Accessory attachment mount for a suppressor

Abstract

A suppressor endcap has a body defining an opening for passage of a projectile. The body defines a plurality of fastener pockets distributed about the opening, each of the fastener pockets having a larger opening portion and a smaller opening portion. The endcap is configured to attach an accessory by installing a fastener head into the fastener pocket via the larger opening portion and then rotating the accessory so that the heads are captured in the pocket at the smaller opening portion. The endcap can be added to an existing suppressor, made as part of a suppressor, or attached to a suppressor sub assembly. An assembly of a suppressor and an attachable accessory is also disclosed.

Description

ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT MOUNT FOR A SUPPRESSORTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to suppressors for firearms and more particularly to an endcap for a suppressor and a suppressor having such an endcap, where the endcap is configured for attachment of accessories.BACKGROUND

[0002] Firearms design involves many non-trivial challenges. For example, rifles, machine guns, and other firearms have faced particular complications with reducing the audible and visible signature produced upon firing a round, while also maintaining the desired shooting performance. Suppressors are a muzzle accessory that reduces the audible report of the firearm by slowing the expansion and release of pressurized gases from the barrel. Visible flash can also be reduced by controlling the expansion of gases leaving the barrel as well as by controlling how muzzle gasses mix with ambient air. Since the blast of each fired round passes into the suppressor, the suppressor can become extremely hot during use, particularly during continuous and prolonged fire.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to an endcap for a firearm suppressor and a suppressor assembly including the endcap, where the endcap is configured for attachment of accessories. In one embodiment, a suppressor endcap includes locking stud pockets configured to capture a head of a stud when the accessory is rotated about the central axis. The accessory can include headed stud portions that align with the stud pockets, such that after inserting the head of the studs into the stud pockets via a larger opening portion, the accessory can be rotated so that the neck or the shaft of the headed stud portion extends through the opening and the head is captured by the stud pocket. The endcap can be a stand-alone component, attached to a suppressor sub-assembly via threaded engagement or welding, or made as one piece with a suppressor or sub-assembly. A suppressor having such an endcap can be provided in combination with an accessory configured for toolless installation on the endcap.

[0004] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. l is a front perspective view of an endcap for a suppressor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the endcap of FIG.1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a longitudinal cross section of the endcap of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a close-up, perspective view showing a longitudinal section taken through a stud pocket of the endcap of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5 is another close-up, perspective view showing a longitudinal section through a stud pocket of the endcap of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view showing a suppressor with and endcap and a heat shield in a partially installed condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6B is a side view showing a longitudinal section of the endcap and heat shield of FIG. 6A in the partially installed condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view showing the suppressor, endcap, and heat shield of FIG. 6A, where the heat shield has been rotated to an installed or seated condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7B is a front, perspective view showing a longitudinal section taken along the central axis of a suppressor endcap and heat shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7C is a side view showing a longitudinal section of the endcap and heat shield of FIG. 7A, where the heat shield is in an installed or seated condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a front, perspective view of a suppressor with an installed heat shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a front, perspective view of a suppressor with an installed glass breaker assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a front-end view of a suppressor heat shield installed on an endcap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the heat shield and endcap of FIG. 10.

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a front, first side, and perspective view of the heat shield and endcap of FIG. 10.

[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a front, second side, and perspective view of the heat shield and endcap of FIG. 10.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a first side view of the heat shield of FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates a second side view of the heat shield of FIG. 10.

[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the heat shield of FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the heat shield of FIG. 10.

[0025] FIG. 18 illustrates a front-end view of a suppressor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 19 illustrates an isometric view of the suppressor of FIG. 18.

[0027] FIG. 20 illustrates a front, first side, and perspective view of the suppressor of FIG.18.

[0028] FIG. 21 illustrates a front, second side, and perspective view of the suppressor of FIG.18.

[0029] FIG. 22 illustrates a first side view of the suppressor of FIG. 18.

[0030] FIG. 23 illustrates a second side view of the suppressor of FIG. 18.

[0031] FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of the suppressor of FIG. 18.

[0032] FIG. 25 illustrates a bottom view of the suppressor of FIG. 18.

