Apparatus and methods for ablative media for firearm suppressors

Abstract

Muzzle blasts of firearms may be reduced by using sound suppressors, such as “noise suppressors” and “silencers.” Use of ablative media, or “wetting,” is one way to reduce the signature of a suppressed shot. The ablative media absorbs energy from hot gases in the suppressor, thereby reducing the amount of energy expelled from the suppressor. Current approaches to wetting are often messy processes, and it can be difficult to keep ablative media in place during transport or carriage of the firearm. Another difficulty can be meting out an advantageous quantity of ablative media into the suppressor. Embodiments presented herein provide an apparatus and methods for improving the application and use of ablative media in firearm suppressors.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application, entitled “Apparatus And Methods For Ablative Media For Firearm Suppressors,” filed on Jan. 22, 2025, and having application Ser. No. 63 / 748,138, the entirety of said application being incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to firearms. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for improving the application and use of ablative media in firearm suppressors.BACKGROUND

[0003] Firearms, such as pistols and rifles, generally utilize expanding high-pressure gases generated by a burning propellant to expel a projectile from the weapon at a relatively high velocity. When the projectile, or bullet, exits a muzzle end of the weapon's barrel, a bright, “muzzle flash” of light and a high-pressure pulse of combustion gases accompany the bullet. The rapid pressurization and subsequent depressurization caused by the high-pressure pulse gives rise to a loud sound known as “muzzle blast,” which, like muzzle flash, can readily indicate to a remote enemy both the location of the weapon and the direction from which it is being fired. In some situations, such as covert military operations, it is highly desirable to conceal this information from the enemy by suppressing the muzzle flash and / or substantially reducing the amplitude of the muzzle blast.

[0004] The muzzle blasts of firearms may be reduced by using sound suppressors, such as “noise suppressors” and “silencers.” Suppressors generally reduce muzzle blast by reducing and controlling the energy level of propellant gases accompanying a projectile as it exits the muzzle end of the weapon. Suppressors typically comprise an elongated tubular housing containing a series of baffles that define a plurality of successive internal chambers. The internal chambers control, delay, and divert the flow, expansion, and exit of the propellant gases. The internal chambers further serve to reduce the temperature of the propellant gases so as to cause a corresponding reduction in the noise produced by the propellant gases as they ultimately exit the suppressor. A rear portion of a typical suppressor may include a mechanism for removably attaching the suppressor to a firearm, and a front portion generally includes an opening for the exit of projectiles. Further, the front portion of suppressors typically are located sufficiently forward of the muzzle end of firearms to effectively function as a muzzle flash hider.

[0005] In some embodiments, suppressors are configured to reduce the temperature and pressure of propellant gases by introducing the gases into a succession of expansion chambers so as to give rise to a controlled expansion of the gases. In other embodiments, however, suppressors may be of a “multi-stage” variety that is configured to divert a portion of the propellant gases through a plurality of radial vents to one or more un-baffled, radially disposed “blast suppressor” chambers before being introduced into the succession of expansion chambers. Although multi-stage suppressors are relatively more complex to implement, they generally provide more opportunities to delay and cool the propellant gases, and hence, to reduce muzzle blast sound levels overall.

[0006] Use of ablative media, typically referred to as “wetting” is a well-known way to reduce the signature of a suppressed shot. Wetting is a process that involves placing ablative media, such as a liquid, a gel, or foam, into the suppressor prior to shooting. The ablative media absorbs energy from hot gases in the suppressor, thereby reducing the amount of energy expelled from the suppressor.

