SUPPRESSOR BAFFLE

Abstract

A suppressor baffle has a baffle body having an annular shape and extending axially along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A tapered wall expands in size moving distally along the central axis. The tapered wall defines a projectile opening at a proximal end and connects at a distal end to the baffle body. Vanes on an outside of the tapered wall are arranged to provide a tightening torque in response to combustion gases flowing axially and colliding with the suppressor baffle. The suppressor baffle can be arranged as a blast baffle in a baffle stack or part of a suppressor assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to suppressors for firearms and more particularly to a baffle for a suppressor.

BACKGROUND

Firearms design involves many non-trivial challenges. For example, rifles, machine guns, and other firearms have faced particular complications with reducing the audible and visible signature produced upon firing a round, while also maintaining the desired shooting performance. Suppressors are a muzzle accessory that reduces the audible report of the firearm by slowing the expansion and release of pressurized gases from the barrel. Visible flash can also be reduced by controlling the expansion of gases leaving the barrel as well as by controlling how muzzle gasses mix with ambient air.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a baffle for a firearm suppressor, a baffle stack, and a suppressor assembly including the baffle and/or baffle stack. In one embodiment, a suppressor baffle has an annular shape extending axially along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A tapered wall expands in size moving distally along the central axis, where the tapered wall defines a projectile opening at a proximal end and connects at a distal end to the proximal end of the baffle body. Vanes on an outside of the tapered wall are arranged to provide a tightening torque in response to combustion gases flowing axially through the suppressor baffle after firing a shot. In one embodiment, the baffle is configured as a blast baffle or a first baffle of a baffle stack. The present disclosure also relates to a suppressor assembly including such a baffle.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is rear perspective view of a suppressor baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the suppressor baffle of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front perspective views of a suppressor baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front-end and rear-end views, respectively, of a suppressor baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a longitudinal section of a suppressor baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a suppressor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view showing a longitudinal section as viewed along line A-A of the suppressor assembly of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a rear perspective view of a suppressor baffle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the suppressor baffle of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a rear, perspective view showing a longitudinal section of a suppressor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the longitudinal section of FIG. 8A.

The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a suppressor baffle, a baffle stack including the suppressor baffle, and a suppressor assembly including the suppressor baffle, where the baffle has vanes on the baffle cone that are configured and arranged to provide a tightening torque when a shot is fired. In one example embodiment, a suppressor baffle is configured as a blast baffle. The baffle includes a cylindrical body and a tapered wall or cone connected to a proximal end of the cylindrical body. The tapered wall expands in size from a proximal cone end that defines a projectile opening to a distal cone end that attaches to the body. The tapered wall includes a plurality of vanes or deflectors. The vanes extend generally in the axial direction along the tapered wall and can be planar, curved, or have a helical twist, for example. In one embodiment, the baffle has three to nine vanes that each have a helical twist along the tapered wall. As expanding propellant gases collide with the vanes, a tightening torque is generated that tends to rotate the baffle, and therefore the suppressor as a whole, in a tightening direction. For example, for a suppressor that attaches to a firearm barrel or muzzle attachment using right-hand threads, the induced torque tightens the suppressor to the firearm.

A suppressor baffle can be part of a baffle stack, such as being the first baffle or blast baffle portion of the baffle stack. Further, the baffle and/or baffle stack can be part of a suppressor assembly. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

Overview

As noted above, non-trivial issues may arise that complicate weapons design and performance of firearms. For instance, one non-trivial issue pertains to the fact that the discharge of a firearm normally produces an audible and visible signature resulting from rapidly expanding propellant gases and from the projectile leaving the muzzle at a velocity greater than the speed of sound with respect to ambient conditions. It is generally understood that attenuating the audible report may be accomplished by slowing the rate of expansion of the propellant gases. Slowing gas expansion and delaying gas venting from the suppressor can be accomplished by forcing the gas to take a longer flow path through the suppressor, such as around baffles. Reducing the visible signature or flash also can be accomplished by controlling the expansion of gases exiting the muzzle. Muzzle flash may include two main components. Reducing one component of muzzle flash may enhance another component of flash, as will be appreciated.

As a result of dissipating energy from the propellant gases and from direct exposure to a blast of burning propellant upon firing a shot, suppressors are subject to rapid temperature changes as well as sustained high temperatures during repeated firing. The thermal cycles at the barrel and in the suppressor can loosen a threaded connection. For example, the threads on the suppressor may expand to a greater extent than threads on the muzzle or muzzle attachment. Despite securely attaching the suppressor to the barrel at room temperature, temperature changes can loosen the threaded connection. In combination with cyclical forward thrust and recoil forces, the suppressor can become loose on the barrel or can even fall off during use.