[0033] FIG. 26 illustrates a front-end view of a suppressor with installed glass breaker accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 27 illustrates a front perspective view of the suppressor and glass breaker accessory of FIG. 26.

[0035] FIG. 28 illustrates a front, top, and first-side view showing part of the suppressor and the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 26.

[0036] FIG. 29 illustrates a front, top, and second-side view showing part of the suppressor and glass breaker accessory of FIG. 26.

[0037] FIG. 30 illustrates a first side view of the suppressor and glass breaker accessory of FIG. 26.

[0038] FIG. 31 illustrates a second side view of the suppressor and glass breaker accessory of FIG. 26.

[0039] FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of the suppressor and glass breaker accessory of FIG.26.

[0040] FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom view of the suppressor and glass breaker accessory of FIG. 26.

[0041] FIG. 34 illustrates a front perspective view of a glass breaker accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 35 illustrates a rear perspective view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 36 illustrates a front view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34.

[0044] FIG. 37 illustrates a rear view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34.

[0045] FIG. 38 illustrates a first side view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34.

[0046] FIG. 39 illustrates a second side view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34.

[0047] FIG. 40 illustrates a top view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34.

[0048] FIG. 41 illustrates a bottom view of the glass breaker accessory of FIG. 34.

[0049] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed discussion.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Disclosed is an endcap for a suppressor and a suppressor having such an endcap, where the endcap is configured for attachment of an accessory, such as a heat shield, glass breaker, or muzzle brake. Also disclosed is a suppressor assembly that includes a suppressor with an endcap configured for accessory attachment, and also including the accessory.

[0051] In one example embodiment, a suppressor endcap includes stud pockets configured to capture respective heads of studs on the accessory after inserting the heads of the studs into the pockets and then rotating the accessory about the central axis to move the stud heads to a captured position. For example, the accessory can include stud portions that align with the stud pockets, such that after inserting the heads of the studs into the stud pockets via a largeropening portion, the accessory can be rotated so that the neck or the shaft of the headed stud portion extends through the opening and the head is captured by the stud pocket.

[0052] A suppressor endcap as disclosed herein can be provided as a stand-alone component configured for attachment to an existing suppressor, whether by threaded engagement, welding, or some other method. For example, the endcap can be attached to the endcap of an existing suppressor. Alternately, the endcap can be secured to the open distal end of the suppressor housing by threaded engagement or welding. The endcap also can be provided as a pre-formed component onto which a suppressor is built or attached. In one such example, the endcap is used as a substrate to which the suppressor body and baffles are added via additive manufacturing. In another example, the endcap is attached to a suppressor assembly created using additive manufacturing. Further, the endcap can be made as an integral part of the suppressor assembly, such as by machining, casting, or additive manufacturing (e.g., direct metal laser sintering or DMLS). The endcap can be made of titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, or Inconel, to name a few examples. Numerous variations and embodiments will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.OVERVIEW

[0053] As noted above, non-trivial issues may arise that complicate weapons design and performance of firearms. For instance, one non-trivial issue pertains to the fact that the discharge of a firearm normally produces an audible and visible signature resulting from rapidly expanding propellant gases and from the projectile leaving the muzzle at a velocity greater than the speed of sound with respect to ambient conditions. It is generally understood that attenuating the audible report may be accomplished by slowing the rate of expansion of the propellant gases. Slowing gas expansion and delaying gas venting from the suppressor can be accomplished by forcing the gas to take a longer flow path through the suppressor, such as around baffles and through openings in baffles. Reducing the visible signature or flash also can be accomplished by controlling the expansion of gases exiting the muzzle.

[0054] As a result of dissipating energy from the propellant gases and from direct exposure to a blast of burning propellant upon firing a shot, suppressors are subject to rapid temperature changes as well as sustained high temperatures during repeated firing. This heat prompts adding a heat shield or bum shield to the suppressor, whether to reduce the visible signature and / or to reduce burns from contact with the hot suppressor.

[0055] Attempts to address the thermal signature of a suppressor include attaching a heat shield that wraps around the outside surface of the suppressor. Such approaches have been metwith less-than-optimal results and in some cases result in additional challenges, such as the insulative wrap catching fire and the insulative wrap increasing the temperature of the suppressor by impeding heat exchange.

