Patent Publication Number: US-10782083-B2

Title: Muzzle device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/441,118, filed on Feb. 23, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/166,644, filed on May 27, 2016, and now abandoned, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a muzzle device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a muzzle device attachable to the muzzle end of a firearm for simultaneously countering recoil, reducing unwanted rising of the barrel, and suppressing muzzle flash that normally occurs after firing. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Currently, muzzle brakes are used in various forms on firearms to reduce both recoil and muzzle rise or muzzle climb. Recoil is the backward momentum of a firearm after it is discharged, which is a counter force to the forward momentum of the projectile and exhaust gases exiting the firearm. Muzzle rise is the tendency of the muzzle end of the barrel to rise after firing, which occurs primarily because, for most firearms, the centerline of the barrel is above the center of contact between the shooter and the grips and stock of the firearm. The reactive forces from the fired bullet and propellant gases exiting the muzzle act directly down the centerline of the barrel. If that line of force is above the center of the contact points, this creates a force that makes the muzzle end rise upward. 
     Additionally, muzzle flash suppressor devices are currently used on firearms to manipulate vented gases to reduce or eliminate muzzle flash—the visible light of a muzzle blast, which expels high temperature and high pressure gases from the muzzle of a firearm. 
     Currently, a need exists for a muzzle device that is designed to simultaneously counter recoil, reduce muzzle rise, and suppress muzzle flash. Unlike existing devices that focus on correcting one of these unwanted reactions of a fired projectile, a need exists for a muzzle device that simultaneously reduces all three of the above mentioned physical effects of firing a firearm. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that a need exists in the art for a muzzle device which overcomes, mitigates or solves the above problems in the art. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art which will become more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above described drawbacks associated with current muzzle devices. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present disclosure describes a muzzle device that simultaneously reduces recoil, muzzle rise, and muzzle flash. 
     The disclosed muzzle device generally comprises a body including a cylindrical wall, wherein the body has a proximal end configured for attachment to the firearm muzzle and a distal end. The muzzle device further includes a projectile opening extending therethrough and a plurality of radial baffles and vent openings formed through the body of the device. 
     The disclosed apparatus is believed to solve, in a new and unique fashion, many problems related to current muzzle devices by providing a single device that counteracts many physical effects of firing a projectile from a firearm. This, together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is described illustrative embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a side elevation view of a muzzle device showing the internal structure of the muzzle device, wherein the muzzle device is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side elevation view of a muzzle device showing the internal structure of the muzzle device, wherein the muzzle device is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a is a sectional view of a muzzle device showing the internal structure of the muzzle device, wherein the muzzle device is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side elevation view of a muzzle device showing the internal structure of the muzzle device, wherein the muzzle device is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is an end view of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a magnified partial view of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of a muzzle device showing the internal structure of the muzzle device, wherein the muzzle device is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of a muzzle device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an adjustable needle of a muzzle device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of a muzzle device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a muzzle device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a muzzle device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” are used in the specification to describe the embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying Figures. It should be appreciated that in actual use, an embodiment of the invention may be rotated as needed to accomplish the objectives of the invention. As a result of such rotation, the various terms used herein of “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” and the like may not literally apply to a particular arrangement. Such terms are relative and are used herein to describe the Figures for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments shown to any particular orientation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-9 , exemplary embodiments of a muzzle device and methods of use in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. 
