Cleaning kit for firearm-related devices

Abstract

A firearm-related device cleaning kit (100) can include a dry particulate composition (110) and a set of instructions (120). The dry particulate composition (110) can include at least one acid. The set of instructions (120) can direct a use to mix the dry particulate composition with water to form a cleaning solution. The set of instructions (120) can also direct the user to apply the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device.

Description

[0001]CLEANING KIT FOR FIREARM-RELATED DEVICES BACKGROUND This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 587,317, filed October 2, 2023 which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Firearm fouling naturally builds up over time as projectiles are fired from a firearm. Fouling can include carbon fouling, lead fouling, gunpowder fouling, and copper fouling. These fouling materials can build up in various firearm-related devices, including in the barrel of a firearm, firearm receiver, bolt assembly, pistons, gaps between a firearm and attachments such as suppressors and compensators, and inside the attachments themselves, including on internal baffles, deflectors or chamber surfaces in suppressors. Eventually, build-up of fouling can cause a loss in accuracy of the firearm, loss of effectiveness of suppressors, pitting, and binding between attachments. Processes for removing fouling build-up generally involves harsh solvents and, in some cases, scrubbing with an abrasive instrument such as a brass screen. Some of these solvent compositions include microabrasive elements to facilitate removal of fouling by scrubbing. Other compositions have included harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin of a user. Some compositions also include toxic chemicals, or may form toxic chemicals through reaction with the fouling on a firearm or firearm-related device. SUMMARY The technology described herein provides cleaning kits, compositions, and methods for cleaning firearm-related devices. In some examples, these kits and methods can be used to remove fouling, such as copper fouling, lead fouling, and carbon fouling. These kits and methods can utilize a dry particulate cleaning composition that can be mixed with water to make a cleaning solution. In some examples, a firearm-related device cleaning kit can include a dry particulate composition including at least one acid and a set of instructions. The set of instructions can direct a user to mix the dry particulate composition with water to form a cleaning solution and then to apply the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device. The acid in the dry particulate composition can be a weak organic acid in some examples. In certain examples, the weak organic acid can be selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, ascorbic acid, tannic acid, and combinations thereof. In further examples the weak organic acid can be an alpha-hydroxy- carboxylic acid. In still further examples, the dry particulate composition can include three different alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acids. In other examples, the at least one acid can be selected from the group consisting of N- hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso- diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and combinations thereof. In other examples, the at least one acid can be selected from the group consisting of boric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, perchloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphorous acid, silicic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, sulfurous acid, and the like. Other non-limiting acids can include acid salts (i.e. which produce acid upon dissolution in water) such as sodium bisulphate, sodium bicarbonate, betaine hydrochloride, potassium acid sulphate, hydrofluoric acid anhydride, and the like. In another example, the at least one acid is a combination of acids from the above acids (e.g. weak organic acids, chelating acids, amino acids, strong acids, and the like). In one example, the cleaning solution can be capable of cleaning without forming acetates upon exposure to fouling on the firearm-related device. In further examples, the dry particulate composition can also include a surfactant, a pH control agent, oxidizing agent, or a combination thereof. In some examples the surfactant can include polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ether, a polyethylene glycol ester, or a combination thereof. In certain examples, the pH control agent can include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the cleaning solution can have a pH from 4 to 7 depending on the choice of acid. In some cases, a pH of about 7 to 8 can be useful. For example, when using EDTA as an acid a slightly basic pH can be used. The set of instructions can direct the user to mix the dry particulate composition with water at a concentration of about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% of the dry composition with respect to the total weight of the cleaning solution. In some examples, the water can be tap water, distilled water, deionized water, or untreated water (e.g. lake, river, springs, or other natural source). In certain examples, the set of instructions can direct the user to soak the firearm- related device in the cleaning solution for a period of time from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes. In various examples, the firearm-related device can be a suppressor, a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, muzzle brake, or a compensator. The present disclosure also describes methods of cleaning firearm-related devices. In some examples, a method of cleaning a firearm-related device can include mixing a dry particulate composition including at least one acid with water to form a cleaning solution and applying the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device. In some examples, the at least one acid can be selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2- hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, and combinations thereof. In other examples, the at least one acid can be selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso-diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and combinations thereof. In one example, the cleaning solution can remove fouling from the firearm-related device without forming acetates. In some examples, the amount of the dry particulate composition in the cleaning solution can be about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% with respect to the total weight of the cleaning solution. In certain examples, the firearm-related device can be a suppressor, a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, muzzle brake, or a compensator. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. This summary includes broad inventive principles, as well as optional alternatives which are not required for operation of the invention as contemplated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example firearm-related device cleaning kit, in accordance with an example of the present technology. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of cleaning a firearm-related device, in accordance with an example of the present technology. FIGs. 3A-3C are schematic views illustrating another example method of cleaning a firearm-related device, in accordance with an example of the present technology. These figures are provided for convenience in describing the following aspects. In particular, variation may be had in dimensions, materials, configurations and proportions from those illustrated and not depart from the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION While these exemplary in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims. Definitions In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a compound” includes reference to one or more of such substances, and reference to “applying” refers to one or more such steps. As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context. As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context. As used herein, “firearm-related device” refers to any type of firearm and also any device that is related to a firearm in such a way that the device may encounter fouling when a firearm is used. Firearm-related devices can include various devices that are subject to fouling caused by discharging a firearm, whether the devices are attached to the firearm or separate and unattached. As used herein, “fouling” refers to material that is deposited or formed on a firearm- related device when a projectile is fired from a firearm. Fouling can include metal that originates from a bullet that is left inside a firearm barrel or in another location on a firearm- related device, residues of gunpowder that are deposited on a surface of a firearm-related device, chemical compounds formed during firing of a projectile that are deposited on a surface of a firearm-related device, chemical compounds formed by a reaction between the surface of a firearm-related device and chemicals in gunpowder, combustion products, or materials found in a bullet, and so on. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and / or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 1 to about 4.5, but also to include individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to 3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should be interpreted to include all of the above- recited values and ranges. Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described. Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein. Firearm-Related Device Cleaning Kits The present disclosure describes firearm-related device cleaning kits and methods of cleaning firearm-related devices. These kits and methods can be used to remove fouling from firearms and other devices such as muzzle breaks, compensators, and suppressors. The kits and methods can utilize a dry particulate composition that can be mixed with water to form a cleaning solution. The dry particulate composition can be provided to a user in dry form, and then the user can easily mix it with water to make the cleaning solution. The dry particulate composition can include at least one acid, and optionally other ingredients such as additional acids, pH control agents, surfactants, and others. In some examples, these ingredients can be selected to be mild and safe for skin contact so that the cleaning solution does not severely irritate the skin of a user. The cleaning solution can also effectively remove fouling without scrubbing and / or soften the fouling to make it easier to remove by wiping or scrubbing. In some examples, a firearm-related device cleaning kit can include a dry particulate composition including at least one acid and a set of instructions for a user. In some examples, the dry particulate composition can be provided in a sealed pouch which is single use or resealable. In another example, the dry particulate composition can be provided in a rigid container with a dispense opening. In such cases an optional volume measurement mechanism can be provided (e.g. gradations on the container or a separate scoop, for example). The set of instructions can direct the user to: mix the dry particulate composition with water to form a cleaning solution, and apply the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one example firearm-related device cleaning kit 100. This example includes a dry particulate composition 110 and a set of instructions 120. The dry particulate composition is contained in a container 112. The dry particulate composition and the set of instructions are also both contained inside a package 102 in this example. It is noted that in FIG.1, the dry particulate composition is depicted as particles with a