may vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention. It also is to be noted that as
used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a
port" is a reference to one or more ports and equivalents thereof
known to those skilled in the art.
[0066] Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein
have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The embodiments
of the invention and the various features and advantageous details
thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting
embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in
the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following
description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in
the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of
one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the
skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated
herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing
techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the
embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended
merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the
invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in
the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly,
the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the
appended claims and applicable law.
[0067] Terms of degree may be used to describe various features of
the disclosure, and may be interpreted as follows, unless otherwise
specified. As used herein, the term "substantially" may be
interpreted as greater than 75%, and the term "approximately" may
be interpreted as .+-.10%.
[0068] As used herein, a "gas" may be understood as a
gas/propellant mixture that commonly follows a bullet as it travels
through and exits the barrel of a firearm.
[0069] As discussed herein, aspects of the disclosure may generally
describe a flash suppressor having a receiving chamber for
receiving hot gases from a firearm when a bullet is fired, and at
least one contracting and then expanding chamber in fluid
communication with the receiving chamber. The contracting and then
expanding chamber may include at least one rippled or ribbed
surface to assist with mixing of the gasses and any ambient oxygen,
which leads to enhanced burning of the propellant gasses.
Embodiments may also include a spiral chamber which circulates the
propellant gasses to allow for the complete burning thereof in a
spiraling fashion before exiting from vents provided in the flash
suppressor end cap.
[0070] FIGS. 1-3 depict a muzzle brake 20 that may be attached to
the end of a firearm barrel 10. The muzzle brake 20 includes muzzle
brake barrel threads 22, muzzle brake attachment threads 24, muzzle
brake sidewalls 25, and muzzle brake side ports 26. The muzzle
brake 20 may be attached to the firearm barrel 10 using
conventional means, such as barrel threads (shown in FIG. 11). The
muzzle brake attachment lip 23 may be used to attach a blank firing
adapter (BFA) or other accessories, and may include a nut-shaped
portion for using a wrench to securely attach and remove the muzzle
brake 20 from firearm barrel 10. The muzzle brake attachment
threads 24 may be used to attach accessories, such as sound and
noise suppressors, to the muzzle brake. When the firearm is fired,
propellant gas exits the various muzzle brake side ports 26.
[0071] For the sake of convenience and easy understanding, the
muzzle brake 20 is used as an exemplary attachment point for flash
suppressors described herein. However, other attachment means are
also possible including, for example, using differently configured
muzzle brakes and/or flash hiders, clamps, and/or direct attachment
to the firearm barrel 10.
[0072] Turning to FIG. 4, an exemplary firearm flash suppressor 100
is shown. The flash suppressor 100 includes an outer tube 150, and
an end cap 110 at the distal end 104 of the flash suppressor. As
used herein, the term "distal end" of the flash suppressor should
be understood as the end farthest away from the firearm barrel, and
the "proximal end" of the flash suppressor should be understood as
the end at which the flash suppressor is attached to the firearm.
The muzzle brake attachment lip 23 from the muzzle brake 20, shown
in FIGS. 1-3, can also be seen at the proximal end 102 of the flash
suppressor in FIG. 4.
[0073] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flash suppressor 100
shown in FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the flash suppressor 100
is attached at the proximal end 102 to the muzzle brake 20 via
outer tube threads 122 that engage with the muzzle brake attachment
threads 24.
[0074] An inner tube 130 engages with the muzzle brake distal end
28 via an annular (or otherwise shaped) groove in stabilizing
portion 136. The inner tube 130 includes a passage 132, which a
bullet can pass through and then out of the distal end of the flash
suppressor 100. In embodiments, the passage 132 can be a smooth
bore that allows the bullet to pass through the flash suppressor
without the turbulence, internal shock waves, or other
destabilizing effects of a bullet passing by the ports, internal
baffles and/or chambers of some conventional sound and/or flash
suppressors. The avoidance of such effects can improve the accuracy
of firearms using flash suppressors as described herein, compared
to firearms using similarly sized sound suppressors and/or any
equally effective flash suppressors.
