Ratchet cam mount for muzzle attachments

Abstract

A mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle attachment includes a locking mechanism. A muzzle attachment can be secured to a distal end portion of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is designed to removably attach the muzzle attachment to a muzzle adapter installed on the end of a firearm barrel. A locking mechanism on the mounting assembly is operable by rotating a collar between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the one or more pawls engage in a ratcheted action with a plurality of ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter to inhibit loosening rotation of the mounting assembly relative to the muzzle adapter. In the unlocked position, the pawls disengage from the muzzle adapter to permit a loosening rotation of the mounting assembly. A method of use is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THIS DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates to mounting systems for firearm muzzle attachments and more particularly to a mounting assembly having a ratcheting retention mechanism.BACKGROUND

[0002] The design of firearms and related accessories involves many non-trivial challenges. Some accessories are designed to be mounted to the muzzle-end of a firearm barrel in one or more particular rotational orientations to accomplish a desired effect. For example, a muzzle brake is an attachment that redirects a portion of propellant gases away from the bore axis as the gases escape from the barrel. One muzzle brake defines side openings that direct combustion gases rearwardly so that the gases push the firearm forward to partially counteract recoil forces from discharging the firearm. Such a muzzle brake is mounted to a firearm barrel in a particular rotational orientation to prevent gases from being directed upward into the line of sight of the firearm operator, or downward where gases may kick up dust.

[0003] Suppressors are another muzzle accessory intended to reduce the audible report and the flash signature of the firearm. Suppressors include a series of baffled chambers that slow down the expansion and the release of pressurized gases leaving the barrel, therefore reducing the audible report when discharging the firearm. The central opening through the suppressor must be sufficiently aligned with the bore axis to prevent a projectile from striking the suppressor and to prevent reductions in accuracy. For this reason, the suppressor is generally attached securely to the barrel using a method that provides precision alignment with the bore axis.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for attaching accessories to the muzzle of a firearm, a locking assembly, and a method of attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm using a mounting assembly that inhibits or prevents inadvertent loosening of the attachment. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for firearm muzzle devices. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting assembly includes moveable pawls that rotatably ratchet around a series of ridges to help secure the mount. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly is a quick-disconnect mount that enables the user to remove and / or install a muzzle attachment without the need for tools.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes a mount body having a distal end configured to attach to any given muzzle attachment (e.g., muzzle brake, suppressor, etc.) and a proximal end configured to thread onto a muzzle adapter. The muzzle adapter may itself be designed to thread onto the end of a rifle barrel (or any other type of firearm barrel). According to some embodiments, an outer surface of the muzzle adapter includes a plurality of ridges to be used in a ratcheting locking action of the mount body to the muzzle adapter. A rotatable collar is arranged around an outside portion of the mount body and is rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. Rotating the collar causes a corresponding movement of any number of pawls along the surface of the muzzle adapter having the plurality of ridges. The pawls include one or more teeth to ratchet along the plurality of ridges when moving the collar into the locked position. Various springs may be coupled to the pawls to maintain tension during both the locking and unlocking procedures. The collar may also be held in place when in the locked position with the use of a spring-loaded pin housed inside the collar that interfaces with a detent on a surface of the mount body. One or more fixed pins coupled to the collar may be used to cam the pawls outwards and away from the surface of the muzzle adapter having the plurality of ridges when the collar is rotated towards an unlock position to allow the mount body to be unthreaded from the muzzle adapter. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0006] 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

[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate different perspective views of a mounting assembly including a muzzle adapter, where the mounting assembly has a rotatable collar to provide a more secure fit around the muzzle adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates another perspective view of the mounting assembly with the muzzle adapter separate from the remainder of the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of the mounting assembly showing the movable components beneath the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mount body from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the muzzle adapter from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various perspective views of the rotatable collar from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the ratcheting pawls arranged around ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the ratcheting pawls and springs between them with the muzzle adapter removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a single pawl, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the mount body illustrating a spring attachment between a pawl and a surface of the mount body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the mount body and various pins that rotate with the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate perspective cross-sections through the collar during a locking procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate perspective cross-sections through the collar during an unlocking procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate side views of a firearm with a muzzle attachment secured to the mounting assembly and installed on the firearm barrel or removed from the firearm barrel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm muzzle and inhibiting inadvertent loosening of the muzzle attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] These and other features of the present embodiments will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the Figures herein described. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Furthermore, as will be appreciated, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale or intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific configurations shown. In short, the Figures are provided merely to show example structures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.

[0024] In one example embodiment, the mounting assembly is configured to attach to a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, a muzzle adapter having a plurality of ridges along an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges. The muzzle adapter is configured to attach to the mount body (e.g., the mount body threads onto the muzzle adapter) such that the mount body and muzzle adapter together define a passageway therethrough along a central axis or a bore axis. The collar is configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. According to some embodiments, rotation of the collar to the first locked position advances the pawl along the outside of the muzzle adapter as the one or more teeth ratchet between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges and rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially away from the muzzle adapter such that the one or more teeth disengage from the corresponding ridges.

[0025] The distal end of the mount body may be configured to attach to a muzzle device. In some embodiments, more than one muzzle device may be used together at the same time, such as a muzzle brake and suppressor in combination, or a suppressor in combination with a heat shield, to name a couple examples.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, the muzzle adapter is configured as a muzzle brake or a flash hider, for example. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly is considered to be separate from the muzzle adapter. In one such embodiment, the muzzle adapter has a generally cylindrical body with a threaded portion configured to engage threads in the proximal end portion of the mount body. The muzzle adapter may also include a cylindrical sleeve portion that extends distally of the threaded portion.

[0027] According to an embodiment, a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a muzzle adapter coupled to the mount body and having a surface with a plurality of ridges, a collar around a portion of the mount body, a first pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a second pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a first retaining bracket on the first pawl, a second retaining bracket on the second pawl, and at least one retaining spring coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis or a bore axis with the distal end of the mount body being configured to attach to the firearm muzzle device. The collar is configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

[0028] According to another embodiment, a mounting assembly is configured to attach to a muzzle adapter at the end of a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of a plurality of ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis or a bore axis. The collar is configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. According to some embodiments, rotation of the collar to the first locked position circumferentially advances the pawl in a first rotational direction and rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially towards an inner surface of the collar and advances the pawl in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotation direction.

[0029] Various embodiments of the mounting assembly can be used to secure a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a method of securing a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm includes providing a muzzle adapter, providing a mounting assembly with a locking mechanism, installing the muzzle adapter onto a firearm barrel, attaching the mounting assembly to the muzzle adapter, and moving a collar of the mounting assembly to a locked position, thereby engaging one or more locking elements between the muzzle adapter and the mounting assembly that prevents loosening rotation of the mounting assembly relative to the muzzle adapter.General Overview

[0030] As noted above, non-trivial issues arise in the design of firearms and their accessories. For instance, suppressors, muzzle brakes, and other devices can be mounted to the muzzle of a firearm barrel. In some cases, the muzzle attachment can be secured to the barrel by direct threaded engagement with a threaded end of the barrel. In other cases, the muzzle attachment can be secured to the barrel using a mounting assembly or adapter, where the mounting assembly is attached to the barrel (e.g., by threaded engagement) and includes threads or other structure to releasably secure the muzzle attachment to the adapter. For example, a muzzle adapter is threaded onto a threaded barrel and includes a coarse outer thread for securing the muzzle attachment. The attachment can be attached with less than one revolution along the coarse thread, making installation quicker than direct threaded engagement with the barrel. In another example, the mount includes a receptacle that receives part of the muzzle accessory and secures the accessory in the receptacle in place by tightening a clamp or fasteners that engage the accessory.

[0031] One challenge in constructing muzzle attachments and mounts is the need to reliably and repeatably maintain precise axial and often angular alignment between the accessory and the bore axis. For example, a suppressor that becomes misaligned with the bore axis may result in the projectile striking the suppressor baffles, resulting in damage to the suppressor and possible injury to the operator or others nearby. Rotational misalignment due to removal and reinstallation of a suppressor, for example, can result in poor accuracy.

[0032] In addition to precise axial alignment, muzzle attachments ought to resist changes in rotational or longitudinal position due to vibration and recoil forces. For example, a muzzle brake that rotates from its intended position may deflect propellant gases into the operator's optics, into the ground, or in another undesirable direction that interferes with the operator's sight picture or firing accuracy. To prevent movement of the muzzle accessory from recoil forces and the like, one approach has been to design mounts that use threaded engagement with the attachment in addition to having mating surfaces that add a frictional force to secure the attachment. For example, a shallow taper (e.g., 10° or less at each taper surface or ≤20° inclusive) can provide a surface that frictionally engages the accessory as it is threaded onto the mount. The shallow taper forms a seal between the mating surfaces that can effectively prevent unintended loosening of the attachment when tightened sufficiently. However, when tightened enough to prevent loosening from vibration and recoil forces, tools often are necessary to break the seal between the mating surfaces. On the other hand, when the shallow taper is tightened only enough to permit removal by hand, the attachment may vibrate loose and cause accuracy problems, a projectile strike, or the like.

[0033] In addition to problems with a sealing taper, many mounting assemblies intended for quick connection and disconnection can be problematic during use in the field. When the barrel and attachment become hot from extended live fire, for example, thermal expansion can further tighten an already tight interface to the extent that tools are required to remove the accessory. Also, carbon deposits can work into fasteners and into seams between the attachment and the mount, causing the interface to bind. The combination of high heat and carbon deposits has been known to “bake” together assembled parts and require tools to remove the attachment.

[0034] An operator may need to remove the muzzle attachment for a variety of reasons, such as to repair or service the attachment, to clear an attachment that has become blocked with mud and vegetation, or to install a different attachment. In the best scenario, the increased effort, time, and / or required use of tools to remove the attachment can be an inconvenience. However, during use in the field, such as during a battle, tools may not be available, time may be critical, and the force needed to remove the attachment may exceed what one can achieve in the field using hands alone.

[0035] Therefore, a need exists for an improved mounting assembly for muzzle attachments. In accordance with the present disclosure, some embodiments address this need and others by providing a quick-disconnect mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments, where the mounting assembly is operable between a locked position, in which the mounting assembly is secured to a muzzle adapter, and an unlocked position, in which the assembly permits removal of the mounting assembly from the muzzle adapter. The mounting assembly can include one or more additional retention structures that block or limit axial movement of the assembly during use. Embodiments of the mounting assembly facilitate quicker and easier removal of a muzzle attachment compared to existing designs in addition to more reliable retention in the installed condition. In accordance with some embodiments, the mounting assembly enables tool-less disconnection of the muzzle attachment from the firearm in a wide variety of operating environments.

