LOW-PROFILE ADAPTER ASSEMBLY FOR FIREARM ACCESSORIES

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/707,116, filed on Oct. 14, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to firearms and firearm accessories, and more particularly to implementations of low-profile adapter assemblies for firearm accessories.

BACKGROUND

Firearm accessories (e.g., muzzle brakes, compensators, silencers, etc.) may be attached to a firearm (e.g., a muzzle end of a firearm). Attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm often includes mating threads on the firearm accessory with complementary threads on a barrel of the firearm. Switching between different firearm accessories typically involves unthreading an attached firearm accessory and threading on a new firearm accessory—provided that the threads of the new firearm accessory are compatible with the threads of the barrel of the firearm.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

Disclosed herein are systems that support a low-profile adapter assembly for firearm accessories.

In one example implementation, a system includes an adapter having an outermost diameter less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of a firearm barrel. The adapter has a first attachment portion configured to attach to the firearm barrel, and a second attachment portion configured to attach to a firearm accessory.

In another example implementation, a system includes a firearm barrel having a primary portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion has an outermost diameter less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of the primary portion and includes a plurality of channels.

In yet another example implementation, a system includes a firearm accessory and an adapter. The firearm accessory includes an elongate body having an adapter attachment portion, a spring, a fixed first element configured to retain the spring, and a second element. The adapter includes a first attachment portion for securing the adapter to a firearm barrel and a second attachment portion for securing the adapter to the adapter attachment portion of the elongate body. The second element of the firearm accessory is configured to retain the spring and to move axially within the elongate body to compress the spring when the adapter is coupled with the firearm accessory. The second element is also configured to attach to the second attachment portion of the adapter when the adapter is coupled with the firearm accessory.

Any aspect of any implementation, in combination with any one or more aspects of any other implementation(s).

Any one or more of the features disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the features as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the features as substantially disclosed herein, in combination with any one or more other features as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one of the aspects, features, or implementations, in combination with any one or more other aspects, features, or implementations.

Use of any one or more of the aspects or features disclosed herein.

It should be appreciated that any feature described herein can be claimed in combination with any other feature(s) described herein, regardless of whether the features originate from the same described implementation.

The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Numerous additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the implementation descriptions provided below.

Additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent from the following description and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a system that utilizes a low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 3A through 3D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 4A through 4D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 5A through 5D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 6A through 6D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7A through 7D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 8A through 8D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a subsystem that utilizes a barrel-integrated low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 10A through 10E show examples of subsystems that utilize a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate springless low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 12A through 12D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate springless low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 13A through 13D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate springless low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 14A through 14D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Adapters used to directly or indirectly connect a barrel of a firearm to a firearm accessory using threaded connections may be susceptible to overtiming issues, may lose concentricity during operation, and may form a poor seal with the firearm accessory. Additionally, separate adapters that indirectly connect a barrel to a firearm accessory may interfere with routine use and disassembly of the firearm when the firearm accessory has an outermost diameter larger than that of the barrel. Thus, implementations (e.g., methods, systems, apparatuses, techniques, configurations, components) of low-profile adapters that support quick attachment and removal of firearm accessories while maintaining a sufficient seal and concentricity, and that minimize impact on disassembly and routine use of the firearm, or both, may be desired.

To enable quick attachment and removal of firearm accessories while maintaining a sufficient seal and concentricity and minimizing the impact of doing so, techniques are disclosed herein that support an integrated or separate quick-attach adapter. In some examples, the integrated or separate quick-attach adapter has an outermost diameter that is less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of a barrel.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a system that utilizes a low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The system 100 includes the firearm 105, the adapter 110, and the firearm accessory 115. Though depicted as a pistol, the firearm 105 may be a different type of firearm, such as a rifle. The firearm 105 may include the slide 106, which may house the barrel 107. In some examples, the barrel 107 is fixed and does not move when a bullet is discharged from the firearm 105. In other examples, the barrel 107 is not fixed and moves when a bullet is discharged from the firearm 105 (e.g., the barrel 107 may move backward, tilt upward, rotate, or any combination thereof).

