Patent Grant
10712114
The present disclosure relates to firearms. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for reducing heat transferred from a firearm suppressor to exposed areas of a suppressor cover.
An operator of a firearm such as a pistol or rifle may attach a suppressor to a barrel of the firearm (or the suppressor may be a part of the barrel) so as to reduce the amount of concussive blast, noise, and visible muzzle flash generated by firing. Suppressors primarily reduce these effects by slowing and/or cooling the escaping propellant gas. When fired rapidly, suppressors can become very hot, thereby posing a safety risk and/or adversely affecting the accuracy and/or reliability of the weapon.
For example, although an operator is not typically expected to touch a suppressor during use, accidental contact between the user or other objects and a hot suppressor may cause injury or damage. For automatic and semiautomatic weapons (such as on carbines, infantry rifles and machine guns) an overheated suppressor may be a detrimental safety hazard during transitions to a secondary weapon, such as a pistol, or may pose a risk to nearby personnel or equipment, due to a risk of accidental contact. In the field, for example, an operator may drop a rifle having a suppressor to let it hang by a sling, and begin using a pistol, inadvertently allowing the rifle to contact his or her clothing or person. These safety hazards have become more acute since there has been a rise in suppressor usage to mitigate blast effects in urban combat which, by its nature, brings operators into close proximity with each other.
An overheated suppressor also affects the accuracy of sighting due to distortions in the air above the suppressor. Specifically, a mirage effect (refraction) is created by the heat of the suppressor during use, which can cause distortion in sighting, particularly when using telescopic sights. The mirage effect may be most acute in precision applications and/or long-distance shooting, where even minute changes can have a significant impact on shot placement.
Moreover, operators who need to tighten a suppressor that has loosened under fire or to remove a suppressor that is damaged or no longer needed must provide a heat resistant barrier to even touch the device.
To address the above problems, firearm suppressor covers have been provided. The currently-available covers include silicone, foam, or other relatively insulative materials that a user wraps around the suppressor and tightens using ties or other fasteners. These covers, while suitable up to certain temperatures (or effective rates of fire), are not suitable for higher temperatures (or higher rates of fire), and are prone to melting or other heat-related damage, such as charring.
Currently-available suppressor covers may also be prone to loosening and/or sliding off a suppressor altogether, such as after repeated firings. For example, weapon recoil, material relaxation (such as softening when heated), thermal expansion (e.g. polymer covers expand more at a given temperature than metallic suppressors), and/or suppressor designs having a smooth cylindrical exterior all play a role in exacerbating the problem of suppressor covers loosening and/or sliding off a suppressor.
Furthermore, currently-available covers may “over insulate” the suppressor, thereby increasing the operating temperature of the suppressor, which may lead to premature failure from more abusive heat cycling over time, as well as immediate failure due to overheating.
Accordingly, a system and method to address the shortfalls of the present technology and to provide other new and innovative features is needed.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure that are shown in the drawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are more fully described in the Detailed Description section. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the forms described in this Summary of the Disclosure or in the Detailed Description. One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as expressed in the claims.
The present disclosure can provide a system and method for protecting an operator, other personnel, and/or equipment from heat generated during firing of a weapon utilizing a suppressor or silencer. In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure can include a suppressor cover assembly having an outer body, a heat shield assembly, and a spacer clamp. In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure can include a cover assembly having an insulating cover assembly, one or more clamps configured to releasably attach to one or more portions of a suppressor, and one or more standoffs coupled to the one or more clamps and in contact with the insulating cover assembly to thereby form and maintain an air gap between the suppressor and an inside surface of the insulating cover assembly.
In one aspect, the disclosure describes a firearm suppressor cover assembly, comprising one or more clamps, an insulating cover assembly, and nine or fewer standoffs coupled to the one or more clamps. The one or more clamps can be configured to releasably couple the firearm suppressor cover assembly to a firearm suppressor. One of the clamps can be arranged near a rear end of the firearm suppressor cover assembly, distal from a muzzle of the firearm. The insulating cover assembly can be rigidly supported to maintain a generally cylindrical shape (e.g., see
In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method of protecting a user from a firearm suppressor during repetitive fire. The method can include providing a suppressor cover having an insulating cover assembly, three or fewer clamps, and nine or fewer standoffs coupling the clamps to the insulating cover assembly, the three or fewer clamps coupled to the firearm suppressor, the nine or fewer standoffs forming an air gap between the firearm suppressor and the insulating cover assembly. The method can further include exposing an inner surface of the clamps to a first temperature of 538 degrees Celsius or more (e.g., via conduction and convection from the suppressor and thermal energy generated via repeated firing through the firearm suppressor). The method can yet further include limiting heat transfer to an outer surface of the insulating cover assembly such that the outer surface does not exceed a second temperature of more than about 149 degrees Celsius via the air gap and a small thermal conduction cross section of the one or more clamps.
