Quick disconnect mount for muzzle attachments

Abstract

A mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle attachment includes an attachment mount with a clutch assembly. A muzzle attachment can be secured to the distal end portion of the attachment mount. The attachment mount is configured to removably attach the muzzle attachment to a muzzle adapter installed on the end of a barrel. A clutch assembly on the attachment mount is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the clutch assembly frictionally engages the muzzle adapter to inhibit loosening rotation of the muzzle attachment relative to the muzzle adapter. In the unlocked position, the clutch assembly disengages from the muzzle adapter to permit loosening rotation of the attachment mount. The locking mechanism includes one or more secondary retention features that inhibit axial slipping of the assembly when the clutch assembly is in the locked position. A method of use is also disclosed.

Description

siGeoisiGeoisi-mu is wornBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS|8W8] FIG. 1 A illustrates a Feat perspective view of a momiting assembly sod muzzle adapter., where the nioimt g assembly lias a ctotch collar; so a locked position, hi accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,[88818 FIG IB dkistmtes a rear perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. '• with the c fetch collar in an umocked position, in acconli ce with an embodiment of Fie present disclosure.

[8818] FIG. 1C iilusnaies a top view of a muzzle end portion of a firearm barrel and a mounting assembly with the dutch collar in the hacked position, in accordance with an emb odiment of the presen t disclosure,

[8811] FIG. ID illustrates an exploded. Font perspective vices of a mounting assembly having a locking mechanism with a redundant retention feature. in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[8812] FBh. IE illustrates an exploded, rear perspective view of the mount mg assembly shown in FIG. ID.

[8813] FIG. 2 A illustrates a sear perspective view of a muzzle adapter configured as a flash hider with c nctimfereniial grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[8814] FIG. 2B illustmtes a side view of the muzzle adapter shown in FIG. 2A.

[8815] FIG. 2C illustrates a rear perspective view of a muzzle adapter having first and second circtm trentiai grooves, m accordmtee with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[8816] FIG. 2D ilhistrates a aide view of the muzzle adapter shown m FIG. 2C.

[8817] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view of a body of an attachment mount, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[8818] FIG. 3B ilhsstmtes a rear perspective of the mount body shown m FIG. 3.

[8819] FIG. 'I ' illustrates a Dost perspective view of the mount body shown in FIG. 3 A.smaoi iswom

[6626] FIG. 4A i llusirates a teat perspective view of a earn with a protrusion, m acsordanes with an embodiment of the present disclosure.f£»02i| FIG. 4B illustrates a r ear dew of the cam shown m FIG. 4A.

[6622] FIG. ' illustrates a front perspective vises of the c am shown m FIG. 4A.

[0623] FIG AD illustrates a second from perspective view of the cam shown FIG. 4 A.

[6624] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cam spring, in accordarjee with an embodmie of the present disclosure.

[6625] FIG GA illustrates a perspective view of a wire form spring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0620] FIG. 6B iikssdtates a perspective shew of a wire form spring with an e l sulwaudabc defining a loop, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.[00271 FIG. 7A Illustrates a nont view of a clutch collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.[002B] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the dutch collar shown in FIG. 7 A.

[8629] FIG. S illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapn with die locking assembly in a locked erudition, in accordance with an embodmiem of die present disclosure.

[6636] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective and cross-sectionai view of a mounting assembly a i muzzle adapter with the iockmg assembly 1st a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.: odd i; FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a iorsgihsdimd section of a mounting assembly ami muzzle adapter w 11 li the locking assembly m an unlocked condition. m accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.[96021 FIG. 11 A illustrates a rear and cross -sectional view of a moimtmg assembly ami muzzle adapter with the Iockmg assembly In an unlocked conditimi, lit accordance wait an embodiment of die present disclosure.smsoi iswom

[9633] FIG. 1 113 illustrates a close-up view of part of the locking assembly shown m FIG.11 A,f£»03 | FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a longifodinal section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with die locldng assembly in a locked ocmdmmi. In accordance with an embodiment of Ge present disclosure.

[0993] FIG, ISA Gustmtes m exploded from perspective view of a mounting assembly and uzzle adapter, in accordance with mimhev embodiment of the present disclosure

[8836] FIG. 1 n ilhsstmles a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG, ISA.

[9937] FIG, 14 A illustrates a rear and eross-sectumal view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter widt the locking assembly in an mducked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[8838] FIG. 1 ill sihsshules a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG, I4A.

[0939] FIG 14G illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section taken through a. detent loop of the wire form spring and shows a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the fock g mechanism an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0964] FIG 14D illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section taken through die earns of the loekmg mechanism and shows the motmtiag assembly and muzzle adapter with the lucking mechanism in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[9941] FIG, ISA illustrates a rear and cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of die present disclosure,

[9642] FIG. 15B dhsstmtes a rear perspective view of the assembly showsi in FIG, ISA.