[0036] In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed mounting assembly may be detected, for example, by visual inspection of a mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments, where the mounting assembly includes features such as a rotatable collar operable between locked and unlocked positions and the presence of one or more pawls beneath the collar that engage with ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure comprising a plurality of pawls coupled together via one or more retention brackets and retaining springs to hold the pawls against the ridged surface of the muzzle adapter. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure that includes any number of pins coupled to the collar such that the pins rotate with the collar to disengage the pawls from the muzzle adapter during an unlocking operation. In yet another aspect, methods of attaching a muzzle device according to the present disclosure can be detected by use of a mounting assembly utilizing a ratcheted locking assembly. Some methods can be detected by a mounting assembly providing tool-less disconnection of a muzzle attachment from a firearm barrel.

[0037] While generally referred to herein as a ‘mounting assembly’ for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the disclosed mounting assembly is not limited to that specific terminology and alternatively can be referred to, for example, as a mount, a muzzle adapter, or other terms. As will be further appreciated, the particular configuration (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of a mounting assembly configured as described herein may be varied, for example, depending on whether the intended use is military, tactical, or civilian in nature. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.Structure and Operation

[0038] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a mounting assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 1A is a rear and side perspective view having a distal end 102 facing to the left and a proximal end 104 facing to the right, and FIG. 1B is a front and side perspective view having distal end 102 facing to the right and proximal end 104 facing to the left. Distal end 102 of mounting assembly 100 may be coupled to any suitable muzzle device while proximal end 104 of mounting assembly 100 may be coupled to the end of a firearm barrel.

[0039] According to an embodiment, mounting assembly 100 includes a mount body 106 and a rotatable collar 108 around a portion of mount body 106. According to an embodiment, mount body 106 is configured to attach to a muzzle adapter 110. In the illustrated example, muzzle adapter 110 is part of mounting assembly 100. The remainder of mounting assembly 100 may be releasably attachable to muzzle adapter 110 and can be secured or locked to muzzle adapter 110 via a locking mechanism actuated by rotating collar 108. For example, collar 108 is rotatable about mount body 106 and muzzle adapter 110 and causes a ratcheting engagement between one or more locking pawls and ridges on an outside surface of muzzle adapter 110 to inhibit inadvertent disassembly of the mount body 106 from muzzle adapter 110.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of mounting assembly 100 being separate from muzzle adapter 110. As noted above, mounting assembly 100 can include muzzle adapter 110 as part of its assembly, or can be considered a structure that is separate from muzzle adapter 110. In any case, mount body 106 may attach to muzzle adapter 110 via a threaded connection. For example, mount body 106 may include a first threaded portion 202 that is configured to thread into a second threaded portion 204 on muzzle adapter 110. First threaded portion 202 may be configured as a female thread design and second threaded portion 204 may be configured as a male thread design. In other examples, a bayonet mount may be used to secure mount body 106 to muzzle adapter 110. In some examples, muzzle adapter is configured as a flash hider, although any suitable adapter arrangement can be used.

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a partially exploded view of several components of mounting assembly 100, according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, removing collar 108 from around mount body 106 exposes a locking assembly 206 that may include any number of pawls, such as a first pawl 208a and a second pawl 208b. As will be discussed in more detail herein, rotation of collar 108 causes a circumferential movement of pawls 208a / 208b that can lock them in place around muzzle adapter 110 to provide a more secure fit around muzzle adapter 110. Locking assembly 206 may be arranged around or near a proximal end of mount body 106 and may generally be covered by collar 108.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a more detailed perspective view of mount body 106, according to some embodiments. Mount body 106 includes a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304. According to some embodiments, proximal end 302 includes first threaded portion 202 for engagement with muzzle adapter 110. Accordingly, proximal end 302 may be considered to be the proximal end for the entirety of mount assembly 100 if muzzle adapter 110 is considered to be a separate element from mount assembly 100. Distal end 304 of mount body 106 may be the same as distal end 102 of mount assembly 100.

[0043] According to some embodiments, mount body 106 has a generally cylindrical shape that extends lengthwise along a central or bore axis 301. An outer surface 305 of mount body 106 may include a graphical indicator 306 to convey a direction in which collar 108 should be rotated to either lock or unlock mount body 106 from muzzle adapter 110. In one example, graphical indicator 306 includes an arrow pointing clockwise or counterclockwise around the outer surface of mount body 106. Graphical indicator 306 may also include one or more icons or symbols to indicate locked and / or unlocked positions of collar 108.

[0044] According to some embodiments, outer surface 305 of mount body 106 (e.g., that includes graphical indicator 306) extends parallel with and around bore axis 301. Outer surface 305 may terminate at one end at a shelf 308 having a surface generally perpendicular to bore axis 301, according to some embodiments. Collar 108 may rotate upon a surface of (or at least a portion of) shelf 308. Shelf 308 may support collar 108 on mount body 106 and may include any number of grooves to maintain the position of collar 108 around mount body 106. According to some embodiments, shelf 308 includes one or more detents 310 for engagement with pins coupled to collar 108, as well be discussed in more detail herein.

[0045] According to some embodiments, mount body 106 includes one or more stop structures 312 arranged between shelf 308 and proximal end 302. Stop structures 312 may be provided to bound the range of motion of pawls 208a / 208b between a fully locked position and a fully unlocked position, as will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed perspective view of muzzle adapter 110, according to some embodiments. Muzzle adapter 110 has a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404. Similar to mount body 106, muzzle adapter 110 may have a generally cylindrical shape that extends lengthwise along bore axis 301. Proximal end 402 of muzzle adapter 110 may be configured to attach to the muzzle-end of a barrel of a firearm. In some embodiments, an inside surface of muzzle adapter 110 has a female thread (not shown) that is sized to mate with a corresponding male thread on the muzzle-end of the gun barrel. In other embodiments, the inside surface of muzzle adapter 110 is smooth. Muzzle adapter 110 optionally includes a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a diamond-like carbon (DLC), a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating of metal or a metal alloy, a manganese phosphate coating, or a nitride case hardening.

[0047] As noted above, second threaded portion 204 is provided near proximal end 402 of muzzle adapter 110 for threaded engagement with mount body 106, such that distal end 404 of muzzle adapter 110 extends towards distal end 304 of mount body 106. In some embodiments, proximal end 402 defines wrench flats 406 to facilitate tightening muzzle adapter 110 to the barrel of a firearm. It is contemplated that muzzle adapter 110 can be secured to the firearm barrel using other removable or permanent methods, including a slip fit with set screws, an interference fit, welding, a bayonet mount, or combination of these structures.

[0048] According to some embodiments, muzzle adapter 110 includes an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinal ridges 408. In some examples, ridges 408 are arranged between second threaded portion 204 and distal end 404. Ridges 408 may be equally spaced around an entire circumference of muzzle adapter 110, or around a portion of the circumference of muzzle adapter 110. According to some embodiments, ridges 408 have a triangular or sawtooth cross-section or generally any cross-section that makes them suitable for engaging with ratcheting teeth structures.

[0049] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various perspective views of collar 108, according to some embodiments. Collar 108 includes an outer surface 502 extending between a proximal end 501 and a distal end 503. Outer surface 502 may be textured to provide better grip with a hand or fingers used to twist collar 108. For example, outer surface 502 may include longitudinal ridges extending parallel with bore axis 301. Outer surface 502 may also include an icon 504 to align with any portion of graphical indicator 306. For example, icon 504 may align with a “lock” graphic on graphical indicator 306 when collar 108 is rotated into a locked position and icon 504 may align with an “unlock” graphic on graphical indicator 306 when collar 108 is rotated into an unlocked position. The “lock” graphic may be a picture of a closed lock while the “unlock” graphic may be a picture of an open lock. Icon 504 may be an arrow (as illustrated) or may take on any other suitable shape.

[0050] FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate different perspective views of a bottom surface 506 of collar 108 that faces shelf 308 on mount body 106, according to some embodiments. An inner wall 508 extends from bottom surface 506 towards proximal end 501. According to some embodiments, recesses 509 are cut into inner wall 508 to provide clearance for pawls 208a / 208b to move within, as will be shown in more detail in later figures. Recesses 509 include end walls 510 that may directly engage with pawls 208a / 208b when collar 108 is rotated. For example, a given end wall 510 may push against a given pawl 208 during a locking action to ratchet pawl 208 across ridges 408, as is shown in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10D.

[0051] According to some embodiments, bottom surface 506 includes first openings 511. First openings 511 may extend any distance up through inner wall 508. Although two first openings 511 are illustrated, any number of first openings 511 may be provided through bottom surface 506. In some examples, any number of second openings 512 are provided through bottom surface 506, although second openings 512 are omitted in some designs.

[0052] According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pins are arranged to extend through first openings 511, such that ends of the spring-loaded pins extend below bottom surface 506, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5C illustrates how tips 514 of the spring-loaded pins poke out through first openings 511 to engage with shelf 308 of mount body 106. The function of the spring-loaded pins will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. Second openings 512, if present, may be provided over corresponding recesses 509, such that second openings 512 provide access through bottom surface 506 into recesses 509.

[0053] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of several of the components of locking assembly 206 arranged around muzzle adapter 110, according to some embodiments. Pawl 208a and 208b may be biased towards ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110 using any number of retaining brackets. In the illustrated example, a first retaining bracket 602a biases first pawl 208a inwards towards muzzle adapter 110, and a second retaining bracket 602b biases second pawl 208b inwards towards muzzle adapter 110. In some embodiments, to maintain better balance, a third retaining bracket 604a also biases first pawl 208a inwards towards muzzle adapter 110, and a fourth retaining bracket 604b also biases second pawl 208b inwards towards muzzle adapter 110. The tension on each of the retaining brackets may be provided via one or more retaining springs. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, a first retaining spring 606 extends between a first end of a first retaining bracket 602a and a first end of a second retaining bracket 602b, and a second retaining spring 608 extends between a first end of a third retaining bracket 604a and a first end of a fourth retaining bracket 604b. The retaining springs may connect to hooks 609 or other similar structures at the ends of the corresponding retaining brackets.

[0054] The tension mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6A may be mirrored on the opposite side to provide a substantially equal biasing force on pawls 208a and 208b. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6B, muzzle adapter 110 has been removed for a better view of a third retaining spring 612 coupled extending between a second end of first retaining bracket 602a and a second end of second retaining bracket 602b, and a fourth retaining spring 614 extending between a second end of third retaining bracket 604a and a second end of fourth retaining bracket 604b. Each of the retaining brackets may have a generally curved shape, or a semicircular shape to extend around muzzle adapter 110.

[0055] According to some embodiments, locking assembly 206 also includes pins 616 that extend parallel with bore axis 301 and are arranged to engage with pawls 208a and 208b. As will be discussed in more detail herein, pins 616 are coupled to collar 108, such that pins 616 move in a circumferential direction with the rotation of collar 108 while maintaining their parallel orientation to bore axis 301. Pins 616 may be configured to move independently from pawls 208a / 208b in order to adjust a position of pawls 208a / 208b against or away from ridges 408, as is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10D and 11A-11D.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed isometric view of any given pawl 208, according to some embodiments. Although two pawls (208a and 208b) are illustrated as being part of locking assembly 206, any number of similar pawls can be used around muzzle adapter 110. Pawl 208 includes a body 702 having a cam path 704 cut into body 702. Body 702 may be any suitable rigid material, such as a hard plastic material (e.g., injection molded plastic) or machined metal. Cam path 704 may have a generally curved shape that follows the overall curve of body 702 (e.g., in order to fit around the outer circumference of muzzle adapter 110). In some examples, cam path 704 extends into at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of body 702.

