QUICK DISCONNECT SYSTEM FOR MUZZLE DEVICES

Abstract

A quick disconnect system for muzzle devices haying a receiver and a clutch assembly. The receiver has a central bore, outer bearing surface, threaded region, tapered shoulder, collar and a plurality of receiver teeth. The receiver teeth are situated around an inner perimeter of a rear-most edge of a third section of the central bore of the receiver. The clutch assembly includes a locking lug mount, clutch ring, spring, and retainer ring. The locking lug mount has a central bore with a non-threaded portion and a threaded portion. A plurality of locking lugs are situated around an outside perimeter of a central portion of the locking lug mount, and each of the locking lugs is configured to fit between two adjacent receiver teeth. The spring is situated between the clutch ring and the retainer ring.

Claims

1. A quick disconnect system for muzzle devices comprising: a adapter; and a clutch assembly; wherein the adapter comprises: a central bore: an outer bearing surface that forms a forward-most end of the adapter and is configured to receive an inner bearing surface of a locking lug mount; a threaded region that is configured to be threadably inserted into a muzzle device; a tapered shoulder that is situated between the outer bearing surface and the threaded region; a collar that forms a rearward-most end of the adapter; and a plurality of adapter teeth that are situated around an inner perimeter of a rear-most edge of a third section of the central bore of the adapter; wherein the clutch assembly comprises: the locking lug mount: a clutch ring; a spring; and a retainer ring; wherein the locking lug mount comprises a central bore that is comprised of a non-threaded portion farming a front end of the locking lug mount and a threaded portion forming a rear portion of the locking lug mount; wherein a plurality of locking lugs are situated around an outside perimeter of a central portion of the locking lug mount; wherein each of the plurality of locking lugs is configured to fit between two adjacent adapter teeth of the plurality of adapter teeth: wherein a longitudinally oriented channel is situated between each adjacent pair of the plurality of locking lugs; wherein the locking lug mount further comprises a threaded rear portion that is situated rearwardly of the plurality of locking lugs on an outside of the locking lug mount; and wherein the spring is situated between the clutch ring and the retainer ring.

2. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the collar has an outer diameter, the threaded region has an outer diameter and the outer bearing surface has an outer diameter; and wherein the outer diameter of the collar is greater than the outer diameter of the threaded region, and the outer diameter of the threaded region is greater than the outer diameter of the outer bearing surface.

3. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein a first section of the central bore of the adapter has a constant inner diameter; wherein a second section of the central bore of the adapter is a tapered surface; wherein the third section of the central bore of the adapter has a constant inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the first section; and wherein a fourth section of the central bore has an inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the third section and is configured to fit over a front end of the clutch ring.

4. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of adapter teeth equals in number the plurality of locking lugs.

5. The quick disconnect system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of adapter teeth are equally spaced around the inner perimeter of the third section of the central bore of the adapter; and wherein each of the plurality of adapter teeth is configured to fit within the channel between two adjacent locking lugs of the plurality of locking lugs.

6. The quick disconnect system of claim 3, wherein inner-most surfaces of the plurality of adapter teeth collectively have an inner diameter that is equal to the inner diameter of the first section of the central bore of the adapter; and wherein the inner diameter of the inner-most surfaces of the plurality of adapter teeth is greater than an outer diameter of the inner bearing surface of the locking lug mount.

7. The quick disconnect system of claim 5, wherein each space between two adjacent adapter teeth of the plurality of adapter teeth forms a locking lug channel that is configured to receive a locking lug of the plurality of locking lugs.

8. The quick disconnect system of claim 3, wherein the clutch ring is circular in shape with a central aperture havingan inner diameter; wherein the first section of the central bore of the adapter has an inner diameter; and wherein the inner diameter of the central aperture of the clutch ring is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first section of the central bore of the adapter.

9. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of a front face of the clutch ring is configured to fit within an area defined by the collar of the adapter; and wherein a rear side of the clutch ring comprises a first concentric recess that is configured to receive a front end of the spring.

10. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the retainer ring has a central aperture that is configured to receive a threaded end of a firearm barrel.

11. The quick disconnect system of claim 10, wherein the retainer ring comprises a flat back surface; and wherein a front end of the retainer ring comprises an outer concentric wall and an inner concentric wall; and wherein a rear end of the spring is situated within a concentric cavity formed by the outer and inner concentric walls.