     Turning to the Figures for illustrative purpose,  FIG. 1A  is a side elevation view of a muzzle device according to the present disclosure. The muzzle device  20  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1B  generally includes a body  21 , the body having a proximal end  22  and a distal end  23 ; a cylindrical wall  25  defining the body; a projectile opening  24  extending through the body; an attachment opening  26  on the proximal end of the device configured to attach to a muzzle end of a firearm; and a plurality of radial baffles and vent openings formed through the body of the device. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the muzzle device may include a first left baffle  27   a,  a first right baffle  27   b,  a second left baffle  28   a,  and second right baffle  28   b,  a third left baffle  29   a,  a third right baffle  29   b,  a fourth left baffle  30   a  and a fourth right baffle  30   b.  Additionally, the muzzle device shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B  includes a first left vent opening  32   a  defined by a lower wall  36   a  and an upper baffle wall  37   a,  a first right vent opening  32   b  defined by a lower wall  36   b  and an upper baffle wall  37   b,  a second left vent opening  33   a  defined by a lower baffle wall  38   a  and an upper baffle wall  39   a,  a second right vent opening  33   b  defined by a lower baffle wall  38   b  and an upper baffle wall  39   b,  a third left vent opening  34   a  defined by a lower baffle wall  40   a  and an upper baffle wall  41   a,  a third right vent opening  34   b  defined by a lower baffle wall  40   b  and an upper baffle wall  41   b,  a fourth left vent opening  35   a  defined by a lower baffle wall  42   a  and an upper baffle wall  43   a,  and a fourth right vent opening  35   b  defined by a lower baffle wall  42   b  and an upper baffle wall  43   b.  As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the muzzle device may further include one or more gas traps  31   a,    31   b,    31   c  and  31   d  formed in one or more of the upper baffle walls of the vent openings. Such gas traps are arranged and configured to trap additional gases exiting the firearm after firing. While the attached Figures, illustrate a muzzle device including four left baffles and four right baffles, and four left vent openings and four right vent openings, other embodiments are contemplated wherein more or less than four left baffles, four right baffles, four left vent openings, and/or four right vent openings are utilized, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the device may be designed to include at least three rows of baffles rather than only two rows of left and right baffles as shown in the attached drawings. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , a muzzle device is illustrated showing a projectile  44  exiting through the projectile opening  24 , which extends through the body of the muzzle device. The projectile opening of the muzzle device shown in  FIG. 4  defines a bore hole extending longitudinally through the center of the body from the proximal end to the distal end. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the lower wall  36   a  of the first left vent opening  32   a  and the lower wall  36   b  of the first right vent opening  32   b  converge. The projectile opening extends through both the lower wall  36   a  of the first left vent opening  32   a  and the lower wall  36   b  of the first right vent opening  32   b.  Likewise, the walls of the second left baffle  28   a  and the walls of the second right baffle  28   b  converge such that the upper baffle wall  39   a  of the second left vent opening  33   a  converges with the upper baffle wall  39   b  of the second right vent opening  33   b,  and the lower baffle wall  40   a  of the third left vent opening  34   a  converges with the lower baffle wall  40   b  of the third right vent opening  34   b.  Again the projectile opening  24  extends through the second left baffle and the second right baffle and through the upper walls of the second vent openings and the lower walls of the third vent openings. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the upper baffle wall  39   a  of the second left vent opening  33   a  is defined as two inclined walls which meet at an apex. Additionally the upper baffle wall  39   b  of the second right vent opening  33   b  is defined as two inclined walls which meet at an apex. The upper baffle wall  39   a  of the second left vent opening  33   a  converges with the upper baffle wall  39   b  of the second right vent opening  33   b  at the base of each respective wall, as can be seen in  FIGS. 1A-1B . Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the upper baffle walls  39   a  and  39   b  of the second vent openings  33   a  and  33   b  and/or the fourth vent openings  35   a  and  35   b  are formed with a more rounded apex, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3C . In such an embodiment, the upper baffle wall  39   a  of the second left vent opening  33   a  still converges with the upper baffle wall  39   b  of the second right vent opening  33   b  at the base of each respective wall, as can be seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3C . Furthermore, the fourth left baffle  30   a  and the fourth right baffle  30   b  converge such that the upper baffle wall  43   a  of the fourth left vent opening  35   a  converges with the upper baffle wall  43   b  of the fourth right vent opening  35   b.  Again the projectile opening extends through the fourth left baffle and the fourth right baffle and through the upper walls of the fourth vent openings. 
