Firearm flash arrestor device

A firearm flash arrestor device may include a housing having a housing cavity. An entrance cap, having an entrance aperture, may be coupled to a first end of the housing, and an exit cap, having an exit aperture, may be coupled to an opposing second end of the housing. The device may also include one or more baffles configured to be positioned within the housing cavity. Each baffle may include a baffle wall that may be coupled to a baffle plate, a central aperture that may be disposed in the baffle plate, and one or more peripheral apertures that may be formed into the baffle plate and baffle wall. The one or more baffles may be disposed in the housing cavity so that the central aperture of each baffle is aligned with the entrance aperture and exit aperture to provide a path for a projectile to travel through the device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of flame and spark arresting devices. More specifically, this patent specification relates to a flash arrestor device for use with a firearm that is configured to arrest flame and spark exiting from the firearm without hindering the ability of a projectile to exit the firearm.

BACKGROUND

Flash Arrestors have been used in Industries to protect sources of flammable gases and other materials from being exposed to spark or flame which can travel down a pipe line to the source causing an explosion. Typically, industries use spark arrestors in line to allow the flow of gas or liquid that is flammable to be utilized at the end user to be burned or other uses, the flash arrestor prevents intentional flame or accidental flame from traveling back down the line in reverse and causing an explosion.

Unfortunately, flash arrestors and spark arrestors have not been adapted for use with firearms. In professional work places such as law enforcement and fire and rescue, it is essential that armed persons secure a facility or location that has a potential risk of combatants that are armed at the same time the location may additional risk factors such as a flour mill, 2 wood mill, oil platform or gas refinery. All these areas have a potential threat of explosion while security forces engage armed or dangerous suspects. Further individuals that would greatly benefit from flash arrestor devices are hunters in areas where the landscape may be dry and may cause a fire if the grasses or wooded materials catch fire, further yet during self-protection flames and debris would be greatly reduced in coming in contact with but not limited to human or animal flesh, causing burns or materials in the environment catch fire.

Therefore, a need exists for novel flash arrestor devices for firearms. A further need exists for novel flash arrestor devices that allows a flame or controlled explosion of detention to expel a projectile while working to limit the explosion, detention and/or ability of the flame to exit with the projectile while at the same time working to limit the back flow of those same gases, flames and or detonation to go back in the opposite direction from which they came. There is also a need for novel flash arrestor devices for firearms that are able to protect the area outside of the device from the source of the pressure utilized to expel the projectile out of the firearm while also not hindering the ability of the projectile to exit the firearm and device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A firearm flash arrestor device is provided which allows a flame or controlled explosion of detention to expel a projectile from a firearm while working to limit the explosion, detention and/or flame to exit with the projectile while at the same time working to limit the back flow of those same gases, flames and or detonation to go back in the opposite direction from which they came. In some embodiments, the firearm flash arrestor device may include a housing having a housing cavity. An entrance cap, having an entrance aperture, may be coupled to a first end of the housing, and an exit cap, having an exit aperture, may be coupled to an opposing 3 second end of the housing. The device may also include one or more baffles configured to be positioned within the housing cavity. Each baffle may include a baffle wall that may be coupled to a baffle plate, a central aperture that may be disposed in the baffle plate, and one or more peripheral apertures that may be formed into the baffle plate and baffle wall. The one or more baffles may be disposed in the housing cavity so that the baffle wall of each baffle is relatively proximate to the entrance cap while the baffle plate of each baffle is relatively proximate to the exit cap and so that the central aperture of each baffle is aligned with the entrance aperture and exit aperture. A projectile, from a firearm to which the device may be coupled, may travel through the device by passing through the entrance aperture and through the one or more central apertures to exit the device via the exit aperture while combustion products, such as flame, sparks, etc., may be arrested within the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this 6 application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.FIGS. 1 and 5illustrate an example of a firearm flash arrestor device (“the device”)100according to various embodiments. The device100is configured to arrest flame and spark exiting from the firearm without hindering the ability of a projectile to exit the firearm. The device100may be used with any type of firearm, such as rifles, pistols, cannons, artillery, air rifles, tanks, handheld launching devices, such as but not limited to RPG's, Rocket Launchers, etc. It should be understood that the device100may be used on stationary firearms as well as on mobile firearms and mobile firearm platforms.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a housing11which may have a housing cavity12that may be sized and shaped to receive one or more baffles31. An entrance cap13, having an entrance aperture17, may be coupled to a first end14of the housing11, and an exit cap15, having an exit aperture18, may be coupled to an opposing second end167of the housing11. The housing cavity12may extend between the first end14and the second end16, and the entrance13and exit cap15may govern access to the housing cavity12. A baffle31may comprise a baffle wall32that may be coupled to a baffle plate33. A central aperture34may be disposed in the baffle plate33, and one or more peripheral apertures35may be formed into the baffle plate33and baffle wall32. The one or more baffles31may be disposed in the housing cavity12so that the baffle wall32of each baffle31is relatively proximate to the entrance cap13while the baffle plate33of each baffle31is relatively proximate to the exit cap15and so that the central aperture34of each baffle3115aligned with the entrance aperture17and exit aperture18.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a housing11which may be configured to contain and align one or more baffles31in a housing cavity12. A housing11, and its housing cavity12, may be configured in any shape and size. In preferred embodiments, a housing11may be generally cylindrical in shape. A housing11may be made from or may comprise steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, other types of metal or metal alloys, ceramics such as alumina, porcelain, and boron carbide, various types of hard plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) also known as acrylic, melamine, hard rubbers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, or any other material including combinations of materials that are substantially rigid and suitable for withstanding heat and materials that exit a firearm.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise one or more baffles31that may be coupled together in a generally non-removable manner, such as with heat bonding or welding, adhesive, by being integrally formed or molded, 3D printing, etc. In some 8 embodiments, the device100may comprise one or more baffles31that may be coupled together and/or to a housing11in a generally non-removable manner, such as with heat bonding or welding, adhesive, by being integrally formed or molded, 3D printing, etc.

