FIREARM CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention discussed herein surround cleaning of firearms which are configured to pass through internal aspects — such as through a barrel and/or breach of a firearm. Included in some embodiments is a driver adaptor which is configured to allow the powered or mechanically assisted rotation of a cleaning system when inserted into the barrel or breach of a firearm for more rapid and efficient cleaning. Included in some embodiments is a barrel guard for the protection for the muzzle end of the barrel, the cleaning system, and the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a firearm cleaning device and system configured to clean the internal profile of a firearm. Certain embodiments of the present invention are modular and reconfigurable, allowing user to remove different types of contaminants, or to apply surface coatings, in one pass. Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein allows the use of multiple cleaning segments, allowing for more effective and efficient volume cleaning when the firearm cleaning device is pushed and/or pulled through the volume of the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of firearms involves the rapid combustion of black powder or similar accelerants to propel a projectile down the barrel of the firearm. The combustion of these accelerants results in the deposition of post-combustion residues, or fouling, on the interior and exterior aspects of the firearm. In some cases, fouling includes metal particulate from the projectile or the barrel. These residues and fouling if left unaddressed, can not only negatively affect the performance of the firearm over time, resulting in unreliable and unpredictable performance. Such unreliable and unpredictable performance of a firearm can manifest as safety related issues such as hang-fires, misfires, failure to eject scenarios, and jamming. Such incidents can be range from frustrating to dangerous depending on the situation and the type of malfunction.

In particular, the cleaning of a barrel is often the most cumbersome as the internal bore of the barrel requires cleaning and application of an anti-corrosion agent for storage purposes. Furthermore, any existing buildup of residues must be able to remove the residue, without abrading or damaging the precision or surface quality of the internal surface of the bore as doing so would result in degrading the performance of the barrel.

The present invention aims to provide a cleaning device allowing a user to easily and efficiently clean a firearm, thereby increasing the reliability of the firearm, and mitigating any potential degradation of reliability or performance of the firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention surrounds a modular cleaning device for the purposes of cleaning a firearm, such as after use.

Certain firearm cleaning tools, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,589 to Hedge (“Hedge”), provides a metallic brush enclosed within a tubular sheath of woven fabric such that the bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the fabric. This allows the sheath to be pulled through a barrel to allow the brush to scour the internal surface of the bore, while a bulge in the tubular sheath created by a foam insert therein cleans the debris away from the surface after scouring. Such technologies do not permit a user to modify the firearm cleaner in a manner to be used in multiple firearms, and thus requires a user to have a specific cleaning tool for each particular firearm bore or type. Furthermore, cleaning tools such as disclosed by Hedge only allow for the pulling of the cleaning tool through the bore, and do not permit a user to push the cleaning tool through the bore of the firearm.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to allow a user to reconfigure a firearm cleaning device based on the bore, caliber, gauge, and type of the firearm as desired. It is a further aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to permit a user to alternatingly push or pull a firearm cleaning device through the bore of a firearm.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to allow a user to modularly reconfigure a firearm cleaning device through the use of interconnectable segments wherein each segment has a first end and a second end, and the first end of each segment comprises a first coupler which is interconnectable to a second coupler of a second segment. Such interconnectable segments include, but are not limited to: brushes, cleaning elements, rigid shafts, semi-rigid shafts, deformable cleaning member, bore cleaning element, mops, and other segments known to those skilled in the art configured to scour, wipe, or otherwise clean the internal bore of a firearm barrel.

While cleaning tools which permit either the pushing or pulling of a firearm cleaning device through the bore of the firearm exist, cleaning tools allowing both the pushing and pulling of through the bore of a firearm such as those disclosed by:

• U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,924 to Brygider (“Brygider”);
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,218 to Bottomley (“Bottomley”);
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,483 to Tellechea (“Tellechea”);
• U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0051027 to Stordal (“Stordal”);
• U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007/0261288 to Perry et al. (“Perry”); and
• U.S. Reissued Pat. No. RE38,247 to Wickser (Wickser″),

the contents of which are incorporated by reference all purposes - such cleaning tools are limited to a rigid rod which must be advanced through the barrel from the muzzle-end rather than through the breach-end of the barrel. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that forcing abrasive objects, such as cleaning elements, in a direction opposite the direction of travel of a firearm can result in the premature degradation of performance due to wear upon the rifling of the barrel.

It is an aspect of the present invention to allow the advancing of a cleaning device through the breach-end of the barrel with a semi-rigid shaft which allows a user to initially introduce the cleaning device through the breach, into the breach-end of the barrel, and push the cleaning device toward the muzzle-end, permitting the user to pull the cleaning device out through the muzzle-end of the barrel, thus pushing the residue and fouling byproducts out of the muzzle end of the barrel. The semi-rigid properties allow both the flexibility of the shaft as well as the anti-kinking properties for when the semi-rigid shaft is pushed through the internal aspects of a firearm. The ability to push and pull embodiments of the present invention further permits cleaning activities such as scrubbing a particular area of a firearm’s internal aspects by alternately pushing and pulling the device in a back-and-forth motion.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system wherein the first element comprises a scouring element, and the second element comprises a wiping element wherein the wiping element conforms to the internal profile of the barrel.

