U.S. patent application number 16/209726 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for suppressor apparatus and apparatus and method for optimizing and cleaning a suppressor.
The applicant listed for this patent is HiPerformance, LLC. Invention is credited to Bradford Whittam Riley.
Application Number | 20200318927 16/209726 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005104304 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200318927 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Riley; Bradford Whittam |
October 8, 2020 |
SUPPRESSOR APPARATUS AND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING AND
CLEANING A SUPPRESSOR
Abstract
A suppressor (20) includes a suppressor body (22) with an
internal suppression chamber (36A) defining an interior passageway
(36) for the transmission of projectiles. The inner surface (26)
includes an inner threaded surface (32) for movably and threadably
receiving a plurality of baffles (50) having outer threads (52).
The inner threaded surface (32) extends over a large majority of
the length of the internal suppression chamber (36A) defined inside
the suppressor body (22) and in common with a large portion of the
interior passageway (36). The baffles (50) are threaded into
desired locations with a baffle tool (80), and their locations are
adjusted to change internal chamber (38) size and optimize the
suppressor (20) to the operational parameters of a given firearm
and its ammunition. The baffles (50) also include cleaning thread
gaps (56) spaced around the circumference of the baffles (50). The
suppressor 20 is either permanently or removably mounted to a
firearm muzzle or other output of a noise generating item.
Inventors: |
Riley; Bradford Whittam;
(Olathe, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HiPerformance, LLC |
New Century Parkway |
KS |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200173750 A1 |
June 4, 2020 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005104304 |
Appl. No.: |
16/209726 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62594372 |
Dec 4, 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 (20) comprising: a suppressor body (22)
including an outer surface (24), and inner surface (26), a length
extending between a muzzle end (28), a discharge end (30), and
defining an interior passageway (36) extending from the muzzle end
to the discharge end; the inner surface (26) comprises a inner
threaded surface (32); at least one baffle including an outer
threaded surface (52) for threaded engagement with the inner
threaded surface of the suppressor body, and the at least one
baffle including an interior baffle passageway (54) through the at
least one baffle; wherein the at least one baffle is threaded into
the suppressor body between the muzzle end and the discharge end to
create a plurality of interior chambers inside the suppressor body,
and a discharge-end cap fitted on the discharge end of the
suppressor body and including an interior cap passageway through
the discharge-end cap.
2. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein the baffle comprises a muzzle
surface comprising a protruding nipple extending over a nipple
length to define an elongated open ring surrounding the nipple, the
open ring being operable to temporarily trap discharge gases being
discharged through the suppressor.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. A suppressor comprising an elongated body with an outer surface
and an inner surface; the body includes a muzzle end for attachment
to a firearm, a discharge end opposite the muzzle end, and the body
defines an interior passageway to transmit a projectile; the inner
surface includes a plurality of generally annular ridges operable
to create turbulent flow of discharge gases from the firearm.
6. The suppressor of claim 5 wherein the ridges comprise
threads.
7. The suppressor of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of
removable insert baffles threaded into the body at spaced locations
along a length of the body.
8. The suppressor of claim 7 further comprising an end cap threaded
into the discharge end.
9. The suppressor of claim 7 wherein the baffles comprise a muzzle
surface facing the muzzle end, the muzzle surface including an
elongated nipple.
10. The suppressor of claim 7 wherein the baffles comprise a muzzle
surface facing the muzzle end, the muzzle surface including a
concave arc.
11. A suppressor comprising an elongated body with an outer surface
and an inner surface; the body includes a muzzle end for attachment
to a firearm, a discharge end opposite the muzzle end, and the body
defines an interior passageway to transmit a projectile; the inner
surface includes an inner threaded surface; a plurality of baffles
having an outer baffle thread threadably engaged in the inner
threaded surface, and the baffles including cleaning thread gaps
defined in the baffle thread, the thread gaps operable to scrape
debris from the inner threaded surface and collect the debris for
removal from the suppressor.
12. The suppressor according to claim 11 wherein the thread gaps
have a substantially uniform depth along a length of the
baffle.
13. The suppressor according to claim 11 wherein the thread gaps
have a first depth adjacent a muzzle surface of the baffles, and
the first depth being shallow enough that valleys of the outer
baffle threads extend through the thread gaps, and having a second
depth extending deeper into the baffle creating additional volume
for collecting debris during cleaning.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein the inner threaded surface
comprises a mono-thread.
23. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein the inner threaded surface
extends over more than about 50% of the length of the suppression
chamber.
24. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein the inner threaded surface
comprises a thread pitch of 16 or less.
24. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein further comprising second
baffle threaded into the supressor body.
25. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein the baffle is positioned in
different desired locations for different firearms
26. The suppressor of claim 5 further comprising a baffle held in a
desired location by the generally annular ridges.
27. The suppressor of claim 26 wherein the baffle comprises a
muzzle firing side having a concave arc.
28. The suppressor of claim 27 wherein the baffles comprise
removable baffles.
29. The suppressor of claim 26 wherein the baffle is positioned in
different desired locations for different firearms.
30. A suppressor (20) comprising: a suppressor body (22) including
an outer surface (24), and inner surface (26), a length extending
between a muzzle end (28), a discharge end (30), and defining an
interior passageway (36) extending from the muzzle end to the
discharge end; at least one baffle including an outer surface (52)
for engagement with the inner surface of the suppressor body, and
the at least one baffle including an interior baffle passageway
(54) through the at least one baffle; and wherein the at least one
baffle is placed at a desired location in the suppressor body
between the muzzle end and the discharge end to create a plurality
of interior chambers inside the suppressor body.
31. The suppressor according to claim 30 further comrising a
plurality of baffles positioned in a plurality of desired locations
along the length of the suppressor body.
32. The suppressor according to claim 31 wherein the plurality of
baffles are positioned in the plurality of locations customized for
a firearm.
33. The suppressor according to claim 30 wherein the desired
location of the baffle can be changed to customize the suppressor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority on Provisional U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 62/594,372, filed Dec. 4, 2017, titled
SUPPRESSOR APPARATUS AND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING AND
CLEANING A SUPPRESSOR which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter
[0002] The present inventions relates to sound suppressors, and
more particularly to sound and flash suppressors for firearms.
2. Background
[0003] It is generally known to utilize sound and flash suppressors
with firearms to diminish both noise and barrel flash when the
weapon is fired. This provides the benefits of hearing and eye
protection and may allow the person firing the weapon to avoid
detection while firing. A significant number of firearm noise
suppressor devices and flash suppressor devices, generally and
jointly referred to as suppressors herein, have been developed over
the years for use with firearms such as rifles and handguns. In
most cases, the suppressors are attached to the barrel of a
firearm, by threads for example. In some cases suppressors are
constructed integrally with a firearm barrel so as to be a
permanent component of the firearm.
[0004] Typically, a suppressor comprises an elongate tubular body
that attaches in any suitable manner to a firearm barrel and
permits passage of a projectile from the bore of a firearm barrel
and through the tubular body of the suppressor. To facilitate noise
and flash suppression, a number of internal baffles are typically
positioned along the length of the body to create several internal
chambers within the body. In various different suppressors, the
baffles are stacked in the tube, provided as part of a mono- baffle
assembly inserted into the tube, or welding baffles together to
form a unitary baffle weldment without a separate tube.
[0005] The baffle partitions are typically spaced apart and have
central openings in each baffle partition for projectile passage.
The chambers that are defined between the internal baffles cause
the discharge gas from the firearm to progress in serial fashion
through each of the chambers. The baffles are designed to reflect
discharge gas and slow the expansion and progress of gas through
the suppressor and increase the dwell time reduing the noise of the
gas being exhausted from the suppressor. In general, discharge gas
emitted from the bore of the firearm barrel enters the larger
volume of the internal chambers of the tubular body and progresses
from chamber to chamber, with the gas expanding and its pressure
being diminished within each successive chamber thereby reducing
the rapid expansion and discharge of gas which normally creates the
loud bang we associate with gun fire.
[0006] Known suppressors, however, suffer from multiple drawbacks,
including cost of and time required for manufacture, inefficiency
in cooling discharge gas, inability to or too difficult to clean,
and creating smooth or laminar gas flow through the suppressor.
Further, each firearm, even of the same make and caliber, is
somewhat unique, and the operational features of firearms also
change depending on the features of ammunition, such as load. Known
suppressors provide no way to optimize a suppressor to multiple
firearms or for different ammunition. Accordingly, it is desirable
to provide an enhanced suppressor with improved operation, and it
is desirable to provide an optimizable suppressor.