A user of the firearm 105 may wish to connect different firearm accessories to the barrel 107 throughout the operating life of the firearm 105. In some cases, a user may wish to switch between firearm accessories during a single session of use. The adapter 110 may be configured to provide a mechanism for attaching firearm accessories to, and detaching them from, the firearm 105. The adapter 110 may include a mechanism (e.g., threads) for attaching to the firearm 105. The adapter 110 may also include a mechanism for attaching to the firearm accessory 115. In some examples, the adapter may be integrated into the barrel 107.

The firearm accessory 115 may be a muzzle brake, a compensator, a sound suppressor, or the like. The firearm accessory 115 may include a coupling 120 that interfaces with the adapter 110. In some examples, the coupling 120 is integrally formed with the firearm accessory 115 (e.g., as part of an elongate body that forms a muzzle brake). In other examples, the coupling 120 is formed in a component of the firearm accessory 115 (e.g., in a piston of a Nielsen device). In yet other examples, the coupling 120 is a separate component that couples with the firearm accessory 115—e.g., the coupling 120 may include threads that mate with complementary threads of the firearm accessory 115, a component of the firearm accessory 115, or both. In some examples, the coupling 120 may be referred to as an adapter (e.g., a second adapter).

If the firearm accessory 115 is a sound suppressor, the firearm accessory 115 may include a Nielsen device that temporarily decouples the barrel 107 from an external housing of the firearm accessory 115 when a bullet is discharged from the firearm—e.g., so the barrel 107 may move backward without having to also move the entire firearm accessory 115 backward. The Nielsen device may enable the barrel 107 to complete its full range of motion, ejecting the casing of a discharged bullet and loading the next cartridge. In some examples, the coupling 120 may be or include a piston of the Nielsen device.

Integrated adapters are currently implemented using threads on an inner or outer diameter of a barrel. These threads can be used to attach the barrel directly to firearm accessories that have complementary threads. Accordingly, to attach different firearm accessories to an integrated adapter, each of the firearm accessories may need to be configured with threads having a complementary pattern. For example, thread patterns that differ in size, pitch, threads per inch (TPI), diameters, etc., may be incompatible with one another.

In some examples, to directly attach a firearm accessory to the firearm, a coupling (such as a piston) that is a dedicated component of the firearm accessory but that does not have threads compatible with the threads of an integrated adapter may be interchanged with a coupling that has complementary threads. The coupling for some firearm accessories, however, may be fixed and incompatible with the integrated adapter; such firearm accessories may be unattachable to the integrated adapter. Even for firearm accessories with interchangeable couplings, changing the coupling may take an extended period of time and may hinder the experience of the user.

Moreover, even when the integrated adapter and the firearm accessory include compatible threading, attaching the firearm accessory to the integrated (threaded) adapter may take an excessive number of operations (e.g., turns), and may result in the firearm accessory being attached with an undesired rotational orientation (which may be referred to as an overtiming issue). In some cases, overtiming of the firearm accessory may be corrected by adding shims. However, adding shims may be an iterative and time-consuming process, and may not successfully prevent overtiming—e.g., if the shims are an incorrect thickness or combination of thicknesses.

Adapter kits that include multiple separate adapters may also be used to support connecting a firearm accessory to a firearm. Such adapter kits may comprise a variety of separate adapters, each having a unique combination of first threads for mating with a barrel of a firearm and second threads for mating with a firearm accessory. Accordingly, a user may be able to select a separate adapter having a threading combination that can be used to attach the separate adapter to the selected barrel and to the selected firearm accessory—e.g., to enable a user to switch between different barrels, different firearm accessories, etc.