Some existing technologies, such as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,370 to Williams (“Williams”) - herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes - include a patch receiving slot for the insertion of a patch of cloth. Use of patches of cloth are commonplace in the cleaning of firearms, but the patch cleaning slot of existing technologies allows only for a single cloth patch to be inserted therethrough. The patch of cloth inserted through the patch cleaning slot is forced through the bore of the barrel - pushed or pulled -wherein the patch of cloth cleans only a first radial portion and a second radial portion of the 360-degrees internal circumference of the barrel wherein the first and second radial portions are 180-degrees opposed to each other. Resultantly, a user must repeatedly force a cloth patch through the barrel multiple times order to ensure thorough cleaning of the barrel.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a bore cleaning element comprising a first aperture and a second aperture configured to receive a cloth patch, wherein the apertures are angularly offset by 90-degrees. By placing a first cloth patch through the first aperture, and a second cloth patch through the second aperture prior to forcing the cleaning element though the bore of the barrel, a user is able to thoroughly clean and oil the entirety of the internal surface of the bore of the barrel in a single pass. The first cloth patch cleans a first radial portion and second radial portion of the bore wherein the first and second radial portions are 180-degrees opposed. The second cloth patch simultaneously cleans a third radial portion and a fourth radial portion of the internal circumference of the bore wherein the third and fourth radial portions are 180-degrees opposed to each other, and 90-degrees opposed to the first and second radial portions. Furthermore, the first and second radial portions overlap with the third and fourth radial portions, thereby ensuring thorough cleaning of the bore of the barrel in a single pass. It will be appreciated that although embodiments shown comprise two apertures, embodiments comprising more than two apertures are in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The cloth patch slot of existing technologies, such as disclosed in Williams are configured as an eyelet wherein the cloth patch must be threaded through the slot similarly to how a string is threaded through the eye of a needle. Cloth patches commonly used in the cleaning firearms are square shaped. Thereby, a user must thread a corner of the cloth patch axially through the slot prior to pulling it midway through the slot prior to forcing it through the bore of a barrel. This process is cumbersome and is increasingly difficult for those with limited manual dexterity, such as those with arthritis.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a solution wherein a user is able to place a cloth patch into an aperture from a lateral aspect. In certain embodiments, the aperture of the cleaning element comprises a lateral opening, thereby resulting in a hook-form and the cloth patch slot of a bore cleaning element comprises a hook-form. In certain embodiments the lateral opening is configured to result in an upper hook-form and a lower hook-form wherein a cloth path or other cleaning element disposed within the aperture is captive within the aperture regardless if the cleaning element is pulled or pushed through the firearm.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a cleaning element comprises a flexible outer sleeve with a deformable element therein. The outer sleeve of certain embodiments comprises a textile sleeve configured to clean the internal aspects of a firearm. The textile sleeve is configured for cleaning, absorbing, and applying cleaning solutions and oils. The deformable element comprises an oblong shape and is able to conform to the internal aspects of the firearm as the cleaning element is forced through the internal aspects of the firearm.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a hand-grip configured to provide a user increased ability to push or pull a longitudinal element through the barrel or other aspect of a firearm. A user can use the hand-grip with longitudinal elements such as a semi-rigid shaft, rigid elements, or flexible elements. The hand-grip is configured to receive the longitudinal element from a lateral aspect of the hand-grip allowing a user to use the hand-grip as desired without being limited to inserting a longitudinal element axially therethrough, thereby allowing a user to easily use the hand-grip to engage a longitudinal element without limit as to the size of elements interconnected to the ends of the longitudinal element. The hand-grip comprises an elastomeric composition such that the hand-grip is pliable and elastically deformable. Embodiments wherein the hand-grip comprises a silicone, rubber, or other elastomeric materials are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the hand-grip comprises protuberances configured to interface with longitudinal elements inserted within the hand-grip, wherein the protuberances are configured to deform and grip the longitudinal element inserted therein thereby increasing grip upon the longitudinal element even with wet or otherwise slippery surfaces.

When pushing a longitudinal element through the firearm, a user’s hand may slip resulting in the user’s hand impacting the firearm. Impacting the firearm with one’s hand can be painful and can result in bruising or other injury. It is an aspect of certain embodiments to protect a user’s hand from accidental contact with the firearm when pushing a longitudinal aspect through a firearm for cleaning. In certain embodiments the hand-grip comprises a hand-guard at a first end of the hand-grip wherein the hand-guard is configured to protect a user’s hand from impacting the firearm when pushing a longitudinal element through the firearm.

