Corrosion inhibiting firearm barrel saver

Abstract

A barrel saver includes a predetermined length of pliable tubing that has been infused with one or more volatile corrosion inhibitors. The pliable tube has a first end and a second end. A means for reinforcing the pliable tube is formed proximate the first end. The reinforcement means may include a section of the pliable tubing that has been folded over and secured onto itself. Shrink wrap tubing may be applied to secure the folded section. A chamber flag may be attached proximate the reinforcement means. A safety flag may be attached to the pliable tubing proximate the first end and is designed to hang on the outside of the firearm chamber when the barrel saver has been installed therein.

Description

CORROSION INHIBITING FIREARM BARREL SAVERBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to anticorrosive devices and materials for firearms, and more particularly to an anticorrosive storage device for preventing corrosion in a firearm barrel.

[0003] Description of Related Art

[0004] Modern firearms can be boiled down into two primary components: the upper receiver and the lower receiver. The lower receiver typically includes a hand guard and grip proximate a trigger mechanism for effectuating firing of the weapon. The lower receiver also typically includes a magazine well for receiving and engaging an external magazine carrying ammunition for the firearm. The upper receiver will include the internal chamber for the ammunition cartridge and a barrel. The chamber is designed to mate with the ammunition cartridge and the barrel is designed to provide a guiding tube for a projectile released from the chambered cartridge upon firing of the firearm. Depending on the type of firearm, these two primary components can include numerous additional subcomponents, such as a buttstock on the lower receiver or sights on the upper receiver. However, at the most basic level of modem firearms, the firearm will include at least the lower receiver having a trigger mechanism and an upper receiver having a chamber and barrel.

[0005] As is evident from the above, modem firearms comprise a multitude of components working together to properly function. Another common characteristic of modern firearms is use of various materials to make the individual component parts of the firearm. Typically, the individual components of a firearm are made from plastic or metal. However, woods, carbon fiberand even ceramics can be used to make individual components of the firearm. The exact materials used, and which components are made from what materials, will be largely dependent on the manufacturer of that firearm and the make and model thereof.

[0006] The chamber of a modern firearm is specially designed to receive a specific ammunition cartridge, i.e., a specific caliber of ammunition. The chamber is designed so that the pressure and forces from the ammunition cartridge when fired are sealed within that cartridge and released primarily through the open-end of the barrel after the projectile has exited, i.e., the gaseous pressure generated upon firing the cartridge propel the projectile down the barrel and are released with the projectile exiting the barrel. Thus, the chamber and the barrel are the primary components of a firearm that contain the gaseous pressure generated during firing of the ammunition. In some firearms, the pressures generated during firing can exceed 60,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Therefore, these components must exhibit sufficient mechanical strength to repeatedly withstand these pressures without risk of failure.

[0007] To ensure the chamber and barrel have the necessary mechanical strength, the components are almost invariably made from metal, typically a type of steel. This typically includes various grades of stainless steel and carbon steel. One of the most common grades of steel used for firearm barrels and chambers is 4140 grade steel, which is comprised of about 0.38 - 0.43% carbon, 0.80 - 1.10% chromium, 0.75 - 1.0% manganese, 0.15 - 0.30% silicon, 0.15 - 0.25% molybdenum, 0.040% sulfur, 0.035% phosphorous and the balance iron. The 4140 grade steel has preferred mechanical properties of strength and hardness to withstand the internal pressures generated from firing an ammunition cartridge. Other grades of steel can be used as well as other types of metals or metal alloys, such as titanium or certain lower grades of steel that are sufficiently heat treated. Regardless of the exact metal used for the barrel and chambercomponents, the metal must be able to repeatedly withstand and reliably contain the significant pressures generated during firing.

[0008] Through repeated firing of the firearm, the chamber and barrel components are exposed to the gases generated from ignition of the propellant contained within the discharged ammunition cartridge. These gases can lead to residue building up in the barrel, which when left untreated can cause barrel corrosion. Further, the projectile itself can leave behind residue in the barrel which can also buildup overtime and cause corrosion in the barrel. Thus, the chamber and barrel components in firearms are a common point of concern for corrosion in the firearm.