Attempts to maintain the suppressor on the barrel during use include the addition of secondary locking mechanisms that lock the rotational position of the suppressor or inhibit rotation in a loosening direction until the locking mechanism is released. Such secondary locking mechanisms increase the complexity and cost of the suppressor assembly which otherwise has no moving parts. Additionally, some such mechanisms have a reduced life or can complicate the attachment and removal process.

Another approach to loosening suppressor attachment is to provide openings in the distal end of the suppressor that induce a tightening torque. Such designs, however, may reduce the effectiveness of flash attenuation. Such openings may also direct gases into the operator's line of sight or into the ground.

To address the above-mentioned challenges, a suppressor baffle is provided that includes vanes or flow deflectors on the tapered baffle wall, such as on the cone portion of a blast baffle. Propellant gases colliding with the vanes or flow deflectors induces a tightening torque that can reduce or eliminate inadvertent loosening during use. Although shown and described herein as vanes connected to an outside surface of the baffle's cone or tapered wall, the tapered wall can employ other features that induce torque, such as channels or grooves formed in or defined as part of the tapered wall. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

Example Embodiments

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view and FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a suppressor baffle 110, or simply baffle 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the baffle 110 is configured as a blast baffle 110, also referred to as a first baffle or proximal baffle of a baffle stack. However, the baffle 110 shown in FIGS. 1-2 can also be used as an intermediate baffle or distal baffle of a baffle stack, in accordance with some embodiments. A blast baffle may differ from other baffles in that it can be configured to endure a blast of high temperature gases exiting the barrel. To this end, the blast baffle 110 can have some different features compared to those found in subsequent baffles of a baffle stack.

In some embodiments, the baffle 110 can be made as a stand-alone component or as part of a monolithic baffle stack that includes the baffle 110. For example, additive manufacturing such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) can be used to “print” all or part of a suppressor assembly that includes a baffle stack with a series of baffles, an outer housing, a flash hider endcap within the distal end of the housing, and other components as desired. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

The baffle 110 extends along a central axis 101 from a proximal end 116 to a distal end 120 and includes a tapered wall 112 or cone that connects to a baffle body 114. The tapered wall 112 expands moving distally along the central axis and connects at its distal end to the baffle body 114, which has a cylindrical geometry in this example. At the proximal end 116, the baffle 110 defines a projectile opening 118 centered on the central axis 101. As shown, the tapered wall 112 has a frustoconical geometry, but the tapered wall 112 alternately can have a curved profile, a combination of linear and curved sections, can have a stepped profile with axial and radial sections, for example. Similarly, while the tapered wall 112 is shown as having a linear taper, it could have a non-linear taper or include sections with a non-linear taper.

The baffle 110 includes a plurality of body vanes 122 extending radially outward from the baffle body 114. The body vanes 122 are arranged circumferentially around the outside of the baffle body 114, where adjacent body vanes 122 extend in alternating directions. In more detail, each body vane 122 is oriented at an angle α from 20-45° relative to longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis 101. Each body vane 122 can have a planar or helical shape. As shown in this example, the body vanes 122 have a helical twist. Adjacent body vanes 122 extend towards one another to define an open or discontinuous vertex 124. In some embodiments, the distal end 122a of some or all body vanes 122 defines a V-shape. For example, the V-shaped distal end 122a of one body vane 122 extends towards another body vane 122 but it terminates short of the other body vane 122 or it otherwise defines a space or gap for gas flow. As shown, for example, in FIG. 2, body vanes 122 define an angle α of about 30°. Stated differently, adjacent body vanes 122 in this example are generally oriented along sides of an equilateral triangle, where vertices 124 formed by adjacent body vanes 122 are directed or “point” in an axial direction parallel to the central axis 101. Alternately, some or all vertices 124 can point in an off-axis direction.

In some embodiments, the baffle body 114 defines one or more inlet openings 126 in the vertex 124 of converging body vanes 122. Here, “converging” is with respect to gas flow in a distal direction through the suppressor. The narrowing region between converging body vanes 122 results in a localized region of high pressure. As such, when an inlet opening 126 is positioned between converging body vanes 122, gas flow is promoted to go through the inlet opening to the inside of the baffle body, rather than in the outward direction. Inlet opening(s) 126 can be placed between some or all converging body vanes 122.

The baffle 110 also includes cone vanes 130 on the outside of the tapered wall 112 or cone 112. Individual cone vanes 130 extend along at least part of the tapered wall 112 between the proximal end 116 of the baffle 110 and the proximal end 114a of the baffle body 114. In this example, the baffle 110 includes six cone vanes 130 arranged in a circumferentially spaced apart arrangement, where each cone vane 130 has a helical twist as it extends along the tapered wall 112. More or fewer cone vanes 130 can be used, depending on the desired torque, and the cone vanes 130 can have an axial dimension that is less than or greater than that of the tapered wall 112, in some embodiments. For example, the baffle 110 can have two or more cone vanes 130, including from three to nine cone vanes 130. Although cone vanes 130 are shown as being arranged symmetrically and having identical geometry, all of the cone vanes 130 need not be identical. For example, some cone vanes 130 can have a shorter axial length or reduced radial height. In some embodiments, some or all of the cone vanes 130 can be continuous with a respective body vane 122.