[0057] According to some embodiments, body 702 is flanked on either side by wings 705a and 705b. Each of wings 705a and 705b extend laterally outward from body 702 and may follow the curved shape of body 702. Each of wings 705a and 705b may extend outward from body 702 by up to 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 2.5 mm. According to some embodiments, each of wings 705a and 705b has a corresponding groove 706a and 706b that follow the curved shape of wings 705a and 705b. Grooves 706a and 706b may act as tracks to hold corresponding retaining brackets (e.g., retaining brackets 602a and 604a as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0058] According to some embodiments, a bottom of pawl 208 includes one or more teeth 708 that generally jut outwards from a bottom surface of body 702. Due to the curved shape of pawl 208, teeth 708 may be angled slightly inwards towards each other in order to engage with ridges 408 around the curved outer surface of muzzle adapter 110. Teeth 708 may be suitably shaped to fit between adjacent ridges 408. Examples shapes for teeth 708 include a triangular shape, sawtooth shape, or generally any shape that can be used to ratchet between adjacent ridges.

[0059] According to some embodiments, a front surface of body 702 includes a recess 710 where a pawl spring may be located. This pawl spring may be used to bias pawl 208 into a starting position (e.g., an unlocked position) when pawl 208 is pulled away from ridges 408. FIG. 8 illustrates how a pawl spring 802 is coupled between pawl 208 and an inner wall 804 of mount body 106, according to some embodiments. Inner wall 804 is one end face of stop structure 312. As discussed above, stop structures 312 may be provided to limit the range of motion of pawls 208. Pawl spring 802 may extend into recess 710 to couple to a portion of body 702. In some other examples, pawl spring 802 couples to an end face of body 702 (e.g., with no recess 710).

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of mount body 106 showing the various cam pins 616 and spring-loaded pins 902, according to some embodiments. Any number of cam pins 616 and spring-loaded pins 902 may be present. As discussed above, cam pins 616 are coupled to collar 108 and rotate with collar 108. Cam pins 616 are positioned to engage with pawls 208 as they move in a circumferential path over shelf 308. Cam pins 616 may extend downward from collar 108 and end above shelf 308 (e.g., not contacting shelf 308). With reference to FIG. 5C, cam pins 616 may extend either through or be generally aligned with second openings 512 on collar 108.

[0061] According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pins 902 similarly rotate with collar 108 and thus move in a circumferential path over shelf 308. A spring portion of spring-loaded pins 902 may be directly coupled to collar 108 while a rigid pin portion extends downward from the spring portion towards shelf 308. With reference to FIG. 5C, tips 514 of spring-loaded pins 902 extend out the bottom of collar 108. According to some embodiments, tips 514 of spring-loaded pins 902 engage with shelf 308 such that they drag along shelf 308 as collar 108 is rotated. The circumferential movement of spring-loaded pins 902 may be halted by detent 310 present in shelf 308. In some examples, spring-loaded pins 902 catch within corresponding detents 310 when collar 108 is rotated into a fully locked position. Using spring-loaded pins 902 to engage with corresponding detents 310 may help to further secure the components of mounting assembly 100 when in the locked position.

[0062] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate sequential images of an example locking procedure performed by rotating collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction (based on the angle of the images). Each image illustrates an isometric cut-away view taken through a given pawl 208 and ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110. Although the procedure is illustrated with a single pawl 208, it should be understood that the same procedure can be simultaneously performed with any number of similar pawls arranged around ridges 408.

[0063] FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a fully unlocked position of pawl 208. Pawl 208 may be in this position when first engaging mount body 106 over muzzle adapter 110. In the unlocked position, pawl 208 is pulled back away from ridges 408 such that teeth 708 are not engaged between ridges 408. The presence of cam pin 616 within cam path 704 prevents pawl 208 from being drawn towards ridges 408, according to some embodiments. Pawl spring 802 may also be used to provide a spring force that biases pawl 208 back against an inner wall 804a of stop structure 312.

[0064] FIG. 10B illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 10A following an initial rotation of collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. The rotation of collar 108 moves cam pin 616 out from cam path 704. Without cam pin 616 holding it back, pawl 208 is drawn inwards towards ridges 408 by one or more retaining brackets (not shown in this view, but seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Accordingly, teeth 708 of pawl 208 slot between corresponding ridges 408. Pawl 208 may still be forced back against inner wall 804a by pawl spring 802. Note also that the rotation of collar 108 has brought around spring-loaded pin 902 and that end wall 510 of collar 108 has also rotated into view. Detent 310 can also be seen in the path of spring-loaded pin 902.

[0065] FIG. 10C illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 10B following a further rotation of collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. Collar 108 rotates far enough that end wall 510 begins to push against pawl 208. Accordingly, pawl 208 advances in a circumferential direction as teeth 708 ratchet along ridges 410. Additionally, pawl spring 802 becomes compressed as pawl 208 advances. According to some embodiments, end wall 510 pushes pawl 208 away from inner wall 804a of stop structure 312. Spring loaded pin 902 continues to advance closer to detent 310 as collar 108 rotates towards a locked position, according to some embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 10D illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 10C following a further rotation of collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction into a fully locked position, according to some embodiments. Due to the rotation of collar 108, end wall 510 has pushed pawl 208 up against another inner wall 804b of mount body 106, thus halting any further advancement of pawl 208. In this position, teeth 708 of pawl 208 remain engaged with ridges 408 as pawl 208 is effectively wedged between end wall 510 of collar 108 and inner wall 804b of stop structure 312, according to some embodiments. Pawl spring 802 may be further compressed between pawl 208 and stop structure 312. According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pin 902 settles into detent 310 to help further secure collar 108 in the locked position.

[0067] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate sequential images of an example unlocking procedure performed by rotating collar 108 in a clockwise direction (based on the angle of the images). Each image illustrates an isometric cut-away view taken through a given pawl 208 and ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110. Although the procedure is illustrated with a single pawl 208, it should be understood that the same procedure can be simultaneously performed with any number of similar pawls arranged around ridges 408.

[0068] FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a fully locked position of pawl 208. Pawl 208 may be in this position when mount body 106 has been fully locked onto muzzle adapter 110. In the locked position, pawl 208 is wedged between inner wall 804b of stop structure 312 and end wall 510 of collar 108. teeth 708 of pawl 208 are engaged with ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110. According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pin 902 is engaged with detent 310 (not shown) to help further secure collar 108 in the locked position.

[0069] FIG. 11B illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 11A following an initial rotation of collar 108 in a clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. Sufficient rotation force is applied to collar 108 to cause spring-loaded pin 902 to disengage from detent 310 as collar 108 proceeds to rotate in the clockwise direction. Cam pin 616 moves closer to pawl 208 following along with the rotation of collar 108. According to some embodiments, cam pin 616 begins to move into cam path 704 of pawl 208. Pawl 208 may still be biased inwards towards ridges 408 by the retaining brackets.

[0070] FIG. 11C illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 11B following a further rotation of collar 108 in a clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. Cam pin 616 moves further into cam path 704 as collar 108 rotates. According to some embodiments, cam pin 616 pushes against an inner surface 1102 of cam path 704 as it moves through cam path 704. As a result, pawl 208 is pulled back away from ridges 408 and towards another inner surface 1104 of collar 108 such that teeth 708 become disengaged from ridges 408. Once pawl 208 is pulled away from ridges 408, the spring force from pawl spring 802 may help to push pawl away from inner wall 804b (e.g., towards the opposite inner wall 804a).

[0071] FIG. 11D illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 11C following a further rotation of collar 108 in a clockwise direction into a fully unlocked position, according to some embodiments. Cam pin 616 moves to the end of cam path 704 as collar 108 rotates, thus moving pawl 208 with it away from inner wall 804b towards inner wall 804a. Any further rotation of collar 108 is stopped once pawl 208 reaches inner wall 804a. Pawl 208 is kept away from ridges 408 due to the presence of cam pin 616 within cam path 704, according to some embodiments. Pawl spring 802 may provide an additional biasing force against pawl 208 against inner wall 804a. According to some embodiments, the circumferential movement of pawl 208 is constrained between inner walls 804a and 804b of mount body 106. Pawl may be in a fully unlocked position when against inner wall 804a and in a fully locked position when against inner wall 804b.

[0072] FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of a firearm 1200 having a muzzle attachment 1202 installed onto the end of a barrel 1204 of firearm 1200. In this example, muzzle attachment 1202 is a suppressor that is secured to distal end 102 of mounting assembly 100. In some embodiments, mounting assembly 100 can be permanently attached to or formed as a single piece with muzzle attachment 1202, including a welded connection. As discussed above, mounting assembly 100 may be threaded onto muzzle adapter 110, which itself is threaded onto the end of barrel 1204. FIG. 12B illustrates mounting assembly 100 removed from muzzle adapter 110 while muzzle adapter 110 remains attached to the end of barrel 1204. Mounting assembly 100 may also include muzzle adapter 110 such that, for example, muzzle adapter 110 is removed as part of mounting assembly 100 from the end of barrel 1204.

[0073] Some embodiments of mounting assembly 100 can be installed on the barrel 1204 of the firearm 1200 and provide a seal that prevents or reduces infiltration of propellant gases into mounting assembly 100. The mounting assembly 100 enables the muzzle attachment 1202 to be reliably attached to the barrel 1204 and properly aligned with the bore axis 301. When moved to the unlocked position, the mounting assembly 100 permits installation or removal of muzzle attachments since pawls 208 are disengaged from muzzle adapter 110. Accordingly, an operator may quickly remove and / or install a muzzle attachment in the field without encountering time-consuming procedures, overtightened fasteners, baked-together interfaces, and other problems of existing attachment mounting assemblies that require the use of tools to remove (or install) the muzzle attachment.

[0074] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method 1300 of securing a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm. FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart showing steps in one embodiment of the method 1300. Method 1300 includes providing 1302 a muzzle adapter configured to be attached to the end of a firearm barrel. For example, the muzzle adapter is any of the embodiments of muzzle adapter 110 as disclosed herein. A mounting assembly is also provided 1304, the mounting assembly having a locking mechanism operable between locked and unlocked conditions. The mounting assembly may be any of the embodiments of mounting assembly 100 as disclosed herein. A muzzle attachment is also provided 1306, such as a suppressor, a muzzle brake, a heat shield, a linear compensator, blank firing adapter, an inert suppressor, or a flash hider. A firearm barrel with a muzzle end portion is also provided 1308.

[0075] The muzzle adapter is installed 1310 onto the firearm barrel, such as by screwing the muzzle adapter onto a threaded end of the barrel. Other attachment methods may be used as well, as will be appreciated. The muzzle attachment is attached 1312 to the mounting assembly. For example, the muzzle attachment can be screwed into a distal end portion of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly (e.g., with the coupled muzzle attachment) is attached 1314 to the muzzle adapter already on the end of the firearm barrel, such as by threading the mounting assembly onto the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, attaching 1312 the mounting assembly to the muzzle adapter includes first moving the mounting assembly to an unlocked position.