     In contrast to the second and fourth baffles, wherein the second left baffle converges with the second right baffle and the second baffles extend all the way in to the center of the device and surround the projectile opening and wherein the fourth left baffle converges with the fourth right baffle and the fourth baffles extend all the way in to the center of the device and surround the projectile opening, the first left baffle  27   a  does not converge with or intersect the first right baffle  27   b,  such that the upper baffle wall  37   a  of the first left vent opening  32   a  does not converge with the upper baffle wall  37   b  of the first right vent opening  32   b,  and the lower baffle wall  38   a  of the second left vent opening  33   a  does not converge with the lower baffle wall  38   b  of the second right vent opening  33   b.  Additionally, the first left baffle  27   a  and the first right baffle  27   b  do not extend all the way in to the projectile opening  24 , as can be best seen in  FIG. 4 . Void space is left between the edge of the first left baffle  27   a  and the projectile opening  24 , and void space is left between the edge of the first right baffle  27   b  and the projectile opening  24 . Likewise, the third left baffle  29   a  does not converge with or intersect the third right baffle  29   b,  such that the upper baffle wall  41   a  of the third left vent opening  34   a  does not converge with the upper baffle wall  41   b  of the third right vent opening  34   b,  and the lower baffle wall  42   a  of the fourth left vent opening  35   a  does not converge with the lower baffle wall  42   b  of the fourth right vent opening  35   b.  Additionally, the third left baffle  29   a  and the third right baffle  29   b  do not extend all the way in to the projectile opening. Void space is left between the edge of the third left baffle  29   a  and the projectile opening  24 , and void space is left between the edge of the third right baffle  29   b  and the projectile opening  24 , as can be best seen in  FIG. 4 . The void spaces between the interior walls of the first and third baffles and the projectile opening allow for more gas to exit through the radial vent openings rather than exiting through the projectile opening. 
     In one preferred embodiment contemplated herein, each of the baffles is positioned at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis  45  of the muzzle device, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 . While the baffles may be positioned at a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis of the muzzle device, and in some cases, the baffles may be positioned at an angle greater than 45°, ideally the baffles will be positioned at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the device, such as an angle between 20° and 40°. Such angles are ideal in order to redirect and control the burst of combustion gases that follow the departure of a projectile from a firearm. 
     While the attached Figures illustrated the disclosed device with an attachment opening  26  configured to attach to the muzzle end of a firearm, please note that the disclosed device can be attached to a firearm using any attachment means known to those skilled in the art for attaching a muzzle brake or similar device to the muzzle end of a firearm. The proximal end of the disclosed device may be internally threaded or externally threaded to allow for attachment of the device to the muzzle end of a firearm. The disclosed device can be configured to be self-timing and easily indexed by the user. The disclosed device may also be configured for installation using a jam nut, crush washer or the like when attaching the device to the muzzle end of a firearm. Those skilled in the art will understand that many attachment methods are available, all of which are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     In another preferred embodiment contemplated herein,  FIG. 7  illustrates the disclosed device further including one or more ports  47  defined as holes or slots machined into the body of the device for counteracting muzzle rise.  FIG. 6  illustrates an adjustable needle  46  which may be inserted into a slot arranged and configured to house the needle in the device. The adjustable needle  46  can be adjusted to either close off one or more of the ports  47  or to allow one or more of the ports to remain open. In order to counteract muzzle rise, the ports  47  should be positioned on the top face of the device when the device is attached to the muzzle end of a firearm. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the disclosed device may further include gas dispersion bars  51  extending through apertures  48  formed through the baffle walls. Such gas dispersion bars  51  may be useful for gas dispersion control, diverting sound and reducing muzzle flash. The gas dispersion bars  51  may extend through one or all of the vent openings formed through the body of the device  20 . Additionally, the disclosed device may further include an attachment opening  49  for receiving and retaining a top cap  50  attached to the distal end of the disclosed device  20 . 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the apparatus provided herein are illustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments (such as variations in orientation of the components of the system, sizes, structures, shapes and proportions of the various components) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. 
     Though the disclosed muzzle device is illustrated in the accompanying Figures with its application for reducing recoil, muzzle rise and muzzle flash, note that it is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention solely for these purposes. Many other uses of the present invention will become obvious to one skilled in the art upon acquiring a thorough understanding of the present invention. Once given the above disclosures, many other features, modifications and variations will become apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the teachings set forth herein. Such other uses, features, modifications and variations are, therefore, considered to be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.