Abstract:
A muzzle signature management device for a firearm may include a body having a bore through a central axis, a first plurality of linear ports extending generally coaxially with the bore and providing a gas pathway from the bore to the outside surface of the body, a second plurality of linear ports intersecting the first plurality of linear ports and providing a gas pathway from the bore to the outside surface of the body, and a plurality of surface features within the first and second plurality of linear ports configured to affect the discharge gasses exiting from the muzzle of the firearm.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/219,483 entitled “MUZZLE SIGNATURE MANAGEMENT DEVICE” and filed on Sep. 16, 2015 for Ernest Bray, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates generally to firearms. In particular, this application relates to muzzle signature management device (MSMD), also known as flash suppressors, compensators, or muzzle brakes. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many firearms, particularly automatic or semi-automatic rifles, use a muzzle signature management device to diffuse the force of the barrel discharge of firearms, which may allow for better control over the weapon and faster target reacquisition. 
         [0004]    Generally, the majority of many automatic or semi-automatic rifles, such as AR-15/M4, AR-10/AR-308, AK-47, and many other semi-automatic platform rifles and carbines include a muzzle signature management device (muzzle brake, flash suppressor, and/or compensator). Large caliber and sniper rifles also frequently include a muzzle signature management device to reduce the flash and attempt to reduce the recoil from the rifle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A muzzle signature management device for a firearm is provided for managing a firearm discharge event. In one embodiment, the device includes a body having a bore through a central axis, where the body is generally tubular having a first end and a second end, and where the body comprises a muzzle attachment device disposed adjacent the first end. In another embodiment, the device includes a plurality of longitudinal openings extending along the central axis, each of the plurality of longitudinal openings extending at an angle with reference to the central axis, from a region adjacent the muzzle attachment device to the second end. The device may also include a plurality of ports, where each of the plurality of ports intersects at least one of the plurality of longitudinal openings, and where each of the plurality of ports extends from the bore to an exterior surface of the body. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, each of the plurality of ports may include a plurality of generally helical grooves formed on an interior surface of each port. Other surface features may also be included. These features may be scallops, serrations, and may be located in any of the plurality of linear ports. In some embodiments, there may be four generally coaxial linear ports and twelve linear ports intersecting the generally coaxially parallel linear ports (three for each generally coaxially parallel linear ports). The angle of the generally coaxially parallel linear ports may diverge from the bore axis by between 2 and 10 degrees. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, each of the plurality of ports extends outward radially from the bore at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the central axis. The ports may extend outward at an angle in the range of between about 40 and 80 degrees, or between about 60 and 70 degrees. In another embodiment, the body includes a bevel formed in the exterior surface of the body around each opening of the plurality of ports in the exterior surface. 
         [0008]    The body, in yet another embodiment, may include a plurality of troughs formed in the exterior surface of the body, where each trough extends in a longitudinal direction parallel to the central axis. Channels may extend from the bore to an area within one of the plurality of troughs. Additionally, a plurality of slots may be provided, where each of the plurality of slots extends from the second end of the body to a region adjacent the muzzle attachment device. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of slots intersects at least two of the plurality of ports. Each of slots may include parallel grooves formed in interior surfaces of the slot. 
         [0009]    A system may also be provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a rifle having a muzzle, and the muzzle signature management device coupled to the muzzle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a muzzle signature management device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an end view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5 a    is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of detail area E of  FIG. 4  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5 b    is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of detail area F of  FIG. 4  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for managing the signature of a firearm discharge event in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    In the Figures, an exemplary muzzle signature management device with advanced features is provided to improve each of the desired features of a general muzzle signature management device. Exemplary muzzle signature management devices such as the one shown in the Figures and primarily described below provide an improved combination of flash suppression, recoil reduction, muzzle control, and gas venting over any other muzzle signature management device design. The described muzzle signature management devices of the present disclosure provide the advantages sought in a muzzle signature management device without negatively impacting the dynamics, performance, and consistency of rounds fired from the rifle. In the Figures, some specific design and performance elements of the muzzle signature management device are provided in a configuration having 4-slots, twelve ports, and a vent forward design. 
         [0020]    Each design feature has a specific purpose and will be explained below. However, the aggregate effect of the features is to not affect accuracy, to be quieter and direct both blast and sound out and forward, to be a highly effective flash hider, and to mitigate recoil and muzzle rise. The muzzle signature management device may be used with any rifle platform, but may be particularly useful in 3-gun and sniper comps, and practical/tactical applications where managing these muzzle signature elements is important. 
         [0021]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment. 