[0009] To avoid the inevitable buildup of corrosive residue in the barrel and chamber of a firearm, it is recommended that an operator routinely clean the firearm, especially after firing and prior to storage of the weapon. Routine cleaning typically involves using a type of gun cleaning solvent to clean and remove the corrosive residue buildup. A commonly found and very popular cleaning solvent used in the firearms industry is Hoppe’s® No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner. After the solvent is applied and the residue is wiped away, the metal components are typically re-lubricated with a gun oil, leaving only potentially trace amounts of the solvent. In fact, it is preferred that the solvent be completely wiped away from the metal surfaces prior to application of the lubricating oil to avoid residue that may be trapped in the solvent from lingering behind in the newly cleaned surface.

[0010] However, routine cleaning and maintenance for the firearm cannot prevent corrosion of the chamber and barrel from occurring over extended periods of time. In fact, even the best- maintained firearms can experience corrosion simply due to basic chemical reactions occurring in the ambient environment. Regardless of how well a firearm has been cleaned, the fact remains that corrosion can occur whenever iron (e.g., steel) comes into contact with water (e.g., moisturein the air) and oxygen causing the iron to oxidize. Thus, recently cleaned firearms can still experience corrosion if they are not properly stored after cleaning.

[0011] Proper firearms storage is typically accomplished using a gun safe or a hardcase. However, gun safes and cases are typically not completely sealed from the outside environment. This allows moisture to access the firearm stored in the gun safe or case, which can result in corrosion. Prolonged storage in this environment can further increase the likelihood the firearm will experience corrosion. Thus, proper cleaning and proper storage, alone and in combination, is not enough to prevent a firearm from experiencing some degree of corrosion, especially if the firearm is stored in an environment with even mild levels of humidity.

[0012] Some attempts to resolve the issue of firearm corrosion in storage have been tried in the prior art but each attempt has been found to be unsatisfactory for one reason or another. For instance, the National Rifle Association National Firearms Museum has a commercial humidifier / dehumidifier that maintains constant humidity levels around 55%. For the average gun owner, though, having a commercial dehumidifier / humidifier at their home is not likely viable. Further, while retail dehumidifier / humidifiers are readily available, it may be undesirable to have to place one next to the firearm storage area and maintain it there year-round to ensure the humidity level does not vary. Another issue may be that the retail dehumidifier / humidifier is not strong enough to pull the humidity from within the gun storage, e.g., when firearms are stored in a locked gun safe, rendering it practically useless to prevent corrosion over the long term.

[0013] Other solutions have involved use of various desiccants, such as a silica gel or calcium chloride, in the immediate vicinity of where the firearms are being stored. These can come in the form of sealed packages or canisters. However, problems remain with the use of desiccants. For instance, desiccants performance level, e.g., rate at which moisture is pulled from the surroundingenvironment, can drop significantly after a threshold level has been reached. Further, desiccants are most effective in high humidity environments, which is exactly the type of environment a gun owner would seek to avoid when storing their guns. Desiccants also work best in sealed environments, which may be effective in a gun safe or case but not for the gun owner who displays their firearms in an open environment, such as a display room. Further, while desiccants, in particular silica gels, can be regenerated for repeated use, the process for regeneration is tedious and can be time consuming. For instance, to restore a silica gel desiccant, it is recommended that the silica gel be heated to around 100 - 120°C until the individual gel beads return to their original colors, indicating that any moisture contained therein has been baked off. This process is slow, taking upwards of seven hours, and the only manner to confirm the silica gel has been sufficiently regenerated is to check its weight after heating. If the weight after heating matches the original dry weight, the regeneration process was successful. If the weights do not match, then the silica gel remains saturated with moisture. Further, with each regeneration, the silica gel can lose upwards of 5% its absorption ability, rendering the desiccant more and more ineffective with each cycle of regeneration.

