U.S. patent application number 16/574387 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for multi-configuration suppressor.
The applicant listed for this patent is SilencerCo LLC. Invention is credited to Jacob Turnblom.
Application Number | 20200182578 16/574387 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70970667 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200182578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turnblom; Jacob |
June 11, 2020 |
Multi-Configuration Suppressor
Abstract
A suppressor for a firearm uses a container tube to house
pluralities of first and second baffles having truncated cones. The
baffles may be arranged so that all of their cones project toward
the muzzle of the firearm, or so that the plurality of second
baffles, located distal to the muzzle, project away from the
muzzle. The baffles include blast baffles having spacer portions
which project toward and away from the muzzle of the firearm.
Inventors: |
Turnblom; Jacob; (West
Valley City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SilencerCo LLC |
West Valley City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70970667 |
Appl. No.: |
16/574387 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62765062 |
Aug 16, 2018 |
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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 suppressor for a firearm having a barrel defining a firing
axis, said barrel having a muzzle end, said suppressor comprising:
a first container tube having first and second ends oppositely
disposed; a muzzle attachment cap mounted on said first end of said
first container tube, said muzzle attachment cap defining an
entrance opening adapted to receive said muzzle end of said barrel;
a first plurality of baffles positioned within said first container
tube, said first plurality of baffles including at least a first
baffle comprising a blast baffle, said blast baffle comprising: a
truncated cone defining an aperture aligned coaxially with said
firing axis, said truncated cone projecting in a direction toward
said muzzle attachment cap; a first spacer portion surrounding said
truncated cone and projecting along said firing axis in said
direction toward said muzzle attachment cap; and a second spacer
portion surrounding said truncated cone and projecting along said
firing axis in an opposite direction away from said muzzle
attachment cap.
2. The suppressor according to claim 1, wherein said blast baffle
is positioned adjacent to said muzzle attachment cap.
3. The suppressor according to claim 1, wherein said first
plurality of baffles includes a second baffle comprising: a second
truncated cone defining a second aperture aligned coaxially with
said firing axis, said second truncated cone projecting in said
direction toward said muzzle attachment cap; a skirt surrounding
said second truncated cone and projecting in said opposite
direction away from said muzzle attachment cap.
4. The suppressor according to claim 3, wherein said blast baffle
is positioned between said muzzle attachment cap and said second
baffle.
5. The suppressor according to claim 1, wherein said muzzle
attachment cap comprises helical threads surrounding said
opening.
6. The suppressor according to claim 1, wherein said first
container tube has a round cross section.
7. The suppressor according to claim 1, further comprising a front
cap attached to said second end of said first container tube, said
front cap defining an exit opening aligned with said firing
axis.
8. The suppressor according to claim 3, further comprising: a
second container tube having first and second ends oppositely
disposed, said first end of said second container tube being
attached to said second end of said first container tube; a second
plurality of baffles positioned within said second container tube,
said second plurality of baffles comprising at least one said blast
baffle and one said second baffle.
9. The suppressor according to claim 8, wherein said blast baffle
is positioned between said second baffle and said first container
tube.
10. The suppressor according to claim 8, further comprising a front
cap attached to said second end of said second container tube, said
front cap defining an exit opening aligned with said firing
axis.
11. The suppressor according to claim 8, further comprising a
coupler tube positioned between said first and said second
container tubes, said coupler tube effecting a joint between said
first and second container tubes.
12. The suppressor according to claim 11, wherein said coupler tube
surrounds a third baffle, said third baffle comprising a third
truncated cone defining an aperture.
13. The suppressor according to claim 12, wherein said third
truncated cone projects in said direction toward said muzzle
attachment cap.
14. A suppressor for a firearm having a barrel defining a firing
axis, said barrel having a muzzle end, said suppressor comprising:
a container tube having first and second ends oppositely disposed;
a muzzle attachment cap mounted on said first end of said container
tube, said muzzle attachment cap defining an entrance opening
adapted to receive said muzzle end of said barrel; a front cap
attached to said second end of said container tube, said front cap
defining an exit opening aligned with said firing axis; a plurality
of first baffles positioned within said container tube, each of
said first baffles comprising a first truncated cone defining a
first aperture aligned coaxially with said firing axis, said first
truncated cones projecting in a direction toward said muzzle
attachment cap; a plurality of second baffles positioned within
said container tube, each of said second baffles comprising a
second truncated cone defining a second aperture aligned coaxially
with said firing axis, said second truncated cones projecting in a
direction away from said muzzle attachment cap.