In preferred embodiments, the device100may comprise an entrance cap13that may be removably coupled to the housing11and/or an exit cap15that may be removably coupled to the housing11so that the cap(s)13,15, may be configured to removably contain the one or more baffles31within the housing cavity12of the housing11. In some embodiments, a cap13,15, may be removably coupled to the housing11via threading19, a turn-to-lock connection method, or any other removable coupling method. Optionally, a cap13,15, may comprise one or more fastening apertures21, depressions, ridges, cutouts, texturing, etc., which may provide purchase for a wrench or other tool that may be used to facilitate the ability of a user to couple and uncouple a cap13,15, to the housing11. In alternative embodiments, an entrance cap13or an exit cap15may be coupled to the housing11and/or a baffle31in a generally non-removable manner.

The device100may be coupled to the muzzle of a firearm so that anything exiting the muzzle must pass through the device100. In some embodiments, the device100may be coupled to a muzzle via a threaded adapter which is configured to be removably coupled to the barrel/muzzle of a firearm and which may also be removably coupled to the device100, such as to the entrance cap13. In other embodiments, any suitable method or device for coupling the device100to the barrel/muzzle of a firearm may be used, such as pinning, quick release, welding, gluing/adhesive, etc.

The device100may comprise one or more baffles31which may be configured to direct flame, sparks, gasses, and other combustion products across and through the baffles31so9that any flame, sparks, etc., are arrested or extinguished before exiting the device100. In some embodiments, the device100may comprise one or more baffles31which may be coupled together so that the one or more baffles31may be not be separated from each other. In some embodiments, the device100may comprise one or more baffles31which may not be coupled together within the housing cavity12so that the one or more baffles31may be separated from each other.

Each baffle31may comprise a central aperture34through which a bullet or other projectile may travel through as the bullet or other projectile passes through the baffle31. The central apertures34of the baffles31may be aligned with the entrance aperture17of the entrance cap13and with the exit aperture18of the exit cap15to provide a path for a bullet or other projectile to pass through the device100.

A baffle31may comprise a baffle wall32that may be coupled to a baffle plate33. A baffle wall32may comprise a wall exterior surface36and a wall interior surface37. A baffle wall32may be configured in any shape and size. In preferred embodiments, a baffle wall32may comprise a generally cylindrical shape. In further preferred embodiments, a baffle wall32may comprise a generally cylindrical shape that tapers or decreases in size so that portions of the baffle wall32proximate to the baffle plate33may have a relatively smaller circumference than portions of the baffle wall32distal to the baffle plate33. In alternative embodiments, a baffle wall32may comprise a generally cylindrical shape that tapers or decreases in size so that portions of the baffle wall32distal to the baffle plate33may have a relatively smaller circumference than portions of the baffle wall32proximate to the baffle plate33.

A wall exterior surface36and a wall interior surface37of a baffle wall32may be coupled to one or more wall distal surfaces38that may form the portions of the baffle wall3210that are positioned farthest from the baffle plate33. In preferred embodiments, the one or more wall distal surfaces38may comprise or be arranged in a generally circular or ring shape. Preferably, the one or more wall distal surfaces38of a baffle31may contact the baffle plate33of an adjacent baffle31or they may contact an entrance cap13depending on the position of the respective baffle31in the housing cavity12.

A baffle plate33may be configured in any shape and size and may comprise a plate interior surface39and a plate exterior surface41which may be opposingly positioned to each other. Preferably, the baffle plate33may be coupled to portions of the baffle wall32that are distal to the wall distal surface(s)38. The wall interior surface37of a baffle wall32and the plate interior surface39of a baffle plate33may generally form a baffle cavity42of any shape and size, but which may be shaped and sized to allow a projectile to pass through the baffle cavity42.