[0075] As discussed further herein, the engagement of the
stabilizing portion 136 with the muzzle brake distal end 28 helps
ensure alignment of the passage 132 and the bore of the firearm,
even when the inner tube 130 is heated during firing.
[0076] The distal end 104 of the flash suppressor 100 includes an
end cap 110 that is secured to the outer tube 150 via outer tube
threads 153 and end cap outer threads 118. The end cap 110 is also
secured to the inner tube 130 via inner tube threads 135 and end
cap interior threads 116.
[0077] Thus, the exemplary flash suppressor 100 shown in FIG. 5 can
be implemented using only three components that are relatively easy
to manufacture, assemble and disassemble. Such configurations may
also avoid the use of baffles, or other objects connected to or
engaged with the inner surface 152 of the outer tube 150 and/or the
inner surface 152 of the outer tube 150.
[0078] Between the inner surface 152 of the outer tube 150 and the
outer surface 134 of the inner tube 130 is a void 170 which may be
referred to as a "burn chamber." In operation, propellant gas may
exit the muzzle brake side ports 26 and enter the burn chamber 170
as the bullet exits the muzzle brake 20 and enters the passage 132
of the inner tube 130. The propellant gas travels past a narrowing
portion 172 and through an expanding portion 176. As used herein, a
narrowing portion of a burn chamber refers to an area in which the
cross-section of the burn chamber is reduced, and an expanding
portion of a burn chamber refers to an area in which the
cross-section of the burn chamber is increased. The combination of
a narrowing portion and an expanding portion can form a reverse jet
that decreases the speed of the propellant gas traveling through
the burn chamber 170.
[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the expanding and
narrowing of the burn chamber 170 is achieved by changes in the
thickness of the inner tube 130 including a steep angle change
toward the right (distal) side of narrowing portion 172, and a more
gradual trend progressing through the expanding portion 176
(irrespective of the grooves discussed further below). The inner
surface 152 of the outer tube 150 is smooth, which can also aid in
the ease of manufacturing the outer tube 150.
[0080] The inner tube 130 also includes a plurality of annular
indentations or grooves on the outer surface 134, which can be seen
more clearly and FIGS. 8 and 9. These grooves can facilitate, among
other objects, disruption of the laminar flow of propellant gas,
inducing turbulent flow and mixing of the propellant gas with
ambient oxygen in the burn chamber. It is noted that a turbulent
flow inducing pattern may take various forms and is not limited to
the grooves shown on inner tube 130. For example, variously shaped
ridges, ripples, dimples, indentations, and/or surface treatments
may be incorporated on an inner (or outer) tube to achieve a
similar effect.
[0081] In embodiments, the turbulent flow inducing pattern, such as
the ribbed surface in expanding portion 176, may be designed such
that the pattern features stick no further than 10%, 20%, or 30% of
the way into the burn chamber.
[0082] As also shown in FIG. 5, the inner tube 130 may include one
or more inner tube ports 137 that allow fluid communication between
the passage 132 and the burn chamber 170. Such ports can be
advantageous in equalizing pressure between the burn chamber 170
and the passage 132, e.g. as the bullet passes the inner tube ports
137 and exits the flash suppressor at the distal end 104. In some
examples, more than one port or set of ports may be disposed at
different locations along the length of passage 132.
[0083] End cap 110 may also include one or more end cap ports 117
in fluid communication with the burn chamber 170 that allow
propellant gas to exit the burn chamber 170. In some examples, the
distal ends of the end cap ports 117 may be chamfered, or otherwise
shaped to further control the propellant gas, such as dispersing
and/or directing the propellant gas to reduce muzzle flash from the
shooter's perspective, directing noise away from the shooter's
ears, providing a muzzle brake effect, and/or further reducing the
propellant gas plume.