The overall cleaning process can be time consuming and inefficient when considering the manual aspect of advancing and efforts to rotate a cleaning element when the cleaning element is advanced through the barrel and breach of a firearm. It is an aspect of certain embodiments to allow a user to clean a firearm more rapidly through the use of electrically powered rotary tools such as a drill or powered screw-driver for instance.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a driver adaptor which provides an interface between the cleaning device and the cleaning system as disclosed herein. The driver adaptor can be used in combination with cleaning system or individual cleaning devices as disclosed herein, or in conjunction with existing cleaning devices while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments a driver adaptor is configured to interconnect to a first end or second end of the semirigid shaft wherein a cleaning element is configured to interconnect to the opposite end of the semi-rigid shaft. Thereby a user can rotate the cleaning element at a higher rate of speed with the assistance of the electrically powered rotary tool. Furthermore, the rotary action of the cleaning element provides less resistance for the user to advance the cleaning element.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the inventions contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A - A system view of certain embodiments comprising a plurality of cleaning elements of various types

FIG. 1B - A detail view of FIG. 1A

FIG. 1C - A side view of the system view shown in FIG. 1A

FIG. 1D - A section view of the system view shown in FIG. 1C

FIG. 1E - A detail view of the system view shown in FIG. 1D

FIG. 1F - A section view of the system view shown in FIG. 1E

FIG. 1G - A detail view of the system view shown in FIG. 1D

FIG. 2A - A side view of certain embodiments comprising a fastening feature

FIG. 2B - A section view of certain embodiments shown in FIG. 2A

FIG. 3A - A side view of certain embodiments comprising a fastening feature

FIG. 3B - A section view of certain embodiments shown in FIG. 3A

FIG. 4 - A side view of certain embodiments comprising a cleaning element comprising clamping elements

FIG. 5A - An overhead view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature fully engaged with a second fastening feature

FIG. 5B - An overhead view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature partially engaged with a second fastening feature

FIG. 5C - An overhead view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature disengaged from a second fastening feature

FIG. 5D - An overhead view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature removed from a second fastening feature

FIG. 6A — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature fully engaged with a second fastening feature

FIG. 6B — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature partially engaged with a second fastening feature

FIG. 6C — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature disengaged from a second fastening feature

FIG. 6D — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature removed from a second fastening feature

FIG. 7A — A section view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature fully engaged with a second fastening feature as shown in FIG. 5A

FIG. 7B — A section view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature partially engaged with a second fastening feature as shown in FIG. 5B

FIG. 7C — A section view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature disengaged from a second fastening feature as shown in FIG. 5C

FIG. 7D — A section view of certain embodiments comprising a first fastening feature removed from a second fastening feature as shown in FIG. 5D

FIG. 8A — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a cleaning element having a first aperture and a second aperture

FIG. 8B — A front view of certain embodiments comprising a cleaning element having a first aperture and a second aperture

FIG. 8C — An isometric view of certain embodiments comprising a cleaning element having a first aperture and a second aperture

FIG. 9A — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a cleaning element having a sleeve with a deformable solid disposed therein

FIG. 9B — A section view of certain embodiments comprising the cleaning element as shown in FIG. 9A

FIG. 10A — A side view of certain embodiments comprising a semi-rigid shaft having fastening features at the ends

FIG. 10B detail view of the semi-rigid shaft shown in FIG. 10A

FIG. 11 — An exploded view of a system comprising a semi-rigid shaft, a first cleaning element, and a second cleaning element.

FIG. 12A — An exploded perspective view of a quick-coupling system of certain embodiments

FIG. 12B — An exploded side view of a quick-coupling system of certain embodiments

FIG. 12C — A section view of the quick-coupling system shown in FIG. 12C

FIG. 13A — An exploded perspective view of certain embodiments of a quick-coupling system

FIG. 13B — An exploded perspective view of certain embodiments of a quick-coupling system

FIG. 13C — An assembled perspective view of certain embodiments of a quick-coupling system

FIG. 14A — A top view of a female fastening feature of certain embodiments

FIG. 14B — A top view of a female fastening feature of certain embodiments

FIG. 15A — A bottom perspective view of a hand-grip of certain embodiments

FIG. 15B — A bottom view of a hand-grip of certain embodiments

FIG. 15C — A bottom view of a hand-grip of certain embodiments

FIG. 15D — A front view of a hand-grip of certain embodiments

FIG. 15E — A top view of a hand-grip of certain embodiments

FIG. 16A — A side view of certain embodiments of the present invention comprising a driver adaptor

FIG. 16B — A section view of certain embodiments of the present invention comprising a driver adaptor as shown in FIG. 16A

FIG. 16C — A perspective view of certain embodiments of the present invention comprising a driver adaptor

FIG. 17A — An exploded side view of certain embodiments of a system comprising a semi-rigid and a driver adaptor

FIG. 17B — A detail view of certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 17A

FIG. 18 — An exploded side view of certain embodiments of a system comprising a semi-rigid and a driver adaptor, as configured to interconnect with a rotary tool

FIG. 19 — A transparent view of certain embodiments of a cleaning element inserted within a barrel of a firearm

FIG. 20A — A side exploded view of certain embodiments of a cleaning system comprising a barrel guard

FIG. 20B — A section view of certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 20A

FIG. 20C — A side assembled view of certain embodiments of a cleaning system comprising a barrel guard

FIG. 20D — A section view of certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 20C

FIG. 20E — An exploded perspective view of certain embodiments of a cleaning system comprising a barrel guard

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A — FIG. 11, the present invention comprises a cleaning device 1000 comprising a first cleaning element 1100 adapted to pass through a barrel of a firearm and clean internal surfaces of a barrel of a firearm, wherein the first cleaning element 1100 comprises a first fastening feature 1210 interconnected with a first end 1110 of the first profile cleaner, and a second fastening feature 1220 interconnected with a second end 1120 of the first profile cleaner.