As above, selecting and switching out the separate adapters may be a time-consuming process, and in some examples, the adapter kit may not include a separate adapter capable of attaching to both the selected barrel and the selected firearm accessory. Additionally, separate adapters that use threading may similarly suffer from excessive effort and overtiming issues, among other challenges.

Separate adapters for connecting a firearm accessory to a firearm may include unique threading patterns (e.g., interrupted threading patterns) that support attachment to complementary threading patterns—e.g., in fewer turns. However, such threading patterns may suffer from similar threading issues as above, requiring compatible threading at the barrel and the firearm accessory, and may similarly be susceptible to overtiming. Additionally, such threading patterns may fail to provide a sufficient seal between the firearm accessory and the separate adapter—e.g., gas may escape into a cavity that encircles the separate adapter, and carbon may be deposited onto the separate adapter. In some examples, the insufficient seal results because the mechanism for attaching the separate adapter and the firearm accessory fails to maintain concentricity between the separate adapter and the firearm accessory during operation of the firearm, which may result in damage to, or destruction of, the firearm accessory and may pose a health risk to an operator.

In addition to the overtiming and compatibility concerns, separate adapters for connecting a firearm accessory to a firearm that extend past an end of the barrel and have outermost diameters that are larger than an outermost diameter of the barrel may interfere with routine use of the firearm—e.g., by preventing concealed holstering of the firearm. Also, the adapter may interfere with disassembly of the firearm—e.g., for maintenance of the firearm, for quick swapping of barrels of the firearm, etc.

Thus, implementations (e.g., methods, systems, apparatuses, techniques, configurations, components) of low-profile adapters that support quick attachment and removal of firearm accessories while maintaining a sufficient seal and concentricity, and that minimize impact on disassembly and routine use of the firearm, or both, may be desired.

To enable quick attachment and removal of firearm accessories while maintaining a sufficient seal and concentricity and minimizing the impact of doing so, techniques and various implementations are disclosed herein that support an integrated or separate quick-attach adapter. In some examples, the integrated or separate quick-attach adapter has an outermost diameter that is less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of a barrel. In some examples, the integrated or separate quick-attach adapter has an outermost diameter that is greater than an outermost diameter of a barrel.

In some examples, the adapter 110 in the system 100 includes a first attachment portion that attaches to the barrel 107 and a second attachment portion that attaches to the firearm accessory 115 (e.g., directly or via the coupling 120). The outermost diameter of the adapter 110 may be less than or equivalent to the outermost diameter of the barrel 107. In some implementations, the outermost diameter of the adapter 110 may be larger than the outermost diameter of the barrel 107 so long as the adapter 110 is still able to fit through a hole at the end of the slide 106 in which the barrel 107 sits. In some examples, the adapter 110 is integrated into the barrel 107 itself, e.g., by machining material from the end of the barrel 107.

Among other advantages, by having the outermost diameter of the adapter be less than or equivalent to the outermost diameter of the barrel, a firearm may be disassembled without having to remove the adapter. Similarly, the firearm may be holstered without having to remove the adapter. Thus, advantages provided by a separate adapter (e.g., a quick-attach functionality, a better seal, etc.) over an integrated threaded barrel attachment may be attained without sacrificing convenience and functionality. Also, a different barrel (e.g., with a different quick-attach mechanism), or the barrel, may be installed, or reinstalled, into the firearm with the adapter already installed. Similarly, by integrating the attachment mechanism of a separate adapter directly into the barrel, advantages of a separate adapter may be achieved while similarly providing the assembly and functionality benefits of a low-profile adapter.

In some examples, quick-attach adapter assemblies may utilize springs to support the quick-attach functionality. However, quick-attach adapter assemblies that use springs, especially in coordination with firearm accessories that also use springs, may be susceptible to misalignment and loss of concentricity. Thus, implementations (e.g., methods, systems, apparatuses, techniques, configurations, components) that support quick attachment and removal of firearm accessories without the use of springs within the adapter assembly may be desired.

