Firearm noise and flash suppressor having ratcheted collet locking mechanism

Abstract

A sound and flash suppressor having a tubular suppressor housing is releasably secured to a suppressor mounting adapter that is threaded to a firearm barrel. An annular locking collet is defined by a housing mounting adapter and has a plurality of spring collet fingers each having an internal ratcheted locking surface and being moveable to locking and release positions relative to an externally ratcheted locking surface of the suppressor mounting adapter A locking ring is supported by the suppressor mounting adapter and is rotatable for actuating the spring collet fingers to locking positions locking the tubular suppressor housing against loosening or separation movement relative to the suppressor mounting adapter. The locking ring is rotatable in a release direction permitting spring movement of the spring locking fingers to their release positions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates generally to firearms, particularly tactical rifles and more specifically concerns devices for suppressing the loud and sharp noise that is typically emitted during firing activity and for suppressing the flash of burning gunpowder that occurs and can be seen by others during daylight and particularly at night or under conditions of low light. More specifically, the present invention concerns mounting mechanisms for securing suppressor devices to the threaded end of a firearm barrel and for simply and efficiently locking suppressor devices to minimize the potential for suppressor devices becoming loose and possibly falling free of a firearm barrel especially during sustained firing activity.Description of the Prior Art[0002]A significant number of firearm sound suppressor devices and flash suppressor devices, generally referred to as suppressors herein, have been developed over the years for use wit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a firearm with a sound and flash suppressor attachment that prevents the suppressor from rotating or becoming loose during use. This is achieved through a mounting adapter with a locking collet mechanism that engages with the suppressor to prevent rotation. The suppressor is locked securely in place to reduce noise and minimize flash during firearm use. The invention also includes a secondary flow path that helps to reduce the propellant gas pressure and further attenuates sound and flash.

Problems solved by technology

When suppressors employ threaded connection between the various components the threads typically become fouled to the point that the threaded connections become difficult to separate.

When the firearm is fired the suppressor housing is subjected to significant internal pressure which causes minute separation of the threaded connections and drive gunpowder residue into the threads, essentially causing locking of the threads which prevents them from being unthreaded, such as for cleaning.

When a welded suppressor device is employed, repeated firing of the firearm typically causes continuous fouling of the baffles, chambers and threads of the suppressor by accumulation of cartridge powder residue.

Thus, when the threads of the suppressor or the threads of a firearm barrel become fouled it may be difficult or impossible to remove clean and reassemble the components of a suppressor device.

This undesirable characteristic is common to most types of suppressors and represents a distinct disadvantage when servicing firearm components during field conditions.

Another disadvantage of firearm suppressor use is the problem of suppressor instability and the potential for coaxial misalignment that results from the threaded connection of the suppressor to the barrel of a firearm.

An internally threaded section of a typical suppressor attachment end wall is also typically fairly short, thus causing the threaded connection to have minimal stability due to the typical length of the threaded connection of the suppressor with the firearm barrel.

Thus, due to lateral impacts or other conditions a suppressor may become axially misaligned to the point that the edge of a moving bullet may contact an edge of a bullet port and interfere with the accuracy of an otherwise perfectly aimed shot.

The presence of propellant gas can be objectionable from the standpoint of the comfort of the user.

Though most sound suppressors achieve significant reduction of sound emission, the presence of gunpowder flash being emitted from the forward end of suppressors has continued to be a significant problem.

This flash is very bright and is readily seen by opposing personnel, thereby causing the opposing personnel to direct rifle fire at the flash, resulting in significant danger to the firearm user.

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