[0007] One drawback to current approaches of placing ablative media in suppressors is that it is often a messy process. Typically, it is difficult to keep the media in place during transport or carriage of the weapon. Another drawback is that it can be difficult to mete out an advantageous quantity of ablative media into a suppressor. For example, putting too much ablative media into the suppressor can cause safety concerns. Given these drawbacks, there is a need for improving the application and use of ablative media in suppressors.SUMMARY

[0008] Muzzle blasts of firearms may be reduced by using sound suppressors, such as “noise suppressors” and “silencers.” Use of ablative media, or “wetting,” is one way to reduce the signature of a suppressed shot. The ablative media absorbs energy from hot gases in the suppressor, thereby reducing the amount of energy expelled from the suppressor. Current approaches to wetting are often messy processes, and it can be difficult to keep ablative media in place during transport or carriage of the firearm. Another difficulty can be meting out an advantageous quantity of ablative media into the suppressor. Embodiments presented herein provide an apparatus and methods for improving the application and use of ablative media in firearm suppressors.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for an ablative media pod comprises: an ablative medium; a first thermoplastic film and a second thermoplastic film; and one or more welds attaching the first thermoplastic film to the second thermoplastic film so as to contain the ablative medium.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more welds comprises a perimeter weld so as to contain the ablative medium between the first thermoplastic film to the second thermoplastic film. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more welds comprises an outer weld and an inner weld. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer weld and the inner weld form a central hole extending through the ablative media pod.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the central hole is configured to be placed around the nose of a baffle within a suppressor. In another exemplary embodiment, the central hole is configured to allow the use of expanding projectiles without being negatively affected. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more welds comprises an outer weld and an inner weld that form a primary compartment and a secondary compartment that each contains a portion of ablative media. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary compartment and the secondary compartment are configured such that a valley is disposed in the second compartment.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the valley is configured to be placed around the nose of a baffle within a suppressor. In another exemplary embodiment, the primary compartment is configured to be activated by the passage of a first projectile and provide signature reduction for a predetermined number of shots. In another exemplary embodiment, the second compartment is configured to rupture only after the predetermined number of shots to provide signature reduction for a number of shots beyond the predetermined number of shots.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for an ablative media pouch comprises: an ablative medium; one or more thermoplastic films; a thermoplastic wipe; and one or more welds attaching the one or more thermoplastic films to the thermoplastic wipe to form one or more compartments.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more thermoplastic films comprises a single thermoplastic film that is sealed to the thermoplastic wipe by way of a peripheral weld. In another exemplary embodiment, the single thermoplastic film and the thermoplastic wipe comprise one compartment that encloses a pre-measured portion of the ablative media. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more compartments comprise two compartments configured to extend signature reduction beyond a predetermined number of shots. In another exemplary embodiment, the two compartments comprise a primary compartment and a secondary compartment.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the primary compartment comprises a first thermoplastic film that is peripherally welded to the thermoplastic wipe. In another exemplary embodiment, the secondary compartment comprises a second thermoplastic film that is sealed to the thermoplastic wipe by way of an outer weld and an inner weld. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer weld and the inner weld form a central valley in the secondary compartment. In another exemplary embodiment, the second compartment is configured to rupture only after a predetermined number of shots to provide signature reduction for a number of shots beyond the signature reduction provided by the primary compartment.

[0016] These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pod, according to the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pod that includes a central hole in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pod that includes two compartments, according to the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ablative media pod shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm suppressor that includes the ablative media pod of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ablative media pod shown in FIG. 1B in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm suppressor that includes the ablative media pod of FIG. 1B, according to the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ablative media pod shown in FIG. 1C in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm suppressor that includes the ablative media pod of FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pouch comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane film coupled with a thermoplastic polyurethane wipe that enclose a portion of ablative media in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pouch comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane film coupled with a thermoplastic polyurethane wipe that enclose a relatively large portion of ablative media, according to the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pouch comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane film coupled with a thermoplastic polyurethane wipe that enclose a first compartment of ablative media and a second compartment of ablative media in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of the ablative media pouch shown in FIG. 5A in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded view of the ablative media pouch of FIG. 5A, according to the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firearm suppressor that includes the ablative media pod of FIG. 5A in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the ablative media pouch shown in FIG. 5B in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the ablative media pouch shown in FIG. 5C, according to the present disclosure.

[0035] While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first baffle,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first baffle” is different than a “second baffle.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,”“approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

[0037] In general, muzzle blasts of firearms may be reduced by using sound suppressors, such as “noise suppressors” and “silencers.” Use of ablative media, or “wetting,” is a well-known way to reduce the signature of a suppressed shot. The ablative media absorbs energy from hot gases in the suppressor, thereby reducing the amount of energy expelled from the suppressor. Current approaches to wetting are often messy processes, and it can be difficult to keep ablative media in place during transport or carriage of the firearm. Another difficulty can be meting out an advantageous quantity of ablative media into the suppressor. Embodiments presented herein provide an apparatus and methods for improving the application and use of ablative media in firearm suppressors.