In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a first cleaning element 1100 and a second cleaning element 1100. It will be appreciated that the cleaning elements 1100 of certain embodiments comprise similar cleaning elements, while alternate embodiments comprise differing cleaning elements. The cleaning elements each comprise a first fastening 1210 feature interconnected to a first end 1110, and each cleaning element comprises a second fastening feature 1220 interconnected to a second end 1120. The first fastening feature 1210 of each cleaning element is configured to removably interconnect with the second fastening feature 1220 of each cleaning element. Thereby, the first and second cleaning elements 1100 are interconnectable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of cleaning elements 1100, each of the plurality of the cleaning elements comprising a first fastening feature 1210 at the first ends 1100 of the cleaning elements, and each of the plurality of the cleaning elements each comprise a second fastening 1220 feature at the second ends 1120 of the cleaning element. The first fastening feature 1210 of each cleaning element is removably interconnectable with a second fastening feature 1220 of each cleaning element. Thereby, a user is able to configure a cleaning device 1000 comprising a plurality of cleaning elements 1100 with any combination of cleaning elements, with any order of cleaning elements. It will be appreciated that such “daisy-chaining” of elements is not limited to any number, combination, or configuration of elements as disclosed herein.

As shown in FIG. 1A — FIG. 1D, the cleaning elements of certain embodiments comprise a variety of forms. Certain cleaning elements comprise a profile cleaner 1300 which is configured to clean the internal volume of elements such as the internal surface of a barrel. The cleaning elements of certain embodiments, such as the profile cleaner 1300, comprise a shaft having a semi-rigid property thereby allowing both flexibility and anti-kinking properties. Such properties allow for the navigation of a cleaning element from the breach-end of a firearm allowing the cleaning device to be advanced through the barrel from the breach-end toward the muzzle end of the firearm by pulling or pushing the cleaning element.

As shown in FIG. 1A — FIG. 1D, the cleaning elements of certain embodiments, such as a deformable cleaner 1400 comprise a form which are dissimilar (e.g., larger in diameter) to the internal aspects of a firearm such as the breach, barrel, or other aspect which is the target of cleaning. Such cleaning elements comprise a deformable outer surface 1410 wherein forcing such a cleaning element through a firearm results in deforming the outer surface of the cleaning element to match the inner surface of the firearm, allowing the cleaning element to pass through and clean the firearm.

As shown in FIG. 1A — FIG. 1D, the cleaning elements of certain embodiments comprise a wire-brush 1500 or other stiff-bristled aspects configured to pass through a firearm to scour and clean the internal surfaces of a firearm.

Shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning element of certain embodiments comprise a clamping element 1600 comprising a first clamping member 1610 and a second clamping member 1620 each axially slidably affixable along an axial member 1630. The first clamping member comprises a textured surface 1640 and the second clamping member comprises a textured surface 1640, wherein the textured surfaces of the clamping members are disposed toward each other. Thus, a user is permitted to sandwich a cleaning element — such as a cloth patch or brush — between the clamping elements and lock the clamping elements in place along the axial member 1630. The clamping element 1600 can then be passed through the firearm to clean the internal surface of the firearm. In certain embodiments, the textured surfaces comprises teeth 1650, but are not limited thereto. Alternative embodiments comprise a first clamping element 1610 which is configured to sandwich a cleaning element between the first clamping element 1610 and a rigid cap 1660. Such cleaning elements allow for the use of improvised cleaning with any material suited for the cleaning of the internal aspects of a firearm such as textiles, paper products such as coffee filters, steel wool, and other cleaning materials known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Certain fastening features (1200, 1210, 1220) of various embodiments are discussed herein, such as those shown in FIG. 1A — FIG. 3B, and FIG. 5A — FIG. 7D, but are not limited thereto. The fastening features of certain embodiments comprise a first fastening feature 1210 comprising a male feature 1230 (such as a ball or stud), and a second fastening feature 1220 comprising a female feature 1240 (such as a socket). In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 2A - FIG. 3B the connection of a male feature 1230 to a female feature 1240 requires the male feature 1230 to be interconnected with the female feature 1240 by inserting the male feature 1230 into the female feature 1240 from a lateral aspect resulting in the male feature 1230 parallel to the female feature 1240.

In certain embodiments, FIG. 5A - FIG. 7D, a male feature 1230 of a first fastening feature 1210 is inserted into the recess of the female feature 1240 of a second fastening feature 1220 from a lateral aspect (FIG. 5A - FIG. 5B, FIG. 6A - FIG. 6B, FIG. 7A - FIG. 7B) with the male feature 1230 oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 1205 of the female feature. The male feature 1230 is then rotated (FIG. 5C - FIG. 5D, FIG. 6C - FIG. 6D, FIG. 7C - FIG. 7D) to align with the axis of fixation 1205. Each of the aforementioned fastening features 1200 are configured to allow articulation between cleaning elements while mitigating the disconnection of adjacent cleaning elements when loaded axially in tension or compression.