[0076] After installing the mounting assembly on the muzzle adapter, the collar of the mounting assembly can be moved 1316 to a locked position to engage one or more locking elements between the muzzle adapter and the mounting assembly, thereby preventing or inhibiting a loosening rotation of the muzzle attachment relative to the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 1316 the collar of the mounting assembly to the locked position is performed in the same rotational direction as disconnecting the mounting assembly from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 1316 the collar to the locked position causes one or more pawls to engage with ridges on a body of the muzzle adapter. For example, the locking elements include at least two pawls along with cam pins that are moved into the pawls to pull the pawls away from the body of the muzzle adapter. One or more retaining brackets on the pawls bias the pawls towards the body of the muzzle adapter when the cam pins are moved away from the pawls, according to some embodiments.

[0077] In some examples, the method 1300 also includes moving 1318 the collar of the mounting assembly to the unlocked position to cause one or more of the locking elements to disengage from the body of the muzzle adapter. Once the locking elements are disengaged, further rotation of the mounting assembly can cause disconnecting 1320 the mounting assembly from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, disconnecting 1320 the mounting assembly is performed without the use of hand tools. With the muzzle attachment secured to the mounting assembly, the muzzle attachment can be selectively removed and installed on the firearm as needed. The collar of the mounting assembly can be moved to the locked position to prevent inadvertent loosening of the mounting assembly (having muzzle attachment coupled to it), and moved to the unlocked position when installing or removing the mounting assembly (having muzzle attachment coupled to it) from the muzzle adapter, as will be appreciated.

[0078] Although method 1300 has been described in terms of a mounting assembly being separate from the muzzle adapter, it will be understood that the mounting assembly can include the muzzle adapter, such that a portion of the mounting assembly is installed onto or removed from the muzzle adapter.

[0079] As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with some embodiments, mounting assembly 100 as described herein can be utilized with any of a wide range of firearms, including but not limited to, a pistol, a rifle (automatic, semi-automatic, bolt action, etc.), a short-barreled rifle, or a pistol-caliber carbine, to name a few examples. In some embodiments, mounting assembly 100 can be configured for mounting any of a wide variety of firearm attachments to barrel 1204. For example, some embodiments may be configured for a suppressor, a flash hider, a muzzle brake, a linear compensator, a heat shield, or other accessory as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure. The host firearm 1200 can be chambered for any ammunition ranging from .22 LR to 30 mm NATO and everything in between (e.g., .22 LR, .223 Remington, .30 Remington, .380 Auto, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .50 BMG, 5.56×45 mm NATO, 7.62×39 mm, 7.62×51 mm, 7.62×54R mm, 9×19 mm, 10×25 mm, 30×173 mm NATO, etc.).

[0080] Various embodiments of mounting assembly 100 can be constructed from any suitable material(s), as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. For example, some embodiments of mounting assembly 100 (or individual components thereof) are constructed from AISI 4140 steel or from chromium-or austenitic nickel-chromium-based alloys, such as 17-4 Stainless Steel or Inconel alloy 625. It may be desirable in some instances for mounting assembly 100 to be constructed of a material that is corrosion resistant, retains strength over a large temperature range (e.g., in the range of about −50° F. to 1200° F.), and / or resistant to deformation and / or fracture at high pressures (e.g., 6000-6500 psi throughout and over 10000 psi in localized areas). In a more general sense, mounting assembly 100 can be constructed from any suitable material which is compliant, for example, with United States Defense Standard MIL-W-13855 (Weapons: Small Arms and Aircraft Armament Subsystems, General Specification For). Other suitable materials for mounting assembly 100 may depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.Further Example Embodiments

[0081] The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

[0082] Example 1 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device that is configured to attach to a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, a muzzle adapter having a plurality of ridges along an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis. The collar is designed to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. The muzzle adapter is designed to attach to the mount body. Rotating the collar to the first locked position advances the pawl along an outside of the muzzle adapter as the one or more teeth ratchet into corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges. Rotating the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially away from the muzzle adapter such that the one or more teeth disengage from the corresponding ridges.

[0083] Example 2 includes the mounting assembly of Example 1, further comprising a pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body.

[0084] Example 3 includes the mounting assembly of Example 2, wherein the pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the mount body.

[0085] Example 4 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl towards the muzzle adapter.

[0086] Example 5 includes the mounting assembly of Example 4, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

[0087] Example 6 includes the mounting assembly of Example 5, wherein the one or more retaining springs are coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket.

[0088] Example 7 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-6, further comprising a pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the pin moves in a circumferential direction towards or away from the pawl when the collar is rotated.

[0089] Example 8 includes the mounting assembly of Example 7, wherein the pawl comprises a cam path through one side of the pawl, wherein the pin is configured to move through the cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the pawl.

[0090] Example 9 includes the mounting assembly of Example 7 or 8, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

[0091] Example 10 includes the mounting assembly of Example 9, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

[0092] Example 11 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the muzzle adapter is threaded onto the proximal end of the mount body.

[0093] Example 12 is a suppressor that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-11.

[0094] Example 13 is a firearm that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-11, and a suppressor connected to the distal end of the mount body.

[0095] Example 14 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a muzzle adapter coupled to the mount body and having a surface with a plurality of ridges, a collar around a portion of the mount body, a first pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a second pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a first retaining bracket on the first pawl, a second retaining bracket on the second pawl, and at least one retaining spring coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis, and the distal end of the mount body is designed to attach to the firearm muzzle device. The collar is designed to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

[0096] Example 15 includes the mounting assembly of Example 14, wherein rotation of the collar to the first locked position advances both the first pawl and the second pawl along the surface with the plurality of ridges as the one or more teeth of each pawl ratchet between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges, and wherein rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls both the first pawl and the second pawl radially away from the surface with the plurality of ridges such that the one or more teeth of each pawl disengage from the corresponding ridges.

[0097] Example 16 includes the mounting assembly of Example 14 or 15, further comprising a first pawl spring coupled between the first pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body, and a second pawl spring coupled between the second pawl and a second inner wall of the mount body.

[0098] Example 17 includes the mounting assembly of Example 16, wherein the first pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a first inner wall of the collar, and the second pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the collar.

[0099] Example 18 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-17, further comprising a third retaining bracket on the first pawl and a fourth retaining bracket on the second pawl.

[0100] Example 19 includes the mounting assembly of Example 18, wherein the at least one retaining spring is at least one first retaining spring, the mounting assembly further comprising at least one second retaining spring coupled between the third retaining bracket and the fourth retaining bracket.

[0101] Example 20 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-19, further comprising: a first pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the first pin moves in a circumferential direction to engage with the first pawl when the collar is rotated; and a second pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the second pin moves in a circumferential direction to engage with the second pawl when the collar is rotated.

[0102] Example 21 includes the mounting assembly of Example 20, wherein the first pawl comprises a first cam path through one side of the first pawl, wherein the first pin is configured to move through the first cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the first pawl, and wherein the second pawl comprises a second cam path through one side of the second pawl, wherein the second pin is configured to move through the second cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the second pawl.

[0103] Example 22 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-21, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

[0104] Example 23 includes the mounting assembly of Example 22, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

[0105] Example 24 is a suppressor that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-23.

[0106] Example 25 is a firearm that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-23, and a suppressor connected to the distal end of the mount body.

[0107] Example 26 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device. The mounting assembly is designed to attach to a muzzle adapter at the end of a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of a plurality of ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis and is designed to releasably attach to the muzzle adapter. The collar is designed to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. Rotating the collar to the first locked position circumferentially advances the pawl in a first rotational direction, and rotating the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially towards the inner surface of the collar and advances the pawl in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotation direction.

[0108] Example 27 includes the mounting assembly of Example 26, further comprising a pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body.

[0109] Example 28 includes the mounting assembly of Example 27, wherein the pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the mount body.

[0110] Example 29 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-28, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl away from the inner surface of the collar.

[0111] Example 30 includes the mounting assembly of Example 29, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

[0112] Example 31 includes the mounting assembly of Example 30, wherein the one or more retaining springs are coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket.

[0113] Example 32 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-31, further comprising a pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the pin moves in a circumferential direction towards or away from the pawl when the collar is rotated.

[0114] Example 33 includes the mounting assembly of Example 32, wherein the pawl comprises a cam path through one side of the pawl, wherein the pin is configured to move through the cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the pawl.

[0115] Example 34 includes the mounting assembly of Example 32 or 33, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

[0116] Example 35 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-34, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

[0117] Example 36 is a suppressor that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-35.

[0118] Example 37 is a firearm that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-35, and a suppressor connected to the distal end of the mount body.

[0119] 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.

Examples

example 2

[0083 includes the mounting assembly of Example 1, further comprising a pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body.

[0084]Example 3 includes the mounting assembly of Example 2, wherein the pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the mount body.

example 4

[0085 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl towards the muzzle adapter.

example 5

[0086 includes the mounting assembly of Example 4, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

FIELD OF THIS DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates to mounting systems for firearm muzzle attachments and more particularly to a mounting assembly having a ratcheting retention mechanism.BACKGROUND

[0002] The design of firearms and related accessories involves many non-trivial challenges. Some accessories are designed to be mounted to the muzzle-end of a firearm barrel in one or more particular rotational orientations to accomplish a desired effect. For example, a muzzle brake is an attachment that redirects a portion of propellant gases away from the bore axis as the gases escape from the barrel. One muzzle brake defines side openings that direct combustion gases rearwardly so that the gases push the firearm forward to partially counteract recoil forces from discharging the firearm. Such a muzzle brake is mounted to a firearm barrel in a particular rotational orientation to prevent gases from being directed upward into the line of sight of the firearm operator, or downward where gases may kick up dust.

