Abstract
The present invention pertains in general to the suppression of firearm and weapon systems to mitigate audible, visual and temperature profiles when in use. Embodiments of the invention include the use of a baffle system surrounded by a sleeve, further surrounded by an outer housing. The combination of these elements creates a multi-volume device providing increased expansion volume within the device to mitigate firearm signature related to the expansion of gasses exiting the muzzle-end of a firearm.
Claims
1. A firearm suppression device comprising: a baffle system comprising a plurality of interconnected baffles and a pathway therethrough, the pathway extending from a proximal end of the baffle system to a distal end of the baffle system; the baffles having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of a first baffle configured to affix to the proximal end of a more distally located second baffle; and the baffle system having apertures extending radially from the pathway to an outer surface of the baffle system; an outer housing having a substantially hollow form disposed around the baffle system; an inner surface of the outer housing radially offset from the outer surface of the baffle system; the outer housing comprising apertures extending from an inner surface of the outer housing to an outer surface of the outer housing, a sleeve disposed around the baffle system, between the baffle system and the outer housing; the sleeve having an inner surface offset from the outer surface of the baffle system, and the sleeve having an outer surface offset from the inner surface of the outer housing; and the sleeve having a sealed proximal end, a sealed body extending from the proximal end to a distal end, and an opening at the distal end of the sleeve, wherein the firearm suppression device is affixed to the distal end of a firearm and gasses associated with the operation of the firearm expand into the baffle system, expand through the apertures in the baffle system, through the open distal end of the sleeve, and through the apertures of the outer housing to an exterior of the outer housing.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said outer housing further comprises geometric features extending radially outward from an outer surface of said outer housing.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer housing comprises a sealed proximal end and a sealed distal end.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the pathway comprises a first volume; the offset between the outer surface of the baffle system and the inner surface of the sleeve comprising a second volume; and the offset between the outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the outer housing comprising a third volume, wherein gasses associated with the operation of a firearm expand through the first volume, through the apertures in the baffle system to the second volume, expand in a distal direction, expand into a third volume, expand proximally, and finally exit through the apertures in the outer housing to the exterior of the outer housing.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said outer housing comprises a polymeric material.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of baffles are interconnected using male and female interlocking mechanisms.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the male and female interlocking mechanisms comprise screw threading.
8. The firearm suppressor device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of apertures in the outer housing are arranged in a radial planar pattern.
9. The firearm suppressor device of claim 1 wherein said outer housing further comprises geometric features extending radially outward from an outer surface of said outer housing.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
(1) FIG. 1AA perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(2) FIG. 1BA perspective exploded cross-section view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(3) FIG. 2A perspective view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(4) FIG. 3AA perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a baffle
(5) FIG. 3BA perspective exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a baffle
(6) FIG. 4A perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a baffle system
(7) FIG. 5AA perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(8) FIG. 5BA perspective exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(9) FIG. 5CA perspective exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(10) FIG. 6A perspective view of an embodiment of a suppressor
(11) FIG. 7A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a suppressor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(12) Certain embodiments of the present invention surrounding a suppressor 100, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, comprise a firearm engagement component 101 having a pathway 110 and a firearm attachment feature 501 for the fixation to a distal end of a firearm. Such a suppressor 100 has a proximal end 120 and a distal end of the suppressor 130 and further comprises a projectile exit component 102, a baffle system 103, a sleeve 104 and an outer housing 105. A projectile exit component 102 is open along a pathway 110, allowing for the passage of a projectile and gasses. Certain embodiments of a baffle system 103 comprise a plurality of interconnected baffles 106. A first baffle 106a, seen in FIG. 1B, comprises a hollow form with a cross-section increasing along the pathway 110 from a proximal end toward a distal end of the first baffle 106. A second baffle 106b, seen in FIG. 1B, comprises a constant internal diameter and constant outer diameter. The first baffle 106a and the second baffle 106b are interconnected such that the hollow form of each is consistent with the pathway 110. The outer surface of certain baffle, 106a and 106b for example, have apertures in the baffle 302 through an outer surface of the baffle for the expansion of gasses from the interior of the baffle system 103 to the exterior of the baffle system 103. A third baffle 106c, seen in FIG. 1B, comprises a hollow form with increasing cross-section along the pathway 110 from a proximal end toward a distal end of the third baffle 106c.
(13) It will be appreciated that embodiments of baffle 106, shown in FIG. 1B, are not limited to the configuration disclosed and may comprise any form or cross-section having a hollow form aligning with the pathway 110. The alignment of the hollow form of a baffle 106 allows the passage of a projectile from a proximal portion of the baffle system 103 to a distal portion of the baffle system 103 without interference.
