Weapon Cleaner

Description

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/684,656 filed Aug. 19, 2024 and entitled Weapon Cleaner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of manufactured goods. In particular, this invention relates to a cleaner for cleaning moving part devices such as devices that expel projectiles. Devices cleaned by this invention may include weapons.

Weapons include bolt operated, gas operated, semi-automatic, and/or automatic weapons. This includes, but is not limited to, long guns, hand guns, machine guns, rifles, short barreled rifles and the like of all origins.

Discussion of the Related Art

Cleaning of weapons and in particular cleaning of firearms is and always has been an important task. This is because malfunctions may and do occur when a weapon is not cleaned, especially after use or after exposure to environmental contaminants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a means for cleaning devices with moving parts such as weapons, firearms, and automatic firearms. As used herein, the terms weapon or weapons includes firearms.

Notably, the invention does not replace standard firearm cleaning methods. Rather, embodiments of the invention provide a weapon user with a quick solution for resolving weapon malfunctions caused by internal contamination.

Embodiments of the invention provide a quick and effective solution to many instances of internal weapon contamination. Contamination may include sand and/or dust that enters the weapon system and causes a failure such as a failure to feed ammunition from the magazine to the chamber.

Embodiments of this invention offer rapid cleaning and/or flushing of the weapon system via removing contamination such as unwanted particulate and may provide lubrication and/or cooling for components such as the bolt carrier group, charging handle, upper receiver, and chamber/barrel.

Embodiments of the invention use compressed air, gas, or C02 to apply a high-pressure flow for any of cleaning, lubricating, conditioning, and cooling. Applying such a flow to internal components frequently resolves malfunctions due to particle build up, overheating, and/or insufficient lubrication.

Embodiments of the invention utilize a cleaner designed as a magazine for insertion and/or fitment into a weapon magazine well. As a result, the cleaner can be inserted in the magazine well in the same way a magazine would be inserted. Once inserted, the head of a spray nozzle(s) may align with internal parts such as the bolt face and/or the chamber of the barrel. A button can then be pressed to introduce a flow or high-pressure flow that impinges on internal components of the firearm. The button can be pressed continuously as the treatment (any of solvent, coolant, lubricant, conditioner) is drained followed by application of a high-pressure stream such as air or gas that may flush the system, for example out treatment. Firearm parts may be cooled thereby. Once finished, the cleaning magazine can be removed in the same way a standard magazine is removed.

Embodiments of the cleaner magazine may be made of a high strength polymer. Internal cleaner magazine chambers may hold treatments such as cleaner, solvent, lubricant, conditioner, and the like. A wide variety of treatments can be used and may be based on operator preference. For example, a solvent containing any of alcohol, petroleum products, synthetic cleaners, aromatics, or synthetic aromatics may be used. The cleaner magazine can be reused multiple times and will accept replacement air/gas cartridges. The high-pressure air/gas valve may include metal and/or plastic parts including stainless steel, aluminum, and polymers or high strength polymers. The valve may have threads or not and may accept common 12-1 Sg C02 or similar gas cartridges.

In various embodiments the cleaner magazine or magazine form cleaner is built to similar dimensions as the standard magazine of each weapon for which it is used. This allows magazine storage in the same way ammunition magazines are stored, either in their vest, belt, or storage compartments.

In an embodiment, a weapon cleaner comprises: a valve that interconnects a pressure source and an ejector; a flow path including the pressure source, the valve, the ejector and conveyances therebetween; in an operation carried out by hand, the ejector removably located adjacent to a bolt or other weapon moving part; and, a solvent suitable for removing contaminants providing lubrication, and adhering to internal weapon surfaces, the solvent present in the flow path; wherein operation of the weapon cleaner provides a cleaning flow directed at a face of the bolt and/or other weapon parts involved in weapon operation such as feeding and extracting ammunition. Note that herein, mention of a bolt may include the structure in a firearm that pushes ammunition into a firing chamber such as a bolt with a firing pin.

In an embodiment, a magazine form dispenser for cleaning a weapon comprises: a body with an upper portion shape that is designed for insertion into the magazine well of a weapon; the body fitted with a pressure source, a valve, and an ejector; and, the valve interconnected between the pressure source and an ejector outlet; wherein when the dispenser is inserted in the magazine well of a weapon with a retracted bolt, operation of the valve directs a flow from the pressure source at any of a) a face of the bolt, b) other weapon parts, and c) the chamber/barrel. Purposes of this flow may include any of removing contaminants, lubricating parts, and providing a cooling effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures mentioned below show some embodiments of the invention. One or more of the features shown on one or more figures may be present or absent in particular embodiments embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a cleaner of the present invention which is in use.

FIG. 2 shows parts which may be included in the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a cleaner assembly in accordance with FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3B-C show flow diagrams for use with embodiments of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-C show embodiments of an ejector or ejector assembly in accordance with embodiments the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A shows a weapon cleaner that is in the form of a magazine or clip for use with embodiments the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5B-D show schematics of a long gun, rifle, or similar weapon and a magazine form dispenser which may be used with embodiments of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-B show another embodiment of a magazine form dispenser and a weapon for receiving the magazine form dispenser which may be used with embodiments of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure of this patent application describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and descriptions are non-limiting examples of the embodiments they disclose and/or suggest. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed invention.

As used herein, the term “coupled” includes direct and indirect connections.

Moreover, where first and second devices are coupled, intervening devices including active devices may be located therebetween. As used herein, the term “between” indicates that while B may lie between A and C, there may also be additional items that lie between A and B and/or that lie between B and C.

FIG. 1 shows a cleaner in use 100. In particular, a cleaning device 104 engages or is inserted in 119 an item to be cleaned 102. Cleaning takes place when one or more flows 115, 117 from the cleaning device impinge on parts such as internal parts of a device to be cleaned. Foreign materials removed during cleaning may be expelled via pathways 113 that exit the device to be cleaned.

FIG. 2 shows parts which may be included in the cleaning device 200. This cleaning device is used to direct a cleaning and/or cooling flow on parts of a weapon. Such may occur following maloperation of the weapon, following use of the weapon, or following non-use of the weapon. These parts may be fouled, coated, or otherwise contaminated, for example by operation of the weapon or by exposure to the environment. These parts may be overheated, for example due to operation of the weapon. A cleaner or weapon cleaner 104 may use any of these parts and suitable additional parts.

In various embodiments the cleaning device may include one or more of a conveyance or flow path 214, a pressure source 204, and an ejector 224.

The pressure source 204 may include any one or more of a pressurized cylinder, a gas (CO₂, N₂, air, other suitable gas), a solvent(s), a mixer for mixing the solvent and a gas, a release valve, and a serpentine path for containing the gas and/or solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent is suitable for removing contamination including contamination from weapon firing and contamination from the environment.

The conveyance 214 may include any one or more of a tank or chamber, baffle(s), tubing, solvent(s), a mixer for mixing solvent and a gas, and a serpentine path for containing the gas and/or solvent.

The ejector 224 may include any one or more of an outlet, a receiver, solvent, nozzle(s), and a flow splitter.

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a weapon cleaner assembly 300A. As shown, a conveyance 314 interconnects a pressure source 304 and an ejector 316 which may include ejector nozzle(s) 318. The ejector 316 provides a flow including one or more of pressurized gas and solvent to the one or more outlets or nozzles for impinging on internal weapon parts forward of and/or to the rear of the ejector.

FIG. 3B shows a first flow diagram that may be used by the weapon cleaner 300B. As seen, in a fluid circuit a release valve 331 is between a pressure source 304 and a conveyance which may include solvent storage 333 and provides flow to an ejector 316 or to multiple ejectors (not shown). One or more ejector outlets or nozzles 318 direct flow from the ejector(s). In various embodiments, solvent may be added to the solvent storage and/or to the ejector(s).

FIG. 3C shows a second flow diagram that may be used by the weapon cleaner 300B. As seen, in a fluid circuit, a release valve 354 is between a pressurized solvent source 352 and one or more ejector(s) 356. One or more ejector outlets or nozzles 358 direct flow from the ejector(s).

In various embodiments, the ejector 356 may include metal or plastic parts. Further, the ejector may provide a reservoir for holding a fluid to be dispensed via the nozzle(s) or outlet(s).

FIGS. 4A-C show embodiments of an ejector or ejector assembly 400A-C. FIG. 4A shows a one-piece ejector 402. The ejector provides flows in two directions 405, 407 from nozzles 404, 406 or from the ejector body. One or more of solvent, propellant, and a pressurized gas enter the ejector at an ejector inlet 409. Such an ejector may clean multiple internal parts of a weapon. Such an ejector may clean weapon parts such as a weapon bolt, bolt carrier group, and/or adjacent or opposed parts.

FIG. 4B shows a two piece ejector 418 with a left section 412 and an adjacent right section 413. The left section provides flow in one direction 415 via an outlet or nozzle 414 which receives one or more of solvent, propellant, and a pressurized gas at left ejector inlet 419. The right section provides flow in another or opposite direction 417 via an outlet or nozzle 416 which receives one or more of solvent, propellant, and a pressurized gas at left ejector inlet 410. Such an ejector may clean multiple internal parts of a weapon. Such an ejector may clean weapon parts such as a weapon bolt, bolt carrier group, and/or other weapon parts such as parts involved in feeding and/or extracting ammunition.

FIG. 4C shows an assembly including an ejector 422 and a chamber or tank 423. The ejector provides flow in one direction 425 via an outlet or nozzle 424 which receives one or more of solvent, propellant, and a pressurized gas at left ejector inlet 429. The chamber or tank is for receiving and/or holding one or more of a solvent, a propellant, a pressurized gas via an entryway or port 427 which may be sealed using a plug 426 or other means for providing a seal. A chamber outlet 420 is provided which may interconnect with the flow path between the pressure source 304 and the ejector 316.

It should be noted that FIGS. 4A-C provide means for cleaning via ejectors that dispense a flow of any of a solvent, propellant, and pressurized gas. In various embodiments, the mentioned nozzles, outlets, or the like may direct one or more streams in one or more directions.

FIG. 5A shows a weapon cleaner that is in the form of a magazine or clip for holding ammunition 500A. As is known to skilled artisans, magazines are designed to be inserted into weapons whereupon a weapon bolt or similar structure may push successive rounds of ammunition from the magazine into the weapon's firing chamber. This weapon cleaner may be referred to as a magazine form dispenser.

Embodiments of the magazine form dispenser 501 include a conveyance 504 interconnecting a pressure source 505 with an ejector 502. A nozzle 503 may direct ejector flow. Embodiments of the conveyance, pressure source and ejector include those described above.

FIGS. 5B-C show schematics of a long gun, rifle, or similar weapon and a magazine form dispenser 500B-C.

FIG. 5B shows a schematic of a long gun, rifle, or similar weapon with a bolt closed against a firing chamber 500B. The rifle 521 includes a stock 533 and a barrel 529 with a magazine well 523 therebetween. Extending above the magazine well is a receiver 527 and a bolt or bolt carrier group 525 closed against a firing chamber 519. As shown, a magazine form dispenser 501 is in position and ready to be inserted in the magazine well.

FIG. 5C shows the weapon of FIG. 5B with the bolt retracted or moved away from the firing chamber 500C. Here, the bolt 525 is rearward of the firing chamber 519 and a face 517 of the bolt is opposite the firing chamber. The weapon 521 is ready for insertion of a magazine form dispenser 501 in the magazine well 523. In some embodiments a firing pin 577 is included in a moving part, eg. the bolt, opposite the firing chamber 519.

FIG. 5D shows the weapon of FIG. 5C with the bolt moved away from the firing chamber and with a magazine form dispenser inserted in the magazine well 500D. In normal operation, the weapon 521 would have a magazine (not shown) with ammunition such that ammunition from the magazine is readied for insertion into the firing chamber 519. However, what is shown here is a cleaning operation using not a magazine with ammunition, but a magazine form dispenser 501. In particular, a magazine form dispenser 501 is inserted in the magazine well 523. It may be used to dispense any of a cleaning flow of liquid, gas, solids, lubricant, coolant or an abrasive or a mixture of any of these. Dispensing takes place as a flow from the ejector 502 impinges on the bolt 525 or a face of the bolt. Dispensing may result in cleaning, cooling, lubricating, or conditioning of parts on which the cleaning flow impinges. Other dispensing arrangements may be provided as explained above and in particular as explained in accordance with FIGS. 4A-C.

FIGS. 6A-B show another embodiment of a magazine form dispenser and a weapon for receiving the magazine form dispenser 600A-B. The magazine form dispenser 601 is for insertion in the magazine well 623 of weapon 631. The dispenser may include metal and plastic parts. The dispenser may have a shape similar to that of a magazine that is intended for use with the weapon. The dispenser may have a shape that includes a portion 683 that is designed to fit within a magazine well of the weapon.

FIG. 6A shows a magazine form dispenser 601 including a pushbutton 606 valve 604 between a pressure cartridge 602 and a serpentine flow path 617 that connects with one or both of an ejector 612 having a nozzle 614 and a ported 621 chamber 673 accessible for receiving cleaning, lubricating, and/or cooling fluids or materials. In various other embodiments, the serpentine flow path may be replaced with one or more straight flow paths or with one or more other curved flow paths. In various embodiments, operation of the pushbutton releases a flow to the ejector.

Fluid connections between the ejector 612 and the serpentine path 617 may include a first passage 610. Fluid connections between the chamber and the serpentine path may include a second passage 619. Fluid connections that lie between the valve and the serpentine path may include third passage 615. Notably, the ejector 612 may include or exclude a nozzle 614 but in any event includes an outlet for dispensing all or a portion of the mentioned flow.

FIG. 6B shows a weapon 631 for receiving the magazine form dispenser of FIG. 6A. The weapon includes stock 633 and a barrel 629 with a magazine well 623 therebetween. Above the magazine well is a receiver 627 which includes a bolt or bolt carrier group 625 and a bolt face 675. When the magazine form dispenser 601 with ejector 632 is inserted in the magazine well 623 the ejector nozzle 614 faces the bolt face 675. When the release valve pushbutton 606 is actuated, flow from the pressure cartridge reaches the ejector 612 and ejector nozzle 614 via a passage such as a serpentine path 617. Solvent, coolant, lubricant, or metal/plastic conditioners may be added to the flow path anywhere in the path. For example, a solvent that also provides cooling and lubricating benefits may be added in the afore mentioned passage 617 or at one or both of the pressurized cylinder 602 and the ejector 612.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.