[0038] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate exemplary embodiments of ablative media pods, according to the present disclosure. Similar in concept to detergent pods, but not requiring provision for water soluble films. The ablative media pods shown in FIGS. 1A-1C generally comprise a durable pouch containing a pre-measured amount of liquid, gel, or foaming ablative media.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, a basic pouch 100 comprises a portion of ablative media 120 housed within a first thermoplastic urethane (TPU) film 104 and a second TPU film 108 that are welded or sealed around a perimeter weld 112. As shown in FIG. 2B, the basic pouch 100 can be placed into a suppressor 116 in an appropriate location and can be activated by a projectile rupturing the pouch 100.

[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pod 124 that includes a central hole 128 in accordance with the present disclosure. The pod 124 comprises a portion of ablative media 120 sealed between a first TPU film 132 and a second TPU film 136. As best shown in FIG. 3A, the films 132, 136 are sealed along an outer weld 140 and an inner weld 144.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3B, pod 124 is particularly well suited to be placed around the nose of a baffle 148, within a suppressor 116, and also would allow the use of expanding projectiles that would normally be negatively affected by passing through a wipe or pouch. As such, it is contemplated that the pod 124 is to be ruptured by propellant gas or an outer diameter of the projectile as opposed to the tip of the projectile.

[0042] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pod 152 that includes two compartments to extend the effect of ablative media over more shots. The ablative media pod 152 includes a first TPU film 156 and a second TPU film 160 that are attached together by an outer weld 164 and an inner weld 168. As shown in FIG. 4A, the welds 164, 168 are configured to form a primary compartment 172 and a secondary compartment 176 within the pod 124. The primary compartment 172 contains a portion of ablative media 174 and resembles half of the pod 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The secondary compartment 176 contains a portion of ablative media 178 and resembles half of the pod 124 shown in FIG. 1B. The combination of compartments 172, 176 produces a valley 180 in the center of the second compartment 176. The valley 180 resembles half of the central hole 128 comprising the pod 124 shown in FIG. 1B.

[0043] Similar to the pod 124, the valley 180 of the pod 152 is well suited to be placed around the nose of a baffle 148 within the suppressor 116, as shown in FIG. 4B. As will be appreciated, the advantage gained by wetting the suppressor 116 generally only lasts for around 10 shots as the media evaporates or is burned off. The primary compartment 172, however, is activated by the passage of the projectile and provides signature reduction for a limited number of shots. The second compartment 176 is configured to resist rupturing for the limited number of shots but would rupture after that point and provide a second round of benefit. In some embodiments, the pod 152 can comprise select materials that are resistant to the propellant gases, but that degrade with repeated exposure.

[0044] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate exemplary embodiments of ablative media pouches comprising a TPU films coupled with a TPU wipes that enclose ablative media in accordance with the present disclosure. Wipes act like baffles but are made of a soft material that a projectile can penetrate as it passes through the suppressor. Ablative media pouches are consumable items that offer advantages to signature reduction in applications where they can survive. In applications where a wipe can be used, there is an advantage to combining ablative media storage pods and wipes. Such embodiments simplify maintenance and use of the suppressor.

[0045] In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pouch 184 comprising a TPU film 188 coupled with a TPU wipe 192 that enclose a pre-measured portion of ablative media 196. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the TPU film 188 is sealed to the TPU wipe 192 by way of a peripheral weld 200. As shown in FIG. 6C, the pouch 184 can be placed in a suppressor 204 such that when a projectile ruptures the pouch 184, the ablative media 196 is released.