SUMMARY
[0007] There is, therefore, provided in the practice of the
invention an improved suppressor having a suppressor body with at
least one baffle movably positionable in the suppressor body.
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
suppressor body is internally threaded and the baffle has outer
threads. The baffle is threaded into the suppressor body to a
desired location to create interior chambers in the suppressor
body.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the location of the baffle is moved to another location to optimize
the suppressor for operational parameters of a noise generating
item such as a firearm. In other aspects of the invention, each of
a plurality of baffles are threaded into the suppressor body each
being movably positioned at desired locations, which may be
adjusted to optimize the suppressor. In one aspect of the
invention, a discharge-end cap is fitted on a discharge end of the
suppressor body.
[0010] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, the discharge-end cap and baffles are removable for
cleaning and optimization. In one aspect the baffles comprise
thread gaps operable to scrape off and collect carbon build up as
the baffles are threaded out of the suppressor body thereby
cleaning the inner threaded surface of the suppressor body.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a baffle tool engages the baffle to rotate the baffle
thereby positioning the baffle at a desired location in the
suppressor body.
[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved suppressor, improved method of optimizing a
suppressor, improved method of cleaning a suppressor, and an
improved tool for optimizing and cleaning a suppressor. There has
thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the
invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may
be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to
the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional
embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which
will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0014] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Though
some features of the invention may be claimed in dependency, each
feature has merit when used independently.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective, cross-sectional view illustrating a
suppressor according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of the suppressor of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a nipple baffle used in the
suppressor of FIG. 1 and illustrating the muzzle facing side of the
nipple baffle;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the nipple baffle of FIG.
3A and used in the suppressor of FIG. 1 and illustrating the
discharge-end facing side of the nipple baffle;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a baffle tool;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternate low profile
baffle for use in the suppressor of FIG. 1 and illustrating the
muzzle facing side of the baffle;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the alternate low profile
baffle of FIG. 3B and for use in the suppressor of FIG. 1 and
illustrating the discharge-end facing side of the baffle, and
[0022] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an alternate two prong
baffle tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the
improved sound suppressor 20, in accordance with the present
invention, provides a suppressor body 22 movably receiving a
plurality of baffles 50 therein for suppression of sound. Utilizing
a baffle tool 80 (FIG. 5) the individual baffles 50 can be moved to
different locations in the suppressor body 22 to change the size of
internal chambers 38 inside the suppressor body 22 thereby
optimizing the suppressor to a particular sound generating item
such as a firearm. The baffle tool 80 is also used to remove the
baffles to clean the suppressor 20.
[0024] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment
of the present inventive apparatus, the suppressor includes an
elongated, tubular suppressor body 22, which is substantially rigid
under the forces encountered when firing a fun and made from
materials such aluminum, titanium, steel, or other suitable
materials. The suppressor body has outer surface 24 and an inner
surface 26 and extends from a muzzle end 28 to a discharge-end 30
with an interior passageway 36 there through for transmission of a
projectile and discharge gases from the muzzle end 28 to the
discharge-end 30. The interior passageway 36 is central and
substantially cylindrical, and a central axis of the suppressor
body 22 is defined in the center of the interior passageway 36.
[0025] The muzzle end 28 is configured for attachment to the muzzle
of a gun (not shown) or other output from another sound generating
item. In the embodiment shown, the muzzle end 28 utilizes muzzle
threads 34 to thread onto a gun barrel and is removable for use on
another gun. If desired, other attachment mechanisms, bayonet
fitting, etc. could be used to attach the muzzle to the end of the
gun barrel. Also, the suppressor body 22 could be formed integral
to the gun barrel, and alternatively, it could be permanently fixed
to the gun barrel.
