Device for cleaning gun barrels

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved firearm cleaning apparatus (200) for use in cleaning a firearm barrel (108). The apparatus includes a rod (202) having a first end (208) and a second end (210), a fitting on the first end of the rod, and a cleaning device (206) attached to the second end of the rod. The diameter of the rod is less than the diameter of the barrel. In addition, the fitting enables the rod to be accepted by a drill type device chuck. Further, the rotational power of the drill-type device (212) spins the cleaning device via the chuck to clean the firearm barrel. Furthermore, the rod is maintained in a straight-line with said barrel along the length of the barrel while inserting and withdrawing the rod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present Application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/321,203 entitled “Device for Cleaning Gun Barrels,” filed 6 Apr. 2010 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to firearm cleaning, and, in particular, to an apparatus/device for reliably and efficaciously cleaning a wide variety of firearm barrels, including those of military issue firearms and platform mounted weapon systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firearms are used for target practice, hunting, law enforcement, and so on. Usually after each shot, residue is left within the barrel from both the bullet as it leaves the gun and from the gases produced by combustion. A wide range of materials (e.g., carbon, copper, plastic, dirt, snow, mud, soot) accumulates over time within the barrel of a firearm. The accumulation/accrual of such materials can severely compromise the efficacy of a firearm. The accrual of these unwanted materials within a firearm barrel can undesirably delay the release time of a bullet or other form of ammunition fired from the firearm. Moreover, this contaminated material within the firearm's barrel for a prolonged period of time can cause corrosion or other significant degradation of the firearm's components, thereby potentially necessitating expensive repair or replacement of the firearm. So, it is important for reasons of accuracy and safety that the bore of the gun be cleaned periodically.

Generally, the firearm can be cleaned manually. However, the task of manually cleaning the bore of a firearm is time consuming and may require disassembly of the firearm. There are many products/apparatus/cleaning devices in the market that are patented.

As an example, I refer to U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,792 in which a gun cleaning apparatus is provided. This gun cleaning apparatus includes a longitudinally extending substantially rigid cleaning rod, a bore conditioning element adapted to be mounted on a front end of the rod for entry into the breech end of a gun bore, a substantially rigid longitudinally extending carrier sleeve adapted to relatively loosely slidably receive the rod for back and forth sliding movement therealong, and a breech mounting front plug secured on a front end portion of the carrier sleeve and having a front end portion for entry into the gun barrel from its breech end and having a back end portion of enlarged diameter for abutment with the breech end of the gun barrel. The front end portion of the breech mounting front plug, having a through-extending bore, is easily slid through the bore. In addition, the gun cleaning apparatus includes a rear positioning sleeve secured on a terminating back end portion of the carrier sleeve and having a back end mouth portion, and a guide sleeve carried by the back end mouth portion of the positioning sleeve and having a relatively close sliding relation on the rod to guide the rod during its back and forth movement within the carrier sleeve.

In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 7,356,961 is referenced, in which a configurable firearm barrel cleaning device and methods for using the device is explained. The firearm cleaning device includes one or more cable segments and one or more rods to which a plurality of components and/or attachments can be connected individually or in combination in order to configure the device to perform a plurality of cleaning operations. The cable segment(s) and some or all of the components can be stored within a container, for example, for packaging or sale as a kit. The firearm barrel cleaning process entails multiple cleaning steps in order to ensure that unwanted materials are reliably and thoroughly removed from the barrel. The cleaning process has a minimum of three steps, wherein the first step applies solvent or other cleaning assistance substance and removes loose materials from within the barrel, the second step dislodges materials not removed during the first step, and the third step removes the dislodged materials. To form the cleaning device, an arbor is attached to a flexible segment of cable. For the first cleaning step, a beveled cylindrical plug is placed over the stem of the arbor and a patch is placed atop the plug. A cleaning assistance substance is applied to the patch, and then the device is pulled through the firearm barrel in a breech-to-muzzle direction such that loose materials from within the barrel adhere to the patch and move away from the firing and shell discharge mechanisms within the firing chamber. For the second cleaning step, the patch and plug are replaced by one or more brush wheels, which dislodge materials from within the barrel as the device is pulled through the firearm barrel in a breech-to-muzzle direction. The third cleaning step uses the same equipment as the first step, except that no cleaning substance is applied to the patch and either a new patch is used or a previously unused surface of a previously used patch is utilized. During the third cleaning step, the materials dislodged during the second cleaning step adhere to and are thus removed by the patch.