[0046] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a high-capacity ablative media pouch 208 according to the present disclosure. The high-capacity ablative media pouch 208 is substantially similar to the ablative media pouch 184, shown in FIG. 5A, with the exception that the high-capacity ablative media pouch 208 comprises a TPU film 212 configured to enclose a relatively large portion of ablative media 216, as shown in FIG. 7. As further shown in FIG. 7, the TPU film 212 is sealed to the TPU wipe 192 by way of a peripheral weld 200. As will be appreciated, the TPU film 212 can be thermoformed prior to filling and sealing the pouch 208 in a similar process to how detergent pouches are made.

[0047] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ablative media pouch 220 that includes two compartments to extend the effect of ablative media over more shots. The ablative media pouch 220 includes a first TPU film 224 and a second TPU film 228 that are attached to a TPU wipe 232. As shown in FIG. 8, the first TPU film 224 is attached to the TPU wipe 232 by way of a peripheral weld 236. The second TPU film 228 is attached to the TPU wipe 232 by way of an outer weld 240 and an inner weld 244.

[0048] With continuing reference to FIG. 8, the films 224, 228 and the TPU wipe 232 comprise a primary compartment 248 and a secondary compartment 252 within the pouch 220. The primary compartment 248 contains a portion of ablative media 254 while the secondary compartment 252 contains a portion of ablative media 258. The combination of compartments 248, 252 produces a valley 260 in the center of the second compartment 252. The valley 260 resembles half of the valley 180 comprising the pod 152 shown in FIG. 1C.

[0049] Similar to the pod 152, the valley 260 of the pouch 220 is well suited to be placed around the nose of a baffle 148 within the suppressor 116, as shown in FIG. 4B. As described herein, the advantage gained by wetting the suppressor 116 generally only lasts for around 10 shots as the media evaporates or is burned off. The primary compartment 248 and the TPU wipe 232, however, is activated by the passage of the projectile and provides signature reduction for a limited number of shots. The second compartment 252 is configured to resist rupturing for the limited number of shots but would rupture after that point and provide a second round of benefit. In some embodiments, the pouch 220 comprises select materials that are resistant to the propellant gases, but that degrade with repeated exposure.

[0050] While the apparatus and methods have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the apparatus. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the apparatus, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the apparatus found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for an ablative media pod, comprising:an ablative medium;a first thermoplastic film and a second thermoplastic film; andone or more welds attaching the first thermoplastic film to the second thermoplastic film so as to contain the ablative medium.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more welds comprises a perimeter weld so as to contain the ablative medium between the first thermoplastic film to the second thermoplastic film.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more welds comprises an outer weld and an inner weld.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the outer weld and the inner weld form a central hole extending through the ablative media pod.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the central hole is configured to be placed around the nose of a baffle within a suppressor.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the central hole is configured to allow the use of expanding projectiles without being negatively affected.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more welds comprises an outer weld and an inner weld that form a primary compartment and a secondary compartment that each contains a portion of ablative media.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the primary compartment and the secondary compartment are configured such that a valley is disposed in the second compartment.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the valley is configured to be placed around the nose of a baffle within a suppressor.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the primary compartment is configured to be activated by the passage of a first projectile and provide signature reduction for a predetermined number of shots.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second compartment is configured to rupture only after the predetermined number of shots to provide signature reduction for a number of shots beyond the predetermined number of shots.

12. An apparatus for an ablative media pouch, comprising:an ablative medium;one or more thermoplastic films;a thermoplastic wipe; andone or more welds attaching the one or more thermoplastic films to the thermoplastic wipe to form one or more compartments.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more thermoplastic films comprises a single thermoplastic film that is sealed to the thermoplastic wipe by way of a peripheral weld.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the single thermoplastic film and the thermoplastic wipe comprise one compartment that encloses a pre-measured portion of the ablative media.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more compartments comprise two compartments configured to extend signature reduction beyond a predetermined number of shots.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the two compartments comprise a primary compartment and a secondary compartment.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the primary compartment comprises a first thermoplastic film that is peripherally welded to the thermoplastic wipe.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the secondary compartment comprises a second thermoplastic film that is sealed to the thermoplastic wipe by way of an outer weld and an inner weld.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the outer weld and the inner weld form a central valley in the secondary compartment.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second compartment is configured to rupture only after a predetermined number of shots to provide signature reduction for a number of shots beyond the signature reduction provided by the primary compartment.

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