[0026] The inner surface 26 of the suppressor body 22 includes an
inner threaded surface 32 also referred to as suppressor chamber
thread. The chamber thread 32 is a mono-thread in one embodiment
but multiple threads are used in others. The chamber thread 32
extends over substantially the entire length of the suppressor body
22 starting at the discharge-end and extending to near the muzzle
end 28. In one embodiment, the chamber thread 32 extends over more
than 50% of the length of the overall suppression chamber. The
overall suppression chamber (illustrated by arrow 36A as it is in
common with a large portion of the interior passageway 36) extends
from the muzzle shoulder 40 to the discharge-end. In another
embodiment, the chamber thread 32 extends over approximately 75% of
the length of the overall suppression chamber 36A, and in still
another embodiment, the chamber thread 32 extends over
approximately 80% of the overall suppression chamber 36A. The
arrowed lines 36 and 36A also illustrate the central axis of the
suppressor body 22. While embodiments could extend the chamber
thread up to the muzzle shoulder 40, there is generally no need to
make the first internal chamber so small, so the threads stop at
about 80% of the length of the overall suppression chamber.
[0027] The chamber thread is a course thread, in one embodiment
having a pitch of 16 or less threads per inch. In one embodiment
the pitch is 12 threads per inch; in another the pitch is 10
threads per inch or less, and in still another embodiment the pitch
is 8 threads per inch. The course threads provide a high interior
surface area compared to a smooth wall, and thus, are more
efficient at heat transfer out of the internal chambers 38 making
the suppressor more efficient and less subject to overheating. This
more efficient and rapid heat transfer also increases the cooling
rate of the exhaust gas enhancing the sound suppression. Further,
the course thread creates more turbulent flow along the interior
surface 26 of the suppressor body 22, reducing laminar flow,
slowing gas exhaust, and again enhancing the sound suppression of
the invention. Alternate embodiments also incorporate fine threads
on the suppressor interior.
[0028] To achieve the beneficial heat transfer and turbulent flow
of this aspect of the invention, an alternate embodiment uses
course annular ridges with 16 or less ridges per inch. The annular
ridges can be utilized in other suppressor configurations with
stacked baffles and mono baffle configurations. While this
embodiment provides the gas cooling and turbulent gas flow benefits
to enhance sound suppression, the threaded embodiment provides the
additional benefits of inexpensive and fast manufacturing as well
as the ability to optimize the suppressor.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a plurality of removable
insert baffles 50 are threaded into the suppressor body 22. Each
baffle 50 has an outer threaded surface 52 with a baffle thread,
which extends across substantially all of their length/thickness.
Alternate embodiments utilize a thread only over a portion of the
outer surface. The baffle thread 52 is a mono-thread in one
embodiment, but alternate embodiments utilize multiple threads to
match the threads of the inner threaded surface 32. Each baffle has
an interior baffle passageway 54 allowing a projectile to pass
through the baffle 50 without substantial interference. In one
embodiment the passageway 54 is substantially cylindrical and
substantially central to the baffle. The baffle 50 also has a
plurality of cleaning thread gaps 56, defined by breaks in the
thread. In the embodiment shown there are five thread gaps 56
around the circumference of the baffle. Also the thread gaps extend
linearly across the entire length/thickness of the baffle parallel
to a central axis of the baffle 50. The thread gaps function to
clean the interior of the suppressor body by scraping off carbon
deposits and collecting the carbon in the gaps 56 to be carried out
of the suppressor body 22.
[0030] The muzzle facing or inlet side 58 of the baffle 50 is
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3A. The muzzle facing side or muzzle
surface 58 of the baffle has a concave arc 60 to it, which enhances
sound suppression by creating a turbulent spiral or rolling flow of
the gas as opposed to simply impacting a flat wall.
[0031] The discharge-end facing side or discharge surface 62 is
generally flat for ease of manufacture, and includes a plurality of
holes 64 for engaging with the baffle tool 80. The holes face away
from the gas flow and thus away from the muzzle end 28 of the
suppressor body 22.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment the threads are a loose fit to
reduce or inhibit galling between the chamber thread surfaces 32
and baffle thread surfaces 52. To direct the discharge gases
through the central passageway 54, the valley portions of the
threads are made deeper, so that the peek portions of the threads
extend deep into the valley of the mating threads creating a
barrier around the outside of the baffle, inhibiting gas flow
around the outside of the baffle; thus inhibiting discharge gas
flow between the suppressor body and the baffle. In the embodiment
shown, the valley portions of the threads on the baffle extend
through the thread gaps 56 adjacent the muzzle surface 60 to
maintain the gas flow inhibiting barrier around the outer
circumference of the baffle 50. In one embodiment, the thread gaps,
defined in the outer threads of the baffle, have a first depth
adjacent the muzzle surface of the baffles. The first depth is
shallow enough that valleys of the outer baffle threads extend
through the thread gaps. The thread gaps also have a second depth
extending deeper into the baffle creating additional volume for
collecting debris during cleaning. Thus, the thread gaps deepen as
they extend toward the discharge side 62 to provide additional
volume 51 for cleaning carbon deposits from the interior threads of
the suppressor.