As previously stated, the above-described embodiments and implementations are for illustration purposes only. Numerous other embodiments, implementations, and details of the disclosure are easily recognized by those of skill in the art from the following descriptions and claims.
Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present disclosure are apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
For the purposes of this disclosure, a firearm attachment means (or means for attaching/coupling the suppressor cover assembly to the suppressor) can include, but is not limited to, any of the following: a clamp; a clamp with standoffs; standoffs without a clamp; standoffs integral with a heat shield of a suppressor cover assembly; standoffs integral with a suppressor; a flange or clamp integral with a heat shield of a suppressor cover assembly; and a radial flange extending between a suppressor or firearm barrel and a suppressor cover assembly.
For the purposes of this disclosure, a suppressor is a device that couples to or is integral with a firearm barrel, and reduces a sound output of the firearm when discharged by at least 50 dB relative to the same firearm discharge without a suppressor.
Referring now to the drawings, where like or similar elements are designated with identical reference numerals throughout the several views, and referring in particular to
The suppressor assembly 200 can be any suppressor assembly known to those skilled in the art, configured to couple to the barrel of a firearm (e.g., by threading, screwing, friction fit, welding, etc.) to reduce the amount of noise, concussion, and/or visible muzzle flash generated by firing. Suppressor assemblies of varying lengths can be used. In some embodiments, the suppressor assembly 200 can be integrated with the barrel. Examples of such barrel integration include, but are not limited to, a monolithic integral suppressed barrel (MISB) as produced by SUPPRESSED WEAPON SYSTEMS, integrally suppressed rifles from CURTIS TACTICAL, an integrally suppressed IWI Tavor by RAT WORX and MANTICORE ARMS, the Integral MIST-22 Suppressor from GEMTECH, and the Integra Upper from GEMTECH (see also
The suppressor cover assembly 100, or cover assembly 100 has a first end 130, a second end 132, and a longitudinal axis X extending therebetween and coextensive with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suppressor assembly 200 and/or a barrel of a firearm. The first end 130 is closer to a muzzle of the firearm than the second end 132. Because of this, the first end 130 will typically be hotter than the second end 132.
The cover assembly 100 includes an outer cover 102 (or insulating cover assembly) having an outer surface that does not reach a temperature of more than about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (about 149 degrees), or 280 degrees Fahrenheit, or 285 degrees Fahrenheit, or 290 degrees Fahrenheit, 295 degrees Fahrenheit, or 305 degrees Fahrenheit, or 310 degrees Fahrenheit, or 315 degrees Fahrenheit, or 320 degrees Fahrenheit, during or after using the cover assembly 100 and an associated firearm to fire a number of rounds. In some embodiments, the rate of fire is associated with fully-automatic operation of the firearm such that a suppressor assembly reaches a temperature of about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (about 358 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, the suppressor assembly 200 reaches a temperature of up to about 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 760 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, the suppressor assembly 200 reaches a temperature of more than 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 760 degrees Celsius). The outer cover 102 (or insulating cover assembly) is configured to substantially enclose, encircle, or encase an optional heat shield assembly 104 (see e.g.