Techniques for springless quick-attach adapters, including springless quick-attach adapters having an outermost diameter that is less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of a barrel and that promote alignment and concentricity are disclosed herein.

In some examples, the adapter 110 is an adapter system that includes a retainer, an extender, a first adapter, and a second adapter. The extender (e.g., which may also be referred to as a thread extender) may be configured to attach to the barrel 107 and to the first adapter. The second adapter may be configured to attach to the first adapter and the firearm accessory 115. The retainer may be used to retain one or more spherical elements (e.g., ball bearings) that are used to create an interference fit between the first adapter and the second adapter when the second adapter is rotated. In some examples, the extender and the first adapter are configured to hold the retainer in position when the extender and the first adapter are connected. In some examples, an outermost diameter of the extender and an outermost diameter of the first adapter are less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of the barrel 107.

By using an adapter system that uses a rotatable retainer and spherical elements to create an interference fit between two adapters, springs may be eliminated from the adapter assemblies, which may provide a more rigid connection between a barrel and firearm accessory, thereby providing improved concentricity between the barrel and firearm accessory throughout operation. By using a thread extender and first adapter that have outermost diameters that are less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of a barrel to hold the retainer, both the assembly and functional benefits described herein may be attained.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem 201 depicts a barrel connected to a firearm accessory via a separate low-profile adapter. In particular, the subsystem 201 includes the barrel 207. The barrel bore 208 runs through the barrel 207.

The subsystem 201 also includes the adapter assembly, which may include the adapter 210, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, the spring stop 235, and the coupling 220. The adapter bore 211 runs through the adapter assembly and is aligned (e.g., concentrically) with the barrel bore 208. The adapter 210 includes the barrel attachment portion 212 for attaching itself to the barrel 207 and the device attachment portion 213 for attaching itself to the firearm accessory 215. The adapter 210 may be configured so that the outermost diameter of the adapter 210 is less than or equivalent to the outermost diameter of the barrel 207.

In some examples, the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 implement a lug system (e.g., a three-lug system) for attaching the adapter 210 to the coupling 220. For example, the adapter 210 may include one or more lugs at the device attachment portion 213 and the coupling 220 may include, at the adapter attachment portion 221, one or more channels for receiving the one or more lugs and one or more shelves for retaining the one or more lugs when the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, are rotated relative to each other. Alternatively, the coupling 220 may include one or more lugs at the adapter attachment portion 221 and the adapter 210 may include, at the device attachment portion 213, one or more channels for receiving the one or more lugs and one or more shelves for retaining the one or more lugs when the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, are rotated relative to each other.

During operation, a user may guide one or more lugs of the adapter 210 through one or more channels of the coupling 220 until the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 enter a space where relative rotation between the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, is possible. Guiding the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 through the one or more channels of the coupling 220 may cause the spring follower 230 to axially move in a first direction within the coupling 220, thereby compressing the spring 225.

After entering the space, the user may rotate the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, and subsequently release the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both. Releasing the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, may cause the spring 225 to decompress, causing the spring follower 230 to axially move in a second direction opposite the first direction. The axial movement of the spring follower 230 may drive the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 in opposing directions, thereby causing the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 to interface (e.g., come into contact) with the one or more shelves of the coupling 220. The pressure provided by the spring 225 may cause the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 to press against the one or more shelves of the coupling 220, and vice versa, thereby resisting the separation of the adapter 210 from the coupling 220. In some examples, the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 are retained in respective recesses in the one or more shelves of the coupling 220, where the respective recesses prevent further rotation of the adapter 210 or the coupling 220.

To remove the adapter 210 from the coupling 220, the user may again guide the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 through the one or more channels of the coupling 220 (compressing the spring 225) until the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 enter the space where rotation is possible. After entering the space, the user may rotate the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, until the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 are aligned with the one or more channels and subsequently release the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both. Releasing the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, may cause the spring 225 to decompress and, again, drive the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 in opposing directions. In this case, based on aligning the one or more lugs of the adapter 210 with the one or more channels of the coupling 220, the spring pressure may cause the separation of the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 as the one or more lugs are driven through the one or more channels of the coupling 220.