[0003] Suppressors are another muzzle accessory intended to reduce the audible report and the flash signature of the firearm. Suppressors include a series of baffled chambers that slow down the expansion and the release of pressurized gases leaving the barrel, therefore reducing the audible report when discharging the firearm. The central opening through the suppressor must be sufficiently aligned with the bore axis to prevent a projectile from striking the suppressor and to prevent reductions in accuracy. For this reason, the suppressor is generally attached securely to the barrel using a method that provides precision alignment with the bore axis.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for attaching accessories to the muzzle of a firearm, a locking assembly, and a method of attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm using a mounting assembly that inhibits or prevents inadvertent loosening of the attachment. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for firearm muzzle devices. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting assembly includes moveable pawls that rotatably ratchet around a series of ridges to help secure the mount. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly is a quick-disconnect mount that enables the user to remove and / or install a muzzle attachment without the need for tools.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes a mount body having a distal end configured to attach to any given muzzle attachment (e.g., muzzle brake, suppressor, etc.) and a proximal end configured to thread onto a muzzle adapter. The muzzle adapter may itself be designed to thread onto the end of a rifle barrel (or any other type of firearm barrel). According to some embodiments, an outer surface of the muzzle adapter includes a plurality of ridges to be used in a ratcheting locking action of the mount body to the muzzle adapter. A rotatable collar is arranged around an outside portion of the mount body and is rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. Rotating the collar causes a corresponding movement of any number of pawls along the surface of the muzzle adapter having the plurality of ridges. The pawls include one or more teeth to ratchet along the plurality of ridges when moving the collar into the locked position. Various springs may be coupled to the pawls to maintain tension during both the locking and unlocking procedures. The collar may also be held in place when in the locked position with the use of a spring-loaded pin housed inside the collar that interfaces with a detent on a surface of the mount body. One or more fixed pins coupled to the collar may be used to cam the pawls outwards and away from the surface of the muzzle adapter having the plurality of ridges when the collar is rotated towards an unlock position to allow the mount body to be unthreaded from the muzzle adapter. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0006] 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

[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate different perspective views of a mounting assembly including a muzzle adapter, where the mounting assembly has a rotatable collar to provide a more secure fit around the muzzle adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates another perspective view of the mounting assembly with the muzzle adapter separate from the remainder of the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of the mounting assembly showing the movable components beneath the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mount body from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the muzzle adapter from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various perspective views of the rotatable collar from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the ratcheting pawls arranged around ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the ratcheting pawls and springs between them with the muzzle adapter removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a single pawl, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the mount body illustrating a spring attachment between a pawl and a surface of the mount body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the mount body and various pins that rotate with the collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate perspective cross-sections through the collar during a locking procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate perspective cross-sections through the collar during an unlocking procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate side views of a firearm with a muzzle attachment secured to the mounting assembly and installed on the firearm barrel or removed from the firearm barrel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm muzzle and inhibiting inadvertent loosening of the muzzle attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] These and other features of the present embodiments will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the Figures herein described. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Furthermore, as will be appreciated, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale or intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific configurations shown. In short, the Figures are provided merely to show example structures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.

[0024] In one example embodiment, the mounting assembly is configured to attach to a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, a muzzle adapter having a plurality of ridges along an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges. The muzzle adapter is configured to attach to the mount body (e.g., the mount body threads onto the muzzle adapter) such that the mount body and muzzle adapter together define a passageway therethrough along a central axis or a bore axis. The collar is configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. According to some embodiments, rotation of the collar to the first locked position advances the pawl along the outside of the muzzle adapter as the one or more teeth ratchet between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges and rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially away from the muzzle adapter such that the one or more teeth disengage from the corresponding ridges.

[0025] The distal end of the mount body may be configured to attach to a muzzle device. In some embodiments, more than one muzzle device may be used together at the same time, such as a muzzle brake and suppressor in combination, or a suppressor in combination with a heat shield, to name a couple examples.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, the muzzle adapter is configured as a muzzle brake or a flash hider, for example. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly is considered to be separate from the muzzle adapter. In one such embodiment, the muzzle adapter has a generally cylindrical body with a threaded portion configured to engage threads in the proximal end portion of the mount body. The muzzle adapter may also include a cylindrical sleeve portion that extends distally of the threaded portion.

[0027] According to an embodiment, a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a muzzle adapter coupled to the mount body and having a surface with a plurality of ridges, a collar around a portion of the mount body, a first pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a second pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a first retaining bracket on the first pawl, a second retaining bracket on the second pawl, and at least one retaining spring coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis or a bore axis with the distal end of the mount body being configured to attach to the firearm muzzle device. The collar is configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

[0028] According to another embodiment, a mounting assembly is configured to attach to a muzzle adapter at the end of a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of a plurality of ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis or a bore axis. The collar is configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. According to some embodiments, rotation of the collar to the first locked position circumferentially advances the pawl in a first rotational direction and rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially towards an inner surface of the collar and advances the pawl in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotation direction.

[0029] Various embodiments of the mounting assembly can be used to secure a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a method of securing a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm includes providing a muzzle adapter, providing a mounting assembly with a locking mechanism, installing the muzzle adapter onto a firearm barrel, attaching the mounting assembly to the muzzle adapter, and moving a collar of the mounting assembly to a locked position, thereby engaging one or more locking elements between the muzzle adapter and the mounting assembly that prevents loosening rotation of the mounting assembly relative to the muzzle adapter.General Overview

[0030] As noted above, non-trivial issues arise in the design of firearms and their accessories. For instance, suppressors, muzzle brakes, and other devices can be mounted to the muzzle of a firearm barrel. In some cases, the muzzle attachment can be secured to the barrel by direct threaded engagement with a threaded end of the barrel. In other cases, the muzzle attachment can be secured to the barrel using a mounting assembly or adapter, where the mounting assembly is attached to the barrel (e.g., by threaded engagement) and includes threads or other structure to releasably secure the muzzle attachment to the adapter. For example, a muzzle adapter is threaded onto a threaded barrel and includes a coarse outer thread for securing the muzzle attachment. The attachment can be attached with less than one revolution along the coarse thread, making installation quicker than direct threaded engagement with the barrel. In another example, the mount includes a receptacle that receives part of the muzzle accessory and secures the accessory in the receptacle in place by tightening a clamp or fasteners that engage the accessory.

[0031] One challenge in constructing muzzle attachments and mounts is the need to reliably and repeatably maintain precise axial and often angular alignment between the accessory and the bore axis. For example, a suppressor that becomes misaligned with the bore axis may result in the projectile striking the suppressor baffles, resulting in damage to the suppressor and possible injury to the operator or others nearby. Rotational misalignment due to removal and reinstallation of a suppressor, for example, can result in poor accuracy.

[0032] In addition to precise axial alignment, muzzle attachments ought to resist changes in rotational or longitudinal position due to vibration and recoil forces. For example, a muzzle brake that rotates from its intended position may deflect propellant gases into the operator's optics, into the ground, or in another undesirable direction that interferes with the operator's sight picture or firing accuracy. To prevent movement of the muzzle accessory from recoil forces and the like, one approach has been to design mounts that use threaded engagement with the attachment in addition to having mating surfaces that add a frictional force to secure the attachment. For example, a shallow taper (e.g., 10° or less at each taper surface or ≤20° inclusive) can provide a surface that frictionally engages the accessory as it is threaded onto the mount. The shallow taper forms a seal between the mating surfaces that can effectively prevent unintended loosening of the attachment when tightened sufficiently. However, when tightened enough to prevent loosening from vibration and recoil forces, tools often are necessary to break the seal between the mating surfaces. On the other hand, when the shallow taper is tightened only enough to permit removal by hand, the attachment may vibrate loose and cause accuracy problems, a projectile strike, or the like.

[0033] In addition to problems with a sealing taper, many mounting assemblies intended for quick connection and disconnection can be problematic during use in the field. When the barrel and attachment become hot from extended live fire, for example, thermal expansion can further tighten an already tight interface to the extent that tools are required to remove the accessory. Also, carbon deposits can work into fasteners and into seams between the attachment and the mount, causing the interface to bind. The combination of high heat and carbon deposits has been known to “bake” together assembled parts and require tools to remove the attachment.

[0034] An operator may need to remove the muzzle attachment for a variety of reasons, such as to repair or service the attachment, to clear an attachment that has become blocked with mud and vegetation, or to install a different attachment. In the best scenario, the increased effort, time, and / or required use of tools to remove the attachment can be an inconvenience. However, during use in the field, such as during a battle, tools may not be available, time may be critical, and the force needed to remove the attachment may exceed what one can achieve in the field using hands alone.

[0035] Therefore, a need exists for an improved mounting assembly for muzzle attachments. In accordance with the present disclosure, some embodiments address this need and others by providing a quick-disconnect mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments, where the mounting assembly is operable between a locked position, in which the mounting assembly is secured to a muzzle adapter, and an unlocked position, in which the assembly permits removal of the mounting assembly from the muzzle adapter. The mounting assembly can include one or more additional retention structures that block or limit axial movement of the assembly during use. Embodiments of the mounting assembly facilitate quicker and easier removal of a muzzle attachment compared to existing designs in addition to more reliable retention in the installed condition. In accordance with some embodiments, the mounting assembly enables tool-less disconnection of the muzzle attachment from the firearm in a wide variety of operating environments.

[0036] In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed mounting assembly may be detected, for example, by visual inspection of a mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments, where the mounting assembly includes features such as a rotatable collar operable between locked and unlocked positions and the presence of one or more pawls beneath the collar that engage with ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure comprising a plurality of pawls coupled together via one or more retention brackets and retaining springs to hold the pawls against the ridged surface of the muzzle adapter. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure that includes any number of pins coupled to the collar such that the pins rotate with the collar to disengage the pawls from the muzzle adapter during an unlocking operation. In yet another aspect, methods of attaching a muzzle device according to the present disclosure can be detected by use of a mounting assembly utilizing a ratcheted locking assembly. Some methods can be detected by a mounting assembly providing tool-less disconnection of a muzzle attachment from a firearm barrel.

[0037] While generally referred to herein as a ‘mounting assembly’ for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the disclosed mounting assembly is not limited to that specific terminology and alternatively can be referred to, for example, as a mount, a muzzle adapter, or other terms. As will be further appreciated, the particular configuration (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of a mounting assembly configured as described herein may be varied, for example, depending on whether the intended use is military, tactical, or civilian in nature. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.Structure and Operation

[0038] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a mounting assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 1A is a rear and side perspective view having a distal end 102 facing to the left and a proximal end 104 facing to the right, and FIG. 1B is a front and side perspective view having distal end 102 facing to the right and proximal end 104 facing to the left. Distal end 102 of mounting assembly 100 may be coupled to any suitable muzzle device while proximal end 104 of mounting assembly 100 may be coupled to the end of a firearm barrel.

[0039] According to an embodiment, mounting assembly 100 includes a mount body 106 and a rotatable collar 108 around a portion of mount body 106. According to an embodiment, mount body 106 is configured to attach to a muzzle adapter 110. In the illustrated example, muzzle adapter 110 is part of mounting assembly 100. The remainder of mounting assembly 100 may be releasably attachable to muzzle adapter 110 and can be secured or locked to muzzle adapter 110 via a locking mechanism actuated by rotating collar 108. For example, collar 108 is rotatable about mount body 106 and muzzle adapter 110 and causes a ratcheting engagement between one or more locking pawls and ridges on an outside surface of muzzle adapter 110 to inhibit inadvertent disassembly of the mount body 106 from muzzle adapter 110.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of mounting assembly 100 being separate from muzzle adapter 110. As noted above, mounting assembly 100 can include muzzle adapter 110 as part of its assembly, or can be considered a structure that is separate from muzzle adapter 110. In any case, mount body 106 may attach to muzzle adapter 110 via a threaded connection. For example, mount body 106 may include a first threaded portion 202 that is configured to thread into a second threaded portion 204 on muzzle adapter 110. First threaded portion 202 may be configured as a female thread design and second threaded portion 204 may be configured as a male thread design. In other examples, a bayonet mount may be used to secure mount body 106 to muzzle adapter 110. In some examples, muzzle adapter is configured as a flash hider, although any suitable adapter arrangement can be used.