The cone vanes 130 are shaped and arranged to provide right-hand rotational force that tightens the suppressor to the gun's muzzle when the firearm is fired. Upon firing the firearm, combustion gases exit the barrel along the central axis 101 and continue generally along the path of the projectile towards the projectile opening 118 at the proximal end 116 of the baffle 110. As gases expand into the suppressor, a portion of the gases continues along the central axis 101 and passes through the projectile opening 118. A second portion of gases flows around the outside of the baffle 110 along the tapered wall 112. In doing so, gases collide with the cone vanes 130 and with the outside of the tapered wall 112. Gas collisions with the cone vanes 130 imparts a rotational force or torque on the baffle 110 that is transferred to the suppressor assembly to tighten the suppressor to the barrel according to a right-hand threaded attachment. For example, each cone vane 130 has a right-hand helical twist that results in a right-hand tightening rotation of the baffle 110 and suppressor assembly. Alternately, the cone vanes 130 can be arranged to impart a left-hand tightening rotational force, such as for use with a left-hand threaded attachment.

As shown in this example, the distal end portion 130b of cone vanes 130 can be directed towards a rearward-directed vertex 124 and/or along a corresponding body vane 122. Thus, gases flowing along the cone vane 130 may be directed to flow into the gap at the vertex 124 and gases between cone vanes 130 may be directed to flow into the open mouth 128 between body vanes 122 and subsequently towards an inlet opening 126. Although the cone vanes 130 are depicted as having a helical twist, some or all of the cone vanes 130 can be planar, curved without having a helical twist, or otherwise shaped to result in a tightening rotation of the suppressor upon firing the firearm.

In this example, a proximal end portion 130a of each cone vane 130 has a reduced radial dimension compared to a distal end portion 130b of the cone vane 130. An advantageous result of this feature is that the cone vane 130 makes contact with the outer housing only along the distal end portion 130b of the cone vane 130. When the cone vanes 130 join with the outer housing along the distal end portion 130b of the cone vanes 130, the suppressor can avoid or reduce loosening torque caused by swirling and/or reversed gas flow in the blast chamber during the firing cycle.

The radial dimension, axial dimension, helical angle, orientation, and number of cone vanes 130 can be adjusted to provide the desired torque for a given caliber or cartridge. In some embodiments, the cone vanes 130 are adapted to provide a peak torque of at least 25 Nm in a tightening direction, including a peak torque of at least 35 Nm, and a peak torque in a range of 25-50 Nm, preferably in a range of 40-50 Nm. The magnitude and direction of the gas flow can oscillate during the firing cycle, which may result in loosening torque during some parts of the firing cycle. This loosening torque (e.g., due to swirling gases or rearward flow) may result in about 3-5 Nm. of loosening torque. However, it has been shown that the peak tightening torque occurs during a period of low axial thrust from propellant gases and that loosening torque occurs during a period of high axial thrust. The axial thrust force from propellant gases increases friction on the threads between the suppressor and the barrel. During periods of high thrust, the threads tend to bind as a result of axial thrust forces, thereby impeding loosening torque at least to some extent.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, front perspective views illustrate a baffle 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a front-end view and a rear-end view, respectively. The baffle 110 includes a baffle body 114 with body vanes 122 and a tapered wall 112 with cone vanes 130, similar to as discussed above. FIG. 4B illustrates a rear-end view of the baffle 110 and shows the turbine-like arrangement of cone vanes 130 along the first tapered wall 112.

In this embodiment, the tapered wall 112 is a first tapered wall 112 and the baffle 110 further includes a second tapered wall 140 that is spaced axially from the first tapered wall 112. In this example, the second tapered wall 140 has a frustoconical shape that expands from the projectile opening 142 to the baffle body 114, where the second tapered wall generally mimics the geometry of the first tapered wall 112 and has been translated axially. The second tapered wall 140 connects to an inside of the baffle body 114 at a location between the proximal end 114a of the baffle body 114 and the distal end 120, such as about midway along the baffle body 114.

The second tapered wall 140 defines a projectile opening 142 aligned with the central axis 101. In this example, a first half 142a of the projectile opening 142 has a first diameter D1 and the opposite second half 142b has a second diameter D2 that is larger than the first diameter D1. The larger second half 142b of the projectile opening 142 promotes gas flow in that direction. The smaller diameter D1 typically is the same as the diameter of the projectile opening 118 of the first tapered wall 112, but it can be different in some embodiments. The second diameter D2 can be from 0 to 30% greater than the first diameter D1, such as about 20% greater.