[0056] In addition to a need to attach a heat shield or perforated bum guard, it may be desirable to add a glass breaker to the distal end of a suppressor for the purpose of breaching auto glass or other windows by law enforcement. Adding yet some other attachment to the suppressor may be desirable, such as a muzzle brake. Since a suppressor is typically provided with a smooth cylindrical housing and lacks other features for securing an attachment, a need exists for securing an attachment to a suppressor.

[0057] The present disclosure addresses this need and others by providing a suppressor endcap having features that enable removable attachment of an accessory. In some embodiments, the endcap is configured for toolless attachment and removal of an accessory, such as a heat shield or burn shield. For example, an accessory can include bolt heads or like structure that are received in corresponding recesses, where rotating the accessory about the central axis moves the bolt heads into a seated position similar to the operation of a bayonet mount. Leaf springs can be added to the accessory to bias the accessory to a particular axial position, namely, into engagement with a seat when in the seated or installed position. In some such embodiments, the user pushes the accessory axially rearward against spring pressure to move the bolt heads to an unblocked position that enables rotation of the accessory to a clearance position for removal from the recess, or similarly to a captured position in the slot for installation. Alternately, or in addition, the endcap can be configured to secure the accessory using tools for at least part of the installation. For example, a base of a glass breaker accessory can be rigidly installed on the endcap using the method described above. In addition, threaded fasteners can be advanced through the base and into engagement with the endcap (e.g., into bolt recesses) to provide rigid and secure attachment of the glass breaker accessory.

[0058] As used herein, terms referencing direction, such as upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, left, right, front, back, etc., are used for convenience to describe components of a gun oriented in a traditional shooting position with the barrel extending horizontally in front of the user. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by these directional references, and it is contemplated that a suppressor, suppressor components, and accessories of the present disclosure could be used in any orientation.

[0059] Also, it should be noted that, while generally referred to herein as a suppressor for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the disclosed suppressor is not limited to that specific terminology and alternatively can be referred to, for example, as asilencer, a muzzle device, a signature attenuation device, or other terms. Also, while generally referred to herein as an endcap, the disclosed endcap alternatively can be referred to, for example, as a distal plate, a distal end, or other terminology. As will be further appreciated, the particular configuration (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of a suppressor or its components may have different configurations, for example, depending on whether the target application or end-use is military, tactical, or civilian in nature. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0060] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an endcap 150 for a suppressor 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the endcap 150 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is a side view showing a longitudinal section of the endcap 150 of FIG. 1.

[0061] In this example, the endcap 150 has a planar body 152 with a circular geometry. The body 152 is configured to be retained within the distal end of a suppressor housing 108. Other geometries of the body 152 are acceptable, including octagonal, oblong, or other suitable shape. As noted above, the endcap 150 can be formed as a single piece with a suppressor 100, a suppressor baffle stack, or other subassembly of a suppressor 100. The body 152 has a distal face 154 and a proximal face 156. The body 152 defines a central opening 158 for passage of a projectile. In this example, the body 152 is connected at the central opening 158 to an expanding passageway 160 that is configured as a flash hider that increases in size moving distally along a central axis 101 towards the central opening 158. In this example, the passageway 160 has a frustoconical geometry with a linear taper, although other geometries can be used, including those with a polygonal cross-section, with or without flutes, with or without a helical twist, and / or with or without addition passageways or openings, for example. In other embodiments, the body 152 omits the passageway 160 and simply defines the central opening 158. In some embodiments, the endcap 150 can define additional openings 159 positioned radially outside of the central opening 158. For example, such additional openings can reduce gas pressure in the suppressor during use by venting combustion gases from one or more volumes in the suppressor and therefore can be advantageous when used with semiautomatic and fully automatic rifles.