[0014] Other solutions may involve coating the entire surface of the firearm is wax-like petroleum-based corrosion inhibitor known commonly as cosmoline. Cosmoline is one of the most effective corrosion inhibitors and may be great for long-term storage. However, for the frequent shooter, using cosmoline would be unwise because the cosmoline must be completely cleaned from the surface of the firearm prior to firing. This process can be tedious and time consuming, especially for the frequent shooter. Another solution is to use vacuum sealed bags or other types of sealable bags such as vapor corrosion inhibitors packaging. However, these bags can be undesirable for the frequent shooter who would have to unpackage and repackage eachfirearm after each use thereof. Further, since some firearm enthusiasts like to display their firearms, it would be unsightly to display the firearms in individual sealed bags.

[0015] A final solution that is known for use in metal pipes or tubes in general includes placing a length of vapor corrosion inhibiting (“VCI”) wire strip on the inside of the metal pipe / tube. A problem that can occur with using VCI wire strips in a firearm is the wire strip can be prone to damage and thus far there has been an inadequate manner to indicate its presence in the firearm. For instance, the VCI wire strip can be significantly damaged or completely cut through when the slide of a firearm is released and the chamber is closed. If the wire strip is sticking out the chamber, the mechanical force of the slide is likely to cut clean through the strip, or at the very least, cause significant damage. Further, simply placing the wire strip in the barrel of the firearm can be potentially dangerous, particularly when an operator has forgotten the strip is present. Shooting a firearm with the VCI wire strip present in the barrel can potentially cause catastrophic failure of the firearm and injure the operator.

[0016] Thus, what is needed is a device that can effectively prevent corrosion of a firearm, particularly in the firearm chamber and barrel, which is also economically viable for the average firearm owner and does not interfere with the aesthetic appeal of the firearm. Further, it would be desirable to include some type of indicator on the device to inform an operator of its presence in a firearm.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The above storage and safety concerns are solved by a barrel saver according to the present invention. The barrel saver disclosed herein utilizes existing vapor corrosion inhibitor technology with added safety and reinforcement features to ensure it is durable and noticeable by an operator when deployed. The barrel saver according to the present invention can be made invirtually any length to accommodate any firearm barrel length. Further, the barrel saver disclosed herein is sufficient to protect barrels having internal diameters upwards of six inches, thereby being particularly useful for all small and medium caliber firearms and some larger artillery barrels.

[0018] In one embodiment of the barrel saver according to the present invention, there is a predetermined length of pliable tubing having a first end and a second end. The pliable tubing is preferably infused with one or more volatile corrosion inhibitors. The first end of the tube has a primary means for reinforcing the pliable tube. A safety flag is attached to the pliable tube.

[0019] In some embodiments, the primary reinforcement means includes a section of the pliable tubing that is folded over and secured onto itself. Shrink wrap tubing may circumvolve the folded section of pliable tubing to hold the folded section in place and form a primary reinforced area proximate to the first end of the pliable tube. In some embodiments, the folded section may also form a closed loop. The safety flag may be attached to the closed loop.

[0020] In some embodiments, a chamber flag may be attached to the pliable tube. Preferably, the chamber flag is attached to the first end and is proximate to the primary reinforcement means. The chamber flag has a longitudinal aperture defined from the distal end to the proximal end of the chamber flag. The pliable tube extends through the chamber flag. The chamber flag may enclose the primary reinforcement means to form a chamber reinforced area. Alternatively, the chamber flag may be positioned immediately forward of the primary reinforcement means.

[0021] In further embodiments, the barrel saver may include two chamber flags. The first chamber flag is preferably positioned at the first end proximate the primary reinforcement means. The second chamber flag is removably attached at the second end of the pliable tube. The second chamber flag has an aperture defined through the length of the flag, the aperture having a diameter sufficient for frictional engagement with the pliable tube at the second end. Preferably, the pliabletube has a length sufficient to extend a predefined distance beyond the second chamber flag.