15. The suppressor according to claim 14, wherein said plurality of
first baffles are positioned between said plurality of second
baffles and said muzzle attachment cap.
16. The suppressor according to claim 15, wherein: at least one of
said first baffles comprises a blast baffle, said blast baffle
comprising: a first spacer portion surrounding said truncated cone
and projecting along said firing axis in said direction toward said
muzzle attachment cap; and a second spacer portion surrounding said
truncated cone and projecting along said firing axis in an opposite
direction away from said muzzle attachment cap.
17. The suppressor according to claim 16, wherein said blast baffle
is positioned proximate to said muzzle attachment cap.
18. The suppressor according to claim 15, wherein at least one of
said first baffles comprises a skirt surrounding said truncated
cone and projecting in said opposite direction away from said
muzzle attachment cap.
19. The suppressor according to claim 15, wherein: at least one of
said second baffles comprises a blast baffle, said blast baffle
comprising: a first spacer portion surrounding said truncated cone
and projecting along said firing axis in said direction toward said
muzzle attachment cap; and a second spacer portion surrounding said
truncated cone and projecting along said firing axis in an opposite
direction away from said muzzle attachment cap.
20. The suppressor according to claim 19, wherein said blast baffle
is positioned proximate to said front cap.
21. The suppressor according to claim 15, wherein at least one of
said second baffles comprises a skirt surrounding said truncated
cone and projecting in said direction toward said muzzle attachment
cap.
22. The suppressor according to claim 14, wherein said container
tube comprises: a first container tube portion having a first end
attached to said muzzle attachment cap and a second end oppositely
disposed, said plurality of first baffles being positioned within
said first container tube portion; a second container tube portion
having a first end attached to said second end of said first
container tube portion and a second end attached to said front cap,
said plurality of second baffles being positioned within said
second container tube portion.
23. The suppressor according to claim 22, further comprising a
coupler tube positioned between said first and second container
tube portions.
24. The suppressor according to claim 22, wherein said first and
second container tube portions are releasably attached to one
another.
25. The suppressor according to claim 22, wherein said first and
second container tube portions have a round cross section.
26. The suppressor according to claim 14, wherein said container
tube has a non-round cross section.
27. The suppressor according to claim 26, wherein said container
tube comprises a plurality of segments.
28. The suppressor according to claim 27, further comprising at
least one tension rod extending between said segments and holding
said segments together.
29. The suppressor according to claim 27, wherein each said segment
comprises a spacer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims benefit of
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/765,062, filed Aug.
16, 2018 which application is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to noise suppressors for firearms
optimized for both rifles and pistols.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Suppressors for firearms are specifically adapted to the
type of firearm; i.e., pistol or rifle, and are not optimally
configurable between the two. It would be advantageous to have a
suppressor which is configurable for optimal noise suppression in
both rifles and pistols.
SUMMARY
[0004] The invention concerns a suppressor for a firearm having a
barrel defining a firing axis. The barrel has a muzzle end. In one
example embodiment the suppressor comprises a first container tube
having first and second ends oppositely disposed. A muzzle
attachment cap is mounted on the first end of the first container
tube. The muzzle attachment cap defines an entrance opening adapted
to receive the muzzle end of the barrel. A first plurality of
baffles is positioned within the first container tube. The first
plurality of baffles include at least a first baffle comprising a
blast baffle. In one example the blast baffle comprises a truncated
cone defining an aperture aligned coaxially with the firing axis.
The truncated cone projects in a direction toward the muzzle
attachment cap. A first spacer portion surrounds the truncated cone
and projects along the firing axis in the direction toward the
muzzle attachment cap. A second spacer portion surrounds the
truncated cone and projects along the firing axis in an opposite
direction away from the muzzle attachment cap.
[0005] In an example embodiment the blast baffle is positioned
adjacent to the muzzle attachment cap. By way of example the first
plurality of baffles includes a second baffle comprising a second
truncated cone defining a second aperture aligned coaxially with
the firing axis. The second truncated cone projects in the
direction toward the muzzle attachment cap. A skirt surrounds the
second truncated cone and projects in the opposite direction away
from the muzzle attachment cap. In an example embodiment the blast
baffle is positioned between the muzzle attachment cap and the
second baffle. In an example embodiment the muzzle attachment cap
comprises helical threads surrounding the opening. Further by way
of example the first container tube may have a round cross section.
