SUPPRESSED UPPER RECEIVER GROUP HAVING LOCKING SUPPRESSOR WITH THROUGH BRAKE

Abstract

A suppressed upper receiver group for a firearm having a suppressor mounted to the barrel thereof. The suppressor has a tubular housing defining primary and secondary flow paths for propellant gas processing, diverting a portion of the propellant gas to the secondary flow path for pressure control. A number of baffle members are arranged in spaced relation within the housing and define serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers. A suppressor mounting adapter is connected with the barrel and has a propellant gas processing section having a propellant flow bore and extends completely through the housing and has a flash retarding tip projecting through a discharge opening of the housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally concerns firearms, such as rifles, and more particularly concerns sound and flash suppressors that are mounted by threading a generally cylindrical suppressor device onto the threaded end of the barrel of a firearm. More particularly, the present invention concerns a suppressed upper receiver group including an upper receiver mechanism and cartridge gas energized auto-loading mechanism and a barrel for a tactical rifle wherein a sound and flash suppressor device is provided at the forward end or muzzle of the barrel. Even more specifically the present invention concerns a sound and flash suppressor having a generally cylindrical suppressor body or housing having a muzzle brake device that extends completely through the tubular body of the suppressor body and is designed to substantially eliminate baffle strikes by hot gunpowder residue and thus significantly minimize the need for frequent cleaning of suppressor components.

Description of the Prior Art

A significant number of firearm sound suppressor devices and flash suppressor devices, generally referred to as suppressors herein, have been developed over the years for use with firearms such as rifles, shotguns and handguns. In most cases the suppressors are attached to the barrel of a firearm, such as by threaded attachment. In some cases suppressor are constructed integrally with a firearm barrel so as to be a permanent component of the firearm. United States patents of general interest to current suppressor manufacture and use are U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,038,770, 9,115,949, 9,222,747 and 9,273,920.

Typically, a suppressor comprises an elongate tubular body that attaches in any suitable manner to a firearm barrel and provides for the movement of a projectile from the bore of a firearm barrel and through the tubular body of the suppressor. To facilitate sound suppression a number of internal baffles are typically positioned in stacked relation within a suppressor housing with baffle partitions disposed in axially spaced relation within the housing and with central openings in each baffle partition for projectile and propellant passage. A number of chambers that are defined between the internal baffles, causing the propellant gas to progress in serial but serpentine fashion through the multiple chambers, with its velocity being diminished as it progresses.

Propellant gas emitted from the bore of a gun barrel enters the much larger volume of the internal chamber of the tubular body and progresses serially from chamber to chamber, with the gas expanding and its pressure being diminished within each successive chamber. The partitions of the baffles of most suppressors are impacted by the hot propellant gas and are designed to reflect propellant gas and cause gas agitation within the chambers to slow the progress of gas transition through the suppressor and increase the dwell time and reduce the typically sharp and loud noise of the propellant gas being discharged from the suppressor.

Hot propellant gas striking the baffles and other components within a surpressor housing typically creates significant problems which until the present time there has been no reasonable solution. The hot propellant gas contains gunpowder residue in the form of small particulate that strikes baffle surfaces with significant velocity and energy. As the extremely hot propellant gas progresses through a sound and flash suppressor the hot gas and its gunpowder residue strikes the baffle members and causes the gunpowder residue to build up, i.e., essentially become plated, onto the surfaces of the baffle members. In a relatively short period of time the buildup of propellant residue will cause the suppressor to begin to lose its optimum operational characteristics, requiring personnel to accomplish disassembly of the suppressor and thorough cleaning of the baffle members and other internal components as well. Removal of this residue buildup is difficult and time consuming because of its essentially plated nature and requires cleaning equipment and expensive residue solvent to accomplish. It is clearly seen therefore that there is a need to provide a sound and flash suppressor mechanism that is designed to virtually eliminate the potential for significant buildup of propellant gas residue on the internal components of a firearm suppressor. The present invention accomplishes this benefit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal feature of the present invention to provide a novel firearm having a suppressed upper receiver cartridge incorporating a sound and flash suppressor that substantially eliminates gunpowder residue strikes on the internal baffles within the suppressor, thus minimizing the frequency of residue cleaning that is required to maintain optimum performance thereof.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a novel sound and flash suppressor for firearms having a muzzle brake device that is mounted to the threaded end of the barrel of a firearm, is received within the tubular housing of a suppressor and extends completely through the housing, with its forward end defining a pronged flash reducing tip surrounding the discharge port.