fairly large size compared to the packaging and the instructions. This is merely to show the nature of the dry particulate composition as a collection of particles. In some examples, the particles can have a smaller particle size than the particle size shown in this figure. Furthermore, the figure shows a small number of particles sparsely spaced out in the container for the dry particulate composition. In other examples, the container can be partially or substantially filled with many more particles of the dry particulate composition. As a general guideline, the particles of the dry particulate composition can have a size of less than about 1mm, in some cases less than about 500μm, and in other cases less than about 250μm. In further detail regarding the dry particulate composition, in some examples the composition can include at least one acid. The acid can be useful to dissolve, solubilize, chelate, and / or react with a material present as fouling on a firearm-related device. The acid can have a solid form at room temperature when dry. Thus, the dry particulate composition can include the acid in particulate form. However, the acid can also be soluble in water. Thus, when water is added to the dry particulate composition, a cleaning solution can be formed containing dissolved acid. The at least one acid can be selected to provide a cleaning solution that is safe for the user and also safe for the firearm-related device that is to be cleaned using the composition. Some acids can be toxic or strong enough to cause skin irritation or chemical burns upon skin contact. Such acids can be avoided in the dry particulate composition, or appropriate precautions can be taken to allow use of such acids. Additionally, some acids can react with metals or other materials that are present in firearm-related devices or in the fouling that is to be cleaned off the firearm-related devices. Depending on the type of acid used, some of these reaction products can also be toxic or dangerous to the user. Therefore, acids that react to form harmful chemicals can also be avoided in the dry particulate composition unless appropriate precautions in handling and disposal are taken. Firearm-related devices can also be susceptible to damage from certain types of acid. For example, some firearms can have a lining inside the barrel that may be damaged by some acids. The acid used in the dry particulate composition can be selected to avoid damaging the firearm-related device. Because using improper acids has a likelihood of harming the user and / or damaging the firearm-related device, it can be undesirable to use cleaning compositions made for other purposes to clean firearm-related devices, even if the cleaning composition may also contain an acid similar to the compositions described herein. In some examples, the at least one acid can be a weak organic acid. As used herein, “weak” acids are acids that do not fully dissociate into constituent ions when dissolved in water. As used herein, “organic” acids are acids that include one or more carbon atoms and one or more C-H bonds. In some examples, organic acids can be carboxylic acids, amino acids, or other organic acids. In certain examples, the at least one acid can include one or more of the following acids: citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, ascorbic acid, and tannic acid. The at least one acid can be an alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acid in some examples. Alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acids refer to organic acids that have a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group attached at an alpha position relative to the carboxyal group, i.e., attached to a carbon atom adjacent to the carboxyl group. In some examples, the alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acid can be citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, gluconic acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, tartronic acid, or a combination thereof. In certain examples, the composition can include three different alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids. In further examples, the composition can include at least one alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid and at least one other acid. The at least one acid can also include an amino acid in some examples. The amino acid can include: valine, tyrosine, tryptophan, threonine, serine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, glycine, glutamine, glutamic acid, cysteine, aspartic acid, asparagine, arginine, alanine, or a combination thereof. In other examples, the at least one acid can be a strong acid selected from the group consisting of boric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, perchloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphorous acid, silicic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, sulfurous acid, and the like. Other non-limiting examples of strong acids can include acid salts (i.e. which produce acid upon dissolution in water) such as sodium bisulphate, sodium bicarbonate, betaine hydrochloride, potassium acid sulphate, hydrofluoric acid anhydride, and the like. In further examples, the at least one acid can include a chelating agent. Chelating agents included molecules capable of forming two or more coordinate bonds between a single molecule of the chelating agent and a metal atom. Chelating agents can also be referred to polydentate ligands. Chelating agents that can be included in the composition can include: N- hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso- diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), glutamic acid, histidine, malic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the chelating agent can be a tetradentate ligand. In further examples, the chelating agent can be a hexadentate ligand. In another example, the at least one acid is a combination of acids from the