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a partially exploded view of several components of mounting assembly 100, according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, removing collar 108 from around mount body 106 exposes a locking assembly 206 that may include any number of pawls, such as a first pawl 208a and a second pawl 208b. As will be discussed in more detail herein, rotation of collar 108 causes a circumferential movement of pawls 208a / 208b that can lock them in place around muzzle adapter 110 to provide a more secure fit around muzzle adapter 110. Locking assembly 206 may be arranged around or near a proximal end of mount body 106 and may generally be covered by collar 108.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a more detailed perspective view of mount body 106, according to some embodiments. Mount body 106 includes a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304. According to some embodiments, proximal end 302 includes first threaded portion 202 for engagement with muzzle adapter 110. Accordingly, proximal end 302 may be considered to be the proximal end for the entirety of mount assembly 100 if muzzle adapter 110 is considered to be a separate element from mount assembly 100. Distal end 304 of mount body 106 may be the same as distal end 102 of mount assembly 100.

[0043] According to some embodiments, mount body 106 has a generally cylindrical shape that extends lengthwise along a central or bore axis 301. An outer surface 305 of mount body 106 may include a graphical indicator 306 to convey a direction in which collar 108 should be rotated to either lock or unlock mount body 106 from muzzle adapter 110. In one example, graphical indicator 306 includes an arrow pointing clockwise or counterclockwise around the outer surface of mount body 106. Graphical indicator 306 may also include one or more icons or symbols to indicate locked and / or unlocked positions of collar 108.

[0044] According to some embodiments, outer surface 305 of mount body 106 (e.g., that includes graphical indicator 306) extends parallel with and around bore axis 301. Outer surface 305 may terminate at one end at a shelf 308 having a surface generally perpendicular to bore axis 301, according to some embodiments. Collar 108 may rotate upon a surface of (or at least a portion of) shelf 308. Shelf 308 may support collar 108 on mount body 106 and may include any number of grooves to maintain the position of collar 108 around mount body 106. According to some embodiments, shelf 308 includes one or more detents 310 for engagement with pins coupled to collar 108, as well be discussed in more detail herein.

[0045] According to some embodiments, mount body 106 includes one or more stop structures 312 arranged between shelf 308 and proximal end 302. Stop structures 312 may be provided to bound the range of motion of pawls 208a / 208b between a fully locked position and a fully unlocked position, as will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed perspective view of muzzle adapter 110, according to some embodiments. Muzzle adapter 110 has a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404. Similar to mount body 106, muzzle adapter 110 may have a generally cylindrical shape that extends lengthwise along bore axis 301. Proximal end 402 of muzzle adapter 110 may be configured to attach to the muzzle-end of a barrel of a firearm. In some embodiments, an inside surface of muzzle adapter 110 has a female thread (not shown) that is sized to mate with a corresponding male thread on the muzzle-end of the gun barrel. In other embodiments, the inside surface of muzzle adapter 110 is smooth. Muzzle adapter 110 optionally includes a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a diamond-like carbon (DLC), a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating of metal or a metal alloy, a manganese phosphate coating, or a nitride case hardening.

[0047] As noted above, second threaded portion 204 is provided near proximal end 402 of muzzle adapter 110 for threaded engagement with mount body 106, such that distal end 404 of muzzle adapter 110 extends towards distal end 304 of mount body 106. In some embodiments, proximal end 402 defines wrench flats 406 to facilitate tightening muzzle adapter 110 to the barrel of a firearm. It is contemplated that muzzle adapter 110 can be secured to the firearm barrel using other removable or permanent methods, including a slip fit with set screws, an interference fit, welding, a bayonet mount, or combination of these structures.

[0048] According to some embodiments, muzzle adapter 110 includes an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinal ridges 408. In some examples, ridges 408 are arranged between second threaded portion 204 and distal end 404. Ridges 408 may be equally spaced around an entire circumference of muzzle adapter 110, or around a portion of the circumference of muzzle adapter 110. According to some embodiments, ridges 408 have a triangular or sawtooth cross-section or generally any cross-section that makes them suitable for engaging with ratcheting teeth structures.

[0049] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various perspective views of collar 108, according to some embodiments. Collar 108 includes an outer surface 502 extending between a proximal end 501 and a distal end 503. Outer surface 502 may be textured to provide better grip with a hand or fingers used to twist collar 108. For example, outer surface 502 may include longitudinal ridges extending parallel with bore axis 301. Outer surface 502 may also include an icon 504 to align with any portion of graphical indicator 306. For example, icon 504 may align with a “lock” graphic on graphical indicator 306 when collar 108 is rotated into a locked position and icon 504 may align with an “unlock” graphic on graphical indicator 306 when collar 108 is rotated into an unlocked position. The “lock” graphic may be a picture of a closed lock while the “unlock” graphic may be a picture of an open lock. Icon 504 may be an arrow (as illustrated) or may take on any other suitable shape.

[0050] FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate different perspective views of a bottom surface 506 of collar 108 that faces shelf 308 on mount body 106, according to some embodiments. An inner wall 508 extends from bottom surface 506 towards proximal end 501. According to some embodiments, recesses 509 are cut into inner wall 508 to provide clearance for pawls 208a / 208b to move within, as will be shown in more detail in later figures. Recesses 509 include end walls 510 that may directly engage with pawls 208a / 208b when collar 108 is rotated. For example, a given end wall 510 may push against a given pawl 208 during a locking action to ratchet pawl 208 across ridges 408, as is shown in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10D.

[0051] According to some embodiments, bottom surface 506 includes first openings 511. First openings 511 may extend any distance up through inner wall 508. Although two first openings 511 are illustrated, any number of first openings 511 may be provided through bottom surface 506. In some examples, any number of second openings 512 are provided through bottom surface 506, although second openings 512 are omitted in some designs.

[0052] According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pins are arranged to extend through first openings 511, such that ends of the spring-loaded pins extend below bottom surface 506, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5C illustrates how tips 514 of the spring-loaded pins poke out through first openings 511 to engage with shelf 308 of mount body 106. The function of the spring-loaded pins will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. Second openings 512, if present, may be provided over corresponding recesses 509, such that second openings 512 provide access through bottom surface 506 into recesses 509.

[0053] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of several of the components of locking assembly 206 arranged around muzzle adapter 110, according to some embodiments. Pawl 208a and 208b may be biased towards ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110 using any number of retaining brackets. In the illustrated example, a first retaining bracket 602a biases first pawl 208a inwards towards muzzle adapter 110, and a second retaining bracket 602b biases second pawl 208b inwards towards muzzle adapter 110. In some embodiments, to maintain better balance, a third retaining bracket 604a also biases first pawl 208a inwards towards muzzle adapter 110, and a fourth retaining bracket 604b also biases second pawl 208b inwards towards muzzle adapter 110. The tension on each of the retaining brackets may be provided via one or more retaining springs. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, a first retaining spring 606 extends between a first end of a first retaining bracket 602a and a first end of a second retaining bracket 602b, and a second retaining spring 608 extends between a first end of a third retaining bracket 604a and a first end of a fourth retaining bracket 604b. The retaining springs may connect to hooks 609 or other similar structures at the ends of the corresponding retaining brackets.

[0054] The tension mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6A may be mirrored on the opposite side to provide a substantially equal biasing force on pawls 208a and 208b. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6B, muzzle adapter 110 has been removed for a better view of a third retaining spring 612 coupled extending between a second end of first retaining bracket 602a and a second end of second retaining bracket 602b, and a fourth retaining spring 614 extending between a second end of third retaining bracket 604a and a second end of fourth retaining bracket 604b. Each of the retaining brackets may have a generally curved shape, or a semicircular shape to extend around muzzle adapter 110.

[0055] According to some embodiments, locking assembly 206 also includes pins 616 that extend parallel with bore axis 301 and are arranged to engage with pawls 208a and 208b. As will be discussed in more detail herein, pins 616 are coupled to collar 108, such that pins 616 move in a circumferential direction with the rotation of collar 108 while maintaining their parallel orientation to bore axis 301. Pins 616 may be configured to move independently from pawls 208a / 208b in order to adjust a position of pawls 208a / 208b against or away from ridges 408, as is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10D and 11A-11D.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed isometric view of any given pawl 208, according to some embodiments. Although two pawls (208a and 208b) are illustrated as being part of locking assembly 206, any number of similar pawls can be used around muzzle adapter 110. Pawl 208 includes a body 702 having a cam path 704 cut into body 702. Body 702 may be any suitable rigid material, such as a hard plastic material (e.g., injection molded plastic) or machined metal. Cam path 704 may have a generally curved shape that follows the overall curve of body 702 (e.g., in order to fit around the outer circumference of muzzle adapter 110). In some examples, cam path 704 extends into at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of body 702.

[0057] According to some embodiments, body 702 is flanked on either side by wings 705a and 705b. Each of wings 705a and 705b extend laterally outward from body 702 and may follow the curved shape of body 702. Each of wings 705a and 705b may extend outward from body 702 by up to 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 2.5 mm. According to some embodiments, each of wings 705a and 705b has a corresponding groove 706a and 706b that follow the curved shape of wings 705a and 705b. Grooves 706a and 706b may act as tracks to hold corresponding retaining brackets (e.g., retaining brackets 602a and 604a as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B).

[0058] According to some embodiments, a bottom of pawl 208 includes one or more teeth 708 that generally jut outwards from a bottom surface of body 702. Due to the curved shape of pawl 208, teeth 708 may be angled slightly inwards towards each other in order to engage with ridges 408 around the curved outer surface of muzzle adapter 110. Teeth 708 may be suitably shaped to fit between adjacent ridges 408. Examples shapes for teeth 708 include a triangular shape, sawtooth shape, or generally any shape that can be used to ratchet between adjacent ridges.

[0059] According to some embodiments, a front surface of body 702 includes a recess 710 where a pawl spring may be located. This pawl spring may be used to bias pawl 208 into a starting position (e.g., an unlocked position) when pawl 208 is pulled away from ridges 408. FIG. 8 illustrates how a pawl spring 802 is coupled between pawl 208 and an inner wall 804 of mount body 106, according to some embodiments. Inner wall 804 is one end face of stop structure 312. As discussed above, stop structures 312 may be provided to limit the range of motion of pawls 208. Pawl spring 802 may extend into recess 710 to couple to a portion of body 702. In some other examples, pawl spring 802 couples to an end face of body 702 (e.g., with no recess 710).

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of mount body 106 showing the various cam pins 616 and spring-loaded pins 902, according to some embodiments. Any number of cam pins 616 and spring-loaded pins 902 may be present. As discussed above, cam pins 616 are coupled to collar 108 and rotate with collar 108. Cam pins 616 are positioned to engage with pawls 208 as they move in a circumferential path over shelf 308. Cam pins 616 may extend downward from collar 108 and end above shelf 308 (e.g., not contacting shelf 308). With reference to FIG. 5C, cam pins 616 may extend either through or be generally aligned with second openings 512 on collar 108.