(14) It will be further appreciated that a baffle system 103, shown in FIG. 1B is not limited to configurations disclosed herein and may comprise any combination of baffle 106 without departure from the inventive concept of the present invention. Certain embodiments a baffle system 103, may contain a plurality of baffles 106. Other embodiments of a baffle system 103 may comprise a singular baffle 106.
(15) Certain embodiments of a baffle system 103, seen in FIG. 1A, are surrounded by a sleeve 104, which extends from a proximal portion of the suppressor 100 to distal portion of the suppressor 100. Gasses that pass from the first volume 701, through the baffle system 103, enter the second volume 702. The second volume 702 is bounded by the inner surface of the sleeve 104 and the outer surface of baffle system 103. The sleeve 104 only allows the passage of gasses from the interior of the sleeve 104 to the exterior of the sleeve 104 at a location near the distal end of the suppressor 100. The gasses that pass to the exterior of the sleeve 104 are initially contained within a third volume 703 defined by the outer surface of the sleeve 104 and the inner surface of the outer housing 105. These gasses are permitted to expand within the third volume 703 between the sleeve 104 and the outer housing 105 along the length of the suppressor 100 toward the proximal end 120 of the suppressor 100. Near the proximal end 120 of the suppressor 100, the outer housing 105 has apertures in the outer housing 109 to the ambient air, allowing for the exit of gasses associated with the operation of a firearm.
(16) Although embodiments presented herein, as shown in FIG. 1A for example, surrounding the present invention are configured with a first volume 701, a second volume 702 and a third volume 703, it will be appreciated that additional volumes may be considered as within the inventive bounds of a suppressor as disclosed.
(17) Certain embodiments of a suppressor 100, as shown in FIG. 2, comprise an outer housing 105 further comprising a material composition with a low heat transfer coefficient. Such material compositions may comprise ceramic, polymeric or other materials with a low heat transfer coefficient. Such materials further exhibit a melting temperature and heat deflection temperature, as dictated by the American Society of testing and Materials (ASTM), exceeding 500 C. (932 F.). Certain embodiments of a baffle system 103, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, comprise a plurality of baffles 106, each having a first dimension 310, a second dimension 315 and a length 316. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments of some baffle (106a, 106c), a first dimension 310 is smaller than a second dimension 315. In other embodiments of a baffle 106b a first dimension 310 may be equal to a second dimension 315. Furthermore, each baffle 106 has a proximal opening 311 and a distal opening 312. A first baffle 106a for instance, comprises a hollow form with increasing cross-sectional dimension, from a first dimension 310 at a proximal portion of the first baffle 106a to a second dimension 315 at an open distal portion of the first baffle 106a. The proximal portion of the first baffle 106a has a proximal opening 311, less than or equal to the first dimension 310. The first baffle is configured such that gasses may pass axially into, expand through the baffle 106a, and exit through a distal opening 312 at a distal portion of the baffle 106a. Furthermore, such a first baffle 106a comprises apertures in the baffle 302 extending radially through the hollow form of the baffle 106a. Such apertures in the baffle 302 are typically biased toward a distal portion of the baffle 106. Apertures in a baffle 302 allow for the passage of gasses from the internal volume of a baffle 106a to the exterior of a baffle 106b.
(18) As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, it will be appreciated that a baffle 106 may take a plurality of forms as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. It will be further appreciated that certain embodiments of a baffle 106, such as a third baffle 106c, do not require apertures in the baffle.
(19) In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, some baffles (106b, 106c) have at least one baffle standoff feature 304, extending radially outward from the outer surface of the baffle 106b and 106c. Baffle standoff features 304 as seen in FIG. 3B, provide offset between a baffle 106 or baffle system 103, and a sleeve 104 as shown in FIG. 1B. Certain embodiments of a baffle standoff feature 304, shown in FIG. 3B, are positioned toward a distal portion of a baffle 106. A baffle standoff feature 304 may comprise a continuous form, a continuous form with apertures for the passage of gas allowing for expansion, or a plurality of individual features extending radially from the outer surface of a baffle 106.
(20) In other embodiments as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, a baffle 106b comprises a cylindrical shell form with constant cross-sectional dimension and open ends. The cylindrical shell features apertures in the baffle 302 passing through the outer surface of the baffle 106b to the interior of the cylindrical shell form. The apertures in the baffle 302 may be evenly spaced, staggered or randomly positioned and allow for the passage of gasses from the interior of the baffle 106c to the exterior of the baffle. Furthermore, a baffle 106c may comprise alternative embodiments of apertures in the baffle 302 having differing shape and cross-sectional area.