[0022] The predetermined length of pliable tubing preferably includes a barrel section and a safety section extending beyond the barrel section. The length of the barrel section is preferably equal to a standard barrel length for a firearm. The safety section is a predetermined length extending beyond the barrel section. Preferably, the length of the safety section is sufficient to extend beyond the length of the firearm barrel and, more preferably, to allow the second end of the pliable tube to be folded back onto itself and re-inserted into the barrel.

[0023] In preferred embodiments, the primary reinforcement means is designed to protect the pliable tube from damage that may occur with the release of the firearm slide mechanism to close the chamber with the barrel saver positioned therein. The safety flag may be attached proximate to the first end of the pliable tube. The safety flag is preferably sized so as to hang outside the firearm chamber after the second end of the pliable tube has been fed through the firearm barrel. Thus, the safety flag is larger than the diameter of the firearm barrel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the pliable tube may have a diameter substantially equal to about 1 / 8 inch. The volatile corrosion inhibitors infused into the pliable tube preferably are rated effective up to a six inch diameter. In alternative embodiments, the pliable tube may scaled up to a larger diameter and infused with volatile corrosion inhibitors effective beyond a six inch diameter.

[0025] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the following disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the invention. Dimensions shown are exemplary only. In the drawings, like reference numerals may designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a barrel saver according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a barrel saver according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel saver, according to the present invention, installed within the barrel of a firearm with its slide in the open position.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel saver, according to the present invention, installed within the barrel of a firearm with its slide in the closed position.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a barrel saver kit according to the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The following disclosure presents exemplary embodiments for a barrel saving device for preventing corrosion in a firearm, particularly in the chamber and barrel portion of the firearm. The barrel saver is stored directly in the firearm and includes a reinforced area to prevent the slide of the firearm from cutting or otherwise damaging a portion of the barrel saver when the chamber is closed under its own mechanical force. The barrel saver can also include a safety flag attached to one end to indicate to the operator the presence of the device in the firearm.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a side view of a barrel saver 10 device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The barrel saver 10 is a device specially designed to prevent corrosion of the barrel of a firearm. The barrel saver 10 includes a predetermined length of pliable tubing 11 having a defined first end 14 and opposite second end 16. The pliable tubing 11 is preferably made from polymer that has been infused with one or more volatile corrosion inhibitors (otherwise known as vapor corrosion inhibitors) (“VCI”) so that it is a VCI tubing 12. A safety flag 18 can be attached to one end of the VCI tubing 12. The predetermined length of the VCI tubing 12 is longer than the length of a standard firearm barrel. For instance, a barrel saver 10 designed for pistols may have a predetermined length of VCI tubing 12 roughly equal to 10 inches so as to exceed the length of the pistol barrel, which is typically a maximum of 6 inches. For use in rifles, the predetermined length may be roughly 30 inches so as to exceed the length of the rifle barrel, which is typically a maximum of 24 inches. In some preferred embodiments, the predetermined length of the VCI tubing is between 25-40% longer than the length of the firearm barrel which the barrel saver is to be used. Thus, the predetermined length of the VCI tubing 12 is dependent on the corresponding length of the firearm barrel that is being protected.

[0034] Volatile corrosion inhibitors, or VCIs, constitute a known class of chemical compounds that emit an anti-corrosive vapor into the immediate surrounding vicinity of the VCI carrier, e.g., the pliable tubing 11 in the case of the present invention. VCIs are commonly infused with a carrier substrate, such as a plastic sealable bag, packing paper, shrink-wrap plastic, or a polymer tubing, so that the carrier can provide an effective and targeted delivery of the VCIs to the metal surface. VCIs work best in closed environments, otherwise air flowing into the environment can replace the emitted VCIs, reducing the efficacy thereof. Vapors are disseminated within the immediate vicinity of the VCI carrier, e.g., the pliable tubing, until equilibrium, determined by thepartial vapor pressure of the VCI, is reached. If the VCI has to high of a vapor pressure, the protective layer formed can be unstable and the molecules have a tendency to vaporize from the metal surface. On the opposite end, VCIs with low vapor pressure produce a stable protective layer but its formation can be very slow. Thus, the VCI chosen should have a vapor pressure that meets the specific needs of its application, e.g., somewhere in the middle-range so that a stabilized protective layer is formed in a timely manner.