12. The quick disconnect system of claim 11, wherein an inside perimeter of the inner concentric wall is threaded: and wherein a portion of the flat back surface of the retainer ring extends inwardly and concentrically beyond the inside perimeter of the inner concentric wall so that the threaded end of the firearm barrel is spaced apart from the inside perimeter of the inner concentric wall to form a second concentric recess.

13. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of locking lugs comprises two sides, at least one of which is sloped.

14. The quick disconnect system of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of locking lugs comprises a top surface that is convex to facilitate insertion of the locking lug into the locking lug channel.

15. The quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the locking lug mount further comprises a well at a base of each of the plurality of locking lugs and a shoulder on either side of the well to secure the plurality of adapter teeth in a locked position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of the receiver and clutch assembly of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is second perspective view of the receiver and clutch assembly of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a detail view of one of the lugs on the locking lug mount of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a detail view showing the coupling of one of the receiver teeth on the receiver of the present invention to one of the locking lugs on the locking lug mount of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a section view of the coupled receiver tooth and locking lug shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the receiver of the present invention shown attached to a suppressor.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view of the present invention showing the receiver in relation to the clutch assembly prior to installation, with the receiver attached to a suppressor and the clutch assembly attached to a firearm barrel.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a side view of the present invention showing the receiver of the present invention coupled to the clutch assembly in an unlocked position prior to rotation of the receiver relative to the clutch assembly.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a side view of the present invention showing the receiver of the present invention coupled to the clutch assembly in a locked position after the receiver has been rotated relative to the clutch assembly.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the present invention with the receiver and clutch assembly in a locked position.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the retainer ring of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the retainer ring of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the receiver of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the clutch ring of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a side view of a locking lug of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0043] 1 Receiver [0044] 1a Central bore (of receiver) [0045] 1b Outer bearing surface [0046] 1c Tapered shoulder [0047] 1d Threaded region [0048] 1e Collar [0049] 1f Receiver teeth [0050] 1g Locking lug channel [0051] 1h Bottom edge (of receiver tooth) [0052] 1i Lip [0053] 2 Clutch assembly [0054] 2a Locking lug mount [0055] 2b Clutch ring [0056] 2c Spring [0057] 2d Retainer ring [0058] 2e Central bore (of locking lug mount) [0059] 2f Locking lug [0060] 2g Channel [0061] 2h First concentric recess [0062] 2i Central aperture [0063] 2j Flat hack surface (of retainer ring) [0064] 2k Outer concentric wall [0065] 2l Inner concentric wall [0066] 2m Second concentric recess [0067] 2n Threaded rear portion (of locking lug mount) [0068] 2o Well [0069] 2p Shoulder (of locking lug) [0070] 2q Inner bearing surface (of locking lug mount) [0071] 2r Front face (of clutch ring) [0072] 3 Muzzle device [0073] 4 Firearm barrel [0074] 4a Threaded end (of firearm barrel)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0075] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of the receiver and clutch assembly of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the invention comprises a receiver 1 and a clutch assembly 2. As used herein, the terms “receiver” and “adapter” are used interchangeably. The receiver 1 is a single machined part with a central bore 1a and a series of outer geometries, the first of which is the outer bearing surface 1b. The outer bearing surface 1b forms the forward-most end of the receiver and is configured to receive the inner bearing surface of the locking lug mount (discussed below). Next, a tapered shoulder 1c is situated between the outer bearing surface 1b and a threaded region 1d of the receiver. The threaded region 1d is configured to be threadably inserted into a muzzle device. Moving along the receiver in a front to back direction, after the threaded region 1d is a collar 1e. The collar 1e forms the rearward-most end of the receiver and is preferably comprised of a plurality of flat surfaces around the outer circumference of the collar to facilitate rotation of the collar with a wrench. Note that the outer diameter of the collar 1e is greater than the outer diameter of the threaded region 1d, which is greater than the outer diameter of the outer bearing surface 1b.

[0076] Moving now to the inner region of the receiver 1, as noted above, the receiver comprises a central bore 1a, The central bore 1a has varying inner diameters. The first section of the central bore 1a has a constant inner diameter and corresponds to the outer bearing surface 1b; this section of the central bore 1a defines the smallest inner diameter of the central bore 1a. The next (second) section of the central bore 1a is a tapered surface on the inside of the receiver 1 that corresponds to the tapered shoulder 1c. The next (third) section of the central bore 1a has a constant inner diameter and corresponds to the threaded region 1d. The last (fourth, rearward-most) section of the receiver 1 is the collar 1e: this part of the receiver 1 has the greatest inner diameter (among all of the four parts of the receiver) and is configured to lit over the top (front end) of the clutch ring, which is discussed below.