Alternatively, during operation, a user may similarly engage and disengage one or more lugs of the coupling 220 with one or more channels of the adapter 210.

In some examples, the subsystem 201 incorporates O-shaped sealing components between components of the adapter assembly. For example, the subsystem 201 may incorporate O-shaped sealing components between an exterior of the barrel 207 and an interior of the coupling 220. Additionally, or alternatively, the subsystem 201 may incorporate O-shaped sealing components between an exterior of the spring follower 230 and an interior of the coupling 220. Additionally, or alternatively, the subsystem 201 may incorporate O-shaped sealing components between an exterior of the adapter 210 and an interior of the coupling 220. Additionally, or alternatively, the subsystem 201 may incorporate O-shaped sealing components between an exterior of the adapter 210 and an interior of the spring follower 230.

Example lug-based adapter assemblies are illustrated and described in more detail herein, including with reference to FIGS. 3A through 7D and 14A through 14D.

In some examples, the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 implement a push-click system for attaching the adapter 210 to the coupling 220. For example, the adapter 210 may include one or more guides, one or more channels, and one or more stops at the device attachment portion 213, and the coupling 220 may include one or more channels and one or more locking components.

During operation, a user may guide the one or more stops of the adapter 210 through the one or more channels of the coupling 220 until the one or more locking components of the coupling 220 come into contact with the one or more guides of the adapter 210. The one or more guides of the adapter 210 may cause the coupling 220 to rotate in a first direction. Guiding the one or more stops of the adapter 210 through the one or more channels of the coupling 220 may cause the spring follower 230 to axially move in a first direction within the coupling 220, thereby compressing the spring 225.

After causing the one or more locking components of the coupling 220 to come into contact with the one or more guides of the adapter 210 (and thereby causing the rotation of the coupling 220), the user may then release the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both. Releasing the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, may cause the spring 225 to decompress, causing the spring follower 230 to axially move in a second direction opposite the first direction. The axial movement of the spring follower 230 may drive the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 in opposing directions, thereby causing the one or more stops of the adapter 210 to interface (e.g., come into contact) with the one or more locking components of the coupling 220 (which may create a “click” sound). The pressure provided by the spring 225 may cause the one or more stops of the adapter 210 to press against the one or more locking components of the coupling 220, and vice versa, thereby resisting the separation of the adapter 210 from the coupling 220. In some examples, the one or more locking components of the coupling 220 are retained in respective recesses in the one or more stops of the adapter 210, where the respective recesses prevent further rotation of the adapter 210 or the coupling 220.

To remove the adapter 210 from the coupling 220, the user may again guide the one or more stops of the adapter 210 through the one or more channels of the coupling 220 (compressing the spring 225) until the one or more locking components of the coupling 220 come into contact with one or more different guides of the adapter 210. The one or more different guides of the adapter 210 may cause the coupling 220 to rotate, again, in the first direction, realigning the one or more channels of the coupling 220 with the one or more stops of the adapter 210. After causing the rotation of the coupling 220, the user may then release the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both. Releasing the adapter 210, the coupling 220, or both, may cause the spring 225 to decompress and, again, drive the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 in opposing directions. In this case, based on aligning the one or more stops of the adapter 210 with the one or more channels of the coupling 220, the spring pressure may cause the separation of the adapter 210 and the coupling 220 as the one or more stops of the adapter 210 are driven through the one or more channels of the coupling 220.

Example push-click adapter assemblies are illustrated and described in more detail herein, including with reference to FIGS. 8A through 8D.

The subsystem 201 also includes the firearm accessory 215, which may include the coupling 220. The accessory bore 216 runs through the firearm accessory 215 and is aligned with the adapter bore 211. The coupling 220 includes the adapter attachment portion 221 for attaching the coupling 220 to the adapter 210.