[0035] The VCI vapors condense on the metal surface and immediately begin the corrosion inhibiting process by forming a nearly invisible layer of micro-crystals on the metal surface. The micro-crystals are ionized in the presence of moisture and form a thin protective layer of ions on the metal surface. The layer of ions has hydrophobic properties to repel moisture and prevent it from getting through the layer to the underlying metal surface. The protective layer of ions is continually replenished by the continual release of VCIs from the carrier into the surrounding environment.

[0036] Typical VCI products can have an active life of up to twenty-four months, depending on the exact composition of the VCIs. The most common VCIs belong to a class of compounds known as aminocarboxilates, which are the result of a chemical reaction between a volatile amine or amine derivative and an organic acid. These compounds include sodium nitrite, sodium benzonate, sodium molybdate, sodium sebecate, cyclohexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, guanidine, aminoalcohols, ammonium benzonate, triethanolammonium nitrate, N,N-dimethyl aminopropionitrile, diethyl ammonium caprylate, and triazole. VCIs can be any of the above listed compounds or a mixture thereof, depending on the specific needs and how the VCI is to be used.

[0037] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pliable tubing 11 acts as the VCI carrier 12 for the VCIs infused therein. The pliable tubing 11 with the infused VCIs can be theVCI Wire Strip, offered by VCI2000® and manufactured by Intertape Polymer Group®. The VCI2000® VCI Wire Strip contains a proprietary formulation of organic chemical compounds that is effective at preventing corrosion on carbon steels, stainless steels, copper, brass, aluminum, silver, galvanized steels, solder, and silicone steels. The VCI2000® VCI Wire Strip comes in rolls of 500 feet, 1000 feet and 3000 feet, with the actual wire, i.e., the VCI tubing 12, having a diameter of 1 / 8 inch. The VCI Wire Strip offered by VCI2000® is effective at preventing corrosion inside a tube or pipe, e.g., barrel of a firearm, with diameters up to 6 inches. Thus, the VCI2000® VCI Wire Strip is ideal for implementing the present invention and will be effective in firearms of a caliber up to 150mm, which will include virtually all small and medium sized firearms, e.g., pistols, rifles and shotguns, up to some of the largest artillery weapons, e.g., the 150mm Howitzer artillery round.

[0038] The first end 14 of the VCI tubing 12 has a primary means for reinforcing the tubing 12. In one embodiment, the primary reinforcement means can be a portion of the VCI tubing folded over and secured to itself to form a primary reinforced area 20 where the diameter is roughly twice the original diameter, i.e., twice the diameter of the remaining pliable tubing 12. A small piece of shrink-wrap tubing 22 can be used to secure the folded portion of the tubing forming the primary reinforced area 20. Alternatively, the primary reinforced area 20 may be secured using an adhesive, welding or any other means for securing the folded portion onto itself. Furthermore, the primary reinforced area 20 can be reinforced by using a different type of tubing at the first end 14 and connecting it to the remaining portion of the pliable tubing 12 or the first end 14 composed of the same material as the remaining portion of the pliable tubing 12 can be thickened to provide reinforcement, e.g., diameter at the first end can be increased to at least twice that of the remaining diameter of the pliable tubing. The skilled artisan will recognize that there are a variety of waysin which to reinforce the first end 14 of the VCT tubing 12. However, it is advisable to avoid using metal for purposes of reinforcing the first end 14 of the pliable tubing. Introduction of metal into the barrel saver 10 can result in the metal scratching or otherwise damaging the metal surfaces of the firearm with which the metal comes into contact with. This is avoided by using soft materials, such as polymer, to make the barrel saver 10 and using materials such as soft shrink wrap tubing 22 to secure the reinforced area 20.