(21) It will be appreciated to one skilled in the art that expansion rate of a gas associated with a baffle 106, seen in FIG. 3A, is dependent upon multiple variables including the cross-sectional area of the baffle along the length of the baffle 106, apertures in the baffle 302 shape, number of apertures in the baffle 302 allowing passage to the exterior of the baffle and the length of a baffle 106.
(22) In certain embodiments of a baffle system 103 as shown in FIG. 4, a baffle 106 may further comprise baffle attachment features 402 for the fixation of the baffle 106 to other components including, but not limited to other baffle 106a, 106b and 106c, a firearm engagement component 404 of a suppressor or a projectile exit component 405 of a suppressor. Such attachment features include screw threading, pipe threading, male or female interlocking mechanisms. As seen in FIG. 3B, certain embodiments of a baffle 106 comprise a baffle attachment feature 402 at a proximal portion and a distal portion of such a baffle 106. Such baffle attachment features 402 allow the assembly and disassembly of a plurality of baffles 106.
(23) Certain embodiments of a baffle system 103, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, comprise a sleeve 104, a firearm engagement component 404, a projectile exit component 405 and an outer housing 105. The firearm engagement component, seen in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, 404 further comprises a projectile entry aperture 307 and a firearm attachment feature 501 for the fixation to the distal end of a firearm, and proximal face 520 comprising a flange feature 502 extending radially outward with a plurality of through-holes 503 in the firearm engagement component flange feature 502.
(24) A suppressor 100, shown in FIG. 5B, further comprises a baffle system 103 having a plurality of axially affixed baffle 106 wherein the baffles 106 are attached to each other using baffle attachment features 402. The baffle 106 are configured to allow radial gas expansion as gasses flow along a pathway 110 through each consecutive baffle 106 and therein from proximal portion to a distal portion of the baffle system 103. A second baffle 106b at the proximal end 120 of the suppressor 100 further comprises a proximally located attachment feature 402 for fixation to the firearm engagement component 404 of the suppressor 100 and at least one baffle standoff feature 304. A third baffle 106c at the distal end of the suppressor 130 further comprises a distally located baffle attachment feature 402 for fixation to the projectile exit component 405 of the suppressor 100 and at least one baffle stand-off feature 304. A plurality of first baffles 106a are interconnected and extend from the second baffle 106b to the third baffle 106c. The projectile exit component 405, shown in FIG. 5C, further comprises a flange feature 504 extending radially outward. In some embodiments, the baffle stand-off features 304 of the most proximal baffle 106c and the most distal baffle 106b of the baffle system 103 provide support for the sleeve 104 disposed around the baffle system. The baffle stand-off features 304 offset the sleeve 104 at a consistent distance from the pathway 110 of the suppressor 100.
(25) In certain embodiments of a suppressor as seen in FIG. 5C, a proximal face 520 of a sleeve 104 interfaces with a distal face 530 of the firearm engagement component 404 for fixation to each other. This fixation seals the intersection of the sleeve 104 and the firearm engagement component 404 to prevent the passage of gasses from between the sleeve 104 and the firearm engagement component 404. A distal edge 540 of the sleeve 104 is offset from a proximal face 550 of the projectile exit component 405. Offsetting the sleeve 104, referencing FIG. 5A, from the firearm engagement component 104 allows the passage of gasses between a second volume 702 within of the sleeve 104 to a third volume 703 defined by the exterior of the sleeve 104 and the inner surface of the outer housing 105. The outer housing 105, shown FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, comprises a cylindrical shell-form open at a distal end of the suppressor 120 and an aperture at the proximal end of the suppressor 130. A flange feature 505 configured proximally on the outer housing 105 extends radially inward from the cylindrical shell form. The flange feature 505 further exhibits an aperture 507, which is typically centrally located. The flange feature 505 of the outer housing 105 has through-holes 506 of configuration matching through-holes 503 of the firearm engagement component 404 flange feature 502. The outer housing 105 is disposed surrounding the assembly of the firearm engagement component 404 and the projectile exit component 405, with baffle system 103 and sleeve 104 therebetween. In such an assembly the outer housing flange feature through-holes 506 align with the through-holes in the flange feature of the firearm engagement component 503.