In a further example, a front cap is attached to the second end of
the first container tube. The front cap defines an exit opening
aligned with the firing axis.
[0006] An example suppressor may further comprise a second
container tube having first and second ends oppositely disposed.
The first end of the second container tube is attached to the
second end of the first container tube. A second plurality of
baffles are positioned within the second container tube. The second
plurality of baffles comprise at least one blast baffle and one
second baffle. In an example embodiment the blast baffle is
positioned between the second baffle and the first container tube.
In a further example, a front cap is attached to the second end of
the second container tube. The front cap defines an exit opening
aligned with the firing axis.
[0007] An example suppressor embodiment may also comprise a coupler
tube positioned between the first and the second container tubes.
The coupler tube effects a joint between the first and second
container tubes. By way of example the coupler tube may surround a
third baffle. The third baffle comprises a third truncated cone
defining an aperture. In an example embodiment the third truncated
cone projects in the direction toward the muzzle attachment
cap.
[0008] The invention also encompasses a suppressor for a firearm
having a barrel defining a firing axis, the barrel having a muzzle
end, wherein an example suppressor comprises a container tube
having first and second ends oppositely disposed. A muzzle
attachment cap is mounted on the first end of the container tube.
The muzzle attachment cap defines an entrance opening adapted to
receive the muzzle end of the barrel. A front cap is attached to
the second end of the container tube. The front cap defines an exit
opening aligned with the firing axis. A plurality of first baffles
is positioned within the container tube. Each of the first baffles
comprises a first truncated cone defining a first aperture aligned
coaxially with the firing axis. The first truncated cones project
in a direction toward the muzzle attachment cap. A plurality of
second baffles is positioned within the container tube. Each of the
second baffles comprises a second truncated cone defining a second
aperture aligned coaxially with the firing axis. The second
truncated cones project in a direction away from the muzzle
attachment cap.
[0009] In an example embodiment the plurality of first baffles is
positioned between the plurality of second baffles and the muzzle
attachment cap. Further by way of example, at least one of the
first baffles comprises a blast baffle. An example blast baffle
comprises a first spacer portion surrounding the truncated cone and
projecting along the firing axis in the direction toward the muzzle
attachment cap, and a second spacer portion surrounding the
truncated cone and projecting along the firing axis in an opposite
direction away from the muzzle attachment cap. By way of example
the blast baffle may be positioned proximate to the muzzle
attachment cap. Further by way of example at least one of the first
baffles comprises a skirt surrounding the truncated cone and
projecting in the opposite direction away from the muzzle
attachment cap. In an example embodiment, at least one of the
second baffles comprises a blast baffle. In an example embodiment
the blast baffle is positioned proximate to the front cap.
[0010] Further by way of example at least one of the second baffles
comprises a skirt surrounding the truncated cone and projecting in
the direction toward the muzzle attachment cap. In an example
embodiment the container tube comprises a first container tube
portion having a first end attached to the muzzle attachment cap
and a second end oppositely disposed. The plurality of first
baffles is positioned within the first container tube portion. A
second container tube portion has a first end attached to the
second end of the first container tube portion and a second end
attached to the front cap. The plurality of second baffles is
positioned within the second container tube portion in this
example. Further by way of example a coupler tube may be positioned
between the first and second container tube portions. In an example
the first and second container tube portions may be releasably
attached to one another. In an example embodiment the first and
second container tube portions may have a round cross section.
Further by way of example the container tube may have a non-round
cross section. Additionally by way of example, the container tube
may comprise a plurality of segments. At least one tension rod
extends between the segments and holds the segments together. In an
example embodiment, each segment comprises a spacer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of an
example suppressor according to the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suppressor
shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a baffle on an enlarged
scale;
[0014] FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric longitudinal sectional views of
baffles on an enlarged scale;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of another
example suppressor according to the invention;
[0016] FIGS. 7-9 are longitudinal sectional views of additional
example suppressors according to the invention;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of example
non-round suppressor configured for a pistol; and
[0018] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of example
non-round suppressor configured for a rifle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example embodiment of a suppressor 10
arranged in a first configuration 12 for use on a pistol. The
exploded view of FIG. 1 shows a coupler tube 14 and two container
tubes, a first container tube 16 and a second container tube 18.