FIGS. 3A through 3D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrates a lug-based adapter assembly. The exploded view 302-A depicts elements of the lug-based adapter assembly, including the adapter 310, the coupling 320, the spring follower 330, the spring 325, and the spring stop 335, which may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2.

The adapter 310 may include the barrel attachment portion 312, the device attachment portion 313, and the lugs 314. FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the adapter 310.

The coupling 320 may include the adapter attachment portion 321. FIG. 3C shows a cross-section of the coupling 320.

The spring follower 330 may include an annular angled surface 331 for interfacing with a complementary annular angled surface on the adapter 310. The spring follower 330 may also include an annular surface 332 that interfaces (and maintains alignment) with an interior of the coupling 320.

The cross-section view 303-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 307 and the elements of the lug-based adapter assembly.

FIGS. 4A through 4D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrates a lug-based adapter assembly. The exploded view 402-A depicts elements of the lug-based adapter assembly, including the adapter 410, the coupling 420, the spring follower 430, the spring 425, and the spring stop 435, which may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2.

The adapter 410 may be configured similarly to the adapter 310 shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D but may have a shortened “nose,” which may enable the adapter 410 to remain attached to a firearm in additional scenarios (such as concealed-carry scenarios). FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the adapter 410.

The coupling 420 may include the adapter attachment portion 421. FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of the coupling 420.

The spring follower 430 may be configured similarly to the spring follower 330 shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D but may be more elongated, which may provide more alignment interfaces between the spring follower 430 and the coupling 420. These additional alignment interfaces may help maintain concentricity between the adapter 410 and the coupling 420 in some examples.

The cross-section view 403-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 407 and the elements of the lug-based adapter assembly.

FIGS. 5A through 5D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrates a lug-based adapter assembly. The exploded view 502-A depicts elements of the lug-based adapter assembly, including the adapter 510, the coupling 520, the spring follower 530, the spring 525, and the spring stop 535, which may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2.

The adapter 510 may be configured similarly to the adapter 410 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D but may be truncated and provide an indented annular surface 519 for interfacing with the spring follower 530. Additionally, instead of including lugs, the adapter 510 may include channels 517 that interface with lugs on the adapter attachment portion 521 of the coupling 520. FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the adapter 510.

The coupling 520 may include the adapter attachment portion 521. FIG. 5C shows a cross-section of the coupling 520.

The spring follower 530 may be configured similarly to the spring follower 430 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D but may extend a shorter distance.

The cross-section view 503-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 507 and the elements of the lug-based adapter assembly.

FIGS. 6A through 6D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrates a lug-based adapter assembly. The exploded view 602-A depicts elements of the lug-based adapter assembly, including the adapter 610, the coupling 620, the spring follower 630, the spring 625, and the spring stop 635, which may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2. The lug-based adapter assembly may further include O-shaped seals 628.

The adapter 610 may be configured similarly to the adapter 510 shown in FIGS. 5A through 5D. The adapter 610 may include one or more channels 617 configured to receive lugs of the coupling 620. FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the adapter 610.

The coupling 620 may include the adapter attachment portion 621. FIG. 6C shows a cross-section of the coupling 620.

The spring follower 630 may be configured similarly to the spring follower 430 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D. The spring follower 630 may include an annular angled surface 631, a first annular surface 632-1, and a second annular surface 632-2. The spring follower 630 may also include one or more grooves 633. The grooves 633 may be configured to receive the O-shaped seals 628, which may be configured to seal gaps between the interior of the elongate body 622 and the exterior of the spring follower 630 when installed within the coupling 620. The seal(s) may reduce the return of gas and debris through the coupling 620 and may additionally maintain concentricity between the adapter 610 and the coupling 620.