above acids (e.g. weak organic acids, chelating acids, amino acids, strong acids, and the like). In some examples, the at least one acid can be selected so that the acid does not react with fouling to form acetate compounds. Some metal acetates that can be formed from materials present in firearm fouling can be toxic and unsafe for skin contact. For example, lead acetate, copper acetate, iron acetate, and other compounds can be harmful when exposed to the skin. The at least one acid can be selected such that it does not form these or other harmful acetate compounds. In further examples, the other ingredients of the dry particulate composition can also be selected so that they do not react with fouling to form harmful acetate compounds. The strength of the at least one acid can be related to its pKa value. When an acid is dissolved in water at a concentration that yields a pH equal to the pKa of the acid, then the solution will contain an equal concentration of the acid and its conjugate base. In other words, at pH = pKa, half of the acid molecules will dissociate to form the conjugate base. Acids having a lower pKa can be stronger than acids having a higher pKa. In some examples, the at least one acid can have a pKa from about 1 to about 6, or from about 1 to about 5, or from about 1 to about 4, or from about 1 to about 3, or from about 1 to about 2, or from about 2 to about 6, or from about 2 to about 5, or from about 2 to about 4, or from about 2 to about 3, or from about 3 to about 6, or from about 3 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4, or from about 4 to about 6, or from about 4 to about 5, or from about 5 to about 6. The at least one acid can be at least partially soluble in water. In some examples, the at least one acid can have a solubility of greater than 100 grams of acid per 100 mL of water at 20 °C. In other examples, the at least one acid can have a solubility greater than 50 grams per 100 mL of water, or greater than 30 grams per 100 mL of water at 20 °C. In further examples, the at least one acid can have a solubility from about 1 gram per 100 mL to about 100 grams per 100 mL, or from about 5 grams per 100 mL to about 100 grams per 100 mL, or from about 10 grams per 100 mL to about 100 grams per 100 mL, or from about 20 grams per 100 mL to about 100 grams per 100 mL, or from about 30 grams per 100 mL to about 100 grams per 100 mL, or from about 50 grams per 100 mL to about 100 grams per 100 mL, or from about 100 grams per 100 mL to about 200 grams per 100 mL of water at 20 °C. When multiple different acids are included in the composition, these ranges of solubility can refer to each acid individually or to the combined solubility of the combination of acids. In certain examples, the at least one acid can have a melting point above room temperature so that the at least one acid can be in a solid state at room temperature (i.e., 20 °C). For example, the at least one acid can have a melting point that is greater than 20 °C, or greater than 40 °C, or greater than 60 °C, or greater than 100 °C. The at least one acid can be included in the dry particulate composition in an amount from about 10% to about 90% with respect to the total weight of the dry particulate composition. In further examples, the amount of the at least one acid can be from about 10 wt% to about 80 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 70 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 70 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 80 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 40 wt% to about 80 wt%, or from about 40 wt% to about 70 wt%, or from about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 50 wt% to about 80 wt%, or from about 50 wt% to about 70 wt%, or from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 70 wt% to about 80 wt%, or from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the dry particulate composition. If multiple acids are included, these ranges can be the total amount of acid in the composition in some examples, or these ranges can be the individual amount of the individual acids in some examples. In certain examples, the total amount of acid in the dry particulate composition can be from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, or from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%. The dry particulate composition can also include a surfactant in some examples. The surfactant can be included to adjust the surface tension, wetting effects, and other properties of the cleaning solution. In certain examples, the surfactant can be a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination thereof. Examples of nonionic surfactants can include: polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ether, a polyethylene glycol ester, a polysorbate, a PEGylated glyceride, or a combination thereof. In certain examples, the surfactant can include polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 Mw or greater. For example, the surfactant can include PEG 1000, PEG, 1450, PEG 3350, PEG 6000, PEG 8000, or polyethylene glycol having other molecular weights. In further examples, the surfactant can include a polyethylene glycol ethoxylate. Additional examples of surfactants can include the TERGITOL™ 15-S line of surfactants from Dow Inc. (USA), the ECOSURF™ line of surfactants from Dow, the TRITON™ line of surfactants from Dow, the DOWFAX™ line of surfactants from Dow, the CRODAFOS™ line of a surfactants from Croda Inc. (United Kingdom), the ECO Brij™ line of surfactants from Croda, the ECO Renex™ line of surfactants from Croda, the ECO Tween™ line of surfactants from Croda, the SPAN™ line of surfactants from Croda, the STEPANTEX® line of surfactants from Stepan Company (USA), the BIO-SOFT® line of surfactants from Stepan, MAKON® line of surfactants from Stepan, and others. In some examples, the surfactant can be included in an amount from