For effective suppression, first tubes 16 ranging in length from
about 1 inches to about 4 inches and from 0.5 inches to about 1.5
inches in diameter are considered feasible, as are second tubes
also ranging in length from about 1 inches to about 4 inches and
from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches in diameter. Tubes 16 and
18 may be of equal length, or, as shown in this embodiment, of
unequal length. In this example embodiment the container tubes 16
and 18 are hollow and cylindrical, but non-round cross sectional
shapes are also feasible. As shown in this example, the coupler
tube 14 may comprise at least one baffle 20 positioned therein. In
this example embodiment both the container tubes 16 and 18 have
outer (male) helical threads 22 at both ends. The male helical
threads 22 of the container tubes 16 and 18 are engageable with
internal (female) helical threads 24 arranged on opposite ends of
the coupler tube 14 to permit the container tubes 16 and 18 to be
coupled together as shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] For the suppressor 10 in pistol configuration 12 shown in
FIG. 2, both the container tubes 16 and 18 receive a first
plurality of baffles 26. In this example embodiment, the first
container tube 16 is sized to receive three baffles 26, one "blast"
baffle 26a, and two "standard" baffles 26b. The second container
tube 18 is sized to receive five baffles 26, one blast baffle 26a
and four standard baffles 26b. Although two container tubes are
used in this example, other embodiments, having fewer or more
container tubes are also feasible.
[0021] As shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, standard baffles 26b
(and baffle 20 of the coupler tube 14) comprise a truncated cone 28
extending along the firing axis 30 and defining an opening 32
arranged coaxially with firing axis 30 through which a projectile
will pass. In this example embodiment the truncated cone 28 is
ported, with the port 34 located near the small diameter end of the
truncated cone. Non-ported baffles are also feasible, as well as
multiple ports in a truncated cone. Each standard baffle 26b
further comprises a spacer 36, in this example a cylindrical skirt
38 which surrounds the large diameter end of the truncated cone 28
and which projects along the firing axis 30 in the opposite
direction from the truncated cone 28. Spacers 36 support the cones
28 in spaced relation when assembled in the baffle stack 40 (see
FIG. 2), and may be integrally formed with the cones, or separate
piece parts. In this example embodiment each standard baffle 26b
has a projection 42 positioned at one end of spacer 36, and a notch
44 positioned at the opposite end of the spacer. The projections 42
and notches 44 constrain relative position of the ports 34 in cones
28, and the projections 42 of one baffle 26b are received within
the notches 44 of a neighboring baffle when formed into the baffle
stack 40 (see FIG. 2). In this example embodiment all of the ports
34 align with one another lengthwise along the firing axis 30 for
optimum suppressor performance.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the baffle cone 28 the
blast baffle 26a comprises a spacer 46 which surrounds the baffle
cone and has a spacer portion 46a which projects along the firing
axis 30 in the direction of cone 28, and a spacer portion 46b which
in the opposite direction from the cone 28. spacer portion 46b has
a notch 44 which accepts a projection 42 from a standard baffle 26b
to constrain relative position of the ports 34 in the standard and
blast baffles when in the baffle stack 40 (FIG. 2). Blast baffle
26a in the first tube 16 is positioned in baffle stack 40 closest
to the firearm muzzle 48. The spacer portion 46a provides a support
interface between the baffle stack 40 and a muzzle attachment cap
50 (see also FIG. 1). Muzzle attachment cap 50 may comprise one or
more component parts and has internal (female) helical threads 52
which receive outer (male) helical threads 22 on the end of the
first tube 16. A shoulder 56 is positioned within the muzzle
attachment cap 50 which contacts spacer portion 46a of the blast
baffle 26a and secures a portion of the baffle stack within the
first tube 16 against the baffle 20 within the coupler tube 14.