[0061] According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pins 902 similarly rotate with collar 108 and thus move in a circumferential path over shelf 308. A spring portion of spring-loaded pins 902 may be directly coupled to collar 108 while a rigid pin portion extends downward from the spring portion towards shelf 308. With reference to FIG. 5C, tips 514 of spring-loaded pins 902 extend out the bottom of collar 108. According to some embodiments, tips 514 of spring-loaded pins 902 engage with shelf 308 such that they drag along shelf 308 as collar 108 is rotated. The circumferential movement of spring-loaded pins 902 may be halted by detent 310 present in shelf 308. In some examples, spring-loaded pins 902 catch within corresponding detents 310 when collar 108 is rotated into a fully locked position. Using spring-loaded pins 902 to engage with corresponding detents 310 may help to further secure the components of mounting assembly 100 when in the locked position.

[0062] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate sequential images of an example locking procedure performed by rotating collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction (based on the angle of the images). Each image illustrates an isometric cut-away view taken through a given pawl 208 and ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110. Although the procedure is illustrated with a single pawl 208, it should be understood that the same procedure can be simultaneously performed with any number of similar pawls arranged around ridges 408.

[0063] FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a fully unlocked position of pawl 208. Pawl 208 may be in this position when first engaging mount body 106 over muzzle adapter 110. In the unlocked position, pawl 208 is pulled back away from ridges 408 such that teeth 708 are not engaged between ridges 408. The presence of cam pin 616 within cam path 704 prevents pawl 208 from being drawn towards ridges 408, according to some embodiments. Pawl spring 802 may also be used to provide a spring force that biases pawl 208 back against an inner wall 804a of stop structure 312.

[0064] FIG. 10B illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 10A following an initial rotation of collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. The rotation of collar 108 moves cam pin 616 out from cam path 704. Without cam pin 616 holding it back, pawl 208 is drawn inwards towards ridges 408 by one or more retaining brackets (not shown in this view, but seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Accordingly, teeth 708 of pawl 208 slot between corresponding ridges 408. Pawl 208 may still be forced back against inner wall 804a by pawl spring 802. Note also that the rotation of collar 108 has brought around spring-loaded pin 902 and that end wall 510 of collar 108 has also rotated into view. Detent 310 can also be seen in the path of spring-loaded pin 902.

[0065] FIG. 10C illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 10B following a further rotation of collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. Collar 108 rotates far enough that end wall 510 begins to push against pawl 208. Accordingly, pawl 208 advances in a circumferential direction as teeth 708 ratchet along ridges 410. Additionally, pawl spring 802 becomes compressed as pawl 208 advances. According to some embodiments, end wall 510 pushes pawl 208 away from inner wall 804a of stop structure 312. Spring loaded pin 902 continues to advance closer to detent 310 as collar 108 rotates towards a locked position, according to some embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 10D illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 10C following a further rotation of collar 108 in a counter-clockwise direction into a fully locked position, according to some embodiments. Due to the rotation of collar 108, end wall 510 has pushed pawl 208 up against another inner wall 804b of mount body 106, thus halting any further advancement of pawl 208. In this position, teeth 708 of pawl 208 remain engaged with ridges 408 as pawl 208 is effectively wedged between end wall 510 of collar 108 and inner wall 804b of stop structure 312, according to some embodiments. Pawl spring 802 may be further compressed between pawl 208 and stop structure 312. According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pin 902 settles into detent 310 to help further secure collar 108 in the locked position.

[0067] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate sequential images of an example unlocking procedure performed by rotating collar 108 in a clockwise direction (based on the angle of the images). Each image illustrates an isometric cut-away view taken through a given pawl 208 and ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110. Although the procedure is illustrated with a single pawl 208, it should be understood that the same procedure can be simultaneously performed with any number of similar pawls arranged around ridges 408.

[0068] FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a fully locked position of pawl 208. Pawl 208 may be in this position when mount body 106 has been fully locked onto muzzle adapter 110. In the locked position, pawl 208 is wedged between inner wall 804b of stop structure 312 and end wall 510 of collar 108. teeth 708 of pawl 208 are engaged with ridges 408 of muzzle adapter 110. According to some embodiments, spring-loaded pin 902 is engaged with detent 310 (not shown) to help further secure collar 108 in the locked position.

[0069] FIG. 11B illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 11A following an initial rotation of collar 108 in a clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. Sufficient rotation force is applied to collar 108 to cause spring-loaded pin 902 to disengage from detent 310 as collar 108 proceeds to rotate in the clockwise direction. Cam pin 616 moves closer to pawl 208 following along with the rotation of collar 108. According to some embodiments, cam pin 616 begins to move into cam path 704 of pawl 208. Pawl 208 may still be biased inwards towards ridges 408 by the retaining brackets.

[0070] FIG. 11C illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 11B following a further rotation of collar 108 in a clockwise direction, according to some embodiments. Cam pin 616 moves further into cam path 704 as collar 108 rotates. According to some embodiments, cam pin 616 pushes against an inner surface 1102 of cam path 704 as it moves through cam path 704. As a result, pawl 208 is pulled back away from ridges 408 and towards another inner surface 1104 of collar 108 such that teeth 708 become disengaged from ridges 408. Once pawl 208 is pulled away from ridges 408, the spring force from pawl spring 802 may help to push pawl away from inner wall 804b (e.g., towards the opposite inner wall 804a).

[0071] FIG. 11D illustrates the mount assembly of FIG. 11C following a further rotation of collar 108 in a clockwise direction into a fully unlocked position, according to some embodiments. Cam pin 616 moves to the end of cam path 704 as collar 108 rotates, thus moving pawl 208 with it away from inner wall 804b towards inner wall 804a. Any further rotation of collar 108 is stopped once pawl 208 reaches inner wall 804a. Pawl 208 is kept away from ridges 408 due to the presence of cam pin 616 within cam path 704, according to some embodiments. Pawl spring 802 may provide an additional biasing force against pawl 208 against inner wall 804a. According to some embodiments, the circumferential movement of pawl 208 is constrained between inner walls 804a and 804b of mount body 106. Pawl may be in a fully unlocked position when against inner wall 804a and in a fully locked position when against inner wall 804b.

[0072] FIG. 12A illustrates a side view of a firearm 1200 having a muzzle attachment 1202 installed onto the end of a barrel 1204 of firearm 1200. In this example, muzzle attachment 1202 is a suppressor that is secured to distal end 102 of mounting assembly 100. In some embodiments, mounting assembly 100 can be permanently attached to or formed as a single piece with muzzle attachment 1202, including a welded connection. As discussed above, mounting assembly 100 may be threaded onto muzzle adapter 110, which itself is threaded onto the end of barrel 1204. FIG. 12B illustrates mounting assembly 100 removed from muzzle adapter 110 while muzzle adapter 110 remains attached to the end of barrel 1204. Mounting assembly 100 may also include muzzle adapter 110 such that, for example, muzzle adapter 110 is removed as part of mounting assembly 100 from the end of barrel 1204.

[0073] Some embodiments of mounting assembly 100 can be installed on the barrel 1204 of the firearm 1200 and provide a seal that prevents or reduces infiltration of propellant gases into mounting assembly 100. The mounting assembly 100 enables the muzzle attachment 1202 to be reliably attached to the barrel 1204 and properly aligned with the bore axis 301. When moved to the unlocked position, the mounting assembly 100 permits installation or removal of muzzle attachments since pawls 208 are disengaged from muzzle adapter 110. Accordingly, an operator may quickly remove and / or install a muzzle attachment in the field without encountering time-consuming procedures, overtightened fasteners, baked-together interfaces, and other problems of existing attachment mounting assemblies that require the use of tools to remove (or install) the muzzle attachment.

[0074] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method 1300 of securing a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm. FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart showing steps in one embodiment of the method 1300. Method 1300 includes providing 1302 a muzzle adapter configured to be attached to the end of a firearm barrel. For example, the muzzle adapter is any of the embodiments of muzzle adapter 110 as disclosed herein. A mounting assembly is also provided 1304, the mounting assembly having a locking mechanism operable between locked and unlocked conditions. The mounting assembly may be any of the embodiments of mounting assembly 100 as disclosed herein. A muzzle attachment is also provided 1306, such as a suppressor, a muzzle brake, a heat shield, a linear compensator, blank firing adapter, an inert suppressor, or a flash hider. A firearm barrel with a muzzle end portion is also provided 1308.

[0075] The muzzle adapter is installed 1310 onto the firearm barrel, such as by screwing the muzzle adapter onto a threaded end of the barrel. Other attachment methods may be used as well, as will be appreciated. The muzzle attachment is attached 1312 to the mounting assembly. For example, the muzzle attachment can be screwed into a distal end portion of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly (e.g., with the coupled muzzle attachment) is attached 1314 to the muzzle adapter already on the end of the firearm barrel, such as by threading the mounting assembly onto the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, attaching 1312 the mounting assembly to the muzzle adapter includes first moving the mounting assembly to an unlocked position.

[0076] After installing the mounting assembly on the muzzle adapter, the collar of the mounting assembly can be moved 1316 to a locked position to engage one or more locking elements between the muzzle adapter and the mounting assembly, thereby preventing or inhibiting a loosening rotation of the muzzle attachment relative to the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 1316 the collar of the mounting assembly to the locked position is performed in the same rotational direction as disconnecting the mounting assembly from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 1316 the collar to the locked position causes one or more pawls to engage with ridges on a body of the muzzle adapter. For example, the locking elements include at least two pawls along with cam pins that are moved into the pawls to pull the pawls away from the body of the muzzle adapter. One or more retaining brackets on the pawls bias the pawls towards the body of the muzzle adapter when the cam pins are moved away from the pawls, according to some embodiments.

[0077] In some examples, the method 1300 also includes moving 1318 the collar of the mounting assembly to the unlocked position to cause one or more of the locking elements to disengage from the body of the muzzle adapter. Once the locking elements are disengaged, further rotation of the mounting assembly can cause disconnecting 1320 the mounting assembly from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, disconnecting 1320 the mounting assembly is performed without the use of hand tools. With the muzzle attachment secured to the mounting assembly, the muzzle attachment can be selectively removed and installed on the firearm as needed. The collar of the mounting assembly can be moved to the locked position to prevent inadvertent loosening of the mounting assembly (having muzzle attachment coupled to it), and moved to the unlocked position when installing or removing the mounting assembly (having muzzle attachment coupled to it) from the muzzle adapter, as will be appreciated.

[0078] Although method 1300 has been described in terms of a mounting assembly being separate from the muzzle adapter, it will be understood that the mounting assembly can include the muzzle adapter, such that a portion of the mounting assembly is installed onto or removed from the muzzle adapter.

[0079] As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with some embodiments, mounting assembly 100 as described herein can be utilized with any of a wide range of firearms, including but not limited to, a pistol, a rifle (automatic, semi-automatic, bolt action, etc.), a short-barreled rifle, or a pistol-caliber carbine, to name a few examples. In some embodiments, mounting assembly 100 can be configured for mounting any of a wide variety of firearm attachments to barrel 1204. For example, some embodiments may be configured for a suppressor, a flash hider, a muzzle brake, a linear compensator, a heat shield, or other accessory as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure. The host firearm 1200 can be chambered for any ammunition ranging from .22 LR to 30 mm NATO and everything in between (e.g., .22 LR, .223 Remington, .30 Remington, .380 Auto, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, .50 BMG, 5.56×45 mm NATO, 7.62×39 mm, 7.62×51 mm, 7.62×54R mm, 9×19 mm, 10×25 mm, 30×173 mm NATO, etc.).