about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% with respect to the total weight of the dry particulate composition. In further examples, the surfactant can be present in an amount from about 1 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 25 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 40 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the dry particulate composition. If multiple surfactants are included, then these ranges can be the total amount of surfactant in the dry particulate composition in some examples, or these ranges can be the individual amounts of the individual surfactants in other examples. The dry particulate composition can also include a pH control agent in some examples. The pH control agent can adjust the pH of the cleaning solution. In certain examples, the pH control agent can be basic to raise the pH of the cleaning solution, which would otherwise be low due to the acid in the cleaning solution. In some examples, the pH control agent can include a base or buffer such as sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, or a combination thereof. In certain examples, a 1 wt% solution of the pH control agent alone in water can have a pH from about 7 to about 13, or from about 7 to about 12, or from about 7 to about 11, or from about 7 to about 10, or from about 7 to about 9, or from about 7.5 to about 10, or from about 7.5 to about 9, or from about 8 to about 12, or from about 8 to about 11, or from about 8 to about 10, or from about 8 to about 9, or from about 9 to about 13, or from about 9 to about 12, or from about 9 to about 11, or from about 9 to about 10, or from about 10 to about 13, or from about 10 to about 12, or from about 10 to about 11, or from about 11 to about 13, or from about 11 to about 12. The pH control agent can be included in the dry particulate composition in an amount from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% with respect to the total weight of the dry particulate composition, in some examples. In further examples, the pH control agent can be included in an amount from about 1 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, or from about 3 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 3 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 3 wt% to about 15 wt%, or from about 3 wt% to about 5 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, or from about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the dry particulate composition. Optional oxidizing agents can also be introduced to reduce undesirable oxidation of metal surfaces. Non-limiting examples of oxidizing agents can include sodium perchlorate, potassium chlorate, peroxydisulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, sodium bismuthate, and the like. Additionally, in some cases it can be desirable to include a zeolite powder as an adsorbent to capture heavy metal ions since such heavy metals can sometimes redeposit onto metal surfaces. Non-limiting examples of suitable zeolite powders can include volcanic zeolite, clinoptilolite zeolite, synthetic zeolites (e.g. ZSM-5, mordenite zeolites, chabazite zeolites, beta zeolites, pentasil zeolites, SAPO-11 zeolites, ferrierite zeolite, etc), and the like. The dry particulate composition can be provided in the form of loose solid particles. The particle size of the particles is not particularly limited. However, smaller particles can often dissolve more quickly when mixed with water. In some examples, the dry particulate composition can have an average particle size from about 10 μm to about 1 mm, or from about 10 μm to about 500 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 300 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 200 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 50 μm, or from about 50 μm to about 1 mm, or from about 50 μm to about 500 μm, or from about 50 μm to about 300 μm, or from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or from about 50 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 100 μm to about 1 mm, or from about 100 μm to about 500 μm, or from about 100 μm to about 300 μm, or from about 100 μm to about 200 μm, or from about 200 μm to about 1 mm, or from about 200 μm to about 500 μm, or from about 200 μm to about 300 μm, or from about 300 μm to about 1 mm, or from about 300 μm to about 500 μm, or from about 500 μm to about 1 mm. As used herein, “average particle size” can refer to a number average of the diameter, or the longest dimension, of the individual particles. The kit can include a set of instructions as mentioned above. In some examples, the set of instructions can instruct a user to mix the dry particulate composition with water to form a cleaning solution. The set of instructions can specify that any type of water can be used, or the set of instructions can be silent with respect to what type of water to be used. The cleaning solution can be made with normal tap water, distilled water, deionized water, or other water as desired. In certain examples, the instructions can direct the user to use tap water, distilled water, or deionized water. The set of instructions can also provide a mixing ratio or mixing amounts for mixing the dry particulate composition with water. In some examples, the set of instructions can instruct the user to mix the dry particulate composition and water in amounts such that the total concentration of the dry particulate composition when dissolved in the water is from about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% with respect to the total weight of the cleaning solution. In further examples, the concentration can be from about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 35 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 25 wt% to about 35 wt%, or from about 25 wt% to about 30 wt%, or from about 30 wt% to about 35 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the cleaning solution. When the dry