Once the three cleaning steps have been performed, the level of cleaning that has occurred is assessed in order to determine whether any or all of the cleaning steps should be repeated. This assessment is made visually either via the aided or unaided eye. If it is determined that additional cleaning is required, then any or, as is currently preferred, all of the cleaning steps may be repeated one or more times.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,034 is referenced, in which a bore cleaner is provided. The bore cleaner includes a first flexible cord having a weighted member attached to one end, a cleaning tool which is removably attachable to the first flexible cord in a first bore cleaner assembly, and a second, thicker flexible cord which is removably attachable to the first flexible cord in a second bore cleaner assembly and removably attachable to the cleaning tool in a third bore cleaner assembly.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,579 is referenced, in which an improved gun cleaning system is provided. The system includes a substantially rigid cleaning rod having a diameter less than the firearm bore to be cleaned, the rod having one end adapted for the attachment of a variety of different cleaning elements designed to be moved longitudinally within the bore to remove contaminates, the cleaning rod having a gripping means at the end opposite the cleaning element.

A cleaning rod centering guide to be used with the cleaning rod is formed as a hollow frusto-conical member. The frusto-conical member has a closed smaller end and an open larger end, the centering guide being formed with a smooth outer surface. The interior of the guide has a series of concentric annular, triangular cross-section projections arranged on its inner surface. The triangular projections are disposed inwardly towards the longitudinal axis of the centering guide so as to form a series of annular stops of decreasing diameter. The closed end is formed with a relatively thick portion, the thick portion further having a cylindrical opening formed at the center. The axis of the cylindrical opening is coaxially aligned with the axis of the guide, the cylindrical opening being of a size to allow the insertion of the rigid cleaning rod and allow longitudinal motion of the cleaning rod while the maintaining the cleaning rod essentially centered within the bore as the cleaning tool is moved longitudinally within the bore.

Unfortunately, most known firearm cleaning devices, whether rigid or flexible, are plagued by one or more drawbacks. The drawbacks can be in the form of difficulty of use and/or transport, lack of versatility (i.e., inability to clean a wide array of firearms), and inefficacy. The inefficacy problem is mainly caused by the changing size, shape, caliber and action of firearms over the time. Many traditional firearm barrel cleaning devices cannot satisfactorily clean the barrel of newer, more sophisticated firearms. Consequently, the only current option for effectively and reliably cleaning such firearms may be disassembly and reassembly, which collectively can take several hours.

In light of the above discussion, there is a need for a convenient, quick, easily used and effective device for cleaning a firearm bore.

SUMMARY

The present invention is aimed at providing an improved firearm cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning a firearm barrel. The firearm cleaning apparatus includes a rod having a first end and a second end, a fitting on the first end of the rod, and a cleaning device attached to the second end of said rod. The fitting enables the rod to be accepted by a drill-type device chuck. The diameter of the rod is less than the diameter of the barrel. The rotational power of the drill-type device spins the cleaning device via the chuck to clean said firearm barrel.

In embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning device can be a brush attachment, a scraper attachment, a one pick attachment, a polishing swab, a cleaning swab, and the like. These cleaning devices can be used interchangeably as per the user's requirement. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device is a brush having closed-loop bristles. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device is a brush having open-loop bristles.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rod is maintained in a straight-line with the barrel along the length of the barrel while inserting and withdrawing the rod.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device spins the rod in a clockwise direction. In another embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device spins the rod in a counterclockwise direction. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device spins the rod alternatively in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The systems and methods described herein may be understood by reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial view of a firearm, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2A depicts a firearm cleaning apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2B depicts a firearm cleaning apparatus along with the drill type device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates the process of cleaning the firearm barrel with the firearm cleaning apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

While the above-identified figures set forth preferred embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings where the showings are for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment of the invention and not for limiting the same.

FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm 100. Examples of the firearm 100 include, but are not limited to pistols, special revolvers, shotguns, rifles, and the like. Apart from other structural components, the firearm 100 includes a magazine 102, a trigger 104, a receiver 106, a barrel 108 (i.e., a bore 108, used interchangeably throughout the patent application), and a removable hand guard assembly 110. The magazine 102 of the firearm 100 is detachable and includes bullets used for firing. The magazine 102 can be made up of a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, high-impact plastics, and the like. The trigger 104 is used for firing the bullets by using an appropriate mechanism presently known in the art. As mentioned in the background section, when the bullets are fired, residue is left within the barrel 108 from both the bullet and from the gases produced by combustion. A wide range of materials (e.g., carbon, copper, plastic, dirt, snow, mud, soot and the like) accumulates over time within the barrel 108 of a firearm 100. The accumulation/accrual of such materials can severely compromise the efficacy of a firearm 100 by delaying the release time of a bullet or other forms of ammunition fired from the firearm 100.

It may be noted that the firearm 100 is shown for exemplary purpose and can have different structural components presently known in the art. In addition, the length, diameter or any other parameter of the barrel 108 of the firearm 100 can have different dimensions.

FIG. 2A illustrates a firearm cleaning apparatus 200 in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention. It may be noted that references to the structural and other components will be made to explain the firearm cleaning apparatus 200.

The firearm cleaning apparatus 200 is used to clean the barrel 108 of the firearm 100. The firearm cleaning apparatus 200 includes a rod 202, a fitting 204 and a cleaning device 206. The rod 202 is made up of aluminum, graphite, brass, or any other suitable material presently known in the rod. In an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the rod 202 is less than the diameter of the barrel 108 of the firearm 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter and length of the rod 202 is made to fit specific firearm barrels 108, such as six inches for handgun applications, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the rod 202 depends on the caliber or gauge of the firearm 100 to be cleaned. In an embodiment of the present invention, it can be the same for all calibers; for example, 3/16 inch for most rifle and pistol applications, and 5/16 inch for shotguns.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the rod depends on the type of firearm 100 to be cleaned. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rod 202 is a one piece unit. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rod 202 can be separated into three sections and can be assembled by screwing the sections together. In an embodiment of the present invention, as per the current industry standards, the rod length can be approximately thirty three inches. In an embodiment of the present invention, the rod 202 can be a single length, solid rod in the range of five inches to fourteen inches for pistol applications.

The rod 202 has a first end 208 and the second end 210. The first end 208 and the second end 210 refers to the two corners of the rod 202.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end 208 of the rod 202 has a fitting or a suitable mechanism presently known in the art. The fitting or any suitable mechanism presently known in the art enables the rod 202 to be accepted by a drill type device 212 (shown in FIG. 2B). For example, a female threaded portion on the first end 208 on the rod 202 couples with the male threaded portion of the drill type device 212. In other words, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the rod 202 is fashioned in a hexagon pattern for better drill chuck retention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device 212 rotates the rod 202. Examples of the different type of drill devices include, but may not be limited to, pistol-grip (i.e., corded) drill, rotary hammer drill, and cordless drills.