[0062] The endcap 150 has a plurality of pockets 162 that extend circumferentially along part of the body 152. Each pocket 162 is positioned adjacent the outer circumference and is open to the distal face 152. Here, each pocket 162 has a closed back 164, thus defining avolume that is open only through the distal face 154. The pockets 162 need not be completely closed in all embodiments; however, closed pockets 162 eliminate line-of-sight into the suppressor and thereby can improve flash suppression in some embodiments. Each pocketl62 has a larger opening portion 162a and a smaller opening portion 162b, where the larger opening portion 162a is sized to receive a stud head or the like and the smaller opening portion 162b is sized to receive the neck or the shaft of smaller stud diameter, but not the head. Accordingly, the head of a stud can be inserted into the pocket 162 via the larger opening portion 162a, then shifted circumferentially so that the head is captured within the volume of the pocket 162 behind or in contact with the body 152 at the location of the smaller opening portion 162b. In this example, the body 152 has three pockets 162 spaced circumferentially by 120° around the body 152. The endcap 150 can have more or fewer pockets 162.

[0063] Adjacent each pocket 162 the body 152 defines an optional wrench flat or receptacle 166. Each wrench flat or receptacle 166 is configured to facilitate rotation of the suppressor in the event that tools are needed to install or remove the suppressor from a firearm. Here, each receptacle 166 defines a through opening 168 that communicates with the corresponding pocket 162. The through opening 168 is optional, but having a through-opening 168 is useful to evacuate powder that may be trapped within the pocket 162 during an additive manufacturing process.

[0064] In some embodiments, the body 152 also defines a plurality of spring recesses 170 configured as a slot-like indentation in the distal face 154 that extends circumferentially. In this example, the spring recesses 170 are interspersed with the pockets and positioned roughly half-way between the outer circumference and the central opening 158; other locations are acceptable. In some embodiments, each spring recess 170 has a first portion of a first axial depth and a second portion of a second axial depth, where the first axial depth is greater than the second axial depth. Three spring recesses 170 are shown, although more or fewer spring recesses 170 can be present. In some embodiments, spring recesses 170 are omitted altogether.

[0065] In some embodiments, the body 152 defines a plurality of fastener recesses 172. In this example, fastener recesses 172 are located radially outside of each spring recess 170; other locations can be used. Fastener recesses 172 can have a conical, cylindrical, or other geometry and can be smooth or threaded, for example. In some embodiments, each fastener recess 172 is shaped to mate with the tip of a corresponding fastener. Here, three fastener recesses 172 are shown; more or fewer can be provided. Fastener recesses 172 can be omitted altogether or alternately can be configured as through-bores or threaded through-bores.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a close-up, perspective view showing a longitudinal section taken through a stud pocket 162 of the endcap 150 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is another close-up, perspective view showing a longitudinal section through a stud pocket 162 of the endcap 150 of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The pocket 162 has a guide surface 174 along part of the smaller opening portion 162b that facilitates moving a head of the stud from the larger opening portion 162b to the smaller opening portion 162a, or vice versa. The guide surface 174 extends in a circumferential direction. A seat or engagement surface 176 is along a distal portion of the inside of the pocket 162 and follows a conical shape. That is, the engagement surface 176 in this example is conical except where it is intersected by the opening of the pocket 162. The engagement surface 176 is positioned axially forward (distal) of the guide surface 174 and is configured to engage a head of a stud. Accordingly, in use, a head of a stud may contact the guide surface 174 while shifting from the larger opening portion 162a to the smaller opening portion 162b, followed by seating against the engagement surface 176 (or vice versa). In embodiments, where the accessory is biased forward by springs, for example, a head of a stud received in the smaller opening portion 162b of the pocket 162 is biased forward towards the engagement surface 176. As such, when the head of the stud is installed in the pocket 162 in contact with the engagement surface 176, the stud (and therefore the accessory) resists movement toward the larger opening portion 162a without first moving rearward to a clearance position where the head can travel along the guide surface 174.

[0067] FIG. 6A is a front perspective view showing a suppressor 100 with and endcap 150 and an accessory 250 in a partially installed condition, and FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section of the endcap 150 and accessory 250 of FIG. 6A in the partially installed condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] In this example, the accessory 250 is a heat shield having a cylindrical body 252 extending along the central axis 101. At its distal end, the heat shield has a plurality of fingers 254 that extend radially inward from the body 252 toward the central axis 101. Each finger 254 corresponds to one of the pockets 162 on the endcap 150. At its radially inner end, each finger 254 includes a headed stud portion 256 that extends axially rearward from the finger 254. The stud portion 256 has a head 256a and a shaft 256b, where the head 256a has a greater size (e.g., diameter) than the neck or the shaft 256b. The shaft 256b extends from the arm 254 to the head 256a and the shaft 256b and head 256a are sized so that the head 256a can be received in the pocket 162 in the installed state. As shown in FIG. 6A, the head 256a of each stud portion 256 is received in a corresponding pocket 162 via the larger opening portion 162a, which is sized to receive the head 256a.