[0080] Various embodiments of mounting assembly 100 can be constructed from any suitable material(s), as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. For example, some embodiments of mounting assembly 100 (or individual components thereof) are constructed from AISI 4140 steel or from chromium-or austenitic nickel-chromium-based alloys, such as 17-4 Stainless Steel or Inconel alloy 625. It may be desirable in some instances for mounting assembly 100 to be constructed of a material that is corrosion resistant, retains strength over a large temperature range (e.g., in the range of about −50° F. to 1200° F.), and / or resistant to deformation and / or fracture at high pressures (e.g., 6000-6500 psi throughout and over 10000 psi in localized areas). In a more general sense, mounting assembly 100 can be constructed from any suitable material which is compliant, for example, with United States Defense Standard MIL-W-13855 (Weapons: Small Arms and Aircraft Armament Subsystems, General Specification For). Other suitable materials for mounting assembly 100 may depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.Further Example Embodiments

[0081] The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

[0082] Example 1 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device that is configured to attach to a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, a muzzle adapter having a plurality of ridges along an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis. The collar is designed to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. The muzzle adapter is designed to attach to the mount body. Rotating the collar to the first locked position advances the pawl along an outside of the muzzle adapter as the one or more teeth ratchet into corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges. Rotating the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially away from the muzzle adapter such that the one or more teeth disengage from the corresponding ridges.

[0083] Example 2 includes the mounting assembly of Example 1, further comprising a pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body.

[0084] Example 3 includes the mounting assembly of Example 2, wherein the pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the mount body.

[0085] Example 4 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl towards the muzzle adapter.

[0086] Example 5 includes the mounting assembly of Example 4, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

[0087] Example 6 includes the mounting assembly of Example 5, wherein the one or more retaining springs are coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket.

[0088] Example 7 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-6, further comprising a pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the pin moves in a circumferential direction towards or away from the pawl when the collar is rotated.

[0089] Example 8 includes the mounting assembly of Example 7, wherein the pawl comprises a cam path through one side of the pawl, wherein the pin is configured to move through the cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the pawl.

[0090] Example 9 includes the mounting assembly of Example 7 or 8, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

[0091] Example 10 includes the mounting assembly of Example 9, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

[0092] Example 11 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the muzzle adapter is threaded onto the proximal end of the mount body.

[0093] Example 12 is a suppressor that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-11.

[0094] Example 13 is a firearm that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-11, and a suppressor connected to the distal end of the mount body.

[0095] Example 14 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a muzzle adapter coupled to the mount body and having a surface with a plurality of ridges, a collar around a portion of the mount body, a first pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a second pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter, a first retaining bracket on the first pawl, a second retaining bracket on the second pawl, and at least one retaining spring coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis, and the distal end of the mount body is designed to attach to the firearm muzzle device. The collar is designed to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

[0096] Example 15 includes the mounting assembly of Example 14, wherein rotation of the collar to the first locked position advances both the first pawl and the second pawl along the surface with the plurality of ridges as the one or more teeth of each pawl ratchet between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges, and wherein rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls both the first pawl and the second pawl radially away from the surface with the plurality of ridges such that the one or more teeth of each pawl disengage from the corresponding ridges.

[0097] Example 16 includes the mounting assembly of Example 14 or 15, further comprising a first pawl spring coupled between the first pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body, and a second pawl spring coupled between the second pawl and a second inner wall of the mount body.

[0098] Example 17 includes the mounting assembly of Example 16, wherein the first pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a first inner wall of the collar, and the second pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the collar.

[0099] Example 18 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-17, further comprising a third retaining bracket on the first pawl and a fourth retaining bracket on the second pawl.

[0100] Example 19 includes the mounting assembly of Example 18, wherein the at least one retaining spring is at least one first retaining spring, the mounting assembly further comprising at least one second retaining spring coupled between the third retaining bracket and the fourth retaining bracket.

[0101] Example 20 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-19, further comprising: a first pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the first pin moves in a circumferential direction to engage with the first pawl when the collar is rotated; and a second pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the second pin moves in a circumferential direction to engage with the second pawl when the collar is rotated.

[0102] Example 21 includes the mounting assembly of Example 20, wherein the first pawl comprises a first cam path through one side of the first pawl, wherein the first pin is configured to move through the first cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the first pawl, and wherein the second pawl comprises a second cam path through one side of the second pawl, wherein the second pin is configured to move through the second cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the second pawl.

[0103] Example 22 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-21, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

[0104] Example 23 includes the mounting assembly of Example 22, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

[0105] Example 24 is a suppressor that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-23.

[0106] Example 25 is a firearm that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 14-23, and a suppressor connected to the distal end of the mount body.

[0107] Example 26 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device. The mounting assembly is designed to attach to a muzzle adapter at the end of a firearm barrel. The mounting assembly includes a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, and a pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of a plurality of ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter. The mount body defines a passageway therethrough along a central axis and is designed to releasably attach to the muzzle adapter. The collar is designed to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. Rotating the collar to the first locked position circumferentially advances the pawl in a first rotational direction, and rotating the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially towards the inner surface of the collar and advances the pawl in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotation direction.

[0108] Example 27 includes the mounting assembly of Example 26, further comprising a pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body.

[0109] Example 28 includes the mounting assembly of Example 27, wherein the pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the mount body.

[0110] Example 29 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-28, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl away from the inner surface of the collar.

[0111] Example 30 includes the mounting assembly of Example 29, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

[0112] Example 31 includes the mounting assembly of Example 30, wherein the one or more retaining springs are coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket.

[0113] Example 32 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-31, further comprising a pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the pin moves in a circumferential direction towards or away from the pawl when the collar is rotated.

[0114] Example 33 includes the mounting assembly of Example 32, wherein the pawl comprises a cam path through one side of the pawl, wherein the pin is configured to move through the cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the pawl.

[0115] Example 34 includes the mounting assembly of Example 32 or 33, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

[0116] Example 35 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-34, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

[0117] Example 36 is a suppressor that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-35.

[0118] Example 37 is a firearm that includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 26-35, and a suppressor connected to the distal end of the mount body.

[0119] 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.

Examples

example 2

[0083 includes the mounting assembly of Example 1, further comprising a pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body.

[0084]Example 3 includes the mounting assembly of Example 2, wherein the pawl spring is configured to apply a force against the pawl towards a second inner wall of the mount body.

example 4

[0085 includes the mounting assembly of any one of Examples 1-3, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl towards the muzzle adapter.

example 5

[0086 includes the mounting assembly of Example 4, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device and configured to attach to a firearm barrel, the mounting assembly comprising:a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, the mount body defining a passageway therethrough along a central axis;a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, the collar configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position;a muzzle adapter having a plurality of ridges along an outside surface of the muzzle adapter, the muzzle adapter configured to attach to the mount body; anda pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges; anda pawl spring coupled between the pawl and a first inner wall of the mount body;wherein rotation of the collar to the first locked position advances the pawl along an outside of the muzzle adapter as the one or more teeth ratchet into corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges, and wherein rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially away from the muzzle adapter such that the one or more teeth disengage from the corresponding ridges.

2. (canceled)3. The mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl towards the muzzle adapter.

4. The mounting assembly of claim 3, wherein the retaining bracket is a first retaining bracket and the pawl is a first pawl, and the mounting assembly further comprises a second retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of a second pawl using the one or more retaining springs.

5. The mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more retaining springs are coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket.

6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the pin moves in a circumferential direction towards or away from the pawl when the collar is rotated.

7. The mounting assembly of claim 6, wherein the pawl comprises a cam path through one side of the pawl, wherein the pin is configured to move through the cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the pawl.

8. The mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar.

9. The mounting assembly of claim 8, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

10. A suppressor comprising the mounting assembly of claim 1.

11. A mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device, the mounting assembly comprising:a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, the mount body defining a passageway therethrough along a central axis and the distal end being configured to attach to the firearm muzzle device;a muzzle adapter coupled to the mount body and having a surface with a plurality of ridges;a collar around a portion of the mount body, the collar configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position;a first pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter;a second pawl comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges on the muzzle adapter;a first retaining bracket on the first pawl;a second retaining bracket on the second pawl; andat least one retaining spring coupled between the first retaining bracket and the second retaining bracket.

12. The mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein rotation of the collar to the first locked position advances both the first pawl and the second pawl along the surface with the plurality of ridges as the one or more teeth of each pawl ratchet between corresponding ridges of the plurality of ridges, and wherein rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls both the first pawl and the second pawl radially away from the surface with the plurality of ridges such that the one or more teeth of each pawl disengage from the corresponding ridges.

13. The mounting assembly of claim 11, further comprising:a first pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the first pin moves in a circumferential direction to engage with the first pawl when the collar is rotated; anda second pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the second pin moves in a circumferential direction to engage with the second pawl when the collar is rotated.

14. The mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein the first pawl comprises a first cam path through one side of the first pawl, wherein the first pin is configured to move through the first cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the first pawl, and wherein the second pawl comprises a second cam path through one side of the second pawl, wherein the second pin is configured to move through the second cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the second pawl.

15. The mounting assembly of claim 11, further comprising a spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position.

16. A mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device and configured to attach to a muzzle adapter at the end of a firearm barrel, the mounting assembly comprising:a mount body having a proximal end and a distal end, the mount body defining a passageway therethrough along a central axis and configured to releasably attach to the muzzle adapter;a collar around a portion of the mount body between the proximal end and the distal end, the collar configured to circumferentially rotate between a first locked position and a second unlocked position; anda pawl arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the collar and comprising one or more teeth configured to engage between corresponding ridges of a plurality of ridges on an outside surface of the muzzle adapter; anda spring-loaded pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar, wherein a shelf of the mount body comprises a detent and the spring-loaded pin is configured to engage within the detent when the collar is rotated to the first locked position;wherein rotation of the collar to the first locked position circumferentially advances the pawl in a first rotational direction, and wherein rotation of the collar to the second unlocked position pulls the pawl radially towards the inner surface of the collar and advances the pawl in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotation direction.

17. The mounting assembly of claim 16, further comprising a retaining bracket configured to be held in place against a surface of the pawl using one or more retaining springs, wherein the retaining bracket exhibits a force on the pawl that biases the pawl away from the inner surface of the collar.

18. The mounting assembly of claim 16, further comprising a pin extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and coupled to a portion of the collar such that the pin moves in a circumferential direction towards or away from the pawl when the collar is rotated.

19. The mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein the pawl comprises a cam path through one side of the pawl, wherein the pin is configured to move through the cam path to translate its rotational motion into a linear motion of the pawl.

20. (canceled)

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