[0039] In preferred embodiments where the primary reinforced area 20 is formed by folding over a portion of the first end 14 onto itself, a closed loop 24 is formed behind the reinforced area. The safety flag 18 can have an aperture 26 defined through a top end 28. The first end 14 of the pliable tubing 12 can be threaded through the aperture 26 prior to formation of the reinforced area 20 so that the safety flag 18 is secured within the closed loop 24. Preferably, the safety flag 18 is free to move about the closed loop 24 with minimal friction. The safety flag 18 is of a size that is substantially larger than a diameter of the firearm barrel to prevent the flag from entering the barrel. Preferably, the safety flag 18 hangs outside the chamber of a firearm when the barrel saver 10 has been inserted therein, as will be detailed further below.

[0040] The safety flag 18 is preferably made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, other types of polymers may be used for the safety flag 18, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene terephthalate. The safety flag 18 must be durable but it also preferred to have some degree of flexibility. The body 28 of the safety flag 18 can include a company logo 38 or any other identifying information desired. Similarly, the body 28 of the safety flag can include means for identifying the expiration date of the VCIs infused into the pliable tubing 12. This can be an important feature to the operator since VCIs have a limited useful life in the range of twenty-four months. The expiration identification means 32 can be an identification of the datethe barrel saver 10 was manufactured. Alternatively, the expiration identification means 32 can be a blank space on the body 28 where an operator can write in the date the barrel saver 10 was opened and first used or to write in a date which is twenty-four months past the date the barrel saver was first opened and used. In some embodiments, the expiration identification means 32 can include both the manufacturing date and a blank space for the operator to write in whatever date the operator desires.

[0041] In more elaborate embodiments of the barrel saver 10, there is included a secondary means for reinforcement of the VCI tubing 12. In preferred embodiments, the secondary reinforcement means is a chamber flag 40. In some embodiments, the chamber flag 40 has an aperture 42 defined from a forward end to a rearward end. In alternative embodiments, the chamber flag 40 has an aperture 42 defined from the forward end and out the side of the chamber flag. The VCI tubing 12 extends through the aperture 42 such that the chamber flag 40 completely circumvolves a portion of the VCI tubing. In some embodiments, the chamber flag 40 is positioned at a distal end of the primary reinforced area 20. In such embodiments, the chamber flag 40 can be secured in position through frictional engagement between the VCI tubing 12 in the aperture 42. Alternative methods for securing the chamber flag 40 in position can also be used, e.g., adhesive, welding or any other means to secure the chamber flag 40 in the desired position about the VCI tubing 12.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the barrel saver 10. In this embodiment, the chamber flag 40 may be positioned such that it circumvolves the primary reinforced area 20 to form a chamber reinforced area 44. The chamber flag 42 can be maintained in position over the primary reinforced area 20 through frictional engagement of the primary reinforced area in the aperture 42. Alternatively, the chamber flag may be adhesively securedabout the primary reinforced area 20. The chamber reinforced area 44 provides increased reinforcement to the VCI tubing 12 proximate to the first end 14 where the barrel saver 10 engages with the chamber 2 of a firearm 1.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the barrel saver 10 engaged in a firearm 1. The firearm l is a generic illustration of a pistol and may be referred to as a pistol 1 hereinafter. In many semi-automatic weapons, such as the pistol 1 illustrated in the drawings, there is a slide mechanism 3 that opens the chamber 2 to eject the spent or fired cartridge prior to loading the next cartridge in the chamber. The slide mechanism typically works under spring force from an internal spring (not shown). Relevant to the present invention, the slide mechanism 3 can be locked in an open position, as shown in FIG. 3, which allows the second end 16 of the barrel saver 10 to be inserted into the chamber 2 and out the distal end of the barrel 4. When the slide mechanism 3 is released to close the chamber 2, as shown in FIG. 4, a substantial force is generated by the internal spring if allowed to freely close, i.e., if the slide mechanism is simply unlocked and allowed to close through its own mechanical force. The chamber flag 40 and the primary reinforcement are 20 of the barrel saver 10 provides sufficient reinforcement to the VCI tubing 12 to prevent damage to the barrel saver 10. Without at least the primary reinforcement are 20 present, the uninhibited release of the slide mechanism 3 would cut or damage the barrel saver 10 where it engages with the chamber 2 of the firearm 1.