It is an even further feature of the present invention to provide a novel sound and flash suppressor for firearms that incorporates a collet clamping mechanism for releasably mounting a suppressor to a suppressor mounting adapter that is affixed to a firearm barrel and having ratcheted surfaces that ensure that the suppressor is maintained in tight and secure assembly with the mounting adapter without inadvertently becoming loose or separating from the suppressor mounting adapter.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a novel sound and flash suppressor for firearms that defines primary and secondary internal flow paths for cartridge gas flow to ensure that the internal pressure within the suppressor remains within operational limits for efficient sound suppression and substantially eliminating visible gunpowder flash.

Briefly, the various objects and features of the present invention are realized through the provision of a tactical firearm, such as an M-4, M-16 or AR-15 cartridge gas energized autoloading rifle having a suppressed upper receiver group having an upper receiver to which is mounted a barrel cartridge including a barrel, handguard and cartridge gas actuation system for cycling the bolt carrier and bolt to retrieve cartridges from a magazine, charge a cartridge chamber of the barrel with cartridges for firing and extract and eject spent cartridge cases following firing of each cartridge. The barrel cartridge of the upper receiver group is provided with a sound and flash suppressor device which is mounted to the threaded muzzle end of the barrel by means of a suppressor mounting adapter. The suppressor mounting adapter includes an integral propellant gas processing section of member that extends completely through the suppressor housing, being positioned with its external surface in close proximity with a central opening being collectively defined by each of several multiple baffle members that have fixed locations within the housing of the suppressor. The integral propellant gas processing section has transverse passages and bores that intersect a central bore through which projectiles and propellant gas pass during firing of the firearm.

The suppressor device is designed to divide the propellant charge from cartridge firing into primary and secondary flow paths to ensure low pressure conditions and prevent excessive back pressure or blow-back to the bore of the firearm barrel. This feature minimizes propellant gas discharge from the cartridge chamber of the barrel toward the shooter as the spent cartridge case is unseated. This feature also ensures that the spent cartridge cases, typically referred to as “brass” are quite clean, i.e., quite free of gunpowder residue, when extracted and ejected.

The suppressor mounting adapter includes a propellant gas processing geometry and projects through the suppressor housing, with an integral front flash hider end thereof projecting through a central opening in the forward closure wall of the suppressor housing. The gas processing suppressor mounting adapter ensures minimal buildup of propellant residue within the suppressor housing so that internal cleaning of the suppressor is required with much less frequency.

For efficient and secure suppressor mounting with the barrel of the firearm the rear or connecting end portion of the suppressor is provided with a generally circular array of tapered spring fingers defining a locking collet and being integral with the housing mounting adapter. The tapered spring fingers each have a normal release position and are flexed to a locking position by application of a closing force by a locking ring member. The locking ring member is captured to the housing mounting adapter and is tightened by rotation on a threaded section of the housing mounting adapter to apply closing and locking force to the spring fingers. The housing mounting adapter and the spring fingers of the locking collet each have ratcheting surfaces having ridges and grooves that engage when the collet is locked by tightening of the locking ring. The engaged ratcheting surfaces prevent the locking ring from inadvertently backing off, such as during handling of a firearm or as the result of the vibration that occurs during sustained firing of the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.

It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a tactical firearm having a suppressed upper receiver group according to the present invention which includes a sound and flash suppressor having a dual gas flow path and a suppressor mounting adapter that extends completely through the suppressor housing;

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration showing the suppressor structure and having a cut-away portion showing the interior components of the suppressor;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section view of the suppressor of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view of the suppressor mechanism with a forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter thereof shown in full line;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section view showing the suppressor structure, with the suppressor mounting adapter separated from the firearm barrel;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view showing the external configuration of the suppressor of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric illustration showing the sound and flash suppressor, emphasizing the rear or firearm barrel mounting feature of the present invention, with the collet locking cover removed to simplify an understanding of the invention;

FIG. 8 is another isometric illustration showing the rear mounting end portion of the suppressor in detail;

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric illustration showing the rear attachment end portion of the suppressor, with the suppressor mounting adapter partially received within the suppressor housing, such as during installation thereof;