The cross-section view 603-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 607 and the elements of the lug-based adapter assembly. As depicted in the cross-section view 603-D, the alignment portion 623 of the coupling 620 may extend over the barrel 607, which may provide an additional alignment interface between the barrel 607 and the coupling 620. In some examples, an additional O-shaped seal 628 may be positioned between an exterior of the barrel 607 and an interior surface of the coupling 620, which may be configured to seal gaps between the exterior of the barrel 607 and the interior surface of the coupling 620.

FIGS. 7A through 7D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrates a lug-based adapter assembly. The exploded view 702-A depicts elements of the lug-based adapter assembly, including the adapter 710, the coupling 720, the spring follower 730, the spring 725, and the spring stop 735, which may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2. The lug-based adapter assembly may further include O-shaped seals 728.

The adapter 710 may be configured similarly to the adapter 510 shown in FIGS. 5A through 5D. The adapter 710 may include one or more channels 717 configured to receive lugs of the coupling 720. FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the adapter 710.

The coupling 720 may include the adapter attachment portion 721. FIG. 7C shows a cross-section of the coupling 720.

The spring follower 730 may be configured similarly to the spring follower 330 shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D but may include a channel for receiving an O-shaped seal 728 to be positioned between an interior of the spring follower 730 and a front portion of the adapter 710. The spring follower 730 may further include a second elongate portion having a smaller diameter than the first elongate portion. The second elongate portion may extend such that a front portion 732 of the second elongate portion is positioned within the spring stop 735, which may further improve the gas-sealing performance of the adapter assembly.

The cross-section view 703-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 707 and the elements of the lug-based adapter assembly. As depicted in the cross-section view 703-D, a front portion 732 of the spring follower 730 may extend into a cavity formed by the spring stop 735.

FIGS. 8A through 8D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrates a push-click adapter assembly. The exploded view 802-A depicts elements of the push-click adapter assembly, including the adapter 810, the coupling 820, the spring follower 830, the spring 825, and the spring stop 835, which may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2.

The adapter 810 may include the barrel attachment portion 812, the device attachment portion 813, the guides 814, the stops 816, and the channels 817. FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the adapter 810.

The coupling 820 may include the adapter attachment portion 821, which may include the locking components 822. FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of the coupling 820.

The spring follower 830 may be configured similarly to the spring follower 430 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D.

The cross-section view 803-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 807 and the elements of the push-click adapter assembly.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a subsystem that utilizes a barrel-integrated low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem 901 depicts a barrel connected to a firearm accessory via an integrated low-profile adapter assembly. In particular, the subsystem 901 includes the barrel 907. The barrel bore 908 runs through the barrel 907.

The subsystem 901 also includes the adapter assembly, which may include the integrated adapter 910, the spring follower 930, the spring 925, the spring stop 935, and the coupling 920. The integrated adapter 910 includes the device attachment portion 913 for attaching itself to the firearm accessory 915. The integrated adapter 910 may be configured so that the outermost diameter of the integrated adapter 910 is less than or equivalent to the outermost diameter of the barrel 907.

In some examples, the integrated adapter 910 and the coupling 920 implement a lug system (e.g., a three-lug system) for attaching the integrated adapter 910 to the coupling 920. For example, the integrated adapter 910 may include one or more lugs at the device attachment portion 913 and the coupling 920 may include, at the adapter attachment portion 921, one or more channels for receiving the one or more lugs and one or more shelves for retaining the one or more lugs when the integrated adapter 910, the coupling 920, or both, are rotated relative to each other, or vice versa—e.g., as described herein including with reference to FIGS. 2 through 7D.

In some examples, the integrated adapter 910 and the coupling 920 implement a push-click system for attaching the integrated adapter 910 to the coupling 920. For example, the integrated adapter 910 may include one or more guides, one or more channels, and one or more stops at the device attachment portion 913; and the coupling 920 may include one or more channels and one or more locking components—e.g., as described herein including with reference to FIGS. 2 and 8A through 8D.