[0084] It is also noted that, for purposes of manufacturing a flash
suppressor that is attached directly to the firearm barrel, thereby
omitting the muzzle brake 20 or other intermediate attachment
mechanism, an outer tube, such as element 150, or a base cap, as
discussed further herein, may be configured to include barrel
threads like the barrel threads 22 of the muzzle brake 20, an inner
tube stabilizing means similar to the muzzle brake distal end 28,
and ports like muzzle brake side ports 26 to allow propellant gas
to enter the burn chamber 170.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, showing additional details
of the outer tube 150. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the outer tube 150
includes outer tube threads 122 at the proximal end 102, and outer
tube threads 153 at the opposite end of the outer tube 150. As
discussed above, the outer tube threads 122 are configured to
engage with the muzzle brake attachment threads 24, and the outer
tube threads 153 are configured to engage with the end cap outer
threads 118. The inner surface 152 of the outer tube 150 may be a
smooth cylindrical surface. However, as discussed further below,
other embodiments may include contours to other outer tubes' inner
surfaces.
[0086] The outer tube 150 may be configured to prevent gas from
escaping from the flash suppressor along all or part of the burn
chamber 170. For example, the outer tube 150 may be constructed of
a piece of pipe without any venting between the outer tube threads
122 and 153.
[0087] FIG. 7 is an isometric perspective view of end cap 110. As
shown in FIG. 7, end cap 110 includes end cap outer threads 118,
and end cap interior threads 116 disposed in end cap opening 113.
End cap outer threads 118 are configured to engage with the outer
tube threads 153, and end cap interior threads 116 are configured
to engage with inner tube threads 135. End cap 110 also includes a
plurality of end cap ports 117, which allow propellant gas to exit
the flash suppressor 100 via burn chamber 170. Positioning these
ports in a recessed portion of the end cap, facing away from the
user, can be advantageous in many ways, including shielding the
shooter's eyes from any remaining light plume, and directing the
report sound away from the shooter's ears. In some examples, the
openings of end cap ports 117 may be chamfered, e.g. to disperse
the propellant gas, or directionally shaped, e.g. to guide the
propellant gas toward, or away from, the end cap opening 113.
[0088] FIG. 8 is an expanded cross-sectional view of inner tube
130. As shown in FIG. 8, the inner tube 130 includes stabilizing
portion 136, in this case an annular groove around the proximal end
of the inner tube. Inner tube 130 further includes inner tube
threads 135 configured to engage with end cap interior threads 116.
As can also be seen in FIG. 8, inner tube 130 includes ribbed
surfaces 138 and 139. As mentioned above, these surfaces can
beneficially induce turbulent flow in the propellant gas to promote
rapid burning of the propellant material within the burn chamber,
thereby significantly reducing the amount of burning propellant gas
that exits the flash suppressor.
[0089] FIG. 9 is an isometric perspective view of the inner tube
130. As shown in FIG. 9, the overall width of the inner tube 130
gradually decreases along the length of the ribbed surface 138
(notwithstanding the recessed ribs included therein), thereby
expanding the portion of the burn chamber surrounding this portion.
The overall width of the inner tube 130 remains approximately
constant along the length of the ribbed surface 139
(notwithstanding the recessed ribs included therein).
[0090] Turning to FIG. 10, another exemplary firearm flash
suppressor 200 is shown. The flash suppressor 200 includes an outer
tube 250, an end cap 210 at the distal end of the flash suppressor,
and a base cap 220 at the proximal end of the flash suppressor. The
muzzle brake attachment lip 23 from the muzzle brake 20, shown in
FIGS. 1-3, can also be seen extending from the base cap 220 of the
flash suppressor in FIG. 10.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flash suppressor
200 shown in FIG. 10. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the muzzle brake
20 is attached to firearm barrel 10 via muzzle brake barrel threads
22 that engage with the barrel threads 12. Flash suppressor 200 is
attached to the muzzle brake 20 via base cap inner threads 222 that
engage with the muzzle brake attachment threads 24. Base cap 220
may further include base cap outer threads that are configured to
engage with outer tube threads 255. The base cap 220 may further
include internal surfaces, e.g. inward of the outer tube threads
255, that are shaped to direct propellant gasses escaping from the
muzzle brake 20 in a forward direction, into the burn chamber 270.
