Suppressor sleeves and heat resistant weapon accessories

Abstract

Suppressor sleeves have longitudinal interior splines and venting valleys and exterior ribs arranged at angles relative to the interior splines. One or more sleeves and caps are combined to provide suppressor sleeve assemblies.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 610,731, filed Mar. 14, 2012.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure and related inventions are in the general field of firearms and firearm accessories.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Firearm suppressors or “silencers” are attachments for gun muzzles designed to capture and divert the gases and air displaced from the muzzle of a barrel created by the explosive force of ammunition firing, and to suppress the sound of the firing and reduce muzzle flash. The term “silencer” is defined by ATF as, “any device for silencing, muffling or diminishing the report of a portable firearm.” Gun barrel and muzzle temperatures can reach 1500 degrees F. or greater under continuous firing or repetitious semi or fully automatic firing. Suppressors, which can be made of a variety of materials including weapons grade steel and alloys, are attached directly to the muzzle and may become he...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The suppressor sleeves and heat resistant weapon accessories of the present disclosure are for use with firearm suppressors and gun barrels and barrel muzzles. As a representative embodiment, the suppressor sleeves and suppressor sleeve assemblies (also referred to herein individually and collectively as “SSA” or simply “suppressor sleeve” or “sleeve”) of the present disclosure are used in conjunction with any weapon system's suppressor, silencer or “can” that is commonly attached to rifles, pistols, or other weapon platforms that utilize similar sound reducing devices. The suppressor sleeves and suppressor sleeve assemblies are used to insulate heat, reduce IR signature, and to minimize the mirage effect that the suppressor generates and emits during normal use. Since the suppressor sleeves are readily able to mitigate heat transfer to its external surface, they prevent operators from being burned during, or after, use of the weapon while the suppressor is still hot and the operator may be handling or coming in contact with the suppressor. The suppressor sleeves will also serve to protect the suppressor and other items that the suppressor may come in contact with, such as bags, gear or carrying cases, while the suppressor is still hot. The sleeves also help to further reduce noise and vibration of the weapon system during use. The sleeves will protect the suppressor itself from chemicals, abrasion and damage that can be caused by external hazards and will help to quiet the weapon during transport or when it inadvertently comes in contact with other objects.

[0005]The sleeves and sleeve assemblies are designed to be used both individually, and as a segmented series of sleeves that, when combined with other adjacent segments, can be “fit to length” to cover any partial length, or the entire length, of a gun barrel, barrel muzzle or suppressor , as desired. When the sleeve assembly components are stacked together, they can either fit end to end or utilize an interlocking joint which seals off any escaping air or gasses that are generated by the suppressor. The sleeves are installed by sliding it onto and over the outside body diameter of the suppressor. The sleeves can be produced in any length or diameter necessary to fit any manufacturer's suppressor that it may interface with. The sleeves can stretch in any direction and will contour to the underlying surface in order to provide a secure fit. The insulating rings and gaps of the sleeve structure allow hot air to be cooled and diffused during use and can be present on the inside, outside or both inside and outside of the sleeve. The sleeve insulating ring fins, which may or may not appear on the external surfaces of the sleeve, will also aid to provide a firm and tactile grip that will reduce or eliminate any creep or movement of the sleeve once it is installed.

Problems solved by technology

In addition to being dangerous to touch when heated, suppressors are fully exposed to impact damage.

Images