         [0023]    The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements. In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components may be exaggerated for clarity. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a muzzle signature management device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The muzzle signature management device  100 , as depicted, is generally formed having a tubular shape and configured to attach to a rifle. A bore  102  passing from a first end  104  of the muzzle signature management device  100  to a second end  106  allows a projectile (not shown) to pass through. Stated differently, the muzzle signature management device  100  includes an opening that aligns with and extends the bore of a barrel of a rifle so that a fired projectile travels through the barrel, into the first end  104  and out of the second end  106 . 
         [0025]    A series of ports  108  may be formed in the muzzle signature management device  100 , and extend substantially radially from the bore  102  to an outer surface  110  of the muzzle signature management device  100 . In other words, each port  108  may extend from a central axis (that extends longitudinally through the bore  102 ) to the outer surface  110 , and accordingly, form a series of openings between the bore  102  and the outer surface  110  through which gasses, blast, sound, and flash may escape. As will be described in greater detail below, ports  108  may be angled 25 degrees forward (toward second end  106 ) and may create more bearing area and direct gasses, blast, sound and flash forward away from the shooter and bystanders. Alternatively, the forward angle may be in the range of between about 15 and 40 degrees with reference to a perpendicular line that extends outward from the central axis (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0026]    A very critical and overlooked negative effect of most conventional muzzle brakes is that they tend to create potential safety issues. Many muzzle brakes direct the blast overpressure back (toward the first end  104 ) at the shooter. This blast overpressure can startle and affect the shooter&#39;s nervous system causing them to pull a shot and/or create microsecond delays in follow up shots, etc. It may also increase the risk of hearing damage. Reducing backward directed overpressure may also be an advantage when shooting from behind barricades or other cover where a neutral or backward directed blast signature is undesirable and may be harmful to the shooter. 
         [0027]    Also depicted in  FIG. 1  is a series of secondary openings, or channels  114 . The apertures  114 , as will be described below in greater detail, extend outward radially from the bore  102 , in a substantially perpendicular direction with reference to a central longitudinal axis of the muzzle signature management device  100 . The channels  114  may be disposed in between series of ports  108 . Additionally, troughs  116  may be formed on the exterior surface  110  of the muzzle signature management device  100  and extend longitudinally (i.e., from the first end towards the second end). The channels  114  may be positioned such that a first opening of each channel  114  is disposed within one of the troughs  116 , and a second opening of the channel is disposed in the bore  102 . Stated differently, the channels  114  fluidly connect the bore  102  with the exterior surface  110 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is an end view diagram illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The depicted embodiment shows the second end  106  as if staring down the barrel of a rifle. In the depicted embodiment, the rows of ports  108  are shown extending outward radially from the bore  102  at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o&#39;clock positions (i.e., 90-degree separation between adjacent ports  108 ). In an alternative embodiment, the muzzle signature management device  100  may be formed with more or less rows of ports  108 . In other words, the muzzle signature management device  100  may be formed with eight rows of ports  108  (i.e., 45-degree separation), or a single row of ports  108 . In another embodiment, the muzzle signature management device  100  is formed with at least two opposing rows of ports  108  (i.e., at the 3 and 9 o&#39;clock positions) so that forces from exhausting gasses are balanced. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 3 b    is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line B of  FIG. 3 a   , and illustrates helical grooves or flutes  302  formed in each of the ports  108 . Helical flutes  302  in the ports  108  create more bearing area and dwell time for gasses against the port. Stated differently, the helical flutes  302  cause the exhausting gasses to slow by redirecting them to form vortices. This slows the gasses and saps energy from the movement of the gasses. Beneficially, this provides approximately the same dwell time and resistance of a 5 degree backward angled port or baffle, without the negative effects, as discussed above. The helical flutes  302  also slow and diffuse the gasses, which aids in flash suppression and provides a slight decrease in over pressure. 
         [0030]    When the muzzle signature management device  100  is installed on a rifle and held level, the ports  108  may be evenly spaced at the 10 o&#39;clock, 2 o&#39;clock and 4 o&#39;clock 8 o&#39;clock, for example. When combined with the 5-degree forward port  108  and slot elements, creates a wide dispersion area of blast, flash, and sound signatures to reduce potential harm to the shooter and bystanders. 
         [0031]    Bevels  304  at the mouth of the ports  308  may function to equalize the pressure in the ports during a shooting event with outside air as the gasses exit the port  108  by allowing expansion and diffusion of the blast signature. Testing has found that the bevels  304  serve to drop the pressure wave by about 40%. This affects two signature elements. First, the lower pressure and greater diffusion of the gasses means that when shooting prone, etc., there is less blast signature and disruption. Second, the lower and more diffused the pressure wave, the quieter the report, and subsequently the safety of the shooter is increased. 