FIG. 10 is an isometric illustration presenting the rear or mounting portion of the sound and flash suppressor of the present invention, particularly showing the internal locking collet thereof;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary isometric illustration showing the spring fingers of the collet locking mechanism of FIG. 10 in detail;

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric illustration showing a portion of a circular ratcheted surface for engagement with corresponding ratcheted surfaces of the spring fingers to ensure against rotation of the suppressor housing relative to the suppressor mounting adapter in the locked condition of the suppressor; and

FIG. 13 is an elevation view showing parts of the ratcheted surfaces of the spring fingers of the collet locking mechanism and a corresponding annular ratcheted surface of the suppressor mounting adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and first to the side elevation view of FIG. 1, a tactical firearm constructed according to the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 10 and is of the character identified as an M-4, M-16 or AR-15 auto-loading rifle. The M-4 and M-16 rifles are typically utilized by military and law enforcement personnel and have settings for semi-automatic fire, where the trigger of the rifle is pulled for discharge of individual rounds of ammunition and full automatic fire, where the rifle will continuously fire round after round as long as the trigger remains pulled. AR-15 tactical rifles are typically provided with a non-adjustable setting that limits the rifle to semi-automatic fire. AR-15 rifles are widely used by sportsmen for target shooting, hunting and a wide range of general shooting activities.

The firearm 10 has a barrel cartridge or upper receiver group shown generally at 12 in FIG. 1 is generally defined by an upper receiver 13 having an internal bolt and bolt carrier mechanism for cycling ammunition during firing activity as is explained in detail below. The barrel cartridge has a firearm barrel 14 having a rifled central bore 15 through which bullets and residual cartridge gas pass during firing activity. The barrel defines a cartridge chamber within which cartridges are fed prior to firing and from which cartridge cases are extracted after firing has occurred. A handguard 16 of the barrel cartridge is positioned about the barrel member 14 with its wall structure surrounding and being spaced from the barrel structure to provide the user with protection against the rather high temperature that the barrel can reach especially during sustained or frequent firing activity. The handguard defines multiple openings through which air is caused to circulate by thermal convection to remove heat that is liberated from the barrel and maintain the handguard as cool as possible.

To the upper receiver is typically pivotally mounted a lower receiver mechanism or group 20 having a hand-grip 22, a trigger guard 24 and a magazine receptacle 26 within which a box-type ammunition magazine 28 containing a supply of cartridges is releasably received. A pivot pin 30 is extended through pivot holes in the upper and lower receivers to establish the pivotal assembly and a locking pin 32 is extended through corresponding locking holes in the upper and lower receivers to secure the upper and lower receivers in operative assembly as shown in FIG. 1. To the lower receiver group 20 is typically mounted a gun-stock, which can be an adjustable gun-stock as shown at 18 to permit the gun-stock to be adjusted to a length that is desired by the shooter or to accommodate the firearm to persons of different body characteristics or a gun-stock that is non-adjustable.

A sound and flash suppressor, shown generally at 34, is provided at the muzzle end 36 of the rifle barrel 14 as shown in FIG. 3 and has an elongate, generally cylindrical tubular housing 38 having an intermediate section 40 and enlarged structurally enhanced end sections 42 and 44. The intermediate section 40 defines a plurality of annular external ribs 46 that are provided to enhance the pressure containing capability of the tubular housing. The annular external ribs are roughened by providing annular bands of longitudinal grooves 48 and ribs 50 to enable ease of manual rotation of the suppressor housing, such as for tightening the housing with the suppressor mounting adapter during installation or loosening the housing and adapter connection for removal of the suppressor from the mounting adapter.

The suppressor housing 38 defines an internal propellant gas processing chamber 54 within which is positioned a generally cylindrical spacer member 58 having a cylindrical wall 60 that is maintained in spaced relation with an inner cylindrical wall surface 62 of the suppressor housing, thus defining a secondary propellant gas flow passage 64 in the form of an annulus that extends along the length of the suppressor housing. The secondary propellant flow passage is also defined by an annular space between a plurality of baffle members 56 and the inner cylindrical wall surface 62 of the suppressor housing 38. Each baffle member 56 has an outer generally cylindrical wall 57 that is maintained in spaced relation with the inner cylindrical wall surface 62 of the suppressor housing by means of external annular spacer members 66. Each of the external annular spacer members is interrupted by a number of outwardly facing slots or grooves 68 about the periphery thereof that cooperatively segmented spacing members with the spaces defining portions of the secondary flow passage of the suppressor.