The heat shield assembly 104, which may optionally include multiple components, such as a first heat shield 104a and a second heat shield 104b, is configured to receive and distribute, disperse, reflect, and/or redirect heat generated during firing. The heat shield assembly 104 may do so using multiple means, such as by way of thermal convection, radiation, and/or conduction. For instance, the heat shield assembly 104 may be made of a thermally-reflective material such as polished metal or metal foil that is configured to reflect thermal radiation from the suppressor assembly 200. As another example, the heat shield assembly 104 may be thermally conductive (e.g., a metal) and have a thermal cross section sufficient to encourage conduction of thermal energy toward ends of the heat shield where thermal energy is most easily distributed to cooler air. As another example, the heat shield assembly 104 may be thermally insulating (e.g., made from a ceramic or textile) and may therefore prevent or reduce conduction to the outer cover 102. In some embodiments, the heat shield assembly 104 can include two or more materials. For instance, the heat shield assembly 104 could comprise a thermally conductive material and a thermally insulating material, for instance, with the thermally insulating material concentrically arranged outside of the thermally conductive material. These two layers may be closely bonded together or bonded together in a way that leaves a small air gap therebetween.
As noted, the heat shield assembly 104 is optional, and in other cases may be omitted.
The suppressor cover assembly 100 may further include one or more standoffs, such as spacer clamps 106 (see e.g.
In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer clamps 106 are releasably-coupled to the suppressor assembly 200 and may conduct heat from the suppressor assembly 200 to the heat shield assembly 104 by way of one or more spacer legs 108 and 112 coupled to a clamp body 114 (see e.g.
As previously described, one or more spacer legs 108 may extend from the clamp body 114 (or other means of attachment to the suppressor assembly 200, the barrel, an integral suppressor, a firearm rail, or some other portion of the firearm) and away from the longitudinal axis X. One or all of the spacer legs 108 may provide a tortuous path (that is, a path having at least one curve), a relatively long conduction path (which may be made possible through the use of a tortuous path in the space between the suppressor assembly 200 and the heat shield assembly 104), and/or a path having a higher resistance to conduction along the path, from the clamp body 114 to a heat shield interface 110 coupled to or part of an end region 160 of the spacer leg(s) 108 (see e.g.
Moreover, the airflow region 112 and/or the space 113 (see e.g.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the heat shield interface(s) 110 may have a fastener interface 126 and the outer body 102 may have a corresponding fastener interface 128 (see e.g.
Turning now to
Continuing with
With reference now to
The cover assembly 3100 can also include an insulating cover assembly 3106 rigidly supported to maintain a generally cylindrical shape (see e.g.,
To inhibit a thermal path from the suppressor 3102 to an outer surface 3122 of the insulating cover assembly 3106, the number of clamps 3104 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) may be limited (e.g., three or fewer), and each of these clamps 3104 may have a longitudinal dimension that is less than a radius of the suppressor 3102, such that even a combined longitudinal dimension of three clamps 3104 is less than a length of the cover assembly 3100. In some embodiments, a single clamp 3104 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) can be used. At least one of the three or fewer clamps 3104 can be arranged near a rear of the cover assembly 3100, distal from a muzzle of the firearm (e.g., see
Some embodiments include a rigid support 3112 comprising a thermally conductive material such that thermal energy tends to move radially through the standoffs 3108 to the rigid support 3112, and then move longitudinally through the rigid support 3112 until dissipating into cooler air at the ends of the cover assembly 3100. Further, the standoffs 3108 can have a narrow cross section relative to thermal energy traveling between the clamps 3104 and the insulating cover assembly 3106, such that conduction through the standoffs 3108 is discouraged, and that thermal energy that does reach the rigid support 3112 can be conducted toward ends of the cover assembly 3100 and expelled into the air at the ends of the cover assembly 3100. In this way, thermal energy reaching the outer surface 3122 of the insulating cover assembly 3106 is reduced.
The standoffs 3108 are configured to separate the suppressor 3102 from the insulating cover assembly 3106. The standoffs 3108 can be coupled to the clamps 3104 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) and can be in contact with the insulating cover assembly 3106 to separate the suppressor 3102 from the insulating cover assembly 3106 and to form and maintain an air gap 3114. In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can be coupled to or merely in contact with: (1) the clamps 3104, the insulating cover assembly 3106, or both. The standoffs 3108 can have a length (measured along a longitudinal axis of the cover assembly 3100 extending therebetween and coextensive with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suppressor 3102 and/or a barrel of a firearm) that is less than a length of the cover assembly 3100. In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can have a length that is less than half a length of the cover assembly 3100. In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can have a length that is less than a third a length of the cover assembly 3100. In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can have a length that is less than a quarter a length of the cover assembly 3100.
