Muzzle flash suppressor

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9404704-B2
Application number	US-201414464862-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 21, 2014
Priority date	Aug 21, 2013
Publication date	Aug 2, 2016
Grant date	Aug 2, 2016

Abstract

A muzzle flash suppressor is disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed flash suppressor includes a plurality of prongs having inner surfaces which taper along their length, providing angled expansion of the primary bore of the flash suppressor in the direction of projectile travel. The inner prong surfaces located along the gas flow path angle outwardly, a multi-radius surface is formed between each pair of neighboring prongs, and chamfers and radii are provided at the prong ends. Some embodiments provide for balanced and gradual gas expansion axially and/or radially along the projectile path, thereby allowing muzzle gases to expand/bleed off in a substantially laminar pattern. In some cases, this reduces secondary ignition of muzzle gases and the ambient air, thereby reducing muzzle flash. Also, some embodiments provide for easy clearance or correction of muzzle obstructions, thereby protecting against damage to the flash suppressor and host weapon.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A flash suppressor comprising:
a socket portion configured to couple with a muzzle of a projectile weapon, wherein the socket portion has an opening formed therethrough, the opening commensurate in size with an inner bore of the muzzle;
a plurality of prongs extending from the socket portion, wherein the prongs are arranged such that an interior space surrounded by the prongs provides an exit cavity, and wherein a first end of the exit cavity transitions to the opening of the socket portion and a second end of the exit cavity opens to allow passage of a projectile out of the flash suppressor, the exit cavity exhibiting angled expansion from the first end thereof to the second end thereof; and
a plurality of multi-radius surfaces, each multi-radius surface formed between a neighboring pair of the plurality of prongs, wherein each multi-radius surface transitions from the exit cavity to an exterior of the flash suppressor.

2. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein each prong tapers in thickness along its length from the first end of the exit cavity to the second end of the exit cavity such that its inner surfaces diverge from a central axis of the flash suppressor.

3. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein each prong includes a chamfered end surface and/or a radiused end surface proximal the second end of the exit cavity.

4. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the exit cavity exhibits angled expansion at an angle in the range of about 5°±2°.

5. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein each multi-radius surface exhibits angled expansion from the exit cavity to the exterior of the flash suppressor.

6. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein each multi-radius surface includes a portion which expands at an angle in the range of about 60°±5° relative to a central axis of the flash suppressor.

7. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein each multi-radius surface exhibits a first stage of angled radial width expansion at an angle in the range of about 10°±2°.

8. The flash suppressor of claim 7 , wherein each multi-radius surface further exhibits a second stage of angled radial width expansion at an angle in the range of about 90°±5°, the first stage of angled radial width expansion more proximal to the exit cavity than the second stage of angled radial width expansion.

9. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the flash suppressor has a generally cylindrical tubular geometry.

10. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of prongs comprises three prongs spaced equidistantly from one another about a perimeter of the socket portion.

11. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the socket portion is configured to receive a threaded muzzle.

12. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the socket portion includes one or more set screws configured to tighten against an exterior of the muzzle.

13. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the socket portion includes wrench flats formed therein.

14. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein all prong surfaces along a muzzle gas path are angled outwardly with respect to the muzzle in a direction from the muzzle to the second end of the exit cavity.

15. The flash suppressor of claim 1 , wherein the exit cavity exhibits angled expansion at an angle which permits clearance of a muzzle obstruction upon incidence of a projectile therewith.

16. A projectile weapon comprising the flash suppressor of claim 1 .

17. The projectile weapon of claim 16 , wherein the projectile weapon comprises a pistol, a rifle, a machine gun, or an autocannon.

18. The projectile weapon of claim 16 , wherein the projectile weapon is chambered for projectiles having a caliber in the range of 0.22 long rifle (LR) rounds to 30 mm rounds.

19. The projectile weapon of claim 16 , wherein the projectile weapon comprises a rifle chambered for 5.56×45 mm NATO rounds.

20. The projectile weapon of claim 16 , wherein the projectile weapon comprises a rifle chambered for 7.62×39 mm rounds.

21. The projectile weapon of claim 16 , wherein the socket portion of the flash suppressor includes a stopping position which permits one prong of the plurality of prongs to be indexed at a 12-o-clock position with respect to the muzzle.

Assignees

• Sig Sauer Inc

Inventors

• Packard Harry Andrew
• Lessard Ethan

Classifications

• F41A21/34 Primary

  Flash dampers · CPC title