         [0032]    Also depicted in  FIG. 3 b    are longitudinally extending openings that extend outward from a region adjacent the first end  104  towards the second end  106  at an angle relative to the central axis (i.e., the center of the bore  102 ). In one embodiment, the angle is in the range of between about 2 and 10 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is about 5 degrees. The first end  104  is configured to receive the barrel of a rifle. This may be accomplished through any number of different barrel coupling mechanisms including, but not limited to, threaded engagements, quick-release couplings, etc. The longitudinally extending openings  306  extend from an area adjacent the barrel coupling region  308  towards the second end  106 . 
         [0033]    The four linear ports (openings  306 ) that run form the end of the muzzle signature management device  100  to the muzzle of the rifle may increase the overall flow of gasses in the muzzle signature management device  100 , and aid the design in several important ways. First, the openings  306  increase the gas volume and flow through the muzzle signature management device  100 . Second, the openings  306  help to pull the gasses that are chasing the base of the bullet off the centerline of the bore and out, reducing accuracy robbing turbulence at the muzzle. The more gasses pulled off the centerline and away from the base of the bullet the better the ballistic performance of the round. This helps to make the muzzle signature management device “bullet agnostic”, where many designs with open baffles tend to like longer or shorter bullets depending on baffle spacing, as the gasses and overpressure on the baffle area create turbulence that affects bullet flight. Next, it allows all of the ports and openings to be active at once and additional gasses to be vented out the end and away from the bullets flight path. As the bullet passes the first set of ports, the openings  306  direct gasses out to the other two ports on each slot/channel  112  and out. This helps drop the pressure level of the gasses that are vented out of each port, which reduces blast and sound signature. Dropping the port pressure may slightly decrease the effectiveness as a recoil reducing muzzle brake, but improves a balanced design that deals more with controlling the muzzle movement and working in conjunction with a properly timed and tuned AR or other firearm and most AR cartridges don&#39;t need a lot or recoil mitigation if tuned right. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, many callouts are identified for demonstrating angles and measurements. However, these angles and measurements are given by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the angles and distances may be modified for different sizes of rifles, different calibers of ammunition, etc. Stated differently, the principles and features described herein may be applied to different sizes and angles of muzzle signature management devices. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5 a    is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of detail area E of  FIG. 4  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The detail area E of  FIG. 4  is a section of the bore  102  to illustrate grooves  502  that start at the bore  102  and extend outward radially on surfaces of the channel  112 . The linear grooves  502  create greater surface area within the muzzle signature management device  100  and function in a manner similar to the helical grooves, described above, that slow, redirect, delay, diffuse, and dissipate the exhausting gasses of the rifle. The linear grooves  502 , as depicted, extend outward radially from the central axis of the bore  102  on both sides of the channel  112  (see also  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ). In one embodiment, the linear grooves  502  are angled at the same angle as a port  108  with reference to the central axis. In an alternative embodiment, the linear grooves  502  are angled at a different angle than the ports  108 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5 b    is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of detail area F of  FIG. 4  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The detail area F of  FIG. 4  is a section of the port  108  having helical grooves  302  adjacent linear grooves  502 . The various grooves (linear and helical) intersect in different regions throughout the muzzle signature management device  100 . This is beneficial in that exhausting gasses are redirected down one of many different channels formed by the different grooves for redirecting, delaying, diffusing, and dissipating the exhausting gasses. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of the muzzle signature management device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 6 b    is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line D of  FIG. 6 a   , and illustrates the channels  114  and the troughs  116  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the channels  114  extend outward from the central axis in a direction generally perpendicular to the central axis. As described above, the channels  114  may terminate in a region disposed within one of the troughs  116 . Alternatively, the channels  114  may extend to an area not within a trough  116 . The channels  114  may be positioned linearly (i.e., along a common longitudinal line) as depicted. The channels  114  function to redirect gasses in a manner similar to the embodiments described above. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for managing the signature of a firearm discharge event in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the muzzle signature management device  100  of  FIG. 1  is depicted attached to a semi-automatic rifle. Although the general outline of an AR-style rifle is depicted, the muzzle signature management device  100  may be adapted to couple to any rifle. 
         [0039]    The muzzle signature management device is configured to couple to the muzzle of the rifle, and as described above, may be threaded or otherwise coupled. For example, different quick-release coupling mechanisms may be utilized. 
         [0040]    Of course, any suitable material may be used for the components listed above, such as various steels, aluminum alloys, and other alloys. In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.