In some embodiments the standoffs 3108 are arranged to enhance circular movement of air in the air gap 3114. This can include spacing adjacent standoffs 3108 in a circular dimension such that at least a 60° spacing exists between adjacent standoffs 3108. In some embodiments, at least a 30° spacing between adjacent standoffs 3108 is used. In other embodiments, at least a 90° spacing between adjacent standoffs 3108 is used. In some embodiments no more than nine standoffs 3108 are used. In some embodiments no more than three standoffs 3108 are used. In an embodiment, three standoffs 3108 per clamp 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) are used, regardless of the number of clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means), where each standoff 3108 is circularly separated from the other two standoffs 3108 by around 120° (e.g., see
In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can also be shaped to reduce conductive thermal transfer through them. In other words, they are designed to minimize a rate of thermal energy transfer from a first 3116 end to a second end 3118 (although the second end 3118 may extend partially into or wholly through the insulating cover assembly 3106). Along these lines, in some embodiments the standoffs 3108 can have a length and width that are shorter than a radial dimension of the standoff 3108. In other words, the circular and longitudinal dimensions can each be smaller than a radial dimension (e.g., the distance measured along a standoff 3108 between a clamp 3104 and the insulating cover assembly 3106). In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can include one or more interruptions along the radial dimension that impede conductive thermal transfer (e.g., slits, cuts, or gaps possibly filled with glue or another insulating material). The edges of the standoffs 3108 that are exposed to the air gap 3114 may also include ridges, texture, perturbations, and other imperfections in a linear edge that may inhibit conductive thermal transfer in a radial direction.
In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 have an angled shape (e.g., from a front of the cover assembly 3100 toward a rear of the cover assembly 3100). In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 have a curved shape or trace a tortuous path.
While some prior art systems allow some longitudinal convection via ribs of narrow longitudinal air pathways, the design of the herein disclosed standoffs 3108 allows circular as well as longitudinal movement of air (i.e., convection). Thus, the standoffs 3108 provide improved convection and movement of thermal energy to an outside of the cover assembly 3100 than seen in the art, without transferring this thermal energy to a user or to materials in the insulating cover assembly 3106. Said another way, various designs were tested wherein longitudinal ribs or other means were used to space the suppressor 3102 from the insulating cover assembly 3106, and most led to excessive heat at an outer surface 3122 of the insulating cover assembly 3106 or led to degradation of the material(s) in the insulating cover assembly 3106. When standoffs 3108 were used that allowed both longitudinal and significant circular movement of air in the air gap 3114, temperatures at the outer surface 3122 of the insulating cover 3110 become acceptable.
In some embodiments, to reduce thermal transfer to the outer surface 3122 of the insulating cover assembly 3106, the thermal path 3120 can include a number of thermal breaks; that is locations where thermal energy must pass from one type of thermal transfer to another (e.g., an air gap forces thermal energy traveling via conduction to then transfer via convection). Typically, interruptions that require thermal energy to pass through convective regions are more effective at reducing thermal transfer than interruptions where conductive means constitute the gap. For instance, a convective gap along an otherwise conductive thermal path can reduce the rate of thermal energy transfer. In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can include one or more convective interruptions. In some embodiments, the insulating cover assembly 3106 can include one or more convective interruptions (e.g., between the rigid support 3112 and the insulating cover 3110). In some embodiments, the standoffs 3108 can be physically separate components from the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) such that a convective interruption exists between these components. Further, if a friction fit or other mechanical coupling between the standoffs 3108 and the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) can be arranged, then thermal transfer will be more deterred than if a welded connection is made. In other words, some embodiments utilize a non-welded connection between the standoffs 3108 and the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means).
In some embodiments, the interface of the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) to the suppressor 3102 can be shaped to reduce the rate of thermal transfer. For instance, rather than a smooth curved surface that maximizes surface contact between the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) and the suppressor 3102, the inside surface of the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) can be textured, ridged, or dimpled to name a few non-limiting examples.
In some embodiments the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) can include texture, ridges, or heat fins extending radially outward from the clamps 3104, but not extending far enough to bridge the air gap 3114 and reach the insulating cover assembly 3106. In other words, these features can be used to increase a surface area of the clamps 3104 (or other firearms attachment means) exposed to air in the air gap 3114, while not forming conductive thermal pathways to the insulating cover assembly 3106. In this way, increased thermal energy can be expelled convectively and radiantly into the air gap 3114 and moved out of the cover assembly 3100 via convection, thereby reducing the amount of thermal energy that passes radially through the standoffs 3108 and reaches the insulating cover assembly 3106.