For example, a beveled opening 226 may be configured so that
propellant gas is directed from the muzzle brake side ports 26
toward the burn chamber narrowing portion 272. In some examples,
the outer sleeve 254 may be fitted to the outer tube 250, or there
may be a thermally conductive material between the outer sleeve 254
and the outer tube 250. End cap 210 and/or base cap 220 may include
a recessed portion (not shown) that supports and positions the
outer sleeve 254, e.g. in embodiments where there is an air gap
between the outer sleeve 254 and the outer tube 250.
[0092] As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-9, the flash
suppressor 200 includes an inner tube 230 that engages with the
muzzle brake distal end 28 via an annular (or otherwise shaped)
groove in stabilizing portion 236. The inner tube 230 includes a
passage 232 through which a bullet can pass through and out of the
distal end of the flash suppressor 200. In embodiments, the passage
232 can be a smooth bore that allows the bullet to pass through the
flash suppressor without the turbulence, internal shock waves, or
other destabilizing effects of a bullet passing by the ports,
internal baffles and/or chambers of some conventional sound and/or
flash suppressors.
[0093] The engagement of the stabilizing portion 236 with the
muzzle brake distal end 28 helps ensure alignment of the passage
232 and the bore of the firearm, even when the inner tube 230 is
heated during firing.
[0094] The flash suppressor 200 further includes an end cap 210
that is secured to the outer tube 250 via outer tube threads 253
and end cap outer threads 218. The end cap 210 is also secured to
the inner tube 230 via inner tube threads 235 and end cap interior
threads 216.
[0095] Thus, the exemplary flash suppressor 200 shown in FIG. 11
can be implemented using only four components that are also
relatively easy to manufacture, assemble and disassemble. Such
configurations may also avoid the use of baffles, or other objects
connected to or engaged with the inner surface 252 of the outer
tube 250 and/or the inner surface 152 of the outer tube 150.
[0096] In some examples, an outer sleeve 254 may be provided around
the inner tube 250. The outer sleeve 254 (and any insulation
disposed between the outer sleeve 254 and outer tube 250) may help
maintain the exterior of the flash suppressor at a safe
temperature, e.g. to avoid burns, and/or reduce the heat signature
of the firearm.
[0097] The inner surface 252 of the outer tube 250 is substantially
smooth, which can also aid in the ease of manufacturing the outer
tube 150. It is noted that, although the outer tube 250, and other
outer tubes described herein, may be depicted as cylindrical with
circular cross-sections, other cross-sectional shapes are also
possible, including ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles,
hexagons, and various other shapes that a manufacturer may
envision.
[0098] Between the inner surface 252 of the outer tube 250 and the
outer surface 234 of the inner tube 230 is a void 270 which may
also be referred to as a "burn chamber." As with the embodiment
described above, during operation of the flash suppressor 200,
propellant gas may exit the muzzle brake side ports 26 and enter
the burn chamber 270 as the bullet exits the muzzle brake 20 and
enters the passage 232 of the inner tube 230. The propellant gas
travels past a narrowing portion 272 and through an expanding
portion 276. Again, the combination of a narrowing portion and an
expanding portion can form a reverse jet that decreases the speed
of the propellant gas traveling through the burn chamber 270.
[0099] The inner tube 230 also includes a plurality of annular
indentations or grooves on the outer surface 234, which can be seen
more clearly and FIGS. 15 and 16. These grooves can facilitate,
among other objects, disruption of the laminar flow of propellant
gas, inducing turbulent flow and mixing of the propellant gas with
ambient oxygen in the burn chamber.
[0100] As also shown in FIG. 11, the inner tube 230 may include one
or more inner tube ports 237 that allow fluid communication between
the passage 232 and the burn chamber 270. Such ports can be
advantageous in equalizing pressure as the bullet passes the ports
237 and exits the flash suppressor at the distal end via opening
213 in the end cap.
[0101] End cap 210 may also include one or more end cap ports 217
in fluid communication with the burn chamber 270 that allow
propellant gas to exit the burn chamber 270. As with the previously
described embodiment, the distal ends of the end cap ports may be
chamfered, or otherwise shaped to further control the propellant
gas, such as dispersing and/or directing it to provide a muzzle
brake effect and/or further reduce the propellant gas plume.