The secondary propellant flow passage or path 64 conducts the propellant gas into an annular gas discharge chamber 70 in which the gas is subjected to further energy dissipating turbulence. The gas is then discharged from the annular gas collection and discharge chamber 70 via a circular port array having a multiplicity of secondary discharge ports 72 that are formed in a front wall structure 74 of a front closure member 76 of the suppressor housing. Each of the secondary discharge ports 72 is angulated toward the center-line of the suppressor mounting adapter 120 and the suppressor housing 38. The front closure has a generally centrally located propellant gas discharge opening 75 that is of tapered configuration having its smallest dimension facing forward. The front closure member 76 defines a generally cylindrical extension 78 having an externally threaded section 80 that has threaded engagement with an internally threaded section 82 within the enlarged structurally enhanced end section 44 of the suppressor housing 38. An annular seal member 84 is located within an annular groove in the front closure member 76 and serves to maintain a sealed condition between the suppressor housing 38 and the front closure member 84. The secondary discharge ports 72 are each angulated inwardly so as to direct discharge jets of propellant gas toward the longitudinal center-line of the suppressor.

At the rear or connecting end of the sound and flash suppressor 34 the enlarged and structurally enhanced rear or connecting end section 42 of the suppressor housing 38 defines an internally threaded section 86 that is threadedly engaged with an externally threaded section 88 of a housing mounting adapter 90. A rearward extension 92 of the enlarged end section 42 of the suppressor housing overlies an annular seal groove 94 containing an annular sealing member that maintains sealing of the suppressor housing with respect to the housing mounting adapter 90. The circular rear end 96 engages an annular positioning shoulder 98 to accurately position the tubular suppressor housing with respect to the housing mounting adapter 90.

The extreme rear end portion of the housing mounting adapter 90 is provided with a plurality of moveable spring locking fingers 100 which are present in the section views 3-5 and are best seen in FIGS. 7-9, 10 and 11. Each of the spring locking fingers is integral with the housing mounting adapter 90, being connected with the housing mounting adapter by means of a small connector section 102 which is flexible and spring-like. The flexible connector section permits the spring locking fingers to be moved inwardly to locking positions by application of an external force. When the external force is removed, the spring fingers will be returned to their non-locking positions. Flexibility of the spring fingers is enhanced by slots 104 and 106 that extend from the sides of each spring locking finger.

A locking ring 108 is maintained captive with said housing mounting adapter 90 by an annular retainer wall 110. The locking ring has an internal thread section 112 that is received by an external thread section 114 of the housing mounting adapter to permit the locking ring 108 to be threaded onto the housing mounting adapter. The locking ring defines a rearwardly extending generally conical actuating portion 116 that engages and actuates the locking fingers to their locking positions when the locking ring is tightened on the housing mounting adapter. When the locking ring is rotated in the opposite rotational direction the generally conical actuating portion 116 is moved away from the locking fingers, allowing the small spring-like connector sections 102 to move the locking fingers back to their non-locking or release positions. When the locking fingers are at their release positions the suppressor housing 38 and its housing mounting adapter 90 can be rotated in a direction releasing the housing and housing adapter for removal from the suppressor mounting adapter 120.

A suppressor mounting adapter 120 defines a rearwardly oriented barrel mount receptacle 122 having an internally threaded section 124 that receives the externally threaded muzzle end of the firearm barrel 14 and defines an internal stop shoulder 126 against which is seated a positioning shoulder of the barrel. The suppressor mounting adapter defines external wrench flats 127, enabling a simple wrench to be employed to apply sufficient torque force to the suppressor mounting adapter to establish its threaded connection with the firearm barrel 14.

As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 the suppressor mounting adapter 120 defines an annular rim 119 having a roughened or ratcheted external surface 121 that is defined by a 360°, 130 tooth arrangement. However, it should be borne in mind that roughened surfaces of other character may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Correspondingly, the inner gripping surfaces of each of the spring locking fingers 100 define matching roughened or ratcheted surfaces 123 that establish locking engagement with the roughened or ratcheted external surface 121 which the spring locking fingers have been forced inwardly to their locking positions by the locking force of the locking ring 108. When the external and internal ratcheted surfaces are engaged the suppressor housing is firmly locked in place with respect to the suppressor mounting adapter and cannot be rotated for tightening or loosening.