[0044] As detailed above, the predetermined length of the VCI tubing 12 is longer than the length of the firearm barrel 4, e.g., about 25-40% longer than the length of the firearm barrel being protected. The predetermined length of VCI tubing 12 can be thus defined as having a barrel section 46 and a distal safety section 48. The barrel section 46 is configured to correspond to the length of the barrel 4, e.g., the barrel section is the portion of the VCI tubing 12 that is completelycontained within the barrel of the firearm. The safety section 48 is that portion of the VCI tubing 12 that extends out of the distal end 5 of the barrel. The safety section 48 is designed to alert an operator to the presence of the barrel saver 10 in the firearm. Thus, the barrel saver 10 has redundant safety systems in the safety flag 18 hanging outside the chamber 3 and the safety section 48 extending out the distal end 5 of the barrel.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel saver 10 engaged in firearm 1 with the safety section 48 forming a distal loop 50. The safety section 48 is preferably of a length sufficient for an operator to fold and reinsert the second end 16 of the VCI tubing 12 back into the distal end of the firearm barrel to form a loop 50 forward from the barrel. The formation of the loop 50 aids in holding the barrel saver 10 in the desired position by generating friction between an internal wall of the barrel 4 and a portion of the safety section 48.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a barrel saver kit 100. The barrel saver kit 100 includes the barrel saver 10 having a primary reinforced area 20, a chamber flag 40, and has an additional secondary chamber flag 52. Note, while it is preferred to use the embodiment of the barrel saver 10 having the primary reinforced area 20 and a chamber flag 40, any of the above described embodiments of the barrel saver 10 can be utilized in the barrel saver kit 100. The secondary chamber flag 52 has an aperture 54 extending from a forward end to the opposite rearward end. The aperture 54 of the secondary chamber flag 52 is configured to removably engage the safety section 48 of the VCI tubing 12 extending out from the distal end of the barrel 4. In preferred embodiments, the removable attachment is achieved through frictional engagement between the internal diameter of the aperture 54 and the outer diameter of the VCI tubing 12 at the safety section 48. A secondary aperture 56 can be defined through a finger 58 of the secondary chamber flag 52. The secondary aperture 56 can frictionally engage the second end 16 of the VCItubing 12 that has been folded back onto itself, similar to the formation of the loop 50 in the above examples. This feature further secures the barrel saver 10 of the barrel saver kit 100 in the firearm 1 and ensures the secondary chamber flag 52 does not dislodge from the firearm.

[0047] The barrel saver kit 100 increases the efficacy of the volatile corrosion inhibitors emitted from the VCI tubing 12 by closing the distal end 5 of the barrel 4 with the secondary chamber flag 52. This may be particularly useful when the firearm is being stored in an open environment, such as on a display shelf or within a display case, where there might be slight air flow that could displace the protection barrier on the metal surface formed by the volatile carrion inhibitors. The barrel saver kit 100 avoids the problem of air displacement by providing a seal at the proximal end of the barrel with chamber flag 40 and a second seal at the distal end with the secondary chamber flag 52.