In some embodiments, a baffle plate33may comprise one or more plate interior projections43which may be formed on or coupled to the plate interior surface39. Plate interior projections43may be configured in any shape and size and may generally extend away from or above a plate interior surface39. In preferred embodiments, a plate interior projection43may be generally annular in shape and may extend around the central aperture34. In further embodiments, a baffle plate33may comprise one or more plate interior depressions which may be formed on or coupled to the plate interior surface39and which may generally extend into or below a plate interior surface39.

A baffle31may comprise one or more peripheral apertures35may be formed into the baffle plate33and/or into the baffle wall32, In preferred embodiments, a baffle31may comprise one or more peripheral apertures35that may be formed into both the baffle plate3311and into the baffle wall32. Peripheral apertures35may be configured in any shape and size. For example, a peripheral aperture35may comprise a half circular shape, as perhaps best shown inFIG. 3, a circular shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, a combination of shapes, etc. In preferred embodiments, all or portions of one or more peripheral apertures35may be formed into the baffle plate33and positioned to encircle or otherwise surround the central aperture34.

In some embodiments, a baffle plate33may comprise one or more plate peripheral projections44which may extend past the portions of the baffle plate33that are coupled to the baffle wall32. Plate peripheral projections44may be configured in any shape and size. Each plate peripheral projection44may comprise one or more plate peripheral surfaces45which may form the portions of the plate peripheral projection44that are furthest from the central aperture34. The plate peripheral surfaces45and the widest portions of the baffle wall32may form the portions of a baffle31which may contact the interior of the housing11when the baffle31is positioned within the housing cavity12. In further embodiments, the baffle wall32may comprise one or more projections similar to the plate peripheral projections44which may contact the interior of the housing11when the baffle31is positioned within the housing cavity12.

In some embodiments, a baffle31may comprise one or more plate recesses46which may be formed into a baffle plate33. A plate recess46may comprise a cutout or depression which may be formed into a baffle plate33proximate to a peripheral aperture35. A plate recess46may configured in any shape and size and may be configured to direct the motion of combustion products from a firearm as and/or after the combustion products pass through a peripheral aperture35. In preferred embodiments, a plate recess46may be formed in contact12with or proximate to a peripheral aperture35, and both the plate recess46and peripheral aperture35may be positioned between two adjacent plate peripheral projections44.

In some embodiments, a baffle31may comprise one or more wall recesses47which may be formed into a baffle wall32. Similar to a plate recess46, a wall recess47may comprise a cutout or depression which may be formed into a baffle wall32proximate to a peripheral aperture35. A wall recess47may configured in any shape and size and may be configured to direct the motion of combustion products from a firearm before and/or as the combustion products pass through a peripheral aperture35. In preferred embodiments, a wall recess47may be formed in contact with or proximate to a peripheral aperture35, and both wall recess47and peripheral aperture35may be positioned between two adjacent plate peripheral projections44. A plate recess46and/or a wall recess47may govern the shape and positioning of a peripheral aperture35by forming the portion of a baffle plate33and baffle wall32, respectively, that may be removed or otherwise formed into the baffle31to form the peripheral aperture35.

In some embodiments, the construction of one or more elements of the device100may be coated in any manner of method and/or material or combination of coatings. In some embodiments, the construction of one or more elements of the device100may not be coated at all. In some embodiments, the device100may include one or more chambers, baffles31, gaskets, any combination of the prior stated methods as well as liquids, semi-liquids, gels or non liquids which may be inserted or positioned within the housing11that may work in conjunction with or separately with other internals components that may be utilized to disrupt and capture, but not limited to, the exhaust gasses, spark and, or flames from exiting the device100that may13cause harm by but not limited to, causing a fire, and or bodily harm, property damage, or combination of prior mentioned.

The device100comprises a path by which a projectile will travel, from a firearm to which the device100may be attached, through the device10to exit the device100. The device100shape and size and other dimensions will be of one that is suited to the firearm that the device100may be attached to. For example, a tank or artillery may have a larger sized device100compared to a device100configured to be coupled to a pistol due to the amount of gasses created and the size of flame as well as pressure created that will determine the appropriate design to contain but not limited to the flash, gasses, spark in a safe manner, and the designs will be such that each device100variation will be best suited for the use as a “Firearm Flash Arrestor”. The device100will work to prevent fires, burns and exposure to debris from the firearm that may cause damage or harm outside the intended use of the firearm. The device100is not intended to make the firearm intended use to which it is coupled any safer. A firearm is intended to fire a projectile to kill or destroy a target, and the device100will not make the projectile safe or prevent it from killing or harming.

Any suitable method may be used to construct the elements of the device100, including but not limited to, machining, extruding, 3D printing, hand carving, casting, injection molding, etc.

While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device100, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that a housing11, baffle31, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-14geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device100may be made from or may comprise durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or may comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further15embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device100.