[0069] The heat shield accessory 250 also includes a plurality of leaf springs 260 that are connected to an inside of the body 252 and extend radially inward towards the central axis 101. Each leaf spring 260 includes an end 262 configured and arranged to engage the endcap 150. In this example, the end 262 of each leaf spring 260 extends axially rearward and is sized to be received in a corresponding spring recess 170. The leaf springs 260 are configured to be flexible and resilient. As such, the leaf springs 260 can deflect axially to provide a spring force on the endcap 150 that biases the accessory 250 axially forward so that heads 256a of the stud portions 256 contact the engagement surface 176 when the accessory 250 is rotated to the installed position.

[0070] In the partially installed state, corresponding to the “off’ position indicated on the surface of the heat shield, heads 256a of stud portions 256 are received in corresponding pockets 260. The accessory 250 is therefore ready to be rotated toward the “on” position or installed position where the head 256a of each stud portion 256 is captured in the smaller opening portion 162b of the pocket 162. Alternately, in the position shown in FIG. 6A the accessory 250 can be removed in a forward direction since the stud portions 256 are not captured by pockets 162. In some embodiments, the accessory 250 rotates from 10-30°, including about 15-20°, between a disengaged position (for removal / installation) to a seated position (installed).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6B, the head 256a is received in the pocket 162 at the larger opening portion 162a. In this position, the head 256a can travel along the guide surface 174 of the pocket 162. In this partially installed state, note also that the end 262 of each leaf spring 260 is received in the first portion 170a of the spring recess 170. As a result of the first portion 170a having a greater axial depth than the second portion 170b, the leaf spring 260 is deflected to a lesser extent and therefore provides a reduced spring force against the endcap 150.

[0072] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view showing the suppressor 100, endcap 150, and accessory 250 of FIG. 6A, where the accessory 250 has been rotated toward the “on” position to an installed or seated condition. FIG. 7B is a front, perspective view showing a longitudinal section taken along the central axis 101 of the suppressor endcap 150 and accessory 250 of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C is a side view showing a longitudinal section of the endcap 150 and accessory 250 of FIG. 7B, where the accessory 250 is in an installed or seated condition. Note that the head 256a of finger 254 and end 262 of leaf spring 260 are positioned axially forward compared to the position shown in FIG. 6B.

[0073] In the installed or seated condition, heads 256a are captured in pockets 162 with the shaft 256b extending through the smaller opening section 162b. Ends 262 of leaf springs 262have rotated to occupy the second portion 170b of the spring recess 170, which has a shallower axial depth. As such, the leaf springs 260 provide a greater spring force to bias the heads 256a forward against the engagement surface 176 in the corresponding pocket 162 (also shown in FIGS. 4-5).

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates a front, perspective view of a suppressor 100 with an installed accessory 250, which is configured as a heat shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the heat shield has stud portions 256 that are captured in pockets 162 on the endcap 150. Leaf springs 260 engage the endcap 150 and bias the stud portions 256 into engagement with the wall of the pocket 162. From this installed condition, the heat shield can be removed by first displacing axially rearward against the spring force of the leaf springs 260, then rotating the heat shield about the central axis 101 toward the “off’ position such that the stud portions 256 are in the larger opening portion 162b of the pockets 160. Then, the heat shield can be slid axially forward off of the suppressor 100.

[0075] FIG. 9 illustrates a front, perspective view of a suppressor 100 with an installed accessory 250 configured as a glass breaker assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the accessory 250 includes an annular body 252 that includes stud portions 256 (not visible; shown in FIG. 35) that are received in the pockets 162 on the endcap 150 similar to as discussed above. The accessory 250 also includes threaded fastener inserts 264 that extend through the body 252 with proximal ends of the studs 264 received in corresponding fastener recesses 172 (shown, e.g., in FIG. 1). When advanced into the fastener recesses 172, the fastener inserts 264 cause the stud portions 256 to tightly engage the pockets 162 and the accessory 250 is stabilized against the endcap 150. In some embodiments, separate carbide tips 166 can be installed in bores in each insert 264 or distal end of each fastener insert. Alternately, the fastener insert 264 can be configured as an integral glass breaker.