In some embodiments, the baffle body 114 defines one or more ports 129 distally of the connection with the second tapered wall 140. In this example, the ports 129 are located radially outward of the first half of the projectile opening 142. That is, the ports 129 and larger second half 142b of the projectile opening 142 are on the opposite side of the baffle 110. Note also that ports 129 are positioned in the open mouth 128 of diverging body vanes 122, which can provide a localized area of low pressure. As such, gas flow tends to flow outward through the ports 129.

The second tapered wall 140 defines one or more vent openings 146 distributed around a radially outer portion of the second tapered wall 140. These vent openings 146 allow gases to flow through the second tapered wall 140 from the cavity 144. In this example, the second tapered wall 140 defines five vent openings 146, three of which are radially outside of the smaller first half 142a of the projectile opening 142 and two of which are radially outside of the larger second half 142b of the projectile opening 142. Note that each of the two vent openings 146 on the side of the larger second half 142b of the projectile opening 142 is larger than the vent openings 146 on the side of the smaller first half 142a of the projectile opening 142. More or fewer vent openings 146 can be provided with even or uneven distribution and/or opening size. FIG. 4A illustrates a front-end view of the baffle 110 and shows the vent openings 146. As noted above, the baffle 110 includes three vent openings 146a of relatively smaller diameter on a first side and two vent openings 146b of relatively larger diameter on the opposite second side. Vent openings 146 are positioned closely adjacent to the baffle body 114.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view showing longitudinal section of the baffle of FIGS. 3A-3B. The second tapered wall 140 is coaxially arranged and nested with the first tapered wall 112 and the projectile openings 118, 142 are aligned with the central axis 101. As discussed above, vent openings 146 permit gas to flow through the second tapered wall 140 from the volume 144 between the first and second tapered walls 112, 140. Arrows in FIG. 5 show examples of gas flow paths through the baffle 110. Note that these gas flow paths may change during the firing cycle and may not represent the actual gas flow. A portion of gases flows generally along the central axis 101 through projectile openings 118, 142 in baffle 110 and successive baffles. Another portion of gases flows in off-axis directions within the baffle 110, such as into the volume 144 between tapered walls 112, 140 and through vent openings 146 adjacent the baffle body 114. Yet another portion of gases flows along the outside of the baffle 110 and is guided at least in part by vanes on the outside of the baffle 110. Gases may flow from an inner volume of the baffle 110 to an outer volume between the baffle and an outer housing (e.g., shown in FIG. 6B), or vice versa, via vent openings 146 and ports 129.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a front perspective view and a side view of a longitudinal section, respectively, illustrate a suppressor assembly 200 (or simply suppressor 200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The suppressor 200 extends along the central axis 101 and includes an outer housing 202 that houses a baffle stack 210. In some embodiments, a flash hider 206 is positioned in the distal end portion 204 of the suppressor 200. The proximal end portion includes a mount portion 212 that is sized and configured to attach to a barrel or muzzle device attached to a barrel, such as a muzzle adapter or flash hider. The proximal end portion 208 defines a blast chamber 216 between the mount portion 212 and the baffle stack 210.

In FIG. 6B the baffle stack 210 includes baffle 110 as the first baffle, which includes first tapered wall 112, second tapered wall 140, and cone vanes 130 as discussed above. In this example, the first baffle 110 is part of a monolithic baffle stack 210 with a series of nested baffle cones 140′ that are similar to or the same as the second tapered wall 140. The baffle body 114 of the first baffle 110 is continuous with the baffle body 214 of the baffle stack 210. In some embodiments, the nested baffle cones 140′ can have variations in the projectile opening 142′ or in other features. For example, the projectile opening 142′ can be oriented transversely to the central axis 101 so as to appear circular as viewed along the central axis 101, while having an elliptical shape when viewed in a direction normal to the plane of the opening.

The suppressor defines an inner volume 220 within the baffle body 214 and an outer volume 222 between the baffle body 214 and the outer housing 202. The baffle cones 140′ extend inward from the baffle body 214 and are within the inner volume 220. Body vanes 122 on the outside of the baffle body 214 are in the outer volume 222. Gases flowing into the suppressor 200 initially expand somewhat in the blast chamber 216. A first portion of gases passes into the inner volume 220 via the projectile opening 118. A second portion of gases passes around the first tapered wall 112 to the outer volume 222.

Propellant gases can flow through the inner and outer volumes 220, 222, which are largely separated from each other. Gases flowing through the inner volume 220 are slowed and/or cooled by the baffle cones 140′, which induce localized turbulence and energy dissipation, thus reducing (or “suppressing”) the sound and/or flash of expanding gases. For example, as the gases collide with baffle cones 140′ and other surfaces in the suppressor 200, the gases converge and then expand again in a different direction, for example. The various collisions and changes in velocity (e.g., flow direction and/or speed) result in localized turbulence, an elongated flow path, delay in gas exiting the suppressor and heat and energy losses from the gases, thereby reducing the audible and visual signature of the rifle.