[0033] In one embodiment, the first two threads closest to the
muzzle side 60 have their valley portions extending across the
thread gaps, so that there are at least two circumferential
discharge gas barriers around the outside of the baffle. In the
alternate embodiment of FIGS. 3B and 4B, the thread gaps 56B are a
substantially constant and uniform depth, and the valleys of the
threads extend across the thread gaps over the entire length of the
baffle creating three or more circumferential discharge gas
barriers.
[0034] In one embodiment, referring again to FIGS. 3A and 4A, the
muzzle side of the baffle 50 has an elongated nipple 150 extending
from the muzzle side toward the muzzle end 28 of the suppressor.
The nipple has a nipple length and a tapered tip 152 and a
substantially cylindrical and substantially central passageway 154.
The nipple, which is generally conical, transitions with a radius
63 into the concave arc 62 of the muzzle side surface 58. The
nipple 150 along with the interior surface of the suppressor body
defines an elongated ring volume 151 (FIG. 2) to temporarily trap a
larger volume of discharge gas on the muzzle side of the baffle in
a turbulent flow state. The baffle also has, as part of the
passageway 54, an expansion portion comprising a first conical or
tapered section 156 opening away from the nipple toward the
discharge end. Then there is a transition surface 158, which is
generally flat and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis
of the baffle. That is it would be generally parallel to the muzzle
and discharge surfaces of the baffle. After the transition surface
158, there is a tool wall 160 extending generally parallel to the
longitudinal axis and length of the baffle. The expansion portion
surfaces 154, 156, 158, 160 create and define an expansion volume
area on the discharge side of the baffle to allow the controlled
expansion of discharge gas thereby suppressing sound. The nipple
150 defines a notch 162 in the side wall of the nipple. The opening
of the notch creates a cross flow of gases competing to exit
through the baffle. That is some discharge of gas is directed along
the length of the suppressor, and some discharge gas is directed
through the notch generally perpendicular to the length of the
suppressor.
[0035] Referring additionally to FIG. 5, the tool holes 64 do not
extend all the way through the baffle and are thus, blind holes.
The tool holes 64 are sized to receive six baffle prongs 82 on the
baffle end 84 of the baffle tool 80. When the baffle prongs 82 are
engaged in the tool holes 64, rotation of the baffle tool imparts
rotation to the engaged baffle to thread it into the suppression
chamber of the suppressor body 22. The tool wall 160 provides a
surface for the prongs to engage, and because portions of the tool
holes are removed to create the expansion volume are, six prongs 82
are used instead of the two prongs in the alternate embodiment of
FIG. 5B. The baffle end 84 of the tool 80 also defines a central
nipple opening 85. For cleaning the concave surface 62 of baffle,
the baffle tool is pressed against the muzzle surface 58, so that
the nipple 150 extends into the nipple opening 85. The prongs then
contact the concave surface, and the tool and baffle are rotated
relative to each other to clean carbon deposits and other debris
out of the concave surface 62.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1 and now to FIG. 2, in the
illustrated embodiment there are four baffles 50A-50D spaced at
varying desired locations along the length of the suppressor body
22. This creates five internal chambers 38A-38E. One internal
chamber 38A between the muzzle shoulder 40 and the first baffle
50A. A second internal suppression chamber 38B between the first
baffle 50A and second baffle 50B. A third internal chamber 38C is
between the second baffle 50B and third baffle 50C. Then a fourth
internal chamber 38D is defined between the third baffle 50C and
fourth baffle 50D, and finally the fifth internal suppression
chamber 38E is defined between the fourth baffle 50D and a
discharge-end cap 100. The length and volume of each of the
internal suppression chambers 38A-E can be adjusted to optimize the
suppressor 20 to a specific firearm and/or ammunition by rotating
the respective baffles to respective first, second, third, and
fourth desired locations. Thereafter, as necessary for optimizing
the suppressor 20 for the firearm and ammunition, each of the
respective baffles 50 is moved to a desired adjusted location:
adjusted first, adjusted second, adjusted third, and adjusted
fourth locations, again, as desired to optimize suppressor
performance. During the optimization process, each of the baffles
can be relocated multiple times until the optimal relative lengths
of the internal suppression chambers is achieved for the gas column