[0076] FIGS. 10-17 illustrate various views of a suppressor assembly 110 with an accessory 250 installed on an endcap 150 of a suppressor 100, where the accessory 250 is configured as a heat shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates a front-end view; FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view; FIG. 12 illustrates a front, first side, and perspective view; FIG. 13 illustrates a front, second side, and perspective view; FIG. 14 illustrates a first side view; FIG. 15 illustrates a second side view; FIG. 17 illustrates a top view; and FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the heat shield and endcap of FIG. 11.

[0077] FIGS. 18-25 illustrate various views of a suppressor 100 with an endcap 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates a front-end view;FIG. 19 illustrates an isometric view; FIG. 20 illustrates a front, first side, and perspective view; FIG. 21 illustrates a front, second side, and perspective view; FIG. 22 illustrates a first side view; FIG. 23 illustrates a second side view; FIG. 24 illustrates a top view; and FIG. 25 illustrates a bottom view.

[0078] FIGS. 26-33 illustrate various views of a suppressor assembly 110 with a suppressor 100 having an endcap 150 and an accessory 250 installed on the endcap 150, where the accessory 250 is configured as a glass breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 illustrates a front-end view; FIG. 27 illustrates a front perspective view; FIG. 28 illustrates a front, top, and first-side view showing part of the suppressor lOOand the glass breaker accessory 250; FIG. 29 illustrates a front, top, and second-side view showing part of the suppressor 100 and glass breaker accessory 250; FIG. 30 illustrates a first side view; FIG. 31 illustrates a second side view; FIG. 33 illustrates a top view; and FIG. 34 illustrates a bottom view.

[0079] FIGS. 34-41 illustrate various views of an accessory 250 configured as a glass breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 34 illustrates a front perspective view; FIG. 35 illustrates a rear perspective view; FIG. 36 illustrates a front elevational view; FIG. 37 illustrates a rear elevational view; FIG. 38 illustrates a first side view; FIG. 39 illustrates a second side view; FIG. 40 illustrates a top view; and FIG. 41 illustrates a bottom view.FURTHER EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0080] The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

[0081] Example 1 is a suppressor endcap having a body defining an opening for passage of a projectile. The body defines a plurality of stud pockets distributed about the opening, each of the stud pockets having a larger opening portion and a smaller opening portion.

[0082] Example 2 includes the suppressor endcap of Example 1 and further includes a tapered passageway expanding in size moving distally along a central axis to the central opening. The tapered passageway can have a conical geometry, for example.

[0083] Example 3 includes the suppressor endcap of Example 1 or 2, where the body further defines a plurality of fastener recesses.

[0084] Example 4 includes the suppressor endcap of Example 3, where the fastener recesses are interspersed circumferentially with the plurality of stud pockets.

[0085] Example 5 includes the suppressor endcap of any of Examples 1-4, where the stud pockets have a closed back.

[0086] Example 6 includes the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 1-5, where the body defines a plurality of spring recesses, each of the plurality of spring recesses in the form of a groove extending circumferentially along a distal face of the body.

[0087] Example 7 includes the suppressor endcap of Example 6, where each of the plurality of spring recesses has a first portion of a first axial depth and a second portion of a second axial depth, wherein the first axial depth is greater than the second axial depth.

[0088] Example 8 includes the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 6 or 7, where the spring recesses are interspersed circumferentially with the stud pockets.

[0089] Example 9 includes the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 1-8, where the plurality of stud pockets includes from 2-4 stud pockets.

[0090] Example 10 includes the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 1-9, where each stud pocket defines a guide surface extending circumferentially along part of the smaller opening portion and defines an engagement surface in an end portion of the stud pocket having the smaller opening portion, where the guide surface is axially rearward of the engagement surface.

[0091] Example 11 includes the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 1-10, where the suppressor endcap is made of titanium or titanium alloy.