The fastening features as shown in FIG. 5A - FIG. 7D provide an interconnection the male feature 1230 of a first fastening feature and a female feature 1240 of a second fastening feature resulting in the interconnection of the first fastening feature 1210 with the second fastening feature 1220 such that the first fastening feature 1210 and second fastening feature 1220 are longitudinally constrained along an axis 1205 while permitting the first fastening feature 1210 to rotate with respect to the second fastening feature 1220.

In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 8A - FIG. 11, the fastening features comprise male threaded features 1250 and female threaded features 1260.

In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 8A - FIG. 8C, a firearm cleaning device comprises a cleaning element 1700 comprising a first end 1710, a second end 1720, and a shank 1730 therebetween. A first aperture 1740 and the second aperture 1740′ are aligned with a longitudinal axis 1750 of the shank, and the apertures are proximal to the second end of the cleaning element. The first aperture 1740 and the second aperture 1740′ are angularly offset from each other. Thus, the apertures each have an axis (1760, 1760′) extending therethrough which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 1750 of the shank, while the axis 1760 of the first aperture is non-parallel with the axis 1760′ of the second aperture. In certain embodiments the angular offset of the axis 1760 of the first apertures is radially offset from the axis 1760′ of the second aperture by 90-degrees. It will be appreciated that although embodiments disclosed herein comprise two apertures (1740, 1740′), embodiments comprising three or more apertures are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that such cleaning elements as shown in FIG. 8A - FIG. 8C allow for the use of improvised cleaning with any material suited for the cleaning of the internal aspects of a firearm such as textiles, paper products such as coffee filters, steel wool, and other cleaning materials known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8C, a cleaning element further comprises a jag 1795, or spike, disposed at a distal end of the cleaning element wherein a cloth patch or similar can be pierced by the jag 1795 prior to pushing it through the internal aspects of a firearm to retain the cloth patch to the cleaning element.

In certain embodiments the apertures further comprise a lateral opening (1770, 1770′) thereby creating a hook-form. The lateral opening (1770, 1770′) permits a user to place a cloth patch or other cleaning element therethrough laterally and into the aperture. It will be appreciated that the lateral opening of certain embodiments is configured to result in an upper hook-form 1780′ and lower hook-form 1780 wherein the cloth patch is captive within the aperture regardless if the cleaning element is pushed or pulled through a firearm as desired. In certain embodiments the lateral opening 1770 further comprises beveled aspects 1790 configured to guide the placement of a cloth patch into the apertures from a lateral aspect, while further restricting the removal of the cloth patch thereby mitigating the inadvertent removal of the cloth patch from the apertures.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, shown in FIG. 9A - FIG. 9B, a cleaning element 1800 comprises a flexible outer sleeve 1810 with a deformable element therein 1820. The outer sleeve 1810 of certain embodiments comprises a textile configured to clean the internal aspects of a firearm. In certain embodiments the outer sleeve 1810 comprises a microfiber textile material, but it will be appreciated that alternative textiles known to those skilled in the art can be used while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. The deformable element 1820 comprises an oblong shape and is able to conform to the internal aspects of the firearm as the cleaning element is forced therethrough. The deformable element 1820 typically comprises a closed-cell foam, but embodiments using other deformable elements are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments the cleaning element 1800 comprises a male threaded feature 1250 at a first end configured to removably interconnect with a fastening feature of other cleaning elements. Embodiments wherein the cleaning element comprises a female threaded feature, or alternative mechanical fixation feature, are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Certain embodiments of a firearm cleaning device 1000, shown in FIG. 10A - FIG. 11, comprises a semi-rigid shaft 1900 having a first end 1910 and a second end 1920. The ends of the semi-rigid shaft 1900 comprise fastening features 1905 configured to removably interconnect with fastening features of cleaning elements 1100. In certain embodiments, the fastening features 1905 of the semi-rigid shaft comprise female threaded features 1260 is configured to interconnect with the mechanical fixation features of the cleaning elements 1100 wherein the fastening features of the cleaning elements comprise male threaded features 1250. It will be appreciated that the fastening features of the semi-rigid shaft can comprise two female threaded features 1260, two male threaded features 1250, or a male threaded feature 1250 and a female threaded feature 1260 while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, a firearm cleaning device comprises semi-rigid shaft 1900 having a first end and a second end, each comprising female threaded features configured to interconnect with cleaning elements having male threaded features.

In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 10A - FIG. 10B, a semi-rigid shaft 1900 comprises fastening features 1905 at the first end 1910 and second end 1920, wherein the threaded features 1260 of the semi-rigid shaft further comprise a swivel connection 1930 between the threaded feature and semi-rigid shaft wherein the threaded features axially aligned with the semi-rigid shaft, while the threaded features are free to rotate independent of the semi-rigid shaft. The swivel connection allows the use of cleaning elements within rifled barrels without encumbrance from rifling and without damage to the rifling of the barrel. In certain embodiments, the swivel connection 1930 comprises a male feature 1230 and a female feature 1240 as shown in FIG. 5A - FIG. 7D which permits the modular attachment of one of many cleaning elements, wherein the male fastening feature is configured to freely rotate in relation to the female fastening feature.

In certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 11, a first cleaning element 1700 comprising two apertures which are angularly offset is removably interconnected to a first end 1910 of a semi-rigid shaft. Interconnected to a second end 1920 of the semi-rigid shaft is a second cleaning element 1800 comprising a textile sleeve having a deformable element therein.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12, a quick-coupling system 2000 - also referred to as a fastening feature herein - comprises a female fastening feature 2100 having a first end 2110 configured to interconnect with a male fastening feature 2200. A second end 2120 of the female fastening feature comprises a mechanical fixation feature 2130, such as threaded features. The mechanical fixation feature of certain embodiments comprises male threaded 2140 features, while others comprise female threaded 2240 features. Embodiments comprising other mechanical fixation features are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The first end 2110 of the female fastening feature comprises an aperture 2150, having a diameter 2151, protruding longitudinally into the female fastening feature from the first end 2110 toward the second end 2120 of the female fastening feature. The female fastening feature 2100 further comprises a recess 2160 in a lateral aspect 2170 of the female fastening feature, wherein the recess 2160 intersects with the aperture 2150. The length of the recess 2160 extends from the first end 2110 of the female fastening feature toward the second end 2120 of the female fastening feature, wherein a first portion 2161 of the recess intersects the first end 2110 of the female fastening feature and a second portion 2162 of the recess is offset toward the second end 2120 of the female fastening feature. A first portion of the recess comprises a width 2181, and a length 2161. A second portion of the recess comprises a width 2182, and a length 2162, wherein the width 2182 of the second portion of the recess is greater than the width 2181 of the first portion of the recess.

In certain embodiments, a quick-coupling system 2000 comprises a male fastening feature 2200 having a first end 2210 configured to interconnect with a female fastening feature 2100. In certain embodiments, a second end 2220 of the male fastening feature comprises a mechanical fixation feature 2230, such as female threaded features 2240. The mechanical fixation feature of certain embodiments comprises male threaded features 2140, while others comprise female threaded features 2240. Embodiments comprising other examples mechanical fixation features 2230 are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The first end 2210 of the male fastening feature comprises a stud 2250 extending longitudinally away from the male fastening feature. In certain embodiments, the length 2260 of the stud is less than the length 2160 of the recess of the female fastening feature 2100 to which the male fastening feature 2200 is configured to interconnect with. The stud 2250 comprises a first portion having a length 2261, and a second portion having a length 2262, wherein the second portion is located distally from the first portion. In certain embodiments the second portion of the stud comprises a hemispherical shape 2270, however a second portion of the stud comprising alternate geometric shapes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The first portion of the stud comprises a length 2261 greater than the length 2161 of the first portion of the recess of the female fastening feature, and the second portion of the stud comprises a length 2262 less than the length 2162 of the second portion of the recess of the female fastening feature. The second portion of the stud comprises a width 2282 greater than a width of the first portion of the stud. Furthermore, the width 2282 of the second portion of the male fastening feature is less than the width 2182 of the second portion of the recess of the female fastening feature, wherein the width 2282 of the second portion of the stud is configured to pass through the width 2182 of the second portion of the recess. In certain embodiments, the width 2281 of the first portion of the stud is configured to pass through the width 2181 of the first portion of the recess. In certain embodiments the width 2281 of the first portion of the stud is less than the width 2181 of the first portion of the recess. In certain embodiments the width 2281 of the first portion of the stud is equal to or greater than the width 2181 of the first portion of the recess. In certain embodiments the type of fit between the width 2281 of the first portion of the stud and the width 2181 of the first portion of the recess comprises a transition fit wherein the first portion of the stud is configured to pass through the first portion of the recess with light pressing force.

Embodiments, shown in FIG. 13A - FIG. 13C for example, allowing the interconnection of a female fastening feature 2100 and a male fastening feature 2200 by advancing the stud 2250 parallel to the longitudinal axis 2105 of the female fastening feature 2100 are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, for example as shown in FIG. 14A -FIG. 14B, an aperture 2150 of the female fastening feature comprises at least one stress relief feature 2300 comprising a cutout which extending the length of the first portion of the recess. The stress relief feature 2300 extends radially away from the aperture of the female fastening feature wherein the stress relief feature allows 2300 the width 2181 of the first portion of the recess to expand when the first portion of the stud is inserted therethrough without permanent deformation to the female fastening feature 2100.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14A, the width of the first portion of the recess tapers from a maximum width 2312 to a minimum width 2311. In alternate embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14B, the width of the first portion of the recess of is consistent.

In certain embodiments, a second end of the male fastening feature comprises an annulus wherein an aperture through the annulus is configured to receive an object such as a rag, or a tether of a cleaning element.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a hand-grip 2400 comprising an oblong grip 2430 having a longitudinal pathway 2440 extending from a first end 2410 of the hand-grip to a second end 2420 of the hand-grip. The hand-grip 2400 comprises a plurality of recesses 2450 on the external aspect of the grip portion, wherein the recesses 2450 are configured to receive the fingers of a user for increased grip. The pathway 2440 further comprises a plurality of protuberances 2460 which extend radially inward within the pathway 2440 wherein the protuberances 2460 are configured to provide increased grip to a longitudinal element 3000 inserted within the pathway.