created by a particular firearm using a particular ammunition.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the discharge-end cap 100 has outer cap
thread(s) 102 enabling it to threadably engage with the inner
threaded surface 32. The cap 100 has a muzzle facing side 104
including a concave surface 106 to slow and create turbulence in
the discharge/exhaust gas. The cap 100 also includes a lip 108,
which extends to the outer surface 24 of the suppressor body 22 to
engage the discharge-end edge 31 and control how far into the
suppressor body the cap 100 will thread. The circumferential edge
110 of the cap 100 is also rounded or chamfered to avoid injury and
create a smooth transition to the outer surface 24 of the
suppressor body 22. The cap 100 also includes cap tool holes 112
allowing the cap 100 to be tightened into position by the baffle
tool 80. Specifically, the baffle prongs 82 engage into the cap
tool holes 112 to allow the operator to tighten the cap 100 against
the discharge-end edge 31. To allow the discharge gas to finally
escape the overall suppressor interior chamber 36A, the cap defines
a central passageway 114, which permits a projectile to pass
through without substantial interference and also permits discharge
gas to pass. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cap tool holes
112 extend completely through the cap 100 providing additional
volume for the discharge gas to exit the suppressor 20 at reduced
temperature, pressure, and velocity, which means with less
sound.
[0038] To assist with the location of the baffles 50, the baffle
tool 80 (referring again to FIG. 5) has a baffle tool shaft 86
including various grooves 88 serving as a graduated scale to
control and display the location of the baffles in the suppressor
body 22. The tool shaft 86 and the graduated scale of grooves 88
extend along a length of the tool between the baffle end 84 and the
baffle tool handle end 90, which is opposite the baffle end. The
handle 90 is provided with a gripping and tightening mechanism such
as knurling (not shown), a cross bar (not shown), or flats 92 to
assist in gripping and turning the baffle tool 80 with the hand or
a wrench. The baffle end 84 supports the baffle prongs 82, which
engage the tool holes of the baffles 50. Various scales can be
provided on the tool shaft 86 for different caliber weapons and
different ammunition. Also, custom locations can be etched or drawn
on the tool shaft 86 to assist in shortening the optimization
process after cleaning the suppressor 20.
[0039] After a weapon has been fired multiple times debris
including carbon deposits build up in the suppressor on the baffles
(50) and on the interior surface 26 including the interior threads
32. Firing the weapon even once is enough to deposit sufficient
debris to hold the baffles in place during repeated firing. To
clean the suppressor 20, insert the baffle prongs 82 into the cap
tool holes 112, and rotate the tool 80 and cap 100 to remove it
from the suppressor body 22 internal thread surface 32. Thereafter,
the baffle tool 80 is used to threadably remove each baffle 50, and
as each baffle is removed, the thread gaps 56 allow the remaining
thread leading edge to scrape debris out of the interior threaded
surface 32. The debris is collected in the thread gaps 56 and
discarded once the baffle 50 is removed from the suppressor body
20. To further clean the interior surface 26 of the suppressor, a
baffle is repeatedly threaded into and out of the suppressor body
22.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3B, and 4B, an alternate baffle 50B' has
an outer threaded surface 52B with a baffle thread, which extends
across substantially all of their length / thickness. Alternate
embodiments utilize a thread only over a portion of the outer
surface. The baffle thread 52B is a mono-thread in one embodiment,
but alternate embodiments utilize multiple threads to match the
threads of the inner threaded surface 32 of the suppressor. Each
baffle has an interior baffle passageway 54B allowing a projectile
to pass through the baffle 50B' without substantial interference.
In one embodiment the passageway 54B is substantially cylindrical
and substantially central to the baffle. The baffle 50B' also has a
plurality of cleaning thread gaps 56B, defined by breaks in the
thread. In the embodiment shown there are five thread gaps 56B
around the circumference of the baffle. Also the thread gaps extend
linearly across the entire length / thickness of the baffle
parallel to a central axis of the baffle. The thread gaps function
to clean the interior of the suppressor body by scraping off carbon
deposits and collecting the carbon in the gaps 56B to be carried
out of the suppressor body 22B. In the embodiment illustrated, the
thread gaps have substantially the same depth along the length of
the baffle.