Muzzle attachment cap 50 also defines a helically threaded opening
58 which is coaxially aligned with firing axis 30 and receives
compatible threads 60 on the firearm muzzle 48 for mounting the
suppressor 10 thereto.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, second tube 18 also receives a
second plurality of baffles 26. In this example embodiment the
second tube receives one blast baffle 26a and four standard baffles
26b. Spacer portion 46a of blast baffle 26a interfaces with baffle
20 in coupler tube 14 to support the baffle stack 40 within the
second tube 18. A front cap 62 captures the baffle stack 40 within
the second tube 18. Front cap 62 has internal (female) threads 64
which engage outer (male) threads 22 on the second tube 18 to
secure it to the second tube. Front cap 62 also defines an opening
68, coaxially aligned with firing axis 30 to allow a projectile to
exit the suppressor 10.
[0024] When assembling the suppressor 10 in configuration 12 it is
advantageous to align the ports 34 in the baffles 26a and 26b with
the port 34 in baffle 20 within the coupler tube 14. Engagement of
the projections 42 and notches 44 constrain port alignment of the
baffles 26 within the stack 40, and in this example embodiment the
baffles 26 in the first and second tubes 16 and 18 are readily
visually aligned with the baffle 20 so that all ports 34 are
aligned throughout the entire stack 40. As shown in FIG. 6, it is
feasible to assemble the suppressor 10 in a configuration 70
wherein the muzzle attachment cap 50 is attached to the second tube
18 and the front cap 62 is attached to the first tube 16, thereby
interchanging the positions of the first and second tubes but
maintaining the orientation of the baffles 26 and 20.
[0025] Using tubes 16 and 18 of different lengths and configurable
with multiple orientations of the baffle stack 40 and common
helical threads on the tubes, muzzle attachment cap 50 and front
cap 62 permits the suppressor 10 to be readily arranged in multiple
configurations. FIG. 7 shows an example suppressor configuration 72
using only the second tube 18, four standard baffles 26b, one blast
baffle 26a, the muzzle attachment cap 50 and the front cap 62. FIG.
8 shows another suppressor configuration 74 comprising the first
tube 14, two standard baffles 26b, one blast baffle 26a, the muzzle
attachment cap 50 and the front cap 62.
[0026] FIG. 9 shows a suppressor configuration 76 which is
optimized for use with a rifle. In configuration 76 the baffles 26
in the second tube portion 18 are reversed such that the large
diameter ends of cones 28 face the rifle muzzle 78 and the cones
project in a direction away from the muzzle attachment cap. The
baffles 26 in the first tube portion 16 are oriented such that the
small diameter ends of the cones 28 face the rifle muzzle and the
cones project in a direction toward the muzzle attachment cap.
Testing of configuration 76 mounted on a rifle and using sub-sonic
.22 LR ammunition yielded a near-field sound pressure level ranging
from 107 to 110 dB. The measured sound pressure levels of
configuration 76 are 5 to 6 dB down from the configuration 12 shown
in FIG. 2 as well as some commercially available suppressors.
[0027] FIGS. 10 and 11 show example embodiments of suppressors
having non-round cross sectional shape. Suppressor 80, shown in
FIG. 10 has its baffles 26 configured with the small diameter ends
of all cones 28 facing the firearm muzzle, projecting toward the
muzzle attachment cap, and is thus optimized for use with a pistol.
FIG. 11 shows a suppressor 82 wherein the cones 28 distal to the
firearm muzzle are configured such that their large diameter ends
face the muzzle and project away from the muzzle attachment cap,
and is thus optimized for use with a rifle or other long gun. For
both suppressors 80 and 82, the spacers 36 and cones 28 comprise
segments held together in a baffle stack 40 using one or more
tension rods 84. One end of the tension rod 84 is threaded and is
received in a threaded receptacle 86 in the muzzle attachment cap
50. The other end of tension rod 84 is received within a cap screw
88 which applies compression to the baffle stack 40 by reacting
through front cap 62.
[0028] It is advantageous to construct the baffles 20 and 26 from
heat treated stainless steel, which may also be case hardened, by
nitriding for example, to prevent galling and facilitate cleaning.
The container tubes 16 and 18 may be made of titanium for high
strength and light weight. For larger caliber projectiles, blast
baffles 26a may be made of thicker gauge material than the standard
baffles 26b, and more than one blast baffle may be used. It is
further understood that the lengths and diameters of tubes 16 and
18 and the number of baffles 26 illustrated and described herein
are by way of example of effective suppressor designs, and not
meant as limiting the invention.
* * * * *