The suppressor 200 includes flow-directing structures between the outer housing 202 and the baffle body 214. For example, the flow-directing structures are configured as vanes that can be connected to the baffle body 214 and/or to an inner surface of the outer housing 202. In other embodiments, the flow-directing structures can be walls, ridges, partitions, or other obstructions that cause a non-linear gas flow through the outer volume 222. In some examples, flow-directing structures can include alternating vanes that extend part way upwardly and/or downwardly between the outer housing 202 and the baffle body 214, such as body vanes 122 discussed above. In some embodiments the flow-directing structures have an alternating arrangement, such as a herringbone-type pattern or zig-zag pattern, that promotes an oscillating flow path for gases flowing towards the exit at the distal end of the suppressor 200.

In use, the suppressor 200 attenuates the visible and audible signature when a shot is fired. Upon firing a shot, gases impinge on cone vanes 130 on the tapered wall at the proximal end of the baffle stack 210, resulting in torque that tends to rotate the suppressor 200 in a tightening direction. For example, threads in the mount portion 212 are right-hand threads and the cone vanes 130 result in a right-hand tightening torque. Thus, gas flows through the suppressor result in a tightening rotation. Accordingly, a suppressor baffle 110 as described herein, or a suppressor including such a suppressor baffle, can avoid or eliminate coming loose due to thermal cycling, thrust, and recoil forces.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a rear perspective view and a side view, respectively, illustrate a baffle 110′ in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Baffle 110′ is configured as a blast baffle or first baffle of a baffle stack 210 (shown, e.g., in FIGS. 8A-8B). Similar to embodiments discussed above, the baffle 110′ extends along a central axis 101 from a proximal end 116 to a distal end 120 and includes a tapered wall 112 or cone that connects to a baffle body 114. The tapered wall 112 expands moving distally along the central axis and connects at its distal end to the baffle body 114, which has a cylindrical geometry in this example. At the proximal end 116, the baffle 110′ defines a projectile opening 118 centered on the central axis 101. As shown, the tapered wall 112 has a frustoconical geometry; however, as noted above, the tapered wall 112 alternately can have a curved profile, a combination of linear and curved sections, can have a stepped profile with axial and radial sections, for example. Similarly, while the tapered wall 112 is shown as having a linear taper, it could have a non-linear taper or include sections with a non-linear taper.

Similar to embodiments discussed above, the baffle 110′ includes a plurality of body vanes 122 extending radially outward from the baffle body 114. The body vanes 122 are arranged circumferentially around the outside of the baffle body 114, where adjacent body vanes 122 extend in alternating directions. In more detail, each body vane 122 is oriented at an angle α from 20-45°, such as about of about 30°, relative to a longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis 101. Each body vane 122 can have a planar or helical shape. As shown in this example, the body vanes 122 have a helical twist. Adjacent body vanes 122 extend towards one another to define an open or discontinuous vertex 124. In some embodiments, the distal end 122a of some or all body vanes 122 defines a V-shape. For example, the V-shaped distal end 122a of one body vane 122 extends towards another body vane 122 but it terminates short of the other body vane 122 or it otherwise defines a space or gap for gas flow.

In some embodiments, the baffle body 114 defines one or more inlet openings 126 in the vertex 124 of converging body vanes 122. The localized volume of higher pressure between converging body vanes 122 promotes gases to flow through the inlet opening 126 to the inside of the baffle body 114, rather than in the outward direction. Inlet opening(s) 126 can be placed between some or all converging body vanes 122.

The baffle 110′ also includes cone vanes 130 on the outside of the tapered wall 112 or cone 112. Individual cone vanes 130 extend along at least part of the tapered wall 112 between the proximal end 116 of the baffle 110′ and the proximal end 114a of the baffle body 114. In this example, the baffle 110′ includes six cone vanes 130 arranged in a circumferentially spaced apart arrangement, where each cone vane 130 has a helical twist as it extends along the tapered wall 112. More or fewer cone vanes 130 can be used, depending on the desired torque, and the cone vanes 130 can have an axial dimension that is less than or greater than that of the tapered wall 112, in some embodiments. For example, the baffle 110′ can have two or more cone vanes 130, including from three to twelve cone vanes 130. Although cone vanes 130 are shown as being arranged symmetrically and having identical geometry, all of the cone vanes 130 need not be identical. For example, some cone vanes 130 can have a shorter axial length or reduced radial height. In some embodiments, some or all of the cone vanes 130 can be continuous with a respective body vane 122.