(26) In certain embodiments of a suppressor, shown in FIG. 5C, an outer surface 550 of a firearm engagement component 404 flange feature 502 and an outer surface 560 of a projectile exit component 405 provide engagement with the inner surface 570 of an outer housing 105 for axial constraint. Optionally, the sleeve 104 may further comprise offset features 507 for engagement with the inner surface 565 of the outer housing 105 for additional axially constraint. Referencing FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, fastening hardware inserted through the aligned outer housing flange feature through-holes 506 and the through-holes in the flange feature of the firearm engagement component 503 provide longitudinal constraint. Optionally, the projectile exit component flange feature 504 may further comprise a plurality of through-holes 508, wherein an end-cap 509, intended to provide more structural constraint stability and/or gas sealing, further comprises a flange feature 510. The end-cap flange feature 510 has a projectile exit aperture 590 aligning with a pathway 110 and a baffle system 103 and further comprises a plurality of through-holes 511. The through-holes 511 of the end-cap 509 flange feature 510 matching the configuration of the projectile exit component flange feature through-holes 508 intended for the engagement of fastening hardware. Engagement of fastening hardware through the aligned through-holes 508 and 511 constrains an end-cap 509 to the projectile exit component 405.
(27) In certain embodiments, outer housing 105, shown in FIG. 6 further comprises at least one aperture in the outer housing 109. Other embodiments of an outer housing 105 comprise a plurality of apertures in the outer housing 109 offset from a distal portion of the outer housing 105. Such apertures in the outer housing 109 extend from the exterior to the interior of the outer housing 105. In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures in the outer housing 109 are used. In such embodiments, the apertures in the outer housing 109 are typically configured in a plurality of radial planar patterns 610, with each radial planar pattern 610 parallel to the outer housing flange feature 505. The radial planar patterns 610 of apertures in the outer housing 109 are typically offset from each other and proximate to the proximal end of the outer housing 105. It will be appreciated that any configuration of a plurality of apertures in the outer housing 109 may be used.
(28) In certain embodiments of a suppressor 100 as shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface 600 of an outer housing 105 comprises a plurality of geometric features 601 extending radially away from the outer surface 600 of the outer housing 105. It will be appreciated that such geometric features 601 further comprise a minimum external profile 602, more proximate to the outer housing 105 outer surface 600. Under normal operating use, the minimum external profile 602 will typically exhibit a higher surface temperature than a maximum profile area 603. It will be further appreciated that a maximum external profile 603 is offset radially outward from the outer housing 105 outer surface 600. Outer housing 105 geometric features 601 provide benefits including but not limited to increased heat mitigation and offset surface providing a lower temperature user interface surface to mitigate burns and other potential injury. It will be appreciated that such geometric features 601, as shown in FIG. 6, are not limited to the embodiments as shown. Geometric features 601 may comprise a number of shapes, sizes and configurations while remaining consistent with the inventive nature of the present invention.
(29) It will be appreciated that an increase in number of apertures in the outer housing 109 as shown in FIG. 6, or an increase of cross-section of an aperture in the outer housing 109 serves to increase gas exit airflow. It will be further appreciated that apertures in the outer housing 109 are not limited to a configuration involving two radial planar patterns 610 and may be configured in any configuration appreciated by one skilled in the art. This may include, but is not limited to, an array configuration, a randomized configuration or a spiral configuration.
(30) In certain embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 7, a suppressor 100 comprises three internal gas expansion volumes defined by the assembly of a suppressor 100. A first volume 701 comprises the internal volume of a baffle system 103. A second volume 702 comprises the volume between the outer surface of a baffle system 103 and the inner surface of a sleeve 104. A third volume 703 comprises the volume between the outer surface of a sleeve 104 and the inner surface of an outer housing 105. When a firearm 700 to which the suppressor 100 is affixed is fired, gasses expand from the distal end of a firearm 700 into the suppressor 100, the gasses expand axially along the length of the first volume 701 toward the distal end of the suppressor 120. At the distal end of the suppressor 130, while expanding radially into the second volume 702 through apertures in the baffle 302. Some gasses exit the suppressor 100 through a projectile exit component 405 while other gasses expand into the second volume 702. The gasses expanding through the second volume 702, expand toward the distal end of the suppressor 100 where an offset of the distal edge of the sleeve 104 from a proximal planar surface of the projectile exit component 405 allows the expansion of gasses from the second volume 702 into the third volume 703. Gasses expand from the distal end of the third volume 703, toward the proximal end 120 of the suppressor 100. Apertures in the outer housing 109 in the outer housing 105 allow the expansion of gasses from the third volume 703 to the surrounding environment. In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms first, second, proximal, distal, etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term plurality, as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.