[0102] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view, showing additional
details of the outer tube 250 and associated outer sleeve 254. As
can be seen in FIG. 12, the outer tube 250 includes outer tube
threads 255 at the proximal end, and outer tube threads 253 at the
opposite end of the outer tube 250. As discussed above, the outer
tube threads 255 are configured to engage with the base cap outer
threads 224, and the outer tube threads 253 are configured to
engage with the end cap outer threads 218. The inner surface 152 of
the outer tube 150 may be a smooth cylindrical surface. However, as
discussed further herein, other embodiments may include contours on
other outer tubes' inner surfaces.
[0103] The outer tube 250 may be configured to prevent gas from
escaping from the flash suppressor along all or part of the burn
chamber 270. For example, the outer tube 250 may be constructed of
a piece of pipe without any venting between the outer tube threads
255 and 253.
[0104] FIG. 13 is an isometric perspective view of base cap 220. As
shown in FIG. 13, base cap 220 includes base cap outer threads 224,
and base cap interior threads 222 disposed in the base cap opening
223. Base cap outer threads 224 are configured to engage with the
outer tube threads 255, and base cap interior threads 222 are
configured to engage with muzzle brake attachment threads 24.
[0105] FIG. 14 is an isometric perspective view of end cap 210. As
shown in FIG. 14, end cap 210 includes end cap outer threads 218,
and end cap interior threads 216 disposed in end cap opening 213.
End cap outer threads 218 are configured to engage with the outer
tube threads 253, and end cap interior threads 216 are configured
to engage with inner tube threads 235. End cap 210 also includes a
plurality of end cap ports 217, which allow propellant gas to exit
the flash suppressor 200 via burn chamber 270. Positioning these
ports 217 in a recessed portion of the end cap 210, facing away
from the user, can be advantageous in many ways, including
shielding the shooter's eyes from any remaining light plume, and
directing the report sound away from the shooter's ears. In some
examples, the openings of end cap ports 217 may be chamfered, e.g.
to disperse the propellant gas, or directionally shaped, e.g. to
guide the propellant gas toward, or away from, the end cap opening
213.
[0106] FIG. 15 is an expanded cross-sectional view of inner tube
230. As shown in FIG. 15, the inner tube 230 includes stabilizing
portion 236, in this case an annular groove around the proximal end
of the inner tube. Inner tube 230 further includes inner tube
threads 235 configured to engage with end cap interior threads 216.
As can also be seen in FIG. 15, inner tube 230 includes ribbed
surfaces 238 and 239. As mentioned above, these surfaces can
beneficially induce turbulent flow in the propellant gas to promote
rapid burning of the propellant material within the burn chamber,
thereby significantly reducing the amount of burning propellant gas
that exits the flash suppressor.
[0107] FIG. 16 is an isometric perspective view of the inner tube
230. As shown in FIG. 16, the overall width of the inner tube 230
gradually decreases along the length of the ribbed surface 238
(notwithstanding the recessed ribs included therein), thereby
expanding the portion of the burn chamber surrounding this portion.
The overall width of the inner tube 230 remains approximately
constant along the length of the ribbed surface 239
(notwithstanding the recessed ribs included therein).
[0108] Turning to FIG. 17, yet another exemplary firearm flash
suppressor 300 is shown. The flash suppressor 300 includes an outer
tube 350, an end cap 310 at the distal end of the flash suppressor,
and a base cap 320 at the proximal end of the flash suppressor. The
muzzle brake attachment lip 23 from the muzzle brake 20, shown in
FIGS. 1-3, can also be seen extending from the base cap 320 of the
flash suppressor in FIG. 17.
[0109] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the flash suppressor
300 shown in FIG. 17. As can be seen in FIG. 18, the flash
suppressor 300 is attached to the muzzle brake 20 via base cap
inner threads 322 that engage with the muzzle brake attachment
threads 24. Base cap 320 may further include base cap outer threads
that are configured to engage with outer tube threads 355. The base
cap 320 may further include internal surfaces, e.g. inward of the
outer tube threads 355, that are shaped to direct propellant gasses
escaping from the muzzle brake 20 in a forward direction, into the
burn chamber 370. For example, a beveled opening 326 of the base
cap 320 may be configured so that propellant gas is directed from
the muzzle brake side ports 26 toward the burn chamber narrowing
portion 372.