[0041] The muzzle facing or inlet side 58B of the baffle 50B' is
illustrated in 3A. The muzzle facing side or muzzle surface 58B of
the baffle has a concave arc 60B to it, which enhances sound
suppression by creating a turbulent spiral or rolling flow of the
gas as opposed to simply impacting a flat wall.
[0042] The discharge-end facing side or discharge surface 62B (FIG.
4B) is generally flat for ease of manufacture, and includes a
plurality of holes 64B for engaging with the baffle tool 80B. The
holes face away from the gas flow and thus away from the muzzle end
28 of the suppressor body 22. Referring additionally to FIG. 5B,
the tool holes 64 do not extend all the way through the baffle and
are thus, blind holes. The tool holes 64B are sized to receive two
baffle prongs 82B on the baffle end 84B of the baffle tool 80B.
When the baffle prongs 82B are engaged in the tool holes 64B,
rotation of the baffle tool imparts rotation to the engaged baffle
to thread it into the suppression chamber of the suppressor body
22.
[0043] To assist with the location of the baffles 50B', the baffle
tool 80B (referring again to FIG. 5B) has a baffle tool shaft or
body 86B including various grooves 88B serving as a graduated scale
to control and display the location of the baffles in the
suppressor body 22. The tool shaft 86B and the graduated scale of
grooves 88B extend between the baffle end 84B and the baffle tool
handle 90B. The handle 90B is provided with a gripping and
tightening mechanism such as knurling (not shown), a cross bar (not
shown), or flats 92B to assist in gripping and turning the baffle
tool 80B with the hand or a wrench. The baffle end 84B supports the
two baffle prongs 82B, which engage the tool holes of the baffles
50B'. Various scales can be provided on the tool shaft 86B for
different caliber weapons and different ammunition. Also, custom
locations can be etched or drawn on the tool shaft 86B to assist in
shortening the optimization process after cleaning the suppressor
20.
[0044] Although an example of the suppressor 20 is shown using a
threaded inner surface with threaded baffles, it will be
appreciated that other location engagement mechanisms are used in
alternate embodiments. For example, a bayonet arrangement is
employed with outer surface tabs of the baffles sliding through
longitudinal channels on the suppressor body inner surface until
the baffle reaches the desired location. Then the baffle tool and
baffle are rotated moving the baffle tabs into annular bayonet
slots to locate the baffle. Also, although the suppressor is useful
to suppress sound and barrel flash in the firearms industry, it can
also be used to suppress sound in other applications such as
vehicle exhaust. From the above description of embodiments of the
invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements,
changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and
modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be
covered by the appended claims.
[0045] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
[0046] Suppressor has an Interior Surface Contour to create
turbulence in the discharge gas. A suppressor comprising an
elongated body with an outer surface and an inner surface; the body
includes a muzzle end for attachment to a firearm, a discharge end
opposite the muzzle end, and the body defines an interior
passageway to transmit a projectile; the inner surface includes a
plurality of generally annular ridges operable to create turbulent
flow of discharge gases from the firearm.
[0047] A suppressor comprising an elongated body with an outer
surface and an inner surface; the body includes a muzzle end for
attachment to a firearm, a discharge end opposite the muzzle end,
and the body defines an interior passageway to transmit a
projectile; the inner surface includes an inner threaded surface; a
plurality of baffles having an outer baffle thread threadably
engaged in the inner threaded surface, and the baffles including
cleaning thread gaps defined in the baffle thread, the thread gaps
operable to scrape debris from the inner threaded surface and
collect the debris for removal from the suppressor.
[0048] As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject
matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that
the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the disclosed subject
matter, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how
to variously employ the disclosed technology in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0049] Certain terminology will be used in the following
description, and are shown in the drawings, and will not be
limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer
to the disclosed subject matter as orientated in the view being
referred to. The words, "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof
Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the
direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include
the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of
similar meaning.
[0050] Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to
various particular embodiments, it is understood that equivalents
may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing
from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
[0051] It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the
disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the
disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses
various other embodiments and aspects.
* * * * *