In a single rod embodiment (mentioned above), a hexagon fashioned first end 208 is inserted in to drill type device 212 (shown in FIG. 2B). The three piece rod embodiment can include piece “A” with the first end 208 fashioned in a ½ inch to ¾ inch hexagon for drill chuck insertion.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second end 210 of the rod 202 has a cleaning device 206 attached to it. The second end 210 of the rod 202 is drilled and tapped to accept the barrel cleaning devices/attachments 206. Examples of the cleaning devices/attachments include but may not be limited to, a brush attachment, a scraper attachment, a one pick attachment, a polishing swab and a cleaning swab. These cleaning devices/attachments 206 can be used interchangeably as per the requirement.

In the single rod embodiment (mentioned above), the second end 210 of the rod 202 is drilled and tapped to accept the cleaning device attachments 206. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second end 210 of the rod 202 is drilled and tapped to accept the cleaning devices/attachments with a thread size/pitch of 8×32 for rifle and pistol applications and 10×32 threads for shotgun applications. It may be noted that the dimensions of the structural components, threads or any parts mentioned above are provided according to the mass production/industrial acceptability. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the dimensions can vary according to different industrial needs.

The three piece rod embodiment (mentioned above) include piece “A” with the first end 208 fashioned in a ½-inch to ¾-inch hexagon for drill chuck insertion and the opposite end drilled and tapped to accept 8×32 threaded (rifle/pistol) or 10×32 (shotgun) male threads. Piece “B” can have a male 8×32 (rifle/pistol) or 10×32 (shotgun) male end to insert into piece “A”; the opposite end may be drilled and tapped to accept 8×32 threaded (rifle/pistol) or 10×32 (shotgun) male threads. Piece “C” can have a male 8×32 (rifle/pistol) or 10×32 (shotgun) male end to insert into piece “B”; the second end 210 may be drilled and tapped to accept 8×32 threaded (rifle/pistol) or 10×32 (shotgun) male threads to accept cleaning devices/attachments 206.

Referring to FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, the rotational power of drill type device 212 spins the rod 202. The spinning of the rod 202 rotates the attached cleaning device 206. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device 212 spins the rod 202 and the cleaning device 206 in clockwise direction. In another embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device 206 spins the rod 202 and the cleaning device 206 in counterclockwise direction. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the drill type device alternatively spins the rod 202 and the cleaning device 206 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions (i.e., one round in the clockwise direction and another round in counterclockwise direction). In an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the rotation depends on the type of motor or rotational arrangement settings of the drill type device 212.

The firearm cleaning apparatus 200 can be used by a user/operator in a manner described below. It may be noted that below mentioned mechanism is provided from the exemplary purpose. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the configuration of the firearm cleaning apparatus 200 can be used in a different manner by using different methods or by using different mechanisms presently known in the art. In addition, below mentioned mechanism/methods should not be taken in the limited sense.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the rod 202 (either the single piece embodiment or the three piece embodiment mentioned above) is inserted into a drill-type device 212, and then secured by a drill chuck tightening device. The male threaded end of any of the cleaning devices 200 is inserted into the female threaded end of rod 202 and secured by twisting in a clockwise fashion until secured. The firearm cleaning apparatus 206 is inserted into the muzzle (or chamber, depending on firearm type) by holding drill-type device 212 and lining up the firearm cleaning apparatus 200 in a manner that a straight-line insertion into barrel 108 is made. Once the firearm cleaning apparatus 200 is inserted into muzzle (or chamber) approximately ½ inch, the drill type-device 212 is activated to spin the rod 200 and firearm cleaning apparatus 200. The operator then slowly, such as, for example, 3 inches to 4 inches per second, may run the rod 200 into the barrel 108 while the drill-type device 212 is operating, running the length of the barrel 108. When the device reaches the opposite end of the barrel 108, the user withdraws at same rate. The rod 202 is preferably maintained in a straight-line with the firearm barrel 108 along the length of the barrel 108 while inserting and withdrawing spinning rod. When the firearm cleaning device 212 clears the muzzle (or chamber), the drill-type device 212 is stopped, the barrel is visually inspected and operation is repeated as necessary until the bore is cleaned to operator's satisfaction.