[0077] The receiver 1 also comprises a plurality of receiver teeth 1f situated around the inner perimeter of the rear-most edge of the third second of the central bore 1a. The number of receiver teeth 1f corresponds to the number of locking lugs (discussed below). The receiver teeth 1f are preferably equally spaced, and each receiver tooth 1f is configured to fit within one of the channels (discussed below) between the locking lugs. The inner-most surfaces of the plurality of receiver teeth 1f form an inner diameter that is equal to the inner diameter of the first section of the central bore 1a (see FIG. 14). This inner diameter (formed by the inner-most surfaces of the plurality of receiver teeth 1f) is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the inner hearing surface 2q of the locking lug mount (discussed below). Each of the spaces between two adjacent receiver teeth 1f forms a locking lug channel 1g that is configured to receive a locking lug 2f (see FIG. 14).

[0078] The clutch assembly 2 comprises four parts: a locking lug mount 2a, a clutch ring 2b, a spring 2c, and a retainer ring 2d. These parts are discussed more fully below in connection with FIG. 3.

[0079] FIG. 2 is second perspective view of the receiver and clutch assembly of the present invention. In this figure, the clutch assembly 2 is fully assembled: FIG. 3 provides an exploded view of the clutch assembly.

[0080] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention. The receiver 1 has been fully described above. As noted above, the clutch assembly 2 is comprised of four parts. The locking lug mount 2a is a single machined piece with a central bore 2e defined therethrough. The central bore 2e of the locking lug mount 2a is comprised of a non-threaded portion (constituting the front portion of the locking lug mount) and a threaded portion (constituting the rear portion of the locking lug mount). A plurality of locking lugs 2f, corresponding in number and spacing to the receiver teeth 1f, is situated around the outside perimeter of a central portion of the locking lug mount 2a. Each of the locking lugs 2f is configured to fit in between two adjacent receiver teeth 1f. A longitudinally oriented channel 2g is situated between each adjacent pair of locking lugs 2f. The particular geometry of the locking lug 2f is discussed below in connection with FIG. 4. The locking lug mount 2a further comprises a threaded rear portion 2n (this portion of the locking lug mount 2a being situated rearwardly of the locking lugs 2f) on the outside of the locking lug mount 2a.

[0081] The next part of the clutch assembly 2 is the clutch ring 2b. The clutch ring is circular in shape with a central aperture that has the same inner diameter as the first section of the central bore 1a of the receiver 1 (and of the inner diameter formed by the inner-most surfaces of the receiver teeth 1f). The perimeter of the front face 2r of the clutch ring 2b is preferably beveled, as shown, and configured to fit within the area defined by the collar 1e of the receiver 1, as explained above. The rear side of the clutch ring 2b comprises a first concentric recess 2h that is configured to receive the front end of the spring 2c (see FIG. 15).

[0082] The spring 3c is situated between the clinch ring 2b and the retainer ring 2d. The retainer ring 2d has a central aperture 2i that is configured to receive a threaded end 4a of a firearm barrel 4. The retainer ring 2d comprises a flat back (rear) surface 2j. The front end of the retainer ring 2d is open and comprises an outer concentric wall 2k and an inner concentric wall 2l. The rear end of the spring 2c is situated within the concentric cavity formed by outer and inner concentric walls. The inside perimeter (circumference) of the inner concentric wall 2l is threaded, and a portion of the flat back surface 2j of the retainer ring 2d extends inwardly and concentrically beyond the inside perimeter of the inner concentric wall 2l so that the threaded end of the firearm barrel 4a is spaced apart from the inside perimeter of the inner concentric wall 2l (see Figure 12) to form a second concentric recess 2m. Accordingly, the threaded end 4a of the firearm barrel 4 does not screw into retainer ring 2d but rather is inserted through the central aperture 2i in the retainer ring.