[0092] Example 12 includes the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 1-10, where the suppressor endcap is made of stainless steel or Inconel.

[0093] Example 13 is suppressor comprising the suppressor endcap of any one of Examples 1-12.

[0094] Example 14 is suppressor assembly comprising a suppressor having a tubular housing extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end and having an endcap in the second end with a planar body defining a central opening for passage of a projectile. The body defines a plurality of stud pockets distributed circumferentially about the central opening, each of the stud pockets having a larger opening portion and a smaller opening portion. An accessory is configured to mount to the end cap via the plurality of stud pockets.

[0095] Example 15 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 14, where the accessory is configured as a heat shield.

[0096] Example 16 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 14, where the accessory is configured as a burn shield.

[0097] Example 17 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 16, where the bum shield is perforated along a length of the burn shield.

[0098] Example 18 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 14, where the accessory is configured as a glass breaker.

[0099] Example 19 includes the suppressor assembly of any one of Examples 14-17, where the accessory is made of titanium, stainless steel, Inconel, or an alloy comprising one or more of these materials.

[0100] Example 20 includes the suppressor assembly of any one of Examples 14-17, where the accessory includes a tubular body extending along the central axis to a distal end, a plurality of arms extending radially inward from the distal end of the tubular body with each arm of the plurality of arms having a stud portion with a shaft extending axially rearward from the arm to a head, where the head has a greater size than the shaft, and wherein the head is sized to be received in the stud pocket via the larger opening portion.

[0101] Example 21 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 20, where the accessor further includes a plurality of leaf springs extending radially inward from the distal end portion of the tubular body, each leaf spring having a free end configured to engage the endcap when the stud portion of each of the plurality of arms is received in a corresponding stud pocket.

[0102] Example 22 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 21, where the endcap defines a spring recess for each leaf spring and configured to receive the free end of the leaf spring.

[0103] Example 23 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 22, where the spring recess has a first portion of a first axial depth and a second portion of a second axial depth that is less than the first axial depth. In an installed condition, the free end of each leaf spring engages the second portion of the spring recess.

[0104] Example 24 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 18, where the glass breaker has an annular body, a plurality of stud portions extending axially rearward from a proximal face of the annular body and each of the stud portions having a shaft and a head. The annular body defines through openings. Fastener inserts are configured to be installed in the through openings.

[0105] Example 25 includes the suppressor assembly of Example 24, where the endcap defines fastener recesses corresponding to the through openings. When installed, a proximal end of each of the fastener inserts is received in one of the fastener recesses.

[0106] Example 26 is a method of installing an accessory on a suppressor, the method comprising providing the suppressor of claim 13; providing an accessory having a body andheaded stud portions extending axially rearward; moving the accessory to the endcap so that the headed stud portions of the accessory align with the larger opening portion of the stud pockets; inserting the head of the stud portions into the stud pockets via the larger opening portion; and rotating the accessory so that the head of each stud portion is captured in the corresponding stud pocket and the shaft of the stud portion extends through the smaller opening portion.

[0107] Example 27 includes the method of Example 26, where the accessory includes a tubular body and leaf springs extending radially inward from the tubular body to a free end, and where inserting the head of the stud portions into the stud pockets includes deflecting the leaf springs by engagement of the free end of the leaf springs with the endcap.

[0108] Example 28 includes the method of Example 26 and includes releasing the accessory, after rotating the accessory, thereby seating the heads of the stud portions in the stud pockets.

[0109] Example 29 includes the method of Example 26, where the accessory has an annular body with a front surface and a rear surface, and where the stud portions extend axially rearward from the rear surface.

[0110] Example 30 includes the method of Example 29, where the annular body defines through openings and the accessory includes fastener inserts configured to be installed through the through openings. The method further includes advancing the fastener inserts through the through openings so that proximal ends of the fasteners extend from the rear surface of the annular body and into engagement with the endcap.

[0111] The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A suppressor endcap comprising:a body defining an opening for passage of a projectile;wherein the body defines a plurality of stud pockets distributed about the opening, each of the stud pockets having a larger opening portion and a smaller opening portion.

2. The suppressor endcap of claim 1, wherein the body further defines a plurality of fastener recesses.

3. The suppressor endcap of claim 2, wherein the fastener recesses are interspersed circumferentially with the plurality of stud pockets.