In certain embodiments, the hand-grip 2400 comprises an open lateral aspect 2500 wherethrough a longitudinal element 3000 can be inserted into the pathway 2440 through open lateral aspect 2500. Once a longitudinal element 3000 is inserted into the pathway 2440, the user grasps the grip and applies force 2600 radially inward on the grip 2430 which constricts the pathway 2440 and engages the protuberances 2460 with the longitudinal element 3000, thereby enabling the user to push or pull the longitudinal element through a firearm. Upon finishing a pulling or pulling stroke, the user can release the force applied radially inward on the grip 2430, which permits the grip to rebound and allow the user to slide the hand-grip 2400 along the longitudinal element 3000 to reset for a subsequent pulling or pushing stroke.

In certain embodiments, the first end 2410 of the hand-grip comprises a hand-guard 2550 wherein the hand-guard 2550 extends radially outward from the hand-grip 2430. Although embodiments as shown comprise a planar hand-guard 2550, alternative embodiments wherein the hand-guard 2550 has a convex, concave, or other geometric shape are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the lateral open aspect 2500 of the hand-grip extends through the hand-guard 2550.

Certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 16A - FIG. 19 for instance, comprise a driver adaptor 2700 comprises a first end 2710 having a mechanical fastening feature such as a threaded feature 2730, configured to interconnect with the first end 1910 of the semi-rigid shaft. The second end 2720 of the driver adaptor is configured to be interconnected to a rotary tool 9000. A rotary tool 9000 as used herein surrounds tools such as an electrically powered drill, impact driver, or other tool which enables a user to rotate a device interconnected thereto. In certain embodiments, the second end 2720 of the driver adaptor comprises a polygonal cross-section 2740 such as a hexagonal cross-section as shown but not limited thereto. In certain embodiments, a driver adapter 2700 further comprises a quick-change configuration 2750 such as disclosed and taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,758 to Morgan (“Morgan”), incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 16A - FIG. 19 for instance, comprise a driver adaptor 2700 which is configured for interconnecting with the first end 1910 of the semi-rigid shaft 1900 wherein the driver adaptor 2700 is configured to interconnect with the first end 1910 of the semi-rigid shaft, and a cleaning element 1100 is configured to interconnect with the second end 1920 of the semi-rigid cleaning shaft. In certain embodiments the driver adaptor 2700 comprises a mechanical fixation feature such as a threaded feature 2730, configured to interconnect with the first end 1910 of the semi-rigid shaft. In certain embodiments, the driver adaptor 2700 comprises male threaded features 2735 configured to interconnect with female threaded features 1260 of the first end of the semi-rigid shaft. While threaded features are shown and described for the interconnection of the driver adaptor 2700 in certain embodiments, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The use of alternate quick-coupling attachment strategies are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16A - FIG. 19 for instance, it may be preferred to configure a cleaning element 1100 to have a helical aspect or form, such as a wire brush 1500 or deformable cleaner 1400 (FIG. 1A), wherein the rotation of the cleaning element 1100 within the barrel of a firearm in a first direction 3010 causes the cleaning element 1100 and the semi-rigid shaft 1900, to advance in a first longitudinal direction 3110 into the barrel 9100 of the firearm. Furthermore, the cleaning element 1100 can be configured wherein the rotation of the cleaning element 1100 within the barrel 9100 of a firearm in a second direction 3020 causes the cleaning element 1100 and the semi-rigid shaft 1900 to withdraw from the barrel 9100 in a second longitudinal direction 3120.

In certain embodiments it may be desired for the first end 1910 and the second end 1920 of the semi-rigid shaft to comprise a quick-coupling system such as disclosed by Morgan, and elements such as a cleaning element 1100 or the first end 2710 of the driver adaptor.

In certain embodiments, it may be preferred that certain elements such as fastening features, threaded features, and driver adaptors are made from a material which comprises characteristics such as low hardness, high lubricity, and high malleability as related to steel. Thus, the use of such materials reduces the chance of damage to a firearm when cleaning. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to brass, bronze, copper, and polymeric based materials.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20A - FIG. 20E, a system for cleaning of a firearm includes a barrel guard 3200 wherein the barrel guard 3200 is configured to insert into the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel to protect the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel, and to protect the cleaning system 1000 from the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel. The barrel 9000 of certain firearms, such as the muzzle end 9010 of a shotgun have sharp portions, such as found with barrels which are adapted for receiving a barrel choke or similar. The barrel guard 3200 comprises a generally cylindrical form with a pathway 3250 extending longitudinally therethrough. The pathway 3250 is configured to receive the semi-rigid shaft 1900 slidably therethrough. The barrel guard 3200 further comprises a first portion 3210 configured to be slidably inserted within the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel, and a second portion 3220 configured to abut the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel to prevent further insertion of the barrel guard 3200 into the barrel 9000. The first portion 3210 of the barrel guard comprises an outer diameter 3215 which is less than the inner diameter 9050 of the barrel, and the second portion 3220 of the barrel guard comprises an outer diameter 3225 greater than each of the inner diameter 9050 of the barrel and the outer diameter 3215 of the first portion of the barrel guard. The barrel guard 3200 prevents a user from impacting their hand upon the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel which can be sharp, and prevents a cleaning tool such as a cleaning element 1100 or semi-rigid shaft 1900 from impacting the edge of the barrel to prevent damage to the cleaning tool or the barrel itself. In certain embodiments the barrel guard 3200 further comprises a first gripping element 3230 and a second gripping element 3230, wherein the gripping elements are adapted to allow a user to grasp the barrel guard 3200 to maintain the barrel guard 3200 in place at the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel. In certain embodiments, the gripping elements 3230 are configured as protuberances which extend radially outward from the second portion 3220 of the barrel guard as shown. As shown, two gripping elements are angularly offset 180-degrees from each other. However, alternate embodiments comprising alternate offset between gripping elements, and embodiments comprising alternate numbers of gripping elements are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, alternate embodiments wherein the gripping element comprises alternate forms, including a faceted aspect of the second portion 3220, or a surface treatment applied to the second portion 3220 which is adapted for allowing better manual control over the barrel guard 3200. The barrel guard 3200 comprises a pathway therethrough which allows the passage of the cleaning system 1000 wherein the firearm 9000 can be cleaned without damage to the muzzle end 9010 of the barrel, and without damage to the cleaning system 1000.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