Insulating Cover Assembly 3210
The insulating cover assembly 3210 can include multiple sub-components locked or coupled together. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating cover assembly 3210 comprises a first insulating cover portion 3212, a second insulating cover portion 3214, and a third insulating cover portion 3216. In other embodiments, fewer than three or more than three portions may comprise the insulating cover assembly 3210. Although the insulating cover assembly 3210 is generally cylindrical, it may also include one or more indentations 3217 or other features that may enhance grip, comfort, thermal dissipation, direct thermal energy toward desired portions of the insulating cover assembly 3210, etc.
Where the insulating cover assembly 3210 comprises two or more separable portions (e.g., 3212, 3214, 3216), one or more clips 3242 can flexibly and removably couple adjacent portions together. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the three separable portions 3212, 3214, and 3216 includes four clips 3242 and four clip receiving portions 3244. The clips 3242 can be elongated and have a material and/or thickness enabling them to flex more readily than other portions of the insulating cover assembly 3210. The receiving portions 3244 can be shaped so as to receive the clips 3242 and lock them in place such that the separable portions 3212, 3214, 3216 of the insulating cover assembly 3210 remain removably connected. The tabs 3242 are illustrated as having an interlocking shape, although other shapes and arrangements can also be utilized.
The use of multiple portions for the insulating cover assembly 3210 may make ease removal of the insulating cover assembly 3210 since the multiple pieces can be separated and then removed. In some cases, the one or more clamps 3220 may not be accessible, or may be more easily accessible once the insulating cover assembly 3210, or at least one or more portions thereof, are removed. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the clamps 3220 are encircled by the insulating cover assembly 3210 and thus difficult to remove while the insulating cover assembly 3210 is in place. However, the illustrated insulating cover assembly 3210 is designed to allow for removal from the suppressor 3202 without removing the insulating cover assembly 3210. In particular, the illustrated clamp 3220 includes a flange 3222 having a slot 3224 and fastener 3226 passing through the flange 3222 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 3213 of the cover assembly 3200. The slot 3224 enables the clamp 3220 to flexibly expand and contract such that tightening of the fastener 3226 (e.g., via rotation of a screwdriver, Allen wrench, or other tool) causes the clamp 3220 to tighten upon and become increasingly immovable relative to the suppressor 3202. Fastener apertures 3228 pass through the insulating cover assembly 3210 in a direction generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of the fasteners 3226 and have a diameter larger than a diameter of the fastener 3226. The fastener apertures 3228 may be greater in number than a number of fasteners 3226 such that the insulating cover assembly 3210 can be arranged in different rotational positions relative to the clamps 3220 while still aligning at least one of the fastener apertures 3228 with the fastener 3226 of the one or more clamps 3220. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment there is one fastener 3226 per clamp 3220, while there are three fastener apertures 3228 per clamp 3220 (i.e., not all of the fastener apertures 3228 may be used). A second set of fastener apertures 3228 can be seen at a second end or rear end 3204 of the cover assembly 3110 and at least one of these aligns with a fastener of a second clamp (not visible).
The insulating cover assembly 3210 also may include motion restriction apertures 3218 sized and arranged to accept at least a portion of standoff caps 3240. This interfacing prevents movement of the insulating cover assembly 3210 relative to the suppressor 3202 and the clamps 3220. The illustrated embodiment includes six motion restriction apertures 3218 corresponding to the six standoff caps 3240, three per clamp 3220. Each standoff cap 3240 is in contact with and can be fixed or removably attached to a standoff 3250, for instance in a male-female relationship. The standoff 3250 provides an air gap 3254 (see
The insulating cover assembly 3210 can comprise any insulating material such as polymers, ceramics, textiles, etc. The insulating cover assembly 3210 can also be rigid, thereby not requiring a separate rigid support.
The insulating cover assembly 3210 can include an outer surface 3246 and an inner surface 3248. The cover assembly 3200 can be designed such that the outer surface 3246 does not reach a predetermined temperature, such as 300° F., 1000° F., or 1400° F., to name a few non-limiting examples.