The subsystem 901 also includes the firearm accessory 915, which may include the coupling 920. The accessory bore 916 runs through the firearm accessory 915 and is aligned with the barrel bore 908. The coupling 920 includes the adapter attachment portion 921 for attaching itself to the integrated adapter 910.

FIGS. 10A through 10E show examples of subsystems that utilize a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The barrel 1007-A has an integrated adapter that implements a first lug-based adapter assembly—e.g., as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 4A through 4D. The barrel 1007-A may include one or more lugs 1014-A.

The barrel 1007-B has an integrated adapter that implements a second lug-based adapter assembly—e.g., as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 5A through 5D. The barrel 1007-B may include one or more channels 1017-B.

The barrel 1007-C has an integrated adapter that implements a third lug-based adapter assembly—e.g., as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 6A through 6D. The barrel 1007-C may include one or more channels 1017-C.

The barrel 1007-D has an integrated adapter that implements a fourth lug-based adapter assembly—e.g., as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 7A through 7D. The barrel 1007-D may include one or more channels 1017-D.

The barrel 1007-E has an integrated adapter that implements a push-click adapter assembly—e.g., as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 8A through 8D. The barrel 1007-E may include one or more channels 1017-E, one or more stops 1016-E, and one or more guides 1018-E.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate springless low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem 1101 depicts a barrel connected to a firearm accessory via a springless low-profile adapter assembly. In particular, the subsystem 1101 includes the barrel 1107. The barrel bore 1108 runs through the barrel 1107.

The subsystem 1101 also includes the adapter assembly, which may include the adapter system 1124 and the coupling 1120. The adapter system 1124 may include the firearm adapter 1125, the retainer 1130, and the accessory adapter 1135. The adapter bore 1111 runs through the adapter system 1124 and is aligned (e.g., concentrically) with the barrel bore 1108.

The firearm adapter 1125 includes the barrel attachment portion 1126 for attaching itself to the barrel 1107 and the device attachment portion 1127 for attaching itself to the accessory adapter 1135. The firearm adapter 1125 may be configured so that the outermost diameter of the firearm adapter 1125 is less than or equivalent to the outermost diameter of the barrel 1107.

The retainer 1130 may be positioned between the firearm adapter 1125 and the accessory adapter 1135 and may be configured to retain one or more spherical elements. In some examples, the retainer 1130 may be configured to rotate and to cause an angular rotation of the one or more spherical elements. In some examples, the rotation of the retainer 1130 is configured to cause the one or more spherical elements to move radially outward, creating an interference fit between the firearm adapter 1125 and the accessory adapter 1135.

The accessory adapter 1135 includes the firearm adapter attachment portion 1136 for attaching itself to the firearm adapter 1125 and the accessory attachment portion 1137 for attaching itself to the firearm accessory 1115.

The subsystem 1101 also includes the firearm accessory 1115, which may include the coupling 1120. The accessory bore 1116 runs through the firearm accessory 1115 and is aligned with the barrel bore 1108. The coupling 1120 includes the accessory adapter attachment portion 1121 for attaching itself to the adapter system 1124.

FIGS. 12A through 12D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate springless low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrates a springless adapter assembly that includes a firearm adapter whose outermost diameter is less than or equal to that of the firearm barrel. The exploded view 1202-A depicts elements of the springless adapter assembly, including the firearm adapter 1225, the retainer 1230, and the accessory adapter 1235, which may be examples of the firearm adapter 1125, the retainer 1130, and the accessory adapter 1135, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 11. The springless adapter assembly may also include the firearm adapter extender 1227 (which may also be referred to as a “thread extender”). In some examples, the firearm adapter 1125 described with reference to FIG. 11 includes both the firearm adapter 1225 and the firearm adapter extender 1227.

During operation, a user may position the retainer 1230 over the annular shelf 1228 of the firearm adapter 1225, with the spherical elements 1231 positioned between the exterior of the annular shelf 1228 and the interior of the retainer 1230. In some examples, the spherical elements 1231