[8843] FIG. 1 SC iiltrsuatss a top view showing a longi diual section taken through the loop of the wire fomi spring and shows a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking mechanism m a lucked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosuresmsoi tawom

[8044] FIG. 15Diln istrat a ear perspective view showing a longimdmai section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter, where the section Is takes through the loop of the wire ferm spring and where she locking assembly is in a locked c-snd-tton during an attempted installation of die muzzle adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. (004n] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a firearm with a muzzle attachment secttred to the mounting assembly and installed on. the firearm barrel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[8046] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of die firearm of FIG. 16 with the attachment mount and muzzle attachment disconnected from the muzz ie adapter, which remains installed on. the barrel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG, id is a flow chart showing steps a method of attaclhag a muzzle attachment to a firearm muzzle and inhibiting inadvertent loosening of the muzzle attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present di closure.

[0048] Ihese and other features of die present embodiments will be better understood by readme tits following dets; led description, taken together with tits Figures herein described. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that. is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, net every component may be labeled in every drawing. Furthermore, as will he appreciated, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, nor are the drawings intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific configurations shown. In short. the Figitres are provided merely io show example strucUtres.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A mounting assembly for firearm muzzle a ttachments is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.

[0050] lu one example embodiment, the mourning assembly cfndes an attachment mount with a clutch assembly operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The attachment motmt can be used to attach a suppressor or other muzzle device to the firearm, For example, the muzzle adapter can be received in the proximal end pordon of the mount body and attached to the attachment mount with threads, a bayonet mount, or other method. The distal end portion of the mount is configured to be secured to a firearm muzzle device, such as a suppressor, muzzle brake, flash hider, heat shield, or other attachmem. In somesiGeoisiGeoisiGeoisiGeoiSIGSOi: '. WOCOiiibodimeute of the disclosed traxiutrua asssuibly can be detected by visual inspecuoa ci a locking stnschue that includes a wire sprhig having a protrusion that occupies a groove in thesiGeoisiGeoisiGeoisiGeoisiGeoisiGOOi: '.eaa;•UU; GG G through asi apeassig is The? • eassiGeoisiGeoisiGeoiro aiod against the force of cam springs 54 to an unlocked position (rcfoied clockwise assiGeoisiGeoiSIGSOi on(0109] After installing the attachment mount on the muzzle adaptor with the muzzle attachment secured to the attachment mount. the clutch assembly can be moved 440 to the locked position to engage a locking stmetuxe between the muzzle adapter and the attachment inuiint, thereby preventing or inhibiting a louse ng mtatson of the muzzle artach nerit relative to the muzzle adapter. In some etnbodhaents, moving 449 the dutch assembly to the locked position is performed in the same rotational direction as disconnecting the attachment mottm brom toe muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 440 the dutch assembly to the locked position causes the locking stmctore to engage the body of the muzzle adapter. For example, the locking strnctore comprises one or more cams, where each cam has an arcuate cam surface constructed to engage the body of the muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly Is In the locked position. In some embodiments, moving the clutch assembly to die locked position engages erne or more secondary retention mechanism that prevents axial movement of die attachment mount with respect to the muzzle adapter when m the locked position.(0110] In another embodiment, the method 400 also includes 450 moving the clutch, assembly to the unlocked posi tion to cause the locking stmeture to disengage from the body of the muzzle adapter, and to cause disconnecting 455 the muzzle attachment from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, disconnecting 455 toe muzzle aitaclimeni is performed without the use of hand tools tv W; the muzzle attachment secured to toe attachment mount, the muzzle attachment can be selectively removed and installed on the firearm as needed. The clutch assembly can be moved to the locked position to prevent inadvertent loosening of the muzzle attachment, and moved to the unlocked position when installing or removing the muzzle attochment from the muzzle adapter, as will be appreciated.pili] In use, the mounting assembly IGO as described herein, aecotoing to some embodimen ts of the present disclosure, can be attached to the barrel 505 of a host firearm 500 to Ihcilitate installation and removal of muzzle attachments by way of the one- way dutch assembly 140. In some embodiments. the mounting assembly 100 enables secure mstaharion and removal of muzzle attachments without toe use of tools. As discussed above, toe clutch assembly 140 can utilize earns 162 arranged to selectively engage toe ou side surface of the muzzle adapter 110. When assembled with hie dutch assembly 140 in the locked position, the locking structure 160 inhibits removal or loosening of toe attachment mount 200 horn the muzzle adapter 1 10, due to engagement of the cams 162 with the muzzle adapter 110. un til the clu tch assembly 140 is moved to the unlocked position. The locking assembly 100 can timberSIGtoi 15WCSIJIinclude one or more additional retention structures that prevent axial movement (e.g., slipping) of tire mounting assembly with respect to the muzzle adapter. Examples of such intent ion strnettsres include a profrxsion on one or more of die cams I 62. where each protrusion occupies a circtmiferendal groove on the muzzle ariacltment to block removal wh n the assembly is in the locked condition. Another secondary retention structure is a wire feint spring 180 that inchides a loop 183 or other shape that is deflected radially Inward in the locked condition to occupy a circumferential groove on the muzzle adapter 110, When one or both of such retention assemblies are provided, the resulting interference position(s) blocks slipping and inadvertent removal of t lie assembly when the mounting assembly is the locked condition. The clutch assembly 140 can be selectively moved between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0112] Some embodmionts of the mounting assembly 100 can be installed on the barrel 505 of the host firearm 500 and provide a seal that prevents or reduces infiltration of propellant gases Into die mounting assembly 100. The mounting assembly 100 enables the muzzle attachment 51 to be reliably attached to the barrel 505 and properly aligned with the bore axis 102, When moved to the unlocked position, the clutch assembly 140 permits installation or removal of muzzle attacliments since the locking structure 150 is disengaged from the muzzle adapter 110. Aeeordmgly. an. opeuuor may quickly remove anchor insudl a muzzle attachment in the field without eacotmteihtg time-consmmng procedures, overtightened fasteners, baked- togetlier interfaces, and other problems of existing attachment mcnmimg assemblies that require the use of tools to remove (or Install s die muzzle attachment.H 181 As will be appreciated m light of this disclosure, and accordance with some embodiments, a mounting assembly 100 as described herein can be utilized with any of a wide age of firearms, mchrding but uot limited io, a. pistol. a rifle {automatic, scud-automatic. bolt action, etc,), a short- barreled rifle, or a pistol-caliber carbine, to name a few examples, hi some embodiments. the mounting assembly 100 can be configured tor mounting any of a wide variety of firearm attachments to a barrel 505. Fm example, seme embodiments may be configured fer a suppressor, a flash hider. a muzzle brake, a linear compensator, a heat shield, or other accessory as will be apprecia ted in light of this disclosure. The host firearm 500 can be chambered for any ammunition ranging from.22 LR to 80 mm NATO and everything in between (e.g.,.22 LR,.223 Remington,.30 hem gtm-,,880 Auto..40 SAW, 45 Atno..50siGeoisiGeoiI#smaoi iswcsurengaged position and moving ths elutcli assembly io the imlocked position moves fee cams to fee disengaged position. A secondary retention structure is configured to block x ial removal of fee mounting assembly from fee firearm barrel or muzzle adapter when fee dutch assembly ts m fee locked position