Clamps 3220
The cover assembly 3200 can include one or more clamps 3220 (or other firearms attachment means), where the illustrated embodiment shows two clamps 3220, a first clamp 3220a (see
The clamps 3220 are generally cylindrical, and have a collar 3221, although other shapes can also be used. In some embodiments, the clamps 3220 can be formed from a material able to withstand direct contact with the suppressor 3202 (e.g., 1000° or 1400° F.).
Use of a single clamp 3220 may be preferable to reduce thermal transfer through the standoffs 3250 to the insulating cover assembly 3210. However, in other embodiments, more than one clamp 3220 may be preferable. In those cases, there may be three or fewer clamps 3220, for instance, two clamps 3220.
In some embodiments, the clamp(s) 3202 can be replaced by other means of coupling or attaching to the firearm. For instance, the cover assembly 3200 can be welded to the suppressor 3202, the barrel, an integral suppressor, a firearm rail, or some other portion of the firearm. The cover assembly 3200 may threadingly couple to the suppressor 3202, the barrel, an integral suppressor, a firearm rail, or some other portion of the firearm.
In any of these embodiments, a radial flange 5206 can act as a coupling means between the suppressor 5204 and the suppressor cover assembly 5202, or between the firearm barrel and the suppressor cover assembly 5202. Because of the radial flange 5206, these embodiments can be referred to as clampless since the radial flange rather than any clamps perform the function of coupling the suppressor cover assembly 5202 to the suppressor 5204 or to a firearm barrel.
The radial flange 5206 can also be part of a heat shield assembly 5208 and can couple to this assembly 5208 at a rear of the heat shield assembly 5208. As a result of having a single radial flange 5206, the suppressor cover assembly 5202 is cantilevered relative to the suppressor 5204, and thereby provides a larger cross section at a front of the suppressor 5204 for air to move in and out of the tubular space between the suppressor 5204 and the suppressor cover assembly 5202. The radial flange 5206 can include apertures 5209 arranged along a circular path at a radius from a longitudinal axis of the suppressor cover assembly 5202 such that these apertures line up with the tubular space between the suppressor 5204 and the suppressor cover assembly 5202.
The suppressor cover assembly 5202 can also include an insulating cover assembly 5210 fixed or releasably coupled primarily to an outer surface of the heat shield assembly 5208. As seen, the insulating cover assembly 5210 can have lips 5212 at the front and rear that wrap around portions of the heat shield assembly 5208 and the radial flange 5206 to couple the insulating cover assembly 5210 to the heat shield assembly 5208.
To releasably couple the suppressor cover assembly 6102 to the suppressor 6104, the heat shield assembly 6108 and the insulating cover assembly 6110 can be coupled to each other and to the one or more clamps 6112. The clamps 6112 can then be slid over the suppressor 6104 with the wedge assemblies 6132 in an “open” position. The wedge assemblies 6132 can then be tightened, thereby releasably affixing the suppressor cover assembly 6102 to the suppressor 6104.
Standoffs 3250
Each clamp 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) includes one or more standoffs 3250, where the illustrated embodiment includes three standoffs 3250 per clamp 3220. A radial dimension of each standoff at least partially determines a radial dimension of the air gap 3254. Standoffs 3250 having a larger radial dimension create a larger air gap 3254, which in turn decreases thermal transfer between the suppressor 3202 and the insulating cover assembly 3210.
A standoff 3250 can have a cylindrical shape having a radius that is minimized in order to minimize a thermal cross section and hence thermal transfer. At the same time, the radius should be sufficiently larger to provide structural rigidity and sufficient strength to avoid structural failure over periods of repeated and long term use.
Each standoff 3250 can be coupled to a corresponding clamp 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) via a standoff leg 3252. The standoff leg 3252 can have various shapes, but in the illustrated embodiment has a somewhat rectangular cross section, and can be arranged at an angle between the clamp 3220 and the standoff 3250. The standoff leg 3252 can be formed to minimize a thermal cross section, for instance via a groove 3256 as seen in
The standoffs 3250 may be motion limiters; that is, the standoffs 3250 may limit motion of the heat shield 3260 relative to the clamps 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means). Additionally, the standoff caps 3240 may also be motion limiters; that is, the standoff caps 3240 may limit motion of the optional heat shield 3260 and/or the insulating cover assembly 3210 relative to the clamps 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means).