4. The suppressor end cap of claim 1, wherein the stud pockets have a closed back.

5. The suppressor endcap of claim 1, wherein the body defines a plurality of spring recesses, each of the plurality of spring recesses in the form of a groove extending circumferentially along a distal face of the body.

6. The suppressor endcap of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of spring recesses has a first portion of a first axial depth and a second portion of a second axial depth, wherein the first axial depth is greater than the second axial depth.

7. The suppressor endcap of claim 1, wherein each stud pocket defines a guide surface extending circumferentially along part of the smaller opening portion and an engagement surface in an end portion of the stud pocket having the smaller opening portion, wherein the guide surface is axially rearward of the engagement surface.

8. A suppressor comprising the suppressor endcap of any one of claims 1-7.

9. A suppressor assembly comprising:a suppressor having a tubular housing extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end and having an endcap in the second end with a planar body defining an opening for passage of a projectile, wherein the body defines a plurality of stud pockets distributed circumferentially about the opening, each of the stud pockets having a larger opening portion and a smaller opening portion; andan accessory configured to mount to the end cap via the plurality of stud pockets.

10. The suppressor assembly of claim 9, wherein the accessory is configured as a heat shield.

11. The suppressor assembly of claim 9, wherein the accessory is configured as a bum shield.

12. The suppressor assembly of claim 11, wherein the burn shield is perforated along a length of the burn shield.

13. The suppressor assembly of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the accessory comprises a glass breaker.

14. The suppressor assembly of claim 13, wherein the glass breaker comprises:an annular body;a plurality of stud portions extending axially rearward from a proximal face of the annular body, each of the stud portions having a shaft and a head;through openings in the annular body; andfastener inserts configured to be installed in the through openings.

15. The suppressor assembly of claim 14, wherein the endcap defines fastener recesses corresponding to the through openings, wherein when installed, a proximal end of each of the fastener inserts is received in one of the fastener recesses.

16. The suppressor assembly of claim 9, wherein the accessory is made of titanium, stainless steel, Inconel, or an alloy thereof.

17. The suppressor assembly of claim 9, wherein the accessory comprises:a tubular body extending along the central axis to a distal end; anda plurality of arms extending radially inward from the distal end of the tubular body, each arm of the plurality of arms having a stud portion with a shaft extending axially rearward from the arm to a head, wherein the head has a greater size than the shaft and wherein the head is sized to be received in the stud pocket via the larger opening portion.

18. The suppressor assembly of claim 17, wherein the accessory further comprises:a plurality of leaf springs extending radially inward from the distal end of the tubular body, each leaf spring having a free end configured to engage the endcap whenthe stud portion of each of the plurality of arms is received in a corresponding stud pocket.

19. The suppressor assembly of claim 18, wherein the endcap defines a spring recess for each leaf spring and configured to receive the free end of the leaf spring.

20. The suppressor assembly of claim 19, wherein the spring recess has a first portion of a first axial depth and a second portion of a second axial depth that is less than the first axial depth, wherein in an installed condition, the free end of each leaf spring engages the second portion of the spring recess.

21. A method of installing an accessory on a suppressor, the method comprising:providing a suppressor having a tubular housing extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end and having an endcap in the second end with a planar body defining an opening for passage of a projectile, wherein the body defines a plurality of stud pockets distributed circumferentially about the opening, each of the stud pockets having a larger opening portion and a smaller opening portion; providing an accessory having a body and headed stud portions extending axially rearward;moving the accessory axially to the endcap so that the headed stud portions of the accessory align with the larger opening portion of the stud pockets;inserting the head of the stud portions into the stud pockets via the larger opening portion; androtating the accessory so that the head of the stud portion is captured in the stud pocket and the shaft of the stud portion extends through the smaller opening portion.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the accessory includes a tubular body and leaf springs extending radially inward from the tubular body to a free end, and wherein inserting the head of the stud portions into the stud pockets includes deflecting the leaf springs by engagement of the free end of the leaf springs with the endcap.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, comprising:releasing the accessory, after rotating the accessory, thereby seating the heads of the stud portions in the stud pockets.

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