In an embodiment of the present invention, to make an industrial applicable firearm cleaning apparatus 200, the below mentioned dimensions of different structural components can be used. A single 33-inch rod is utilized. A brass, graphite or aluminum rod with a diameter of 3/16-inch or 5/16-inch depending on application, and a length of 33 inches is cut. One end may be fashioned, such as by milling or stamping, into a ½-inch to a ¾-inch hexagon. The opposite end may be drilled ¼-inch and tapped to accept 8×32 threads. The 3-piece rod set may be utilized by using piece “A” inserted into drill-type device and cleaning apparatus attached to opposite end of piece “A”.

In an embodiment of the present invention, following the firing, the firearm 100 may be cleared of ammo and made ready for cleaning per firearm manufacturer instructions. The hexagon end of rod 202 is inserted into drill-type device 212 and secured. The selected cleaning device 206 is attached and secured to opposite end of rod 202. Solvent/oil/polish is applied to cleaning apparatus as desired by operator. The operator may then handle the drill-type device 212 and may direct the cleaning apparatus into muzzle/chamber in a straight-line with barrel 108.

The firearm cleaning apparatus 200 can interchangeably use the cleaning devices 206 which help the proper cleaning of the barrel 108. In addition, the present firearm cleaning device 200 is easy to use and can be configured easily. Moreover, the firearm cleaning apparatus is convenient to use.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions described herein.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed may be combined in any combination except a combination where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function, should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112.

All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An improved firearm cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning a firearm barrel, the apparatus including:

a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the diameter of said rod is less than the diameter of said barrel;

a fitting on said first end of said rod, wherein the fitting enables said rod to be accepted by a drill type device chuck; and

a cleaning device attached to said second end of said rod, wherein the rotational power of said drill-type device spins said cleaning device via said chuck to clean said firearm barrel.

2. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said cleaning device is selected from a group comprising a brush attachment, a scraper attachment, a one pick attachment, a polishing swab and a cleaning swab.

3. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said cleaning device is a brush having closed-loop bristles.

4. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said cleaning tool is a brush having open-loop bristles.

5. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said rod is maintained in a straight-line with said barrel along the length of said barrel while inserting and withdrawing rod.

6. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said drill type device spins said rod in clockwise direction.

7. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said drill type device spins said rod in counterclockwise direction.

8. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said drill type device spins said rod alternatively in clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

9. An improved firearm cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning a firearm barrel, the apparatus including:

a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the diameter of said rod is less than the diameter of said barrel;

a fitting on said first end of said rod, wherein the fitting enables said rod to be accepted by a drill type device chuck; and

a cleaning device attached to said second end of said rod, wherein the rotational power of said drill-type device spins said cleaning device via said chuck to clean said firearm barrel, and wherein said rod is maintained in a straight-line with said barrel along the length of said barrel while inserting and withdrawing said rod.

10. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said cleaning device is selected from a group comprising a brush attachment, a scraper attachment, a one pick attachment, a polishing swab and a cleaning swab.

11. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said cleaning device is a brush having closed-loop bristles.

12. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said cleaning tool is a brush having open-loop bristles.

13. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said drill type device spins said rod in clockwise direction.

14. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said drill type device spins said rod in counterclockwise direction.

15. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said drill type device spins said rod alternatively in clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

16. An improved firearm cleaning apparatus for use in cleaning a firearm barrel, the apparatus including:

a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the diameter of said rod is less than the diameter of said barrel;

a fitting on said first end of said rod, wherein the fitting enables said rod to be accepted by a drill type device chuck; and

a cleaning device attached to said second end of said rod to clean said firearm barrel.

17. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 16, wherein the rotational power of said drill-type device spins said cleaning device via said chuck to clean said firearm barrel.

18. The improved firearm cleaning apparatus recited in claim 16, wherein said rod is maintained in a straight-line with said barrel along the length of said barrel while inserting and withdrawing said rod.