To encourage convection within the air gap 3254, the standoffs 3250 can be arranged such that longitudinal as well as circular convection is possible. For instance, were the standoffs 3250 extend the full length of the cover assembly 3200 or even a majority of that length, then circular convection in the air gap 3254 would be severely hampered. Therefore, the standoffs 3250 have a length (along a dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis 3213 (see
To further reduce thermal transfer across the standoffs 3250, a number of standoffs 3250 per clamp 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) can be minimized. For instance, fewer than 9 standoffs 3250 per clamp 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) may be used. In some embodiments, 3 or fewer standoffs 3250 per clamp 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) may be used. In other embodiments, at least 30° of circular separation may exist between adjacent standoffs 3250. In some embodiments, at least 45′ of circular separation may exist between adjacent standoffs 3250. In some embodiments, at least 60° of circular separation may exist between adjacent standoffs 3250.
Heat Shield 3260
The optional heat shield 3260 can have a generally cylindrical shape and may have multiple straight edges, thus forming a hexagon, decagon, or other similar shape. For instance, the illustrated heat shield 3260 has a dodecagon cross section. The heat shield 3260 may have a length equal to or slightly less than a length of the suppressor 3202. The heat shield 3260 can include standoff apertures 3262 (e.g.,
The standoffs 3250 and the heat shield 3260 may be in thermal contact such that thermal energy transferred into the clamps 3220 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) from the suppressor 3202 can be distributed through the much greater surface area of the heat shield 3260 and enable greater exposure to the air gap 3254. The standoff caps 3240 may also be in contact with the heat shield 3260.
The heat shield 3260 may be designed to reflect radiative thermal energy radiating from the suppressor 3202. This helps to reduce the radiative thermal energy reaching the insulating cover assembly 3210.
In addition to the heat shield 3260, or in lieu of the heat shield 3260, the insulating cover assembly 3210 may include a thermally reflective liner on the inner surface 3248 that is configured to reflect radiative thermal energy from the suppressor 3202. For instance, aluminum or other metal foil can be adhered to an inner surface 3248 of the insulating cover assembly 3210. Alternatively, a layer of metal paint or other metallic spray can be applied to the inner surface 3248 of the insulating cover assembly 3210.
Turning now to
The illustrated insulating cover assembly 3910 includes two layers—a rigid layer 3905 and a non-rigid layer 3903 that are arranged outside of the heat shield 3960. The rigid layer 3905 can be in contact with the non-rigid layer 3903 and support and shape the non-rigid layer 3905 to maintain the generally cylindrical shape of the insulating cover assembly 3910.
The clamp 3920 can include a fastener flange 3922, a slot 3924 in the fastener flange 3922, and a first pair of fasteners 3926 that can be used to increase or decrease a size of the slot 3924 such that the clamp 3920 expands or contracts upon the suppressor 3902 and thereby releases or fixes the cover assembly 3900 to the suppressor 3902.
In some embodiments, the clamp 3920 can be replaced by other means of coupling to the firearm. For instance, the cover assembly 3900 can be welded to the suppressor 3902, the barrel, an integral suppressor, a firearm rail, or some other portion of the firearm. The cover assembly 3900 may threadingly couple to the suppressor 3902, the barrel, an integral suppressor, a firearm rail, or some other portion of the firearm.
In this embodiment, there are three standoffs 3950 each attached to the clamp 3920 (or other firearm suppressor attachment means) via second fasteners 3952 that pass through extensions 3954 of the clamp 3920. Each standoff 3950 has a T-shape where a top-horizontal portion of the T-shape rests outside the heat shield 3960 (see
Turning now to
Providing 4802 a suppressor cover assembly can be achieved by providing a suppressor cover assembly 100 as previously described with reference to
Exposing 4804 an inner surface of the cover may include exposing an inner surface of a heat shield separate from or part of the insulating cover assembly, or an inner surface of the insulating cover assembly, to a temperature of up to about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (about 538 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, exposing 4804 an inner surface of the cover may include exposing an inner surface of a heat shield separate from or part of the insulating cover assembly, or an inner surface of the insulating cover assembly, to a temperature of up to about 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 760 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, exposing 4804 an inner surface of the cover may include exposing an inner surface of a heat shield separate from or part of the insulating cover assembly, or an inner surface of the insulating cover assembly, to a temperature above about 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 760 degrees Celsius).