[0110] The flash suppressor 300 includes an inner tube 330 that
engages with the muzzle brake distal end 28 via an annular (or
otherwise shaped) groove in stabilizing portion 336. The inner tube
330 includes a passage 332 through which a bullet can pass through
and out of the distal end of the flash suppressor 300. In
embodiments, the passage 332 can be a smooth bore that allows the
bullet to pass through the flash suppressor without the turbulence,
internal shock waves, or other destabilizing effects of a bullet
passing by the ports, internal baffles and/or chambers of some
conventional sound and/or flash suppressors.
[0111] The engagement of the stabilizing portion 336 with the
muzzle brake distal end 28 helps ensure alignment of the passage
232 and the bore of the firearm, even when the inner tube 230 is
heated during firing. The inventors have found that such features
are important, particularly with longer flash suppressors such as
shown in FIG. 17, because as the inner tube heats up during firing,
there is a risk of the tube "drooping" out of perfect alignment
with the muzzle bore, which can result in a catastrophic failure as
the bullet impacts rather than travels through the inner tube.
[0112] The flash suppressor 300 further includes an end cap 310
that is secured to the outer tube 350 via outer tube threads 353
and end cap outer threads 318. The end cap 310 is also secured to
the inner tube 330 via inner tube threads 335 and end cap interior
threads 316. Securely lodging the inner tube 330 against the distal
end 28 of the muzzle brake 20, or other rigid platform, can be
achieved via compression applied, for example, by the end cap
310.
[0113] Thus, the exemplary flash suppressor 300 shown in FIG. 18
can also be implemented using only four components that are
relatively easy to manufacture, assemble and disassemble. Such
configurations may also avoid the use of baffles, or other objects
connected to or engaged with the inner surface 352 of the outer
tube 350 and/or the inner surface 352 of the outer tube 350.
[0114] In some examples, an outer sleeve 354 may be provided around
the inner tube 350. The outer sleeve 354 (and any insulation 358
disposed between the outer sleeve 354 and outer tube 350) may help
maintain the exterior of the flash suppressor at a safe
temperature, e.g. to avoid burns, and/or reduce the heat signature
of the firearm.
[0115] In some examples, an outer sleeve such as 254 or 354 may be
drilled, or otherwise patterned with voids, ridges and/or recesses,
to act as a heat sink for the flash suppressor. In some cases, the
insulation 358, or void between outer tube 250 and outer sleeve
254, may be replaced or filled with a thermally conductive
material/layer that transfers heat from the outer tube 250, 350 to
the outer sleeve 254, 354. In other cases, an air gap may be
present between the outer tube 250 and the outer sleeve 254, or
between the outer tube 350 and the outer sleeve 354.
[0116] Unlike previous examples, the inner surface 352 of the outer
tube 350 is contoured to provide areas of differing thickness,
which can be used to further alter the cross-sectional area of the
burn tube 370 along the length of the flash suppressor 300, as
described further below. The different wall thicknesses can be
achieved in numerous way, including direct patterning of the outer
tube 350, using inserts, and/or otherwise forming the desired
contour inside of a cylindrical pipe.
[0117] Between the inner surface 352 of the outer tube 350 and the
outer surface 334 of the inner tube 330 is a void 370 which may
also be referred to as a "burn chamber." As with the embodiments
described above, during operation of the flash suppressor 300,
propellant gas may exit the muzzle brake side ports 26 and enter
the burn chamber 370 as the bullet exits the muzzle brake 20 and
enters the passage 332 of the inner tube 330. The propellant gas
travels past a first narrowing portion 372 and through a first
expanding portion 376, and then travels past a second narrowing
portion 373 and through a second expanding portion 377. In this
regard, the inventors have found that the combination of multiple
narrowing and expanding portions can be used to even further
decrease the speed of the propellant gas traveling through the burn
chamber 370, providing additional time for complete or near
complete burning of the propellant gas. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the narrowing and/or expanding portions may be
differently sized. For example, the portion of the burn chamber
defined by the first narrowing portion 372 and the first expanding
portion 376 may be larger than the portion of the burn chamber
defined by the second narrowing portion 373 and the second
expanding portion 377.