Claims

1. A firearm cleaning system comprising: a semi-rigid shaft comprising a first end and a second end,the first end of the semi-rigid shaft comprising a fastening feature;the second end of the semi-rigid shaft comprises a fastening feature configured to interconnect with a cleaning element;a driver adaptor comprising a first end configured to interconnect with the fastening feature at the first end of the semi-rigid shaft; andthe driver adaptor further comprising a second end configured to interconnect with a rotary tool for rotation of the driver adaptor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotation of driver adaptor results in the rotation of the semi-rigid shaft, and wherein the rotation of the semi-rigid shaft results in the rotation of the cleaning element interconnected to the second end of the semi-rigid shaft.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the driver adaptor comprises a polygonal cross-sectional profile.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the polygonal cross-sectional profile comprises a hexagonal shape.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the driver adaptor comprises a threaded feature; and the first end of the semi-rigid shaft comprises a threaded feature configured to interconnect with the threaded feature of the driver adaptor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the cleaning element comprises a helical form, wherein the rotation of the cleaning element in a first direction when inserted within a barrel of a firearm results in the cleaning element traveling in a first longitudinal direction within the barrel, andwherein the rotation of the cleaning element in a second direction results in the cleaning element traveling in a second longitudinal direction within the barrel.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements wherein each of the plurality of cleaning elements are interchangeably interconnectable with the second end of the semi-rigid shaft.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the fastening features of the semi-rigid shaft comprise a material having low hardness, high lubricity, and high malleability, as related to steel.

9. The system of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of cleaning elements wherein each of the plurality of cleaning elements are interchangeably interconnectable with the second end of the semi-rigid shaft.

10. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a barrel guard comprising a pathway extending longitudinally therethrough from a first portion of the barrel guard to a second portion of the barrel guard, wherein the pathway is adapted for receiving the semi-rigid shaft slidably therethrough; the first portion of the barrel guard comprises an outer diameter; andthe second portion of the barrel guard comprises an outer diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the first portion of the barrel guard,wherein the first portion of the barrel guard is configured to be inserted within a barrel of a firearm, and the second portion is configured to abut a muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm.

11. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the barrel guard further comprises a first gripping element interconnected to the second portion of the barrel guard, wherein the gripping element is adapted for increased manual control of the barrel guard.

12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the gripping element further comprises a protuberance extending radially away from the second portion of the barrel guard.

13. The cleaning system of claim 12, further comprising a second gripping element.

14. The cleaning system of claim 13, wherein the second gripping element is angularly offset by 180-degrees from the first gripping element.

15. A firearm cleaning system comprising: a semi-rigid shaft;a first end of the semi-rigid shaft comprising a fastening feature configured to interconnect with a first cleaning element;a second end of the semi-rigid shaft comprises a fastening feature configured to interconnect with a second cleaning element; anda barrel guard comprising a pathway extending longitudinally therethrough from a first portion of the barrel guard to a second portion of the barrel guard, wherein the pathway is adapted for receiving the semi-rigid shaft slidably therethrough;the first portion of the barrel guard comprises an outer diameter; andthe second portion of the barrel guard comprises an outer diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the first portion of the barrel guard, wherein the first portion of the barrel guard is configured to be inserted within a barrel of a firearm, and the second portion is configured to abut a muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm.

16. The cleaning system of claim 15, further comprising a driver adaptor comprising a first end configured to interconnect with the fastening feature at the first end of the semi-rigid shaft; and the driver adaptor further comprising a second end configured to interconnect with a rotary tool for rotation of the driver adaptor,wherein the rotation of the driver adaptor results in the rotation of the semi-rigid shaft, andwherein the rotation of the semi-rigid shaft results in the rotation of the cleaning element interconnected to the second end of the semi-rigid shaft.

17. The cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the barrel guard further comprises a first gripping element interconnected to the second portion of the barrel guard, wherein the gripping element is adapted for increased manual control of the barrel guard.

18. The cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the gripping element comprises a protuberance extending radially away from the second portion of the barrel guard.

19. The cleaning system of claim 18, further comprising a second gripping element.

20. The cleaning system of claim 19, wherein the second gripping element is angularly offset by 180-degrees from the first gripping element.