[0048] The present invention is not limited by the firearm that is being stored and protected against corrosion. The barrel saver 10 can come in a variety of standardized lengths that will each be sufficient to protect a certain type of firearm barrel. As detailed above, this could be a standard pistol barrel saver where the predetermined length of VCI tubing 12 is 25-40% longer than a standard length of a pistol barrel, e.g., six inches on the upper end. Also, it could be a standard rille barrel saver where the predetermined length of VCI tubing is 25-40% longer than a standard rifle barrel, e.g., 24 inches on the upper end. The barrel saver 10 may also come in predetermined lengths effective for larger artillery weapons up to 155mm caliber artillery.

[0049] Further, the disclosed invention is not limited to a particular type or class of volatile corrosion inhibitors. The specific volatile corrosion inhibitors infused with the pliable tubing 11 may change with the type of metal materials used for the firearm barrel because certain VCIs are more effective on certain types of metals when compared with other VCIs. While most firearmbarrels will be made from 4140 grade steel, there may be other steel grades or types of metals that are utilized for the firearm barrel and might require a different type or class of VCIs for protection.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A barrel saver for preventing corrosion in a firearm barrel, the barrel saver comprising: a predetermined length of pliable tubing infused with one or more volatile corrosion inhibitors, the pliable tubing having a first end and a second end; a primary means for reinforcing the pliable tubing formed proximate to the first end; and a safety flag attached to the pliable tubing.

2. The barrel saver of claim 1, wherein the primary reinforcing means comprises a section of the pliable tubing at the first end folded over and secured onto itself.

3. The barrel saver of claim 2, wherein shrink wrap tubing circumvolves the folded section of the pliable tubing to form a primary reinforced area proximate the first end.

4. The barrel saver of claim 2, wherein a closed loop is formed by the folded section of the pliable tubing.

5. The barrel saver of claim 4, wherein the safety flag is attached to the closed loop.

6. The barrel saver of claim 1, further comprising at least one chamber flag attached to the first end of the pliable tubing proximate the primary means for reinforcement.

7. The barrel saver of claim 6, the chamber flag having an aperture defined through the chamber flag from a distal end to a proximal end, the pliable tubing extending through the aperture of the chamber flag.

8. The barrel saver of claim 6, wherein the at least one chamber flag encloses the primary reinforcement means of the pliable tubing to form a chamber reinforced area.

9. The barrel saver of claim 6, wherein the at least one chamber flag is positioned forward from the primary reinforcement means.

10. The barrel saver of claim 1 , further comprising two chamber flags, wherein a first chamber flag is attached to the pliable tubing proximate the reinforcement means.

11. The barrel saver of claim 10, wherein a second chamber flag is removably attached to the pliable tubing.

12. The barrel saver of claim 11, wherein the second end of the pliable tubing extends beyond a distal end of the second chamber flag.

13. The barrel saver of claim 1, wherein the predetermined length of the pliable tubing includes a barrel section corresponding to a standard length of the firearm barrel and a safety section.

14. The barrel saver of claim 13, wherein the safety section is configured to extend the pliable tubing a predetermined length beyond the standard length of the firearm barrel.

15. The barrel saver of claim 13, wherein the safety section of the pliable tubing is of a predetermined length such that the second end of the pliable tubing can be folded over and inserted back into a distal end of the firearm barrel.

16. The barrel saver of claim 1, wherein the primary reinforcement means is configured to prevent the pliable tubing from being damaged when a slide mechanism of a firearm closes a firearm chamber with the barrel saver inserted therethrough.

17. The barrel saver of claim 1, wherein the safety flag is attached proximate to the first end of the pliable tubing and is configured to hang outside a chamber of a firearm after the second end of the barrel saver has been inserted into the chamber and extended substantially through the firearm barrel.

18. The barrel saver of claim 1, wherein the safety flag is configured to be larger than a diameter of the firearm barrel.

19. The barrel saver of claim 1 , wherein the pliable tubing has an outer diameter substantially equal to 1 / 8 inch.

20. The barrel saver of claim 1, wherein the volatile corrosion inhibitors are rated effective up to a six inch diameter.

Images