[0129] Example 14 includes the mounting assembly of Example 13 and fiuther comprises a wire form spring between the mt met body and the muzzte adapter, where the wire form spring defines an outward bead and an end defining a loop wife a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion. When fee dutch collar is fee locked position, fee radially inner portion of fee loop occupies fee circmnfereniial groove nt fee muzzle adapter.fe 130] Example 15 inc lades fee mounting assembly of Example 14. wherein when fee chxtdi collar is in the unlocked position, die radially inner portion of fee loop is positioned ra.dia.liy outside of the circumferential groove m the muzzle adapter.

[0131] Example 16 mcltfees the mourning assembly of Example 13, wherein al least one of the cams indudes a protrusion extending radially outward beyond fee cam surface, wherein when the clutch collar is in fee locked position, fee profession occupies the circumferential groove the muzzle adapter, dicreby limit ing axial movement of fee attachment mount with respect to the muzzle adapter

[0132] Example 17 includes the momhing assembly of any of fee foregoing examples and furfiier includes a suppressor configured m be connected er emmec ted to a distal end of the mount body.

[0133] Example id is a firearm mehiding fee mmmtfeg assembly of Example 15.

[0134] The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for he purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or io limit fee present disclosure to fee precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that fee scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to feis application may claim fee disclosed subject matter m a different manner and generally may inchide any set of one or more limits nous as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein

Claims

siGeoisiGeoisaws: itwom9, The mounting assembly of claim 8, wherein each of fee one or more cams has a lever arm extending radially outward and away from the cam surface, wherem an side of fee oh th collar engages the lever arm to pivot fee cam when moving the clutch assembly to the unlocked position.

10. The mounting assembly of claim 9. wherein the lever asm abuts the inside of the dutch collar when the clutch assembly is in the unlocked position, thereby preventing the cam horn pivoting to the locked position,11, The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the dutch assembly comprises:the muzzle adapter having the cylindrical sleeve portion, wherein the muzzle adapter defines a circumferential groove;a clutch collar rotatable about the mount body between die locked position and the nmecked position; anda wire form spring extending a majority portion around a inside of fee mount body and definmg an outward bend, a first end. and a secostd endwherem the clutch collar defines recesses associated widt the lucked position and fee tmiocked position, the recesses conligtired to receive die outward bend of the wire spring.

12. The mounting assembly of clamr 11. wherein the secund end of fee wire form spring substantially defines a loop, wherein a radially inner portion of the loop occupies the circumferentml groove In the muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly is m die locked position, thereby limiting asm! movement of the mourning assembly wife respect to the muzzle adapter, and wherein a radially timer portion of the loop resides ra.dia.liy outside of the c rumfeicntlal groove m the muzzle adapter when die clutch assembly is in the unlocked position, thereby permitting loosening rotation of the attachment mmmt and removal of the muzzle adapter from fee attachment mmmt.13, A mounting assembly fur a firearm muzzle device, the moumirtg assembly comprising:a muzzle adapter having a cyhndricsl sleesw portion nd defining a circumferential groove;a mount body having a proximal end portion and a munrit distal end portion, the monfesiGeoisiGeoi

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