Limiting 4806 heat transfer to an outer surface of the cover may include keeping the temperature of the outer surface to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit (about 149 degrees Celsius) or less while exposing 4804 the inner surface to the temperature of up to about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (about 538 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, limiting 4806 heat transfer may be performed while exposing 4804 the inner surface to a temperature of up to or more than about 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 760 degrees Celsius). Limiting 4806 may be achieved by providing a cover assembly 100 as previously described herein. Limiting 4806 may be achieved by providing a heat shield substantially surrounding and spaced apart from a suppressor, and coupled to the suppressor, or another portion of the firearm, for instance, between the suppressor and an insulating cover assembly. Limiting may be achieved by maximizing heat transfer from the suppressor to the surrounding air through radiation, conduction, and convection.
Turning now to
In some embodiments, a firearm suppressor cover assembly is disclosed comprising: a generally cylindrical outer cover assembly; one or more spacer clamps each having a corresponding collar, the corresponding collar shaped to fit around and couple to a feature of a suppressor assembly; and an optional heat shield coupled to and between the outer body and the one or more spacer clamps, wherein each of the one or more spacer clamps extend at least partially away from the corresponding collar in an axial direction thereby forming an air gap between the heat shield and the suppressor assembly, wherein the only conductive path between the suppressor assembly and the heat shield is the one or more spacer clamps.
In some embodiments, the one or more spacer clamps can include a plurality of spacer legs or standoffs extending between the collar and the heat shield, wherein the spacer legs or standoffs have two cross sectional dimensions that are each smaller than a length of any one of the spacer legs. In other words, an air gap formed by the spacer legs or standoffs between the collar and the heat shield is greater than a longitudinal dimension of any one of the spacer legs or standoffs (the longitudinal dimension being measured along an axis coextensive with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the suppressor assembly and/or a barrel of a firearm).
In some embodiments, adjacent ones of the spacer legs or standoffs are arranged obliquely, where every other adjacent pair of spacer legs or standoffs intersect at an end region, the end region being coupled to the heat shield.
In some embodiments, the end region includes one or more flanges arranged between the heat shield and a longitudinal axis of the firearm suppressor cover assembly and configured to reduce axial movement of the heat shield toward the longitudinal axis of the firearm suppressor cover assembly.
In some embodiments, the end region includes one or more protrusions extending axially away from the longitudinal axis of the firearm suppressor cover assembly and interfacing with the heat shield to reduce any rotational or longitudinal movement of the heat shield relative to the longitudinal axis of the firearm suppressor cover assembly.
In some embodiments, the one or more spacer legs or standoffs trace a tortuous path between the collar and the heat shield.
In some embodiments, the one or more spacer legs or standoffs trace a tortuous path between the collar and the heat shield.
In some embodiments, the at least one first spacer clamp has at least one fastening mechanism, and the at least one fastening mechanism is shaped to adjust a radius of the at least one first spacer clamp thereby engaging or disengaging the firearm suppressor cover from the firearm suppressor cover assembly.
In some embodiments, the clamps mentioned throughout this disclosure as being coupled to the suppressor, can couple to other portions of the firearm. For instance, the clamps can couple to the barrel, an integrated suppressor, an accessory rail of the firearm, etc. In other embodiments, other means for attaching the suppressor cover assembly to the suppressor can be implemented.
The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and expressions of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. In addition, having described certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.
Each of the various elements disclosed herein may be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this disclosure is entitled.
As but one example, it should be understood that all action may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, by way of example only, the disclosure of an actuator should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of actuating—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there only disclosure of the act of actuating, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of an actuating mechanism. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments and examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples disclosed herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as claimed.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/364,016 filed on Nov. 29, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,036,606, and entitled “SUPPRESSOR COVER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD,” and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/261,767 filed on Dec. 1, 2015 and entitled “SUPPRESSOR COVER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD,” the entire disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all proper purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20180306546 A1 | Oct 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62261767 | Dec 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15364016 | Nov 2016 | US |
| Child | 15995205 | US |