particulate composition is mixed with water according to the instructions, the mixture can form a cleaning solution. In some examples, the dry particulate composition can dissolve fully so that there are no solid particles in the cleaning solution. In further examples, the cleaning solution can have a pH in the range from about 4 to about 7, or from about 5 to about 7, or from about 6 to about 7, or from about 4 to about 6, or from about 5 to about 6, or from about 4 to about 5. The set of instructions can also direct the user to perform a cleaning method using the cleaning solution to clean a firearm-related device. In some examples, the set of instructions can direct the user to soak the firearm-related device in the cleaning solution. The instructions can direct the user to soak the device for a soaking time from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes or longer. In other examples, the soaking time can be from about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, or form about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes, or from about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes, or from about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes, or from about 15 minutes to about 60 minutes, or from about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. Depending on the specific dry particulate composition and the device to be cleaned, the volume of powder for a single cleaning session can generally vary from about 1 tablespoon to about 2 cups, and in some cases from 4 tablespoons to about 1.5 cups. The set of instructions can also include other cleaning tasks, such as scrubbing the firearm-related device, wiping the firearm-related device, rinsing the firearm-related device, re-applying the cleaning solution, properly disposing of the used cleaning solution, storing unused dry particulate composition, and so on. The set of instructions can also list firearm-related devices that can be cleaned using the cleaning solution. In various examples, the cleaning solution can be used to clean firearms, such as rifles, shotguns, pistols, and the various specific types of these firearms. The cleaning solution can also be used to clean devices that can be connected to firearms, such as muzzle brakes, suppressors, compensators, and others. In some examples, the set of instructions can direct the user to use the cleaning solution to clean any of these firearm-related devices. In further examples, the instructions can provide details about specialized cleaning tasks used for one or more of these types of firearm-related devices. For example, an optional ultrasonic cleaning step can be performed with optional heating. However, in many cases the firearm- related device can be simply soaked in the solution and dried. Regarding packaging the kits, in some examples the dry particulate composition can be packaged together with the instructions. The instructions can be printed on paper and enclosed within a package together with the dry particulate composition. Alternatively, the instructions can be printed directly on the packaging of the dry particulate composition. In other examples, the dry particulate composition can be packaged with a link to retrieve the instructions, such as from the Internet through a URL address, hyperlink, QR code, or a similar method. The dry particulate composition itself can be packaged in a container such as a box, bag, jar, can, sachet, pouch, or another container. In some examples, the dry particulate composition can be in a waterproof container. Methods of Cleaning Firearm-Related Devices The present disclosure also describes methods of cleaning firearm-related devices. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing one example method 200 of cleaning a firearm-related device. The method includes: mixing a dry particulate composition including at least one acid with water to form a cleaning solution 210; and applying the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device 220. The dry particulate composition used in the method can include any of the ingredients described above. Additionally, the method can include any of the cleaning tasks and other steps described above. In certain examples, the method can include following a set of instructions that instructs a user to perform any of the tasks described above. In other examples, the method can include performing any of these tasks without the use of instructions. One example of a method of cleaning a firearm-related device is illustrated by FIGs. 3A through 3C. FIG.3A shows a dry particulate composition 110 that is added to water 230 in a mixing container 240. FIG.3B shows that the dry particulate composition has fully dissolved in the way to form a cleaning solution 232. In some cases, dissolution can be an endothermic process which reduces temperature of the solution. Such endothermic mixing can result when using weak organic acids and in some cases by adding water to the powder instead of adding powder to water. FIG.3C then shows a firearm-related device, which in this example is a suppressor 250, submerged in the cleaning solution. The method can include soaking the suppressor in the cleaning solution for a soaking time. This can clean fouling off the suppressor through soaking alone, or in some cases the suppressor can be scrubbed to help remove fouling (e.g. using traditional wire brushes, cloth patches, or the like). Examples In one example, a dry particulate composition includes the components listed in the amounts listed in Table 1 below: Table 1 Component Weight Percent Range Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 60-95 15 wt% to 25 wt% to prepare a cleaning solution. In another example, a dry particulate composition includes the components listed in the amounts listed in Table 2 below: Table 2 Component Weight Percent Range Citri id 50-80 e y pa cu a e co pos o o a e s e a e a a ou o 25 wt% to 35 wt% to prepare a cleaning solution. In another example, a dry particulate composition includes the components listed in the amounts listed in Table 3 below: Table 3 Component Weight Percent Range The dry particulate composition of Table 3 is mixed with water in an amount from 15 wt% to 20 wt% to prepare a cleaning solution. In another example, a dry particulate composition includes the components listed in the amounts listed in Table 4 below: Table 4 Component Weight Percent Range Glycolic acid 30-50 15 wt% to 20 wt% to prepare a cleaning solution. In another example, a dry particulate composition includes the components listed in the amounts listed in Table 5 below: Table 5 Component Weight Percent Range Gl colic acid 20-40 e ry par cu a e compos on o a e s m xe w wa er n an amoun rom 15 wt% to 30 wt% to prepare a cleaning solution. In another example, a dry particulate composition includes the components listed in the amounts listed in Table 6 below: Table 6 Component Weight Percent Range The dry particulate composition of Table 6 is mixed with water in an amount from 15 wt% to 35 wt% to prepare a cleaning solution. The following clauses represent additional variations considered consistent with the scope of the invention. Clause 1. A firearm-related device cleaning kit, comprising: a dry particulate composition including at least one acid; and a set of instructions directing a user to: mix the dry particulate composition with water to form a cleaning solution, and apply the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device. Clause 2. The kit of any clause, wherein the at least one acid is a weak organic acid. Clause 3. The kit of any clause, wherein the weak organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, ascorbic acid, tannic acid, and combinations thereof. Clause 4. The kit of any clause, wherein the weak organic acid is an alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acid. Clause 5. The kit of any clause, wherein the at least one acid comprises three different alpha- hydroxy-carboxylic acids. Clause 6. The kit of any clause, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso-diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and combinations thereof. Clause 7. The kit of any clause, wherein the cleaning solution does not form acetates upon exposure to fouling on the firearm-related device. Clause 8. The kit of any clause, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of boric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, perchloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphorous acid, silicic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, sulfurous acid, and combinations thereof. Clause 9. The kit of any clause, wherein the at least one acid is an acid salt selected from the group consisting of sodium bisulphate, sodium bicarbonate, betaine hydrochloride, potassium acid sulphate, hydrofluoric acid anhydride, and combinations thereof. Clause 10. The kit of any clause, wherein the dry particulate composition further comprises a surfactant, a pH control agent, an oxidizing agent, adsorbent, or a combination thereof. Clause 11. The kit of any clause, wherein the surfactant comprises polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ether, a polyethylene glycol ester, or a combination thereof. Clause 12. The kit of any clause, wherein the pH control agent comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, or a combination thereof. Clause 13. The kit of any clause, wherein the cleaning solution has a pH from 4 to 7. Clause 14. The kit of any clause, wherein the set of instructions directs the user to mix the dry particulate composition with tap water, distilled water, or deionized water at a concentration of about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% of the dry composition with respect to a total weight of the cleaning solution. Clause 15. The kit of any clause, wherein the set of instructions directs the user to soak the firearm-related device in the cleaning solution for a period of time from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes. Clause 16. The kit of any clause, wherein the firearm-related device is a suppressor, a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, muzzle brake, or a compensator. Clause 17. A method of cleaning a firearm-related device, comprising: mixing a dry particulate composition including at least one acid with water to form a cleaning solution; and applying the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device. Clause 18. The method of any clause, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, and combinations thereof. Clause 19. The method of any clause, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso-diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and combinations thereof. Clause 20. The method of any clause, wherein the cleaning solution removes fouling from the firearm-related device without forming acetates. Clause 21. The method of any clause, wherein an amount of the dry particulate composition in the cleaning solution is about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% with respect to a total weight of the cleaning solution. Clause 22. The method of any clause, wherein the firearm-related device is a suppressor, a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, muzzle brake, or a compensator. The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A firearm-related device cleaning kit, comprising: a dry particulate composition including at least one acid; and a set of instructions directing a user to: mix the dry particulate composition with water to form a cleaning solution, and apply the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one acid is a weak organic acid.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the weak organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, ascorbic acid, tannic acid, and combinations thereof.

4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the weak organic acid is an alpha-hydroxy-carboxylic acid.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one acid comprises three different alpha-hydroxy- carboxylic acids.

6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of N- hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso- diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and combinations thereof.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the cleaning solution does not form acetates upon exposure to fouling on the firearm-related device.

8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of boric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, perchloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphorous acid, silicic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, sulfurous acid, and combinations thereof.

9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one acid is an acid salt selected from the group consisting of sodium bisulphate, sodium bicarbonate, betaine hydrochloride, potassium acid sulphate, hydrofluoric acid anhydride, and combinations thereof.

10. The kit of claim 1, wherein the dry particulate composition further comprises a surfactant, a pH control agent, an oxidizing agent, adsorbent, or a combination thereof.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the surfactant comprises polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ether, a polyethylene glycol ester, or a combination thereof.

12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the pH control agent comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, or a combination thereof.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the cleaning solution has a pH from 4 to 7.

14. The kit of claim 1, wherein the set of instructions directs the user to mix the dry particulate composition with tap water, distilled water, or deionized water at a concentration of about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% of the dry composition with respect to a total weight of the cleaning solution.

15. The kit of claim 1, wherein the set of instructions directs the user to soak the firearm-related device in the cleaning solution for a period of time from about 10 minutes to about 60 minutes.

16. The kit of claim 1, wherein the firearm-related device is a suppressor, a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, muzzle brake, or a compensator.

17. A method of cleaning a firearm-related device, comprising: mixing a dry particulate composition including at least one acid with water to form a cleaning solution; and applying the cleaning solution to a firearm-related device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, metatartaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, mandelic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, decanoic acid, azelaic acid, camphoric acid, cyanuric acid, phthalic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, diglycolic acid, tiglic acid, tartronic acid, malonic acid, sorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid, folic acid, and combinations thereof.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxyimino-2,2’-dipropionic acid, diethylenetriamineacetic acid (DTMA), iso- diethylenetriamineacetic acid (i-DTMA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), rhodotorulic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid, S,S-Ethylenediamine-N,Nƍ-disuccinic acid (EDDS), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), L-Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and combinations thereof.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the cleaning solution removes fouling from the firearm- related device without forming acetates.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein an amount of the dry particulate composition in the cleaning solution is about 15 wt% to about 35 wt% with respect to a total weight of the cleaning solution.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the firearm-related device is a suppressor, a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol, muzzle brake, or a compensator.

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