[0118] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the overall thickness of
inner tube 330 also changes over portions of the burn chamber.
However, embodiments may also include configurations in which the
thickness of inner tube 330 is constant or approximately constant,
and changes in the burn chamber's cross-sectional area are caused
solely by contour variations of the inner surface 352 of the outer
tube 350.
[0119] The burn chamber 370 also includes a spiral portion 379, in
which a spiral pattern 399 (winding around the inner tube 330) is
formed on the inner surface 352 of the outer tube 350. Such
features may be machined, or otherwise integrally formed, with the
outer tube 350, or may use a separately formed material, such as an
insert. In the spiral portion 379, swirling of the propellant gas
is induced via the spiral contour on the inner surface 352 to even
further facilitate mixture of the propellant gas and ambient
oxygen. In embodiments the spiral pattern 399 included on the inner
surface 352 may be configured not to touch the inner tube 330. As
with certain other configurations described herein, it should be
appreciated that the bullet traveling through the passage 332 is
physically separated from, and undisturbed by the gasses flowing
through spiral portion 379, with the exception of pressure
equalization via inner tube ports 337, which may be located in
other more distal positions or omitted entirely. Even with slight
perturbations that may result from pressure equalization through
inner tube ports 337, a bullet leaving the flash suppressor 300 can
still be significantly more stable than a bullet leaving a
conventional sound or flash suppressor with multiple ports, baffles
and/or chambers that can cause myriad destabilizing micropressure
increases and decreases.
[0120] It is also noted that a similar spiral contour may be
included on outer surface 334 of the inner tube 330, with or
without a corresponding spiral pattern 399 included on the inner
surface 352 of the outer tube 350.
[0121] The inner tube 330 also includes a plurality of annular
indentations or grooves on the outer surface 334, which can be seen
more clearly and FIGS. 22 and 23. These grooves can facilitate,
among other objects, disruption of the laminar flow of propellant
gas, inducing turbulent flow and mixing of the propellant gas with
ambient oxygen in the burn chamber.
[0122] As also shown in FIG. 18, the inner tube 330 may include one
or more inner tube ports 337 that allow fluid communication between
the passage 332 and the burn chamber 370. Such ports can be
advantageous in equalizing pressure as the bullet passes the ports
337 and exits the flash suppressor at the distal end via opening
313 in the end cap.
[0123] In some embodiments, inner tube ports 337 may be relocated
to a more distal position, e.g. between the spiral portion 337 and
the end cap 310.
[0124] End cap 310 may also include one or more end cap ports 317
in fluid communication with the burn chamber 370 that allow
propellant gas to exit the burn chamber 370. As with the previously
described embodiments, the distal ends of the end cap ports may be
chamfered, or otherwise shaped to further control the propellant
gas, such as dispersing and/or directing it to provide a muzzle
brake effect and/or further reduce the propellant gas plume.
[0125] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view, showing additional
details of the outer tube 350. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the outer
tube 350 includes outer tube threads 355 at the proximal end, and
outer tube threads 353 at the opposite end of the outer tube 350.
As discussed above, the outer tube threads 355 are configured to
engage with the base cap outer threads 324, and the outer tube
threads 353 are configured to engage with the end cap outer threads
318. The inner surface 352 of the outer tube 350 may be contoured
to provide a plurality of outer tube thickening and thinning
regions that may narrow and expand the cross-sectional area of the
burn chamber, respectively. For example, the outer tube 350
includes thickening regions 392 and 393 where the thickness of the
outer tube 350 increases in the distal direction. Outer tube 350
also includes thinning regions 396 and 397 where the thickness of
the outer tube 350 decreases in the distal direction. These surface
contours, along with longitudinal changes in the outer surface 334
of the inner tube 330, provide for the narrowing (372, 373) and
expanding (376, 377) portions of the burn chamber 370 shown in FIG.