In this example, the cone vanes 130 are shaped and arranged to provide right-hand rotational force that tightens the suppressor to the gun's muzzle when the firearm is fired. Upon firing the firearm, combustion gases exit the barrel along the central axis 101 and continue generally along the path of the projectile towards the projectile opening 118 at the proximal end 116 of the baffle 110′. As gases expand into the suppressor, a portion of the gases continues along the central axis 101 and passes through the projectile opening 118. A second portion of gases flows around the outside of the baffle 110′ along the tapered wall 112. In doing so, gases collide with the cone vanes 130 and with the outside of the tapered wall 112. Gas collisions with the cone vanes 130 imparts a rotational force or torque on the baffle 110 that is transferred to the suppressor assembly to tighten the suppressor to the barrel according to a right-hand threaded attachment. For example, each cone vane 130 has a right-hand helical twist that results in a right-hand tightening rotation of the baffle 110′ and suppressor assembly. Alternately, the cone vanes 130 can be arranged to impart a left-hand tightening rotational force, such as for use with a left-hand threaded attachment.

Baffle 110′ includes a diffusor ring 150 positioned radially outside of the cone vanes 130. The diffusor ring 150 has an annular shape that expands in size as it extends distally to a radially outer circumference 152. The diffusor ring 150 is spaced from the outside of the tapered wall 112 by cone vanes 130. As shown, the diffusor ring 150 connects to radially outer surfaces (e.g., spines) of the cone vanes 130, terminating at the radially outer circumference 152 at or near the axial position of the juncture between the tapered wall 112 and the baffle body 114. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the diffusor ring 150 is inclined to the central axis 101 at an angle from 40-60°, such as about 50°. In this example, the diffusor ring 150 has a relatively short axial length that extends along only a portion of each cone vane 130, such about 25%-40%, or about 30-35% of the cone vanes 130.

The diffusor ring 150 defines a plurality of diffusor openings 154. In this example, the diffusor ring 150 includes diffusor openings 154 of a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, diffusor openings 154 are formed at an angle through the diffusor ring 150 so as to promote an off-axis flow through the diffusor openings 154 and to impart a torque or rotational force on the baffle 110′. As shown here, the diffusor openings 154 are configured to enhance the torque generated by gases impacting the cone vanes 130 (e.g., right-hand tightening torque). In other embodiments, diffusor openings 154 can be formed along an axis that is perpendicular to the surface of the diffusor ring 150 and/or at other orientations as deemed appropriate for a given application.

The diffusor ring 150 can connect at the radially outer circumference 152 to an outer housing 202 of a suppressor assembly 200. As such, the diffusor ring 150 provides structural reinforcement to the outer housing 202, the tapered wall 112, and cone vanes 130 at a location where forward thrust and wall temperatures are at or near maximum from firing the gun. In other embodiments, the diffusor ring can be spaced axially from the cone vanes 130, such as being translated rearward with respect to the position shown in FIG. 7B.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a rear perspective view and a side view, respectively, showing a longitudinal section of a suppressor assembly 200′ that includes the baffle 110′ of FIGS. 7A-7B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The suppressor assembly 200′ includes an outer housing 202 around a baffle stack 210′ and a flash hider 206. The baffle stack 210′ includes baffle 110′ as the first baffle or blast baffle. The suppressor assembly 200′ has a monolithic structure with a series of baffles spaced distally from baffle 110′ and each having a baffle cone 140 and a baffle body 214. The suppressor assembly 200′ defines an inner volume 220 within the baffles and an outer volume 222 between the baffle body 214 and the outer housing 202. The baffle cones 112, 140 extend inward from the baffle body 114, 214 and are within the inner volume 220. Body vanes 122 are on the outside of each baffle body 214. Gases flowing into the suppressor 200′ initially expand in the blast chamber 216. A first portion of gases flows into the inner volume 220 via the projectile opening 118. A second portion of gases flows around the first tapered wall 112 and/or through the diffusor ring 150 to the outer volume 222. Gases can flow between the inner volume 220 outer volume 222 via ports 129 and can flow from baffle to baffle via vent openings 146 and via projectile openings 118.

Propellant gases can flow through the inner and outer volumes 220, 222, which are largely separated from each other. Gases flowing through the inner volume 220 are slowed and/or cooled by the baffle cones 140, which induce localized turbulence and energy dissipation, thus reducing (or “suppressing”) the sound and/or flash of expanding gases. For example, as the gases collide with baffle cones 140 and other surfaces in the suppressor 200′, the gases converge and then expand again in a different direction, for example. The various collisions and changes in velocity (e.g., flow direction and/or speed) result in localized turbulence, an elongated flow path, delay in gas exiting the suppressor and heat and energy losses from the gases, thereby reducing the audible and visual signature of the rifle.

Further Example Embodiments

The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

• • Example 1 is a suppressor baffle comprising a baffle body having an annular shape and extending axially along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A tapered wall expands in size moving distally along the central axis, where the tapered wall defines a projectile opening at a proximal end and connects at a distal end to the baffle body. Vanes connect to an outside of the tapered wall, where the vanes are arranged to provide a tightening torque in response to firing a shot axially through the suppressor baffle. For example, the suppressor baffle can be configured as a blast baffle.
  • Example 2 includes the baffle of Example 1, where the tapered wall has from 3 to 12 vanes.
  • Example 3 includes the baffle of Example 1 or 2, where individual vanes have a helical twist along the tapered wall.
  • Example 4 includes the baffle of any of the preceding Examples and further includes vanes on an outside of the baffle body.
  • Example 5 includes the baffle of Example 4, where one or more vanes is continuous with a corresponding vane on the baffle body.
  • Example 6 includes the baffle of Example 4 or 5, where the vanes on the outside of the baffle body are arranged in an alternating pattern such that circumferentially adjacent vanes generally define a converging V shape or a diverging V shape with respect to forward gas flow along the central axis, each converging V shape or diverging V shape having an open vertex generally pointing in a direction parallel to the central axis.
  • Example 7 includes the baffle of Example 6, where the baffle body defines an opening positioned adjacent the open vertex of the converging V shape.
  • Example 8 includes the baffle of Example 6 or 7, where the baffle body defines an opening positioned within an open mouth of the diverging V shape.
  • Example 9 includes the baffle of any of the preceding Examples, where the tapered wall has a frustoconical shape.
  • Example 10 includes the baffle of any of the preceding Examples, where the baffle body is cylindrical.
  • Example 11 includes the baffle of any of the preceding Examples and further comprises a diffusor ring around part of the cone vanes, the diffusor generally having a frustoconical geometry with an inside surface connected to the cone vanes and expanding to a radially outer circumference, wherein the diffusor ring defines a plurality of diffusor openings.
  • Example 12 includes the baffle of Example 11, where the radially outer circumference of the diffusor ring is positioned radially outside of a distal end portion of the tapered wall.
  • Example 13 includes the baffle of Example 11 or 12, where at least some of the diffusor openings are configured to induce torque about the central axis in response to propellant gases colliding with the diffusor ring.
  • Example 14 includes the baffle of any of the preceding Examples, where the tapered wall is a first tapered wall, the suppressor baffle further comprising a second tapered wall connected to an inside of the baffle body such that the second tapered wall is nested with the first tapered wall.
  • Example 15 is a baffle stack comprising the suppressor baffle of any one of the foregoing Examples, where the tapered wall is at a proximal end of the baffle stack.
  • Example 16 is a baffle stack for a suppressor, the baffle stack comprising a baffle body having an annular shape and extending axially along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A first tapered wall expands in diameter along the central axis, where the first tapered wall defines a projectile opening at a proximal end and has a distal end connected to the baffle body, such as at the proximal end of the baffle body. Additional tapered walls are positioned distally of the first tapered wall, where each additional tapered wall defines a projectile opening and expands in size from the projectile opening to a connection with an inside with the baffle body. Vanes are on an outside of the first tapered wall and are arranged to provide a tightening torque in response to firing a shot axially through the suppressor baffle.
  • Example 17 includes the baffle stack of Example 16, where the first tapered wall has a frustoconical shape.
  • Example 18 includes the baffle stack of Example 16 or 17, where at least some of the additional tapered walls have a frustoconical shape.
  • Example 19 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-18, where the vanes include from 3 to 12 vanes.
  • Example 20 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-19, where individual vanes have a helical twist along the first tapered wall.
  • Example 21 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-20 and further includes vanes on an outside of the baffle body.
  • Example 22 includes the baffle stack of Example 21, where at least one of the vanes on the outside of the first tapered wall is continuous with a corresponding vane on the outside of the baffle body.
  • Example 23 includes the baffle stack of Example 21 or 22, where the vanes on the outside of the baffle body include circumferential rows of vanes.
  • Example 24 includes the baffle stack of Example 23, where the vanes in the circumferential rows are arranged in an alternating pattern such that circumferentially adjacent vanes generally define a converging V shape or a diverging V shape with respect to forward gas flow along the central axis.
  • Example 25 includes the baffle stack of Example 24, where the converging V shape or diverging V shape has an open vertex generally pointing in a direction parallel to the central axis.
  • Example 26 includes the baffle stack of Example 24 or 25, where the baffle body defines an opening positioned adjacent the open vertex of the converging V shape.
  • Example 27 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 24-26, where the baffle body defines an opening positioned within an open mouth of the diverging V shape.
  • Example 28 includes the baffle stack of any of Example 16-27, where the baffle body is cylindrical.
  • Example 29 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-28, where at least some of the additional tapered walls have an asymmetrical geometry.
  • Example 30 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-29 and further includes a flash hider in a distal end portion of the baffle body.
  • Example 31 includes the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-30 and further comprises a diffusor ring around part of the cone vanes, the diffusor generally having a frustoconical geometry with an inside surface connected to the cone vanes and expanding to a radially outer circumference, wherein the diffusor ring defines a plurality of diffusor openings.
  • Example 32 includes the baffle stack of Example 31, where the radially outer circumference of the diffusor ring is positioned radially outside of a distal end portion of the tapered wall.
  • Example 33 includes the baffle stack of Example 31 or 32, where at least some of the diffusor openings are configured to induce torque about the central axis in response to propellant gases colliding with the diffusor ring.
  • Example 34 is a suppressor comprising the baffle stack of any of Examples 16-33 and an outer housing around the baffle stack.
  • Example 35 includes the suppressor of Example 34, where the suppressor defines an inner volume within the baffle body and an outer volume between the baffle body and the outer housing.
  • Example 36 includes the suppressor of Example 34 or 35, and further defines a blast chamber proximally of the first tapered wall.
  • Example 37 includes the suppressor of any of Examples 34-36, where the baffle stack is a single, monolithic structure.
  • Example 38 includes the suppressor of Example 37, where the baffle stack and the outer housing comprise a single, monolithic structure.

The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

Claims

1. A suppressor baffle comprising: a baffle body having an annular shape and extending axially along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end;a tapered wall expanding in size moving distally along the central axis, the tapered wall defining a projectile opening at a proximal end and connecting at a distal end to the baffle body; andvanes on an outside of the tapered wall, the vanes arranged to provide a tightening torque in response to propellant gases colliding with the vanes.

2. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, wherein the vanes include from 3 to 12 vanes.

3. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, wherein individual vanes have a helical twist along the tapered wall.

4. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, further comprising vanes on an outside of the baffle body.

5. The suppressor baffle of claim 4, wherein one or more of the vanes on the outside of the tapered wall is continuous with a corresponding vane on the outside of the baffle body.

6. The suppressor baffle of claim 4, wherein the vanes on the outside of the baffle body are arranged in an alternating pattern such that adjacent vanes generally define a converging V shape or a diverging V shape with respect to forward gas flow along the central axis, each converging V shape or diverging V shape having an open vertex generally pointing in a direction parallel to the central axis.

7. The suppressor baffle of claim 6, wherein the baffle body defines an opening positioned adjacent the open vertex of the converging V shape.

8. The suppressor baffle of claim 6, wherein the baffle body defines an opening positioned within an open mouth of the diverging V shape.

9. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, wherein the tapered wall has a frustoconical shape.

10. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, wherein the baffle body is cylindrical.

11. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, further comprising a diffusor ring around part of the cone vanes, the diffusor generally having a frustoconical geometry with an inside surface connected to the cone vanes and expanding to a radially outer circumference, wherein the diffusor ring defines a plurality of diffusor openings.

12. The suppressor baffle of claim 11, wherein the radially outer circumference of the diffusor ring is positioned radially outside of a distal end portion of the tapered wall.

13. The suppressor baffle of claim 11, wherein at least some of the diffusor openings are configured to induce torque about the central axis in response to propellant gases colliding with the diffusor ring.

14. The suppressor baffle of claim 1, wherein the tapered wall is a first tapered wall, the suppressor baffle further comprising a second tapered wall connected to an inside of the baffle body such that the second tapered wall is nested with the first tapered wall.

15. A baffle stack comprising the suppressor baffle of claim 1, wherein the tapered wall is at a proximal end of the baffle stack.

16. A baffle stack for a suppressor, the baffle stack comprising: a baffle body having an annular shape and extending axially along a central axis from a proximal end to a distal end;a first tapered wall expanding in diameter along the central axis, the first tapered wall defining a projectile opening at a proximal end and having a distal end connected to the baffle body;additional tapered walls positioned distally of the first tapered wall, each additional tapered wall defining a projectile opening and expanding in size from the projectile opening to a connection with an inside with the baffle body; andvanes on an outside of the first tapered wall, each of the vanes arranged to provide a tightening torque in response to firing a shot axially through the suppressor baffle.

17. The baffle stack of claim 16, further comprising vanes on an outside of the baffle body, wherein at least one of the vanes on the outside of the first tapered wall is continuous with a corresponding vane on the outside of the baffle body, wherein the vanes on the outside of the baffle body include circumferential rows of vanes, and wherein the vanes in the circumferential rows are arranged in an alternating pattern such that circumferentially adjacent vanes generally define a converging V shape or a diverging V shape with respect to forward gas flow along the central axis.

18. The baffle stack of claim 17, wherein the baffle body defines an opening positioned adjacent the open vertex of the converging V shape and/or within an open mouth of the diverging V shape.

19. The baffle stack of claim 16, further comprising a diffusor ring extending circumferentially around part of the cone vanes, the diffusor generally having a frustoconical geometry with an inside surface connected to the cone vanes and expanding to a radially outer circumference, wherein the diffusor ring defines a plurality of diffusor openings.

20. A suppressor comprising the baffle stack of claim 16 and having an outer housing around the baffle stack, wherein the suppressor defines a blast chamber proximally of the first tapered wall.