[0083] To assemble the clutch assembly 2 on a firearm barrel 4, the retainer ring 2d is positioned over the threaded end 4a of the firearm barrel 4. The spring 2c is positioned in the second concentric recess 2m of the retainer ring 2d, and the clutch ring 2b is placed over the spring. The threaded end 4a of the firearm barrel 4 is screwed into the threaded (rear) portion of the central bore 2e of the locking lug mount 2a, while at the same time, the threaded rear portion 2n of the locking lug mount 2a is screwed into the threaded inside perimeter of the inner concentric wall 2l of the retainer ring 2d. With the clutch assembly 2 fully assembled, the spring 2c exerts forward (toward the muzzle device 3) tension on the clutch ring 2b.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a detail view of one of the lugs on the locking lug mount of the present invention. As shown in this figure, each locking lug 2f comprises two sloped sides and a top surface (see also FIG. 16), the top surface preferably being slightly convex to facilitate insertion of the locking lug into the locking lug channel 1g. As shown in FIG. 16, the preferred angle of each of the sides of the locking lug 2f is forty-five degrees) (45°): however, this angle may be in the range of forty-five (45) to eighty (80) degrees (as long as the angle of the receiver teeth is adjusted commensurately). Note that the receiver teeth 1f are also tapered at a 45-degree angle (see FIG. 6) so as to fit snugly against the locking lugs 2f. A well 2o at the base of each locking lug 2f with a shoulder 2p on either side of the well 2o secures the receiver teeth 1f in place when the device is in a locked position.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a detail view showing the coupling of one oldie receiver teeth on the receiver of the present invention to one of the locking lugs on the locking lug mount of the present invention. This figure shows the receiver tooth 1f in a locked position relative to the locking lug 2f, with the bottom portion of the receiver tooth situated within the well 2o and secured laterally by the shoulders 2p. FIG. 6 is a section view of the coupled receiver tooth and locking lug shown in FIG. 5.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the receiver of the present invention shown attached to a suppressor. As shown in this figure. the suppressor 3 (or other muzzle device) screws onto the threaded region 1d of the receiver 1. This figure clearly shows the locking lug channels 1g formed by two adjacent receiver teeth 1f.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a side view of the present invention showing the receiver in relation to the clutch assembly prior to installation, with the receiver attached to a suppressor and the clutch assembly attached to a firearm barrel. In this figure, the inner bearing surface 2q of the locking lug mount 2a is aligned with the central bore 1a of the receiver.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a side view of the present invention showing the receiver of the present invention coupled to the clutch assembly in an unlocked position prior to rotation of the receiver relative to the clutch assembly. In this figure, the locking lug mount 2a has been inserted into the receiver 1 so that the locking lugs 2f pass through the locking lug channels 1g until the bottom edges lh of the receiver teeth 1f and a small lip 1i that extends around the perimeter of the inside of the receiver and is proximate to the bottom edges 1h of the receiver teeth abut up against the front face 2r of the clutch ring 2b.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a side view of the present invention showing the receiver of the present invention coupled to the clutch assembly in a locked position after the receiver has been rotated relative to the clutch assembly. To move the invention from an unlocked to a locked position, the user presses down on the spring 2c, pushing the receiver 1 toward the retainer ring 2d just enough to allow the receiver teeth 1f to clear the bottoms of the locking lugs 2f, and then the user rotates the receiver 1 in a clockwise direction (approximately thirty degrees) until the receiver teeth are situated within the wells 2o of the locking lugs 2f. The user then releases the pressure on the receiver 1, at which point the spring 2c biases the clutch ring 2b upward, thereby securing the receiver teeth 1f against the locking lugs 2f, as shown in FIG. 5. To unlock the invention, the user simply exerts downward pressure on the receiver and rotates it counter-clockwise until the receiver teeth 1f are aligned with the channels 2g, at which point the receiver 1 can be slid off of the locking lug mount 2a.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the present invention with the receiver and clutch assembly in a locked position. As shown in this figure, when the invention is assembled and in a locked position, the cylindrical inner bearing surface 2q of the locking lug mount 2a slides into and abuts up against the cylindrical outer bearing surface 1b of the receiver 1. Note also that the inner and outer bearing surfaces 2q. 1b are configured so that the front end of each bearing surface 2q, 1b are radially aligned, as shown (see “X” on FIG. 11). It is important to note that with the present invention, the spring 2c is never situated inside of the suppressor 3 but rather is situated entirely outside of the suppressor, between the suppressor and the firearm barrel.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the retainer ring of the present invention. This is the embodiment of the retainer ring 2d that is shown in the preceding figures. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the retainer ring of the present invention. In this embodiment, the flat surfaces on the outside perimeter of the retainer ring 2d have been replaced with knurling.

[0092] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.