18. FIG. 19 also shows the spiral pattern 399, on the inner surface
352 of the outer tube 350, that forms the spiral portion 379 of the
burn chamber 370.
[0126] In some embodiments, a spiral pattern like 399 may be used
independently of any narrowing and/or expanding portions,
effectively relying on the swirling of the propellant gas to mix
and burn the gas before exiting the flash suppressor. For example,
a flash suppressor may include an outer tube with a spiral pattern
like 399 and/or an inner tube with an outer surface that has a
corresponding or counter-spiral pattern, that swirl the propellant
gasses and enhance burning without the use of a narrowing and/or
expanding portion as described above.
[0127] The outer tube 350 may be configured to prevent gas from
escaping from the flash suppressor 300 along all or part of the
burn chamber 370. For example, the outer tube 350 may be
constructed of a piece of pipe without any venting between the
outer tube threads 355 and 353.
[0128] FIG. 20 is an isometric perspective view of base cap 320. As
shown in FIG. 20, base cap 320 includes base cap outer threads 324,
and base cap interior threads 322 disposed in the base cap opening
323. Base cap outer threads 324 are configured to engage with the
outer tube threads 355, and base cap interior threads 322 are
configured to engage with muzzle brake attachment threads 24.
[0129] FIG. 21 is an isometric perspective view of end cap 310. As
shown in FIG. 21, end cap 310 includes end cap outer threads 318,
and end cap interior threads 316 disposed in end cap opening 313.
End cap outer threads 318 are configured to engage with the outer
tube threads 353, and end cap interior threads 316 are configured
to engage with inner tube threads 335. End cap 310 also includes a
plurality of end cap ports 317, which allow propellant gas to exit
the flash suppressor 300 via burn chamber 370. Positioning these
ports 317 in a recessed portion of the end cap 310, facing away
from the user, can be advantageous in many ways, including
shielding the shooter's eyes from any remaining light plume, and
directing the report sound away from the shooter's ears. In some
examples, the openings of end cap ports 317 may be chamfered, e.g.
to disperse the propellant gas, or directionally shaped, e.g. to
guide the propellant gas toward, or away from, the end cap opening
313.
[0130] FIG. 22 is an expanded cross-sectional view of inner tube
330. As shown in FIG. 22, the inner tube 330 includes stabilizing
portion 336, in this case an annular groove around the proximal end
of the inner tube. Inner tube 330 further includes inner tube
threads 335 configured to engage with end cap interior threads 316.
As can also be seen in FIG. 22, inner tube 330 includes ribbed
surfaces 338, 339 and 340. As mentioned above, these surfaces can
beneficially induce turbulent flow in the propellant gas to promote
rapid burning of the propellant material within the burn chamber,
thereby significantly reducing the amount of burning propellant gas
that exits the flash suppressor.
[0131] FIG. 23 is an isometric perspective view of the inner tube
330. As shown in FIG. 23, the overall width of the inner tube 230
gradually decreases along the length of the ribbed surface 338
(notwithstanding the recessed ribs included therein), thereby
expanding the surrounding portion 376 of the burn chamber 370. The
overall width of the inner tube 230 also gradually decreases along
the length of the ribbed surface 339 (notwithstanding the recessed
ribs included therein), thereby expanding the surrounding portion
377 of the burn chamber 370. The overall width of the inner tube
230 then gradually increases along the length of the ribbed surface
340 (notwithstanding the recessed ribs included therein), thereby
narrowing the surrounding portion of the burn chamber 370,
including parts of the spiral portion 379.
[0132] Although many of the connections described herein have used
threaded coupling, embodiments may include any form of joining that
are known in the art. For example, parts may be joined together
using clamps, cams, teeth and slots, compression fittings, etc. In
some cases, parts may be permanently or semi-permanently joined
together such as by welding, brazing, epoxying, or other means that
may effectively prevent a user from disassembling the flash
suppressor or its constituent parts.
[0133] Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be
combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein
in some examples of implementation, unless otherwise specified.
[0134] Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation
of certain embodiments have not been described or illustrated as
they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary
skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may
lack and/or may function without any element that is not
specifically disclosed herein.
[0135] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *