QUICK DISCONNECT MOUNT FOR MUZZLE ATTACHMENTS

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/657,353 filed on Jun. 7, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THIS DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to mounting systems for firearm muzzle attachments and more particularly to a mounting assembly having a redundant retention mechanism.

BACKGROUND

The design of firearms and related accessories involves many non-trivial challenges. Some accessories are designed to be mounted to the muzzle-end of a firearm barrel in one or more particular rotational orientations to accomplish a desired effect. For example, a muzzle brake is an attachment that redirects a portion of propellant gases away from the bore axis as the gases escape from the barrel. One muzzle brake defines side openings that direct combustion gases rearwardly so that the gases push the firearm forward to partially counteract recoil forces resulting from discharging the firearm. Such a muzzle brake is mounted to a firearm barrel in a particular rotational orientation to prevent gases from being directed upward into the line of sight of the firearm operator, or downward where gases may kick up dust.

Suppressors are another muzzle accessory intended to reduce the audible report and the flash signature of the firearm. Suppressors include a series of baffled chambers that slow down the expansion and the release of pressurized gases leaving the barrel, therefore reducing the audible report when discharging the firearm. The central opening through the suppressor must be sufficiently aligned with the bore axis to prevent a projectile from striking the suppressor and to prevent reductions in accuracy. For this reason, the suppressor is generally attached securely to the barrel using a method that provides precision alignment with the bore axis.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for attaching accessories to the muzzle of a firearm, a locking assembly, and a method of attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm using a mounting assembly that inhibits or prevents inadvertent loosening of the attachment. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for firearm muzzle devices. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting assembly includes a clutch assembly that prevents loosening rotation of the attachment due to vibration, recoil forces, and the like. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly is a quick-disconnect mount that enables the user to remove and/or install a muzzle attachment without the need for tools.

In addition, the locking clutch assembly can include one or more redundant or secondary retention features that block removal of the muzzle adapter from the assembly when the retention feature(s) is in the locked condition. In one example, the mounting assembly threads onto a muzzle adapter, such as a flash hider. The mounting assembly can then be moved to the locked condition where cams engage a cylindrical portion of the muzzle adapter to inhibit loosening rotation. In addition, one or more of the cams can include a protrusion that occupies a circumferential groove on the muzzle adapter when the assembly is in the locked condition. In this locked position, the assembly is blocked from removal (or assembly) in the axial direction due to interference between the protrusion and the groove. Another retention feature utilizes a wire form spring, where part of the wire form spring occupies the circumferential groove in the locked condition and blocks axial movement of the assembly due to interference between the spring, the groove, and the mounting assembly. The redundant retention features can be used individually or in combination with one another. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter, where the mounting assembly has a clutch collar in a locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1 with the clutch collar in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of a muzzle end portion of a firearm barrel and a mounting assembly with the clutch collar in the locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D illustrates an exploded, front perspective view of a mounting assembly having a locking mechanism with a redundant retention feature, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E illustrates an exploded, rear perspective view of the mounting assembly shown in FIG. 1D.

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of a muzzle adapter configured as a flash hider with circumferential grooves, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the muzzle adapter shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a rear perspective view of a muzzle adapter having first and second circumferential grooves, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a side view of the muzzle adapter shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a body of an attachment mount, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear perspective of the mount body shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a front perspective view of the mount body shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view of a cam with a protrusion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of the cam shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates a front perspective view of the cam shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D illustrates a second front perspective view of the cam shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cam spring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a wire form spring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of a wire form spring with an end substantially defining a loop, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a clutch collar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the clutch collar shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective and cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A illustrates a rear and cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B illustrates a close-up view of part of the locking assembly shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A illustrates an exploded front perspective view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B illustrates a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A illustrates a rear and cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section taken through a detent loop of the wire form spring and shows a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14D illustrates a side view of a longitudinal section taken through the cams of the locking mechanism and shows the mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A illustrates a rear and cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking assembly in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B illustrates a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C illustrates a top view showing a longitudinal section taken through the loop of the wire form spring and shows a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter with the locking mechanism in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15D illustrates a rear perspective view showing a longitudinal section of a mounting assembly and muzzle adapter, where the section is taken through the loop of the wire form spring and where the locking assembly is in a locked condition during an attempted installation of the muzzle adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a firearm with a muzzle attachment secured to the mounting assembly and installed on the firearm barrel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the firearm of FIG. 16 with the attachment mount and muzzle attachment disconnected from the muzzle adapter, which remains installed on the barrel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm muzzle and inhibiting inadvertent loosening of the muzzle attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

These and other features of the present embodiments will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the Figures herein described. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Furthermore, as will be appreciated, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, nor are the drawings intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific configurations shown. In short, the Figures are provided merely to show example structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.

In one example embodiment, the mounting assembly includes an attachment mount with a clutch assembly operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The attachment mount can be used to attach a suppressor or other muzzle device to the firearm. For example, the muzzle adapter can be received in the proximal end portion of the mount body and attached to the attachment mount with threads, a bayonet mount, or other method. The distal end portion of the mount is configured to be secured to a firearm muzzle device, such as a suppressor, muzzle brake, flash hider, heat shield, or other attachment. In some embodiments, more than one muzzle device may be used together at the same time, such as a muzzle brake and suppressor in combination, or a suppressor in combination with a heat shield, to name a couple examples.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly includes the muzzle adapter. In one such embodiment, the muzzle adapter has a generally cylindrical body with a threaded portion configured to engage threads in the mount proximal end portion. The muzzle adapter also includes a cylindrical sleeve portion that extends distally of the threaded portion. In some embodiments, the muzzle adapter is configured as a muzzle brake or a flash hider, for example.

In one embodiment, the clutch assembly includes a clutch collar that surrounds part of the body of the attachment mount and is rotatable about the body between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking structure includes one or more cams, where each cam is pivotably retained by the body of the attachment mount. Each cam has a cam body with an arcuate cam surface. When the clutch collar is moved to the locked position, the cams pivot to a first position in which the cam surface extends radially inward to a radius equal to or less than the radius of the sleeve portion or other portion of the muzzle adapter. Thus, when the muzzle adapter is installed in the attachment mount, the cam surface frictionally engages the sleeve portion to inhibit rotation of the attachment mount relative to the muzzle adapter. When the clutch collar is moved to the unlocked position, the cams pivot to a second position in which the cam surface extends radially inward to a radius greater than the body radius. Thus, the cam surface is spaced from the sleeve portion and provides clearance for the attachment mount to rotate in a loosening direction. Accordingly, the attachment mount can be rotated relative to the muzzle attachment, such as for unscrewing the attachment mount during removal of the attachment mount from the muzzle adapter.

In addition to the locking structure, the attachment mount can include one or more redundant retention features. In one embodiment, one or more of the cams includes a protrusion. When the cams are in the locked position, the protrusion occupies a groove on the adapter, therefore creating an interference condition that limits allowable axial movement (e.g., slipping) of the attachment mount along the sleeve of the muzzle adapter. In another embodiment, a wire form spring extends around the mount body between the mount body and the clutch collar, where an end of the wire form spring includes a bend or loop. When the collar is moved to the locked position, the bend or loop occupies a groove in the adapter, thereby creating an interference condition between the spring, the adapter, and the mount body. This interference condition blocks axial movement of the attachment mount along the muzzle adapter. On the other hand, when the collar is in the unlocked position, the bend or loop does not occupy the groove and therefore allows installation or removal of the attachment mount. Redundant retention features can be used individually or in combination with one another.

After threading the mounting assembly onto the muzzle adapter, a locking collar can be moved to a locked position to engage cams with a cylindrical sleeve of the muzzle adapter. In the engaged condition, the cams inhibit rotation in a loosening direction. Moving the clutch assembly to the locked position allows the cams to rotate into engagement with the sleeve portion of the muzzle adapter. In the unlocked position, the clutch assembly disengages the cams from the muzzle adapter to permit loosening rotation of the attachment mount relative to the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, the clutch assembly can also occupy a free position, such as when the mounting assembly is disconnected from the muzzle adapter. In the free position, the locking structure can occupy a position that is not attainable when the muzzle adapter is installed in the attachment mount due to physical interference between the locking structure and the muzzle adapter, for example.

A retaining ring can be used in some embodiments to retain the assembled configuration of the mounting assembly.

Various embodiments of the mounting assembly can be used to secure a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm. In one embodiment, a method of securing a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm includes providing a muzzle adapter, providing an attachment mount with a clutch assembly, installing the muzzle adapter onto a firearm barrel, attaching the attachment mount to the muzzle adapter, and moving the clutch assembly to the locked position, thereby engaging a locking structure between the muzzle adapter and the attachment mount that prevents loosening rotation of the attachment mount relative to the muzzle adapter.

General Overview

As noted above, non-trivial issues arise in the design of firearms and their accessories. For instance, suppressors, muzzle brakes, and other devices can be mounted to the muzzle of a firearm barrel. In some cases, the muzzle attachment can be secured to the barrel by direct threaded engagement with a threaded end of the barrel. In other cases, the muzzle attachment can be secured to the barrel using a mounting assembly or adapter, where the mounting assembly is attached to the barrel (e.g., by threaded engagement) and includes threads or other structure to releasably secure the muzzle attachment to the adapter. For example, a muzzle adapter is threaded onto a threaded barrel and includes a coarse outer thread for securing the muzzle attachment. The attachment can be attached with less than one revolution along the coarse thread, making installation quicker than direct threaded engagement with the barrel. In another example, the mount includes a receptacle that receives part of the muzzle accessory and secures the accessory in the receptacle in place by tightening a clamp or fasteners that engage the accessory.

One challenge in constructing muzzle attachments and mounts is the need to reliably and repeatably maintain precise axial and often angular alignment between the accessory and the bore axis. For example, a suppressor that becomes misaligned with the bore axis may result in the projectile striking the suppressor baffles, resulting in damage to the suppressor and possible injury to the operator or others nearby. Rotational misalignment due to removal and reinstallation of a suppressor, for example, can result in poor accuracy.

In addition to precise axial alignment, muzzle attachments ought to resist changes in rotational or longitudinal position due to vibration and recoil forces. For example, a muzzle brake that rotates from its intended position may deflect propellant gases into the operator's optics, into the ground, or in another undesirable direction that interferes with the operator's sight picture or firing accuracy. To prevent movement of the muzzle accessory from recoil forces and the like, one approach has been to design mounts that uses threaded engagement with the attachment in addition to having mating surfaces that add a frictional force to secure the attachment. For example, a shallow taper (e.g., 10° or less at each taper surface or ≤20° inclusive) can provide a surface that frictionally engages the accessory as it is threaded onto the mount. The shallow taper forms a seal between the mating surfaces that can effectively prevent unintended loosening of the attachment when tightened sufficiently. However, when tightened enough to prevent loosening from vibration and recoil forces, tools often are necessary to break the seal between the mating surfaces. On the other hand, when the shallow taper is tightened only enough to permit removal by hand, the attachment may vibrate loose and cause accuracy problems, a projectile strike, or the like.

In addition to problems with a sealing taper, many mounting assemblies intended for quick connection and disconnection can be problematic during use in the field. When the barrel and attachment become hot from extended live fire, for example, thermal expansion can further tighten an already tight interface to the extent that tools are required to remove the accessory. Also, carbon deposits can work into fasteners and into seams between the attachment and the mount, causing the interface to bind. The combination of high heat and carbon deposits has been known to “bake” together assembled parts and require tools to remove the attachment.

An operator may need to remove the muzzle attachment for a variety of reasons, such as to repair or service the attachment, to clear an attachment that has become blocked with mud and vegetation, or to install a different attachment. In the best scenario, the increased effort, time, and/or required use of tools to remove the attachment can be an inconvenience. However, during use in the field, such as during a battle, tools may not be available, time may be critical, and the force needed to remove the attachment may exceed what one can achieve in the field using hands alone.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved mounting assembly for muzzle attachments. In accordance with the present disclosure, some embodiments address this need and others by providing a quick-disconnect mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments, where the mounting assembly is operable between a locked position, in which the attachment mount is secured to a muzzle adapter, and unlocked position, in which the assembly permits removal of the attachment mount from the muzzle adapter. The mounting assembly can include one or more additional retention structures that block or limit axial movement of the assembly during use. Embodiments of the mounting assembly facilitate quicker and easier removal of a muzzle attachment compared to existing designs in addition to more reliable retention in the installed condition. In accordance with some embodiments, the mounting assembly enables tool-less disconnection of the muzzle attachment from the firearm in a wide variety of operating environments.

In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed mounting assembly may be detected, for example, by visual inspection of a mounting assembly for firearm muzzle attachments, where the mounting assembly includes features such as a clutch assembly operable between locked and unlocked position and the presence of one or more redundant retention structures. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure comprising cams that engage the outside surface a muzzle adapter or the like. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure that includes cams having a protrusion that occupy a groove in the adapter when the assembly is in the locked position. Some embodiments of the disclosed mounting assembly can be detected by visual inspection of a locking structure that includes a wire spring having a protrusion that occupies a groove in the adapter when the assembly is in the locked position. In yet another aspect, methods of attaching a muzzle device according to the present disclosure can be detected by use of a mounting assembly utilizing a clutch assembly that actuates secondary retention features. Some methods can be detected by a mounting assembly providing tool-less disconnection of a muzzle attachment from a firearm barrel.

While generally referred to herein as a ‘mounting assembly’ for consistency and ease of understanding the present disclosure, the disclosed mounting assembly is not limited to that specific terminology and alternatively can be referred to, for example, as a mount, a muzzle adapter, or other terms. As will be further appreciated, the particular configuration (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.) of a mounting assembly configured as described herein may be varied, for example, depending on whether the intended use is military, tactical, or civilian in nature. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Structure and Operation

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a mounting assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 1A is a front and side perspective view showing the clutch assembly 140 in a locked position, FIG. 1B is a rear and side perspective view showing the clutch assembly 140 in an unlocked position, and FIG. 1C is a top plan view showing the mounting assembly 100 with the clutch assembly 140 in the locked position and positioned adjacent a threaded end portion 510 of a barrel 505. FIG. 1D illustrates an exploded front and side perspective view, and FIG. 1E illustrates an exploded rear and left-side perspective view showing components of the mounting assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting assemblies 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E are discussed concurrently below.

In one embodiment, the mounting assembly 100 includes a mount body 202 with a clutch assembly 140, where the mounting assembly 100 is configured to attach to a muzzle adapter 110. In some embodiments, the muzzle adapter 110 is part of the mounting assembly 100. The attachment mount 200 is releasably attachable to the muzzle adapter 110 and can be secured or locked to the muzzle adapter 110 by the clutch assembly 140 to prevent inadvertent disassembly. The clutch assembly 140 includes a clutch collar 142 that can be installed on and overlaps a portion of the attachment mount 200. The clutch collar 142 is rotatable about the attachment mount 200 and allows frictional engagement of a locking structure 160 to inhibit inadvertent disassembly of the attachment mount 200 from the muzzle adapter 110. Components of the attachment mount 100 will be discussed in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the muzzle adapter 110 is configured to be attached to the barrel 505, such as by screwing the muzzle adapter 110 onto the threaded end portion 510. The attachment mount 200 can be removably attached to the muzzle adapter 110, such as by threaded engagement, a bayonet mount, or other means. The attachment mount 200 has a distal end portion 202 configured to be secured to a muzzle attachment 515 (shown in FIGS. 16-17), such as a suppressor, muzzle brake, or the like. In one example, the muzzle attachment 515 can be screwed into the distal end portion 202 of the attachment mount 200. In other embodiments, the attachment mount 200 can be permanently attached to or formed as a single piece with the muzzle attachment, including having a welded connection.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, a muzzle adapter 110 is configured as a flash hider and defines circumferential grooves 127, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view and FIG. 2B is a side view. FIGS. 2C-2D illustrate a rear perspective view and a side view of a muzzle adapter 110 configured for stepping up in size between a barrel and the attachment mount 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Although some differences exist, the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2D are discussed concurrently below.

In the examples of FIGS. 2A-2D, the muzzle adapter 110 extends along a bore axis 102 and includes a proximal end portion 114 and a distal end portion 116. A central opening 118 extends through the muzzle adapter 110 along the bore axis 102. The muzzle adapter 110 is configured to be attached to the muzzle-end of a barrel 505 of a host firearm 500. In some embodiments, the inside of the muzzle adapter 110 has a female thread 120 on that is sized to mate with a corresponding male thread on the muzzle-end of the barrel 505. For example, the female thread 120 is a ½-28 thread or other suitable size and pitch. In other embodiments, the inside sidewall 124 is smooth. The muzzle adapter 110 optionally includes a corrosion-resistant coating, such as a diamond-like carbon (DLC), a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating of metal or a metal alloy, a manganese phosphate coating, or a nitride case hardening.

In these examples, the muzzle adapter 110 includes a sleeve portion 126 with a generally smooth, cylindrical outer sidewall. Optionally, the sleeve portion 126 terminates at a taper 128 that defines a taper angle a of at least 10° with respect to the bore axis 102 (i.e., at least 20° including opposite tapers), including 12°, 14°, 16°,18°, or 20°, for example. A taper 128 with a taper angle a of about 15° or more facilitates alignment to and engagement with another corresponding tapered surface without forming a binding interface that requires a tool to break the connection. A taper angle a of 10° or less often results in a binding interface that can be difficult to break during disassembly.

The proximal end portion 114 of the muzzle adapter 110 defines a male thread 130 for threaded engagement with attachment mount 200. In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 114 defines wrench flats 132 to facilitate tightening the muzzle adapter 110 to the barrel 505 of the host firearm 500. It is contemplated that the muzzle adapter 110 can be secured to the barrel 505 using other removable or permanent methods, including a slip fit with set screws, an interference fit, welding, a bayonet mount, or combination of these structures.

The muzzle adapter 110 defines at least one circumferential groove 127. In the example of FIGS. 2A-2D, a first circumferential groove 127a separates the sleeve portion 126 from the taper 128 and a second circumferential groove 127b is positioned towards or adjacent the proximal end portion 114. Due to the location of the second circumferential groove 127b in this example, the sleeve portion 126 is divided into first and second sleeve portions 126a, 126b. Cams 162 of the locking structure 160 can engage the first sleeve portion 126a between the first and second circumferential grooves 127a, 127b and/or engage the second sleeve portion 126b between the second circumferential groove 127b and the threads 130 when the mounting assembly 100 is in the locked condition, which is discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, a side view, a rear perspective view, and a front perspective view, respectively, illustrate a mount body 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mount body 202 has a mount distal end portion 204 configured to receive and/or attach to a muzzle attachment 515 (shown in FIGS. 16-17), such as a suppressor. For example, the mount distal end portion 204 defines a female thread 212 along an inside surface for threaded engagement with a muzzle attachment. In other embodiments, distal end portion 204 defines a male thread, a smooth surface for a frictional fit or a slip fit, a clamp, or some other suitable attachment structure for a muzzle attachment. A central mount opening 210 extends through the mount body 202 along bore axis 102.

The attachment mount 200 has a mount proximal end portion 206 configured to be removably attached to the muzzle adapter 110. In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 3B, the inside surface of the mount proximal end portion 206 defines a female thread 214 configured to engage the male thread 130 on the outside of the muzzle adapter 110. In other embodiments, the mount proximal end portion 206 engages the muzzle adapter 110 using a slip fit, a bayonet mount, or other suitable attachment means. An outside of the proximal end portion 206 defines a circumferential groove 217 to receive a retaining ring 158 (shown in FIGS. 1D-1E), which is discussed below. A flange 215 is located between the circumferential grooves 216, 217 and defines pin openings 225 for dowel pins 226.

In some embodiments, the mount body 202 defines a mount middle portion 208 between the mount distal end portion 204 and the mount proximal end portion 206. For example, the mount middle portion 208 has a different size, such as an intermediate size, compared to the mount distal and proximal end portions 204, 206. Such a configuration may result in the mount body 202 having portions of diameters that increase in size from proximal to distal. In other embodiments, for example the mount middle portion 208 has the same size as and may be continuous with the mount proximal end portion 206 and/or the mount distal end portion 204. In yet other embodiments, the mount middle portion 208 is smaller compared to the mount proximal end portion 206 and the mount distal end portion 204.

In one embodiment, the mount middle portion 208 defines a circumferential groove 216 around all or part of the outside surface. The circumferential groove 216 is sized to receive a cam spring 154, such as a wire spring clip, an extension spring, a compression spring, garter spring, torsion spring, or other suitable spring. The cam spring 154 can be part of the locking structure 160, as will be discussed more fully below. The mount middle portion 208 also defines one or more cam openings 218 along the circumferential groove 216, each of which is sized and configured to accept a cam 162 and allow the cam 162 to pivot. In one embodiment, the cam openings 218 are evenly distributed along the circumferential groove 216. For example, two cam openings are spaced by 180°, three cam openings are spaced by 120°, four cam openings are spaced by 90°, and so on. Lock/unlock indicia 230 are included on the mount distal end portion 204, which align with a respective indicator on the clutch collar 142 to communicate to the user that the mounting assembly 100 is in a locked or unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the mount body 202 further defines a circumferential groove 221 in the outside surface to reduce weight of the mounting assembly 100. The circumferential groove(s) 221 can extend in a radial direction part way through or completely through the mount body 202.

As can be seen in the front perspective view of FIG. 3C, an inside of the mount body 202 defines a circumferential groove 219 configured to receive at least part of a wire form spring 180 that extends around most or all of the mount body 202. In some embodiments, the circumferential groove 219 extends through the mount body 202 to define a detent spring opening 220 extending through the sidewall, such as having a shape of an elongated slot, oval, or the like. As shown in FIG. 3C, one spring opening is positioned to receive the outward bend 182 of the wire form spring 180 so that the outward bend 182 protrudes through the detent spring opening 220. Another detent spring opening 220 can be positioned to assist with installation of the wire form spring 180. The wire form spring 180 is useful to bias the clutch collar 142 to occupy either the unlocked or locked position by having the outward bend 182 occupying a recess in the clutch collar 142, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, a front perspective view, a side view, and a rear perspective view, respectively, illustrate a cam 162 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In these example embodiments, cam 162 includes a cam body 164 with a pin opening 166 therethrough for rotation about a dowel pin 226, fastener, or the like. The cam body 164 has an arcuate cam surface 168 that is eccentric about the pin opening 166. That is, the radial distance D from the pin opening 166 to the cam surface 168 changes along the cam surface 168. The cam surface 168 is configured to engage the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter 110 when the attachment assembly 100 is in the locked position. In some embodiments, the cam surface 168 follows the shape of a logarithmic or equiangular spiral. In other embodiments, the cam surface 168 is an arc, which closely approximates a logarithmic or equiangular spiral along short distances, as will be appreciated.

Other cam shapes are acceptable provided that the cam surface 168 increasingly engages the muzzle adapter 110 when rotated in one direction and decreasingly engages the muzzle adapter 110 when rotated in the opposite direction, as will be appreciated. The cam 162 includes a lever arm 170 extending radially outward from the cam body 164. In one embodiment, the lever arm 170 has catch 176 configured to engage a spring. As shown here, the catch 176 is a protrusion that extends away from the lever arm 170 and defines an opening for a hook of a cam spring 154 (shown in FIG. 5), such as an extension spring. In other embodiments, the catch 176 could be a hook, recess, or some other feature configured to engage the cam spring 154. In one embodiment, the lever arm 170 has a split or forked design to accommodate a cam spring 154 generally having a hoop shape and that extends around the mount body 202 while in contact with the cams 162. The cams 162 can be actuated in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated.

In this example, the cam 162 defines a protrusion 178 opposite of the lever arm 170 and extending along the cam surface 168. In some embodiments, the protrusion 178 defines a clearance face 167, such as a flat or arcuate surface that is spaced from the muzzle adapter 110 when the cam 162 is in an unlocked position. In use, when the cam surface 168 engages the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter 110, the protrusion 178 is sized and configured to occupy a groove in the sleeve portion 126. Accordingly, the distance D from the pin opening 166 to the outside surface of the protrusion 178 is greater than the distance from the pin opening 166 to the cam surface 168. In this example, the clearance face 167 has a radius of curvature that is equal to or similar to that of the muzzle adapter 110; in other embodiments, the clearance face 167 can be a flat.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cam spring 154 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cam spring 154 is constructed as an extension spring with a first end 154a and a second end 154b, each of which is configured with a hook. When assembled, one of the ends engages the opening in the lever arm 170 of the cam and the opposite end engages a pin or catch on the mount body 202. The cam spring 154 is arranged to bias the cam 162 towards the locking position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates perspective views of a wire form spring 180, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wire form spring 180 extends from a first end 180a to a second end 180b along a generally circular path, where the first end 180a is discontinuous with the second end 180b. For example, the wire form spring 180 spans about 270° of a circle from first end 180a to second end 180b. The wire form spring 180 includes a protrusion or outward bend 182 that deviates radially outward from the circular shape. The outward bend 182 is directed to protrude through a detent spring opening 220 (shown in FIG. 3C) in the mount body 202. The wire form spring 180 is not essential to the operation of the mounting assembly 100, but is useful to reduce or prevent excess movement in the clutch collar 142, to define energetically preferred detent positions for the clutch collar 142 (either locked or unlocked), and to give the user tactile feedback when the clutch collar 142 is moved from one position to another.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the second end 180b is configured as a straight segment or leg that extends radially outward from the body 181 of the spring, which generally follows a circular path. In such embodiments, the second end 180b can be configured to extend into and/or through an opening in the mount body 202.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, the second end 180b forms a loop 183 or majority portion thereof, with portions of the loop 183 extending along radially inner and radially outer portions 183a, 183b. The radially outer portion 183b is arranged to engage the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar 142 and the radially inner portion 183a is arranged to occupy a circumferential groove (e.g., first circumferential groove 127a) on the muzzle adapter 110 when the mounting assembly 100 is in the locked condition.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a front view and a front perspective view, respectively, illustrate a clutch collar 142 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The clutch collar 142 has a generally cylindrical geometry extending along the bore axis 102 from a proximal end 142a to a distal end 142b. The clutch collar 142 is configured in some embodiments to overlap all or part of the mount proximal end portion 206 and the mount middle portion 208 of the mount body 202 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3C). In other embodiments, for example, the clutch collar 142 overlaps and rotates only about the mount middle portion 208 and is retained between the mount distal end portion 204 and an end cap or locking nut secured to the mount proximal end portion 206. In some embodiments, the clutch collar 142 optionally has an outside surface 143a that facilitates being gripped by a user. For example, the outside surface 143a includes a surface coating, grooves, knurling, or other feature suitable to facilitate rotation by the user in a variety of operating environments.

An inside 141 of the clutch collar 142 is configured to accommodate and operate with the locking structure 160. As shown in this example, the inside 141 defines one or more axial slots or clearance recesses 146 that correspond to components of the locking structure 160, such as cams 162. The inside 141 also defines a circumferential groove 149 to receive the cam springs 154. As the clutch collar 142 rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position, each clearance recess 146 provides space for the cam 160 to rotate. When moving between the locked and unlocked positions, for example, the lever arm 170 can occupy various positions in the clearance recess 146. In an unlocked position, for example, the lever arm 170 is positioned so that the lever arm 170 is generally tangential to and slides along the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar 142, which prevents rotation of the cam 162 towards the lower-energy state of the locked position.

In some embodiments, the clearance recesses 146 are shaped to include recess sidewalls 147 that engage the lever arm 170 and rotate the cam 162 into or out of engagement with the muzzle adapter 110. Direct engagement with the lever arm 170 may occur, for example, when moving the clutch collar 142 to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the cam spring 154 is converted to a higher-energy state because it is expanded to a larger size. In one embodiment, one of the recess sidewalls 147 directly engages the lever arm 170 to rotate the cam 162 against the force of the cam spring 154 acting on lever arm 170. This movement to the unlocked position causes the lever arm 170 to expand the cam spring 154 and the cam surface 168 to disengage from the muzzle adapter 110. In contrast, when rotating to the locked position, the cam spring 154 seeks to occupy the lower-energy state of its resting length (or less-extended length) and applies a force to the lever arm 170 and rotates the cam 162 to the locked position with the cam surface 168 engaging the muzzle adapter (when present). Since the cam spring 154 preferentially moves to the lower-energy condition of the less expanded state or resting state, the cam 162 does not require direct engagement from the clutch collar 142 to rotate towards the locked position.

In one embodiment, the inside 141 of the clutch collar 142 defines one or more spring recesses 150 corresponding to shape and location of the outward bend 182 of the wire form spring 180. The clutch collar 142 can define a detent spring recess 150 for each of one or more desired positions of the clutch collar 142, such as the locked position and the unlocked position. In each of the locked and unlocked positions of the clutch collar 142, for example, the outward bend 182 occupies a respective one of the detent spring recesses 150. When the clutch collar 142 is rotated, a ramp 151 between the spring recesses 150 engages the outward bend 182 of the wire form spring 180 and compresses the spring radially inward towards the bore axis 102. After passing the ramp 151, the spring expands and the outward bend 182 again occupies one of the detent spring recesses 150. In some embodiments, the user may feel the wire form spring 180 “snap” or settle into place when the clutch collar 142 is moved to either the locked or the unlocked positions. In other embodiments, the clutch collar 142 may define only one spring recess 150 corresponding to a preferred position of the clutch collar 142 (e.g., the locked position). In yet other embodiments, the clutch collar 142 defines more than two spring recesses 150, some or all of which can correspond to a particular position.

In some embodiments, the clutch collar 142 includes a proximal wall 144 with an annular shape that connects to an inside of the clutch collar 142 at or near the proximal end 142a and extends radially inward toward the bore axis 102. In one embodiment, the proximal wall 144 defines notches 148 corresponding in location to pins 226 (e.g., shown in FIG. 8) extending through each of the cams 162. In some embodiments, each notch 148 defines stop surfaces 148a that contact the corresponding pin 226 to prevent over rotation of the clutch collar 142 when moving to either of the locked or unlocked positions.

The proximal wall 144 may abut or be positioned closely adjacent to the flange 215 between the circumferential grooves 216, 217 of the mount body 202. Accordingly, the proximal wall 144 can function as a stop to prevent the clutch collar 142 from moving distally along the attachment mount 200. A retaining ring 158, locking nut, cap, or other device installed on the mount proximal end portion 206 to fix the proximal position of the clutch collar 142 along the attachment mount. Accordingly, removal of the retaining ring 158 or other structure would allow disassembly of the mounting assembly 100 for service or repair.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1C illustrates the mounting assembly 100 in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting assembly 100 is assembled with the attachment mount 200 threaded onto the muzzle adapter 110. The taper 128 on the distal end portion 116 of the muzzle adapter 110 mates with a corresponding taper defined inside the attachment mount 200. The clutch collar 142 overlaps the mount middle portion 208 and part of the mount proximal end portion 206. The axial position of the clutch collar 142 on the attachment mount 200 is maintained by stop points in the mounting assembly 100. One stop point is the flange 115 on the mount body 202, which limits the distal position of the clutch collar 202 by contact with the proximal wall 144. The proximal wall 144 also abuts or is closely adjacent the retaining ring 158 that is seated in the circumferential groove 216 on the mount body 202. Another stop point is the distal end 142b of the clutch collar 142 abutting the mount distal end portion 204 of the mount body 202.

A dowel pin 226 extends axially through the flange 115, the cam 162 and into the mount body 202, so as to secure the cam 162 and allow its rotation. In the locked condition as shown, the cam surface 168 of each cam 162 engages the sleeve portion 126a of the muzzle adapter 110 and a protrusion 178 on the cam 162 extends into a circumferential groove 127 (e.g., the second circumferential groove 127b) on the muzzle adapter 110. The interference between the protrusion 178 and the circumferential groove 127 limits and blocks axial movement of the mounting assembly 100 along the muzzle adapter 110. For example, in the event that the sleeve portion 126 becomes coated in carbon deposits from extended firing or lack of maintenance, the cams 162 may fail to engage the sleeve portion 126 with sufficient friction to prevent the mounting assembly 100 from slipping axially along the muzzle adapter 110. However, due to the protrusion 178 occupying the second circumferential groove 127b, slipping is limited and blocked.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of part of the mount body 202 and locking structure 160 in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the mount body is sectioned through the distal side of the flange 215 along line B-B as shown in FIG. 3A. The mounting assembly 100 includes two cams 162. A first end 154a of cam spring 154 is connected to the lever arm 170 of each cam 162 and extends to dowel pin where the second end 154b is connected. Each cam spring 154 remains under some tension so as to bias the cams 162 towards engagement with the muzzle adapter 110. In the locked condition, the protrusion 178 on each cam 162 occupies the second circumferential groove 127b of the muzzle adapter 110.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1C and shows the mounting assembly 100 in an unlocked condition with the muzzle adapter 110 partially removed from the mounting assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cams 162 have rotated about respective dowel pins 226 to that the protrusion 178 does not occupy the second circumferential groove 127b of the adapter. As shown in this example, each protrusion 178 is retracted away from the muzzle adapter 110. Also, the cam surface 168 does not engage (i.e., is spaced from) the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter 110, which allows removal or installation of the muzzle adapter 110. In this unlocked condition, the muzzle adapter 110 can be rotated to threadably advance or retract the muzzle adapter 110 with respect to the mounting assembly 100. Note that the taper 128 is spaced from the corresponding taper on the inside of the mount body 202.

FIG. 11A illustrates a rear sectional view of a mounting assembly 100 and muzzle adapter 110 with the locking assembly 160 in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11B illustrates a close-up view of one of the cams 162 shown in FIG. 11A. In this example, the mounting assembly 100 has been sectioned through the flange 115 along line B-B shown in FIG. 3A. The clutch collar 142 has been rotated against the force of cam springs 154 to an unlocked position (rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. 11). In doing so, ramps 151 have engaged the lever arm 170 of each cam 162 and rotated the cams 162 to a clearance position where the cam surface 168 does not contact the muzzle adapter 110 (i.e., is spaced from the muzzle adapter) and the protrusion 178 does not occupy the second circumferential groove 127b. In this position, the clearance face 167 of each cam 162 is aligned along the muzzle adapter 110. Each cam spring 154 is tensioned to a greater amount than when in the locked position. Note that when the cams 162 reach a clearance position that the clutch collar 142 may continue to rotate. In this situation, the lever arm 170 moves from contacting the ramp 147 to contacting the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar so that no further rotation of the cam 162 is achieved, yet the clearance position of the cam 162 is maintained. In the unlocked position shown in FIG. 11, the cams 162 are maintained in the clearance position by the lever arm 170 contacting the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar 142.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mounting assembly 100 and muzzle adapter 110 with the locking structure 160 in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, the cams 162 engage the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter 110. In this condition, the protrusion 178 of each cam 162 occupies the second circumferential groove 127b of the muzzle adapter 110. In this example, the cams 162 have failed to adequately engage the sleeve portion 126 and the mounting assembly 100 has shifted or slipped along the muzzle adapter 110. However, due to the protrusions 178 occupying the second circumferential groove 127b, the axial slip is limited to the amount of initial clearance between the second circumferential groove 127b and the protrusions 178. Compared to the position of the protrusions 178 shown in FIG. 8, here the protrusions 178 have moved forward in the second circumferential groove 127b until abutting the wall of the groove.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13B, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, show components of a mounting assembly 100 and a muzzle adapter 110, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the mounting assembly 100 includes a mount body 202, a locking assembly 160, a clutch collar 142, a retaining ring 158, and a muzzle adapter 110. The muzzle adapter 110 can be provided separately from the mounting assembly 100 and therefor is not a required component of the mounting assembly 100. In this embodiment, the wire form spring 180 is configured to block axial slip and removal of the mounting assembly 100 when the clutch collar 142 is in the locked position and the locking assembly 160 engaging the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter 110. Similarly, in the locked condition, the mounting assembly blocks installation of the muzzle adapter 110 into the mount body 202. In this embodiment, the wire form spring 180 has a second end 180b configured as a loop 183 with radially outer portion 183b and radially inner portion 183a, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 6B. The loop 183 can be used as a secondary retention mechanism that blocks axial movement between the mounting assembly 100 and the muzzle adapter 110 when the clutch collar 142 is in the locked position.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a rear view and a rear perspective view of a mounting assembly 100 and muzzle adapter 110 as viewed along section line C-C of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the clutch collar 142 is in the unlocked position. In this unlocked condition, the semicircular indicator 230a on the clutch collar 142 aligns with the unlocked indicator 230b on the adapter body 202. In the unlocked position, the outward bend 182 of the wire form spring 180 occupies the spring recess 150a associated with unlocked position. The loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 occupies spring recess 150c. Since the wire form spring 180 is compressed when installed, the radial space provided by the spring recess 150c allows the wire form spring 180 to expand radially outward to a larger size. As such, the loop 183 has moved radially outward and does not occupy the circumferential groove 127 on the muzzle adapter 110. Thus, the wire form spring 180 is in a non-blocking position and the muzzle adapter 110 can be removed from the mounting assembly 100.

FIG. 14C illustrates a cross-sectional view taken through the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 with the mounting assembly 100 in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen here, the wire form spring 180 has expanded radially so that the loop 183 abuts the spring recess 150c and does not occupy the circumferential groove 127 on the muzzle adapter 110. The cams 162, which are not visible in this view, are disengaged from the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter. In this unlocked condition, wire form spring 180 is in a non-blocking position and the cams 162 are disengaged from the sleeve portion 126. Accordingly, the muzzle adapter 110 can be removed from the mounting assembly 100. In this embodiment, the mounting assembly 100 utilizes a blocking condition of the wire form spring 180 as a secondary retention mechanism.

FIG. 14D illustrates a cross-sectional view taken through the cams 162 of the locking assembly 160, where the mounting assembly 100 in an unlocked condition, in accordance with an embodiment. The cams 162 are spaced from the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter 110. The wire form spring 180 does not occupy the circumferential groove 127 on the muzzle adapter 110. In this unlocked condition, the muzzle adapter 110 can be removed from the mounting assembly 100.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a rear view and a rear perspective view of a mounting assembly 100 and muzzle adapter 110 as viewed along section line C-C of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the clutch collar 142 is in the locked position. In this locked condition, the semicircular indicator 230a on the clutch collar 142 aligns with the locked indicator 230b on the adapter body 202. Compared to the position of FIGS. 14A-14B, the clutch collar 142 has rotated clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 15A) so that the outward bend 182 of the wire form spring 180 occupies the spring recess 150b associated with locked condition. The clutch collar 142 has rotated so that the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 abuts the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar 142, rather than the spring recess 150c. When the loop 183 abuts the inside cylindrical surface 143b, the wire form spring 180 is more compressed and the loop 183 occupies the circumferential groove 127 on the muzzle adapter. Thus, the wire form spring 180 is in a blocking position and the muzzle adapter 110 is blocked from being removed from the mounting assembly 100 due to interference between the loop 183 and the muzzle adapter 110.

FIG. 15C illustrates a cross-sectional view taken through the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 with the mounting assembly 100 in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen here, the loop 183 abuts the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar 142, causing the loop 183 to move radially inward to occupy the circumferential groove 127 on the muzzle adapter 110, rather than occupying the spring recess 150c. The cams 162, which are not visible in this view, engage the sleeve portion 126 of the muzzle adapter. Due to interference between the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 and the muzzle adapter 110, the muzzle adapter 110 is blocked from being removed from the mounting assembly 100. In this embodiment, the mounting assembly 100 utilizes a blocking condition of the wire form spring 180 as a secondary retention mechanism.

FIG. 15D illustrates a perspective and cross-sectional view taken through the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 showing an attempted installation of the muzzle adapter 110 when the mounting assembly 100 in a locked condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 is deflected radially inward by the inside cylindrical surface 143b of the clutch collar 142. In this locked condition, the loop 183 of the wire form spring 180 interferes with the muzzle adapter 110 and blocks its installation into the mounting assembly 100.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a mounting assembly 100 with muzzle attachment 515 installed on the barrel 505 of a host firearm 500. In this example, the muzzle attachment 515 is a suppressor that is secured to the attachment mount 200. The attachment mount 200 is threaded onto the muzzle adapter 110, which is threaded onto the barrel 505.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 16 shown disconnected from the muzzle adapter 110, which remains secured to the barrel 505 of the host firearm 500. Although removed from the muzzle adapter 110, which remains on the firearm 500, the muzzle attachment 515 remains coupled to the attachment mount 200.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method 400 of securing a muzzle attachment to the barrel of a firearm. FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart showing steps in one embodiment of the method 400. Method 400 includes providing 405 a mounting assembly comprising a muzzle adapter configured to be attached to a firearm barrel. For example, the mounting assembly is any of the embodiments of a mounting assembly as disclosed herein. An attachment mount is provided 410, the attachment mount having a clutch assembly with a locking mechanism operable between locked and unlocked conditions. A muzzle attachment is provided 415, such as a suppressor, a muzzle brake, a heat shield, a linear compensator, blank firing adapter, an inert suppressor, or a flash hider. A firearm barrel with a muzzle end portion is provided 420.

The muzzle adapter is installed 425 onto the firearm barrel, such as by screwing the muzzle adapter onto the threaded end of the barrel. Other attachment methods are acceptable as will be appreciated. The muzzle attachment is attached 430 to the attachment mount. For example, the muzzle attachment can be screwed into the distal end portion of the mount body. The attachment mount (e.g., with muzzle attachment) is attached 435 to the muzzle adapter, such as by threading the attachment mount onto the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, attaching 435 the attachment mount to the muzzle adapter includes first moving the attachment mount to the unlocked position.

After installing the attachment mount on the muzzle adapter with the muzzle attachment secured to the attachment mount, the clutch assembly can be moved 440 to the locked position to engage a locking structure between the muzzle adapter and the attachment mount, thereby preventing or inhibiting a loosening rotation of the muzzle attachment relative to the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 440 the clutch assembly to the locked position is performed in the same rotational direction as disconnecting the attachment mount from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, moving 440 the clutch assembly to the locked position causes the locking structure to engage the body of the muzzle adapter. For example, the locking structure comprises one or more cams, where each cam has an arcuate cam surface constructed to engage the body of the muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly is in the locked position. In some embodiments, moving the clutch assembly to the locked position engages one or more secondary retention mechanism that prevents axial movement of the attachment mount with respect to the muzzle adapter when in the locked position.

In another embodiment, the method 400 also includes 450 moving the clutch assembly to the unlocked position to cause the locking structure to disengage from the body of the muzzle adapter, and to cause disconnecting 455 the muzzle attachment from the muzzle adapter. In some embodiments, disconnecting 455 the muzzle attachment is performed without the use of hand tools. With the muzzle attachment secured to the attachment mount, the muzzle attachment can be selectively removed and installed on the firearm as needed. The clutch assembly can be moved to the locked position to prevent inadvertent loosening of the muzzle attachment, and moved to the unlocked position when installing or removing the muzzle attachment from the muzzle adapter, as will be appreciated.

In use, the mounting assembly 100 as described herein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, can be attached to the barrel 505 of a host firearm 500 to facilitate installation and removal of muzzle attachments by way of the one-way clutch assembly 140. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 100 enables secure installation and removal of muzzle attachments without the use of tools. As discussed above, the clutch assembly 140 can utilize cams 162 arranged to selectively engage the outside surface of the muzzle adapter 110. When assembled with the clutch assembly 140 in the locked position, the locking structure 160 inhibits removal or loosening of the attachment mount 200 from the muzzle adapter 110, due to engagement of the cams 162 with the muzzle adapter 110, until the clutch assembly 140 is moved to the unlocked position. The locking assembly 160 can further include one or more additional retention structures that prevent axial movement (e.g., slipping) of the mounting assembly with respect to the muzzle adapter. Examples of such retention structures include a protrusion on one or more of the cams 162, where each protrusion occupies a circumferential groove on the muzzle attachment to block removal when the assembly is in the locked condition. Another secondary retention structure is a wire form spring 180 that includes a loop 183 or other shape that is deflected radially inward in the locked condition to occupy a circumferential groove on the muzzle adapter 110. When one or both of such retention assemblies are provided, the resulting interference position(s) blocks slipping and inadvertent removal of the assembly when the mounting assembly is in the locked condition. The clutch assembly 140 can be selectively moved between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Some embodiments of the mounting assembly 100 can be installed on the barrel 505 of the host firearm 500 and provide a seal that prevents or reduces infiltration of propellant gases into the mounting assembly 100. The mounting assembly 100 enables the muzzle attachment 515 to be reliably attached to the barrel 505 and properly aligned with the bore axis 102. When moved to the unlocked position, the clutch assembly 140 permits installation or removal of muzzle attachments since the locking structure 160 is disengaged from the muzzle adapter 110. Accordingly, an operator may quickly remove and/or install a muzzle attachment in the field without encountering time-consuming procedures, overtightened fasteners, baked-together interfaces, and other problems of existing attachment mounting assemblies that require the use of tools to remove (or install) the muzzle attachment.

As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, and in accordance with some embodiments, a mounting assembly 100 as described herein can be utilized with any of a wide range of firearms, including but not limited to, a pistol, a rifle (automatic, semi-automatic, bolt action, etc.), a short-barreled rifle, or a pistol-caliber carbine, to name a few examples. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 100 can be configured for mounting any of a wide variety of firearm attachments to a barrel 505. For example, some embodiments may be configured for a suppressor, a flash hider, a muzzle brake, a linear compensator, a heat shield, or other accessory as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure. The host firearm 500 can be chambered for any ammunition ranging from 0.22 LR to 30 mm NATO and everything in between (e.g., 0.22 LR, 0.223 Remington, 0.30 Remington, 0.380 Auto, 0.40 S&W, 0.45 Auto, 0.50 BMG, 5.56×45 mm NATO, 7.62×39 mm, 7.62×51 mm, 7.62×54 mm, 9×19 mm, 10×25 mm, 30×173 mm NATO, etc.).

Various embodiments of the mounting assembly 100 can be constructed from any suitable material(s), as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. For example, some embodiments of the mounting assembly 100 (or individual components thereof) are constructed from AISI 4140 steel or from chromium-or austenitic nickel-chromium-based alloys, such as 17-4 Stainless Steel or Inconel alloy 625. It may be desirable in some instances for mounting assembly 100 to be constructed of a material that is corrosion resistant, retains strength over a large temperature range (e.g., in the range of about −50 ° F. to 1200° F.), and/or resistant to deformation and/or fracture at high pressures (e.g., 6000-6500 psi throughout and over 10000 psi in localized areas). In a more general sense, the mounting assembly 100 can be constructed from any suitable material which is compliant, for example, with United States Defense Standard MIL-W-13855 (Weapons: Small Arms and Aircraft Armament Subsystems, General Specification For). Other suitable materials for the mounting assembly 100 may depend on a given application and will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Further Example Embodiments

The following examples pertain to further embodiments, from which numerous permutations and configurations will be apparent.

Example 1 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device and configured for to attach to a firearm barrel or a muzzle adapter having, in each case, a cylindrical sleeve portion. The mounting assembly comprises a mount body having a proximal end portion and a mount distal end portion, the attachment mount defining a passageway therethrough along a central axis and configured to releasably attach to the firearm barrel or the muzzle adapter when the firearm barrel or the muzzle adapter is received in the mount proximal end portion, and the mount distal end portion configured to attach to a firearm muzzle device. Cams are mounted to the mount body and pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, where the cams arranged to engage the cylindrical sleeve portion when in the engaged position. A clutch assembly on the mount body is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, where moving the clutch assembly to the locked position allows the cams to move to the engaged position and moving the clutch assembly to the unlocked position moves the cams to the disengaged position. A secondary retention structure is configured to inhibit axial removal of the mounting assembly from the firearm barrel or muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly is in the locked position.

Example 2 includes the mounting assembly of Example 1 and further includes the muzzle adapter having the cylindrical sleeve portion, where the muzzle adapter defines at least one circumferential groove adjacent to or in an area of the cylindrical sleeve portion. The cams have an arcuate engagement surface configured to engage the cylindrical sleeve portion and at least one of the cams includes a protrusion adjacent the engagement surface and extending beyond the engagement surface. When the clutch collar is in the locked position, the engagement surface engages the cylindrical sleeve portion of the muzzle adapter and the protrusion occupies the circumferential groove, thereby limiting and inhibiting loosening rotation of the attachment mount. When the clutch collar is in the unlocked position, the cams disengage from the cylindrical sleeve portion and the protrusion is positioned away from the circumferential groove, thereby permitting loosening rotation of the attachment mount and removal of the muzzle adapter from the attachment mount.

Example 3 includes the mounting assembly of Example 1 or 2, where the locking structure comprises a cam spring connected between the mount body and each of the cams, wherein each cam spring biases the associated cam towards the engaged position.

Example 4 includes the mounting assembly of any of the foregoing Examples, where each of the cams is mounted in a cam opening defined in the mount body and positioned to engage the sleeve portion when the clutch assembly is in the locked position. A cam spring associated with each of the cams biases a respective one of the cams toward the engaged position. The clutch assembly includes a clutch collar overlapping and rotatable about the mount body in a first direction to permit the cams to move to the engaged position, and rotatable about the mount body in a second direction to move the cams to the disengaged position.

Example 5 includes the mounting assembly of Example 4, where each cam spring extends along a circumference of the mount body and has a first end attached to a respective one of the cams.

Example 6 includes the mounting assembly of Example 5, where the cam spring is configured as an extension spring.

Example 7 includes the mounting assembly of Example 5 or 6, wherein moving the clutch assembly to the unlocked position further tensions the cam spring.

Example 8 includes the mounting assembly of any of the foregoing Examples, where each of the one or more cams is positioned to engage the sleeve portion when the clutch assembly is in the locked position, and each of the one or more cams is positioned to be disengaged from the adapter body when the clutch assembly is in the unlocked position.

Example 9 includes the mounting assembly of Example 8, where each of the cams has a lever arm extending radially outward and away from the cam surface, and where an inside of the clutch collar engages the lever arm to pivot the cam when moving the clutch assembly to the unlocked position.

Example 10 includes the mounting assembly of Example 9, where the lever arm abuts the inside of the clutch collar when the clutch assembly is in the unlocked position, thereby preventing the cam from pivoting to the locked position.

Example 11 includes the mounting assembly of any of the foregoing Examples, where the clutch assembly comprises the muzzle adapter, and where the muzzle adapter defines a circumferential groove. A clutch collar is rotatable about the mount body between the locked position and the unlocked position. A wire form spring is positioned between the mount body and the clutch collar and defines an outward bend, a first end, and a second end. The clutch collar defines recesses associated with the locked position and the unlocked position, where the recesses are configured to receive the outward bend of the wire form spring.

Example 12 includes the mounting assembly of Example 11, where the second end of the wire form spring substantially defines a loop, wherein a radially inner portion of the wire loop occupies the circumferential groove in the muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly is in the locked position, thereby inhibiting axial movement of the mounting assembly with respect to the muzzle adapter, and wherein a radially inner portion of the loop resides radially outside of the circumferential groove in the muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly is in the unlocked position, thereby permitting loosening rotation of the attachment mount and removal of the muzzle adapter from the attachment mount.

Example 13 is a mounting assembly for a firearm muzzle device, the mounting assembly comprising a muzzle adapter having a cylindrical sleeve portion and defining a circumferential groove, a mount body having a proximal end portion and a mount distal end portion, the attachment mount defining a passageway therethrough along a central axis and configured to releasably attach to the muzzle adapter when the muzzle adapter is received in the mount proximal end portion, and cams retained in the mount body and pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cams are arranged to engage the cylindrical sleeve portion of the muzzle adapter when in the engaged position. A clutch assembly on the mount body includes a clutch collar operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, where moving the clutch collar to the locked position permits the cams to move to the engaged position and moving the clutch assembly to the unlocked position moves the cams to the disengaged position. A secondary retention structure is configured to block axial removal of the mounting assembly from the firearm barrel or muzzle adapter when the clutch assembly is in the locked position.

Example 14 includes the mounting assembly of Example 13 and further comprises a wire form spring between the mount body and the muzzle adapter, where the wire form spring defines an outward bend and an end defining a loop with a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion. When the clutch collar is in the locked position, the radially inner portion of the loop occupies the circumferential groove in the muzzle adapter.

Example 15 includes the mounting assembly of Example 14, wherein when the clutch collar is in the unlocked position, the radially inner portion of the loop is positioned radially outside of the circumferential groove in the muzzle adapter.

Example 16 includes the mounting assembly of Example 13, wherein at least one of the cams includes a protrusion extending radially outward beyond the cam surface, wherein when the clutch collar is in the locked position, the protrusion occupies the circumferential groove in the muzzle adapter, thereby limiting axial movement of the attachment mount with respect to the muzzle adapter.

Example 17 includes the mounting assembly of any of the foregoing examples and further includes a suppressor configured to be connected or connected to a distal end of the mount body.

Example 18 is a firearm including the mounting assembly of Example 15.

The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future-filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.