Centrally of the suppressor mount receptacle 122 extends a bore 128 through which a projectile, such as a bullet, and cartridge gas generated by combustion of the powder charge of a cartridge pass upon discharge or firing of a cartridge by the firearm.

It is necessary to ensure that the suppressor mechanism 34 remains positively aligned with respect to the bore of the barrel 14 at all times. This feature is achieved, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 by spaced externally tapered sealing surfaces 130 and 132 that are engaged for sealing and alignment by correspondingly spaced tapered sealing surfaces 134 and 136 within the housing mount adapter 90. Between these spaced pairs of tapered sealing surfaces is located an external thread section 138 of the suppressor mounting adapter 120 and an internal threaded section 140 of the housing mounting adapter 90. When the thread connection of the external and internal thread sections 138 and 140 are made up and the spaced pairs of tapered sealing surfaces are in sealing engagement the thread connection between the suppressor mounting adapter and housing mounting adapter is protected from contamination by the constituents of the propellant being processed by the suppressor. Additionally, the spaced pairs of tapered sealing surfaces have a back-sealing capability and serve to prevent propellant gas and residue from being forced rearwardly within the suppressor by propellant pressure to exit the suppressor in a direction toward the shooter.

Each of the baffle members 56 defines an annular tapered reflecting wall 142 having an inner end portion 144 defining a relatively large central opening 146 as compared with most suppressor designs. The edges defining the large central opening are located in close proximity to the outer peripheral surface 151 of the propellant gas processing section. The suppressor mounting adapter 120 has a port 154 at the intersection of the axial bore 128 shown generally at 150 that is an integral part of the suppressor mounting adapter 120 and extends throughout the axial length of the suppressor housing 38. The forward end portion 148 of the propellant gas processing section 150 has a flash hider geometry that is defined by tapered projections 152 that surround a port 154 at the forward terminus of the axial bore 128. The flash hider geometry is in the form of an open, angled, four-prong flash reducing tip reduces the small residual muzzle flash to near invisibility. The axial bore 128 is of slightly greater diameter as compared with the diameter of the bore of the firearm barrel, thus permitting projectile travel through the axial bore 128 without contact of the projectile with the wall surface of the axial bore upon discharge of the firearm.

Transverse passages 160 and 162 extend through the propellant gas processing section 150 and communicate the propellant processing chamber 54 with the central bore 128 so that propellant gas is caused to enter the processing chamber 54 at greater volume and slightly higher pressure via transverse passage 160 as compared with the volume of propellant gas entering the processing chamber 54 via the transverse passage 162. Some of the propellant pressure entering the propellant gas processing chamber 54 via the transverse passages 160 and 162, because of the higher pressure in chamber 54, will enter an annular bypass chamber 164 via a generally circular array of bypass ports 166. The annular bypass chamber 164 is in the form of an annular groove that is defined by an axially spaced annular rim 165 that is supported by a generally cylindrical rim support 167. An annular seal member 169 is contained within an annular seal groove in the housing mounting adapter as shown in FIG. 5 and maintains a seal between the housing mounting adapter and suppressor mounting adapter.

Propellant pressure within the annular bypass chamber 164 will enter the secondary propellant flow passage or bypass passage 64 that is defined by the annular space between the cylindrical walls of the spacer and baffle members and the inner cylindrical surface of the housing 38 as mentioned above. From the secondary propellant flow passage the propellant gas is conducted past the multiple restrictions defined by the multiple slots and grooves 68 and enters an annular collection and discharge chamber 70. From the chamber 70 the propellant gas, now at a much reduced pressure, is directed through the circular array of secondary angulated discharge ports 72.

The axial bore 128 and the series arrangement of propellant gas processing chambers 54 and 172 serve to establish the primary flow path for gas propagation through the suppressor mechanism for conducting a majority of the propellant gas to the ejection port 154. The processed gas that is diverted into the secondary flow path decreases the gas flow and pressure that flows to and is discharged from the primary flow path, thereby ensuring decreased discharge pressure and prolonged discharge pulse, significantly decreasing the sound output of the suppressor.

Other transverse passages 168 are spaced along the length of the axial bore 128 and serve to conduct propellant gas from the central bore 128 into various annular chambers such as 170 and 172 that are defined between the annular tapered reflecting walls 142 of adjacent baffle members 56. The transverse passages and a number of transverse bores 174, also intersecting the oriented at 90° with respect to the transverse passages, function to create turbulence within each of the annular gas processing chambers that surround central bore 128 and to permit controlled flow of propellant gas from chamber to chamber serially toward the discharge end of the suppressor. Each of the segments 156 of the gas processing forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter 120 reflect propellant gas energy and thus serve to further create turbulence within the gas processing chambers of the suppressor. This turbulence slows the propagation of gas flow through the suppressor mechanism. Various annular chambers such as 170 and 172 of FIG. 4 receive propellant pressure from the central bore 128 via the transverse passages 160-162 and the transverse bores 174.

As shown in FIG. 4, within the forward end portion of the suppressor 34 two of the baffle members are oppositely positioned and define a large propellant gas processing chamber that is partitioned 177 by a generally planar circular wall 178 to define propellant gas accumulation chambers 176. The generally planar circular wall 178 has a central opening 180 having a circular edge located in close proximity to the segment 182 of the gas processing forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter 120. It is evident that a small amount of propellant gas is forced by pressure to flow through the small spaces between the inner surfaces of the tapered reflecting walls of the baffles and the generally planar circular wall 178 and the external surfaces of the various segments of the gas processing forward portion of the suppressor mounting adapter 120. This feature further retards gas flow through the suppressor, lowering gas pressure, extending suppressor dwell time and minimizing both sound and flash.

As mentioned above, the baffles of the suppressor of this invention are essentially protected against buildup of gunpowder residue during use of the suppressor. The propellant gas contains residue particulate that has greater mass than the mass of the gas. As the gas is diverted from the central bore 128 the particulate, having greater mass, tends to resist being diverted and thus continues to be moved through the central bore to the discharge port 154, rather than being diverted into the gas processing chambers and impacting the baffle surfaces. This feature causes the baffle surfaces to remain clean for longer periods of time so that suppressor down time for cleaning is minimized.

When the housing 39 and the housing mounting adapter 90 are unthreaded from the suppressor mounting adapter 120 and removed the gas processing forward section 150 of the suppressor mounting adapter 120 remains as a portion of the barrel assembly of the firearm and is completely exposed. Being exposed and supported by the barrel, the suppressor mounting adapter, and particularly its forward section 150 are easily cleaned such as by means of a wire brush that is perhaps supplemented by a solvent for any buildup of gunpowder residue.

Since the internal baffles within the suppressor housing collectively define a relatively large central passage the baffles can be easily cleaned of gunpowder residue, such as by means of a rotary wire brush that is rotated within the large central passage and may be driven by an electrically powered rotary drill. In field conditions a cylindrical wire brush may be used alone or in combination with a solvent to easily and efficiently remove the slight accumulation of the gunpowder residue that may exist. Since the baffles will have minimal buildup of gunpowder residue as explained above, cleaning of the baffles is typically simple and relatively easy to accomplish.

In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A method for processing the gunpowder residue laden propellant gas of a sound and flash suppressed firearm having a group having a barrel having a threaded muzzle end and defining a barrel bore, comprising:

connecting to said barrel a generally cylindrical sound and flash suppressor device having a generally cylindrical tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and front and rear ends and defining a front wall, said generally cylindrical tubular housing having a plurality of baffle members axially spaced therein defining serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers within said generally cylindrical tubular housing; and

connecting a suppressor mounting adapter to said barrel, said suppressor mounting adapter having an integral propellant gas processing section within said generally cylindrical sound and flash suppressor device with said suppressor mounting adapter and propellant gas processing section extending completely through said generally cylindrical tubular housing and having an integral flash reducing projection extending forwardly of said front wall;

said propellant gas processing section defining a flow bore aligned with said barrel bore and defining abruptly oriented passages communicating propellant gas of said barrel bore with said serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers in a manner causing the dense gunpowder particulate to continue through said flow bore thus separating the dense gunpowder particulate and preventing the dense gunpowder residue from entering said serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers and causing substantial buildup on said plurality of baffle members.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising:

securing said suppressor mounting adapter to said threaded muzzle of said barrel;

assembling a suppressor housing adapter within said generally cylindrical tubular housing thus creating a housing assembly;

connecting said generally cylindrical tubular housing with said suppressor mounting adapter; and

releasably attaching said housing assembly with said suppressor mounting adapter, rotating said housing assembly on said suppressor mounting adapter and making up a releasable thread connection of said suppressor housing adapter and said suppressor housing adapter.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising:

said step of releasably attaching said housing assembly with said suppressor mounting adapter being rotation of said housing assembly on said suppressor mounting adapter until said releasable thread connection becomes tight; and

locking said housing assembly against loosening counter-rotation.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said step of locking comprising:

forcing movement of flexible spring locking fingers of said housing mounting adapter from normal release positions to rotation preventing locking engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter, upon release of said forcing movement said flexible spring locking fingers returning to said normal release positions, permitting rotation of said housing assembly for loosening and removal from said suppressor mounting adapter.

5. A suppressed upper receiver group for a firearm, comprising:

an upper receiver having a barrel mounted thereto, said barrel defining a barrel bore and having a threaded muzzle end;

an elongate tubular housing having front and rear ends and having a propellant gas discharge wall at said front end thereof having a primary propellant gas discharge opening, said elongate tubular housing defining a propellant gas processing chamber therein, said elongate tubular housing having a primary flow path therein;

a plurality of baffle members being positioned in spaced relation within said elongate tubular housing and defining serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers between said baffle members; and

a suppressor mounting adapter being threadedly connected with said threaded muzzle end of said barrel and having an integral propellant gas processing section having a propellant flow bore aligned with said barrel bore and extending longitudinally through said elongate tubular housing, said integral propellant gas processing section having a flash retarding tip projecting through said opening of said wall of said elongate tubular housing, said propellant gas processing section and said serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers collectively defining said primary flow path and having lateral passages from said propellant flow bore to said plurality of propellant gas processing chambers and being oriented so that the dense gunpowder residue particulate contained within said propellant gas is conducted through said propellant flow bore past said lateral passages and is substantially excluded from said plurality of propellant gas processing chambers thus substantially preventing dense gunpowder residue from striking and building up on said baffle members.

6. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 5, comprising:

a housing mounting adapter being secured within said rear end of said elongate tubular housing and having an internal thread section; and

an external thread section being defined by said suppressor mounting adapter and being engaged with said internal thread section of said housing mounting adapter, permitting threaded attachment of said elongate tubular housing to said suppressor mounting adapter.

7. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 6, comprising:

spaced tapered annular external sealing surfaces being defined by said suppressor mounting adapter and having said external thread section of said suppressor mounting adapter located therebetween;

spaced tapered annular internal sealing surfaces being defined within said housing mounting adapter and having said internal thread section of said housing mounting adapter located therebetween; and

complete threading of said elongate tubular housing to said suppressor mounting adapter establishing sealing engagement of said spaced tapered annular internal and external sealing surfaces and isolating said external and internal thread sections from contamination by gunpowder residue.

8. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 6, comprising:

a locking mechanism being provided on said housing mounting adapter and being actuatable from a normal non-locking position to a locking position to secure said housing mounting adapter and said elongate tubular housing against inadvertently becoming loose or separating from said suppressor mounting adapter during use of the firearm; and

a lock actuating member selectively engaging and moving said locking mechanism from said non-locking position to said locking position.

9. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 8, comprising:

said locking mechanism being a plurality of moveable spring locking fingers normally having non-locking positions with respect to said suppressor mounting adapter and a locking thread on said housing mounting adapter; and

said lock actuating member being a locking ring having an thread engaging said locking and having a lock moving portion, upon locking movement of said locking ring said lock moving portion engaging said moveable spring locking fingers members and moving said spring locking fingers into locking engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter, upon movement of said lock moving portion toward said non-locking position said plurality of spring locking fingers returning to said non-locking positions thereof.

10. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 9, comprising:

an annular locking rim being located on said suppressor mounting adapter and having an annular ratcheted external surface; and

annular ratcheted internal surfaces being define by each of said spring locking fingers and establishing locking engagement with said annular ratcheted external surface of said annular locking rim at said locking positions of said spring locking fingers preventing loosening rotation of said housing mounting adapter and said generally cylindrical tubular housing

11. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 5, comprising:

an internal wall surface being defined by said generally cylindrical tubular housing;

An annular rim being supported in forwardly spaced relation by said housing mounting adapter and defining an annular bypass chamber within said generally cylindrical tubular housing, said annular rim defining a plurality of bypass ports communicating said annular bypass chamber with said propellant gas processing chamber;

said baffle members having generally cylindrical external walls and having external spacer members engaging said generally cylindrical internal wall surface of said and defining an annular space establishing a secondary flow path between said generally cylindrical tubular housing and said generally cylindrical external walls, said secondary flow path being in communication with said annular bypass chamber;

a plurality of bypass ports being defined in said propellant gas discharge wall of said generally cylindrical tubular housing and being in communication with said secondary flow path and conducting discharge of propellant gas to said secondary discharge ports substantially simultaneously with discharge of propellant gas from said primary flow path.

12. A suppressed upper receiver group for a firearm, comprising:

an upper receiver having a barrel mounted thereto, said barrel defining a barrel bore and having a threaded muzzle end;

an elongate tubular housing having a propellant gas discharge wall defining a propellant gas discharge opening, said elongate tubular housing defining a propellant gas processing chamber therein;

a plurality of baffle members being positioned in spaced relation within said elongate tubular housing and defining serially arranged propellant gas processing chambers between said baffle members; and

a suppressor mounting adapter being connected with said barrel and having an integral propellant gas processing section having a propellant flow bore aligned with said barrel bore and extending longitudinally through said elongate tubular housing, said integral propellant gas processing section having a flash retarding tip projecting through said propellant gas discharge opening of said elongate tubular housing.

13. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 12, comprising:

a housing mounting adapter being secured within said elongate tubular housing and having an internal thread section; and

an external thread section being defined by said suppressor mounting adapter and being engaged with said internal thread section of said housing mounting adapter, permitting threaded attachment of said elongate tubular housing to said suppressor mounting adapter.

14. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 13, comprising:

spaced tapered annular external sealing surfaces being defined by said suppressor mounting adapter and having said external thread section of said suppressor mounting adapter located therebetween;

spaced tapered annular internal sealing surfaces being defined within said housing mounting adapter and having said internal thread section of said housing mounting adapter located therebetween; and

complete threading of said elongate tubular housing to said suppressor mounting adapter establishing sealing engagement of said spaced tapered annular internal and external sealing surfaces and isolating said external and internal thread sections from contamination by gunpowder residue.

15. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 13, comprising:

a locking mechanism being provided on said housing mounting adapter and being actuatable from a normal non-locking position to a locking position to secure said housing mounting adapter and said elongate tubular housing against inadvertently becoming loose or separating from said suppressor mounting adapter during use of the firearm; and

a lock actuating member selectively engaging and moving said locking mechanism from said non-locking position to said locking position.

16. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 15, comprising:

said locking mechanism being a plurality of moveable spring locking fingers normally having non-locking positions with respect to said suppressor mounting adapter and a locking thread on said housing mounting adapter; and

said lock actuating member being a locking ring having an thread engaging said locking and having a lock moving portion, upon locking movement of said locking ring said lock moving portion engaging said moveable spring locking fingers members and moving said spring locking fingers into locking engagement with said suppressor mounting adapter, upon movement of said lock moving portion toward said non-locking position said plurality of spring locking fingers returning to said non-locking positions thereof.

17. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 16, comprising:

an annular locking rim being located on said suppressor mounting adapter and having an annular ratcheted external surface; and

annular ratcheted internal surfaces being define by each of said spring locking fingers and establishing locking engagement with said annular ratcheted external surface of said annular locking rim at said locking positions of said spring locking fingers preventing loosening rotation of said housing mounting adapter and said generally cylindrical tubular housing.

18. The suppressed upper receiver group of claim 12, comprising:

a primary flow path being defined within said generally cylindrical tubular housing by said baffle members, said plurality of propellant gas processing chambers, said suppressor mounting adapter, said integral propellant gas processing section and said propellant flow bore and terminating at said flash retarding tip;

an internal wall surface being defined by said generally cylindrical tubular housing;

An annular rim being supported in spaced relation by said housing mounting adapter and defining an annular bypass chamber within said generally cylindrical tubular housing, said annular rim defining a plurality of bypass ports communicating said annular bypass chamber with said propellant gas processing chamber;

said baffle members having generally cylindrical external walls and having external spacer members engaging said generally cylindrical internal wall surface of said and defining an annular space establishing a secondary flow path between said generally cylindrical tubular housing and said generally cylindrical external walls, said secondary flow path being in communication with said annular bypass chamber; and

a plurality of bypass ports being defined in said propellant gas discharge wall of said generally cylindrical tubular housing and being in communication with said secondary flow path and conducting discharge of propellant gas to said secondary discharge ports substantially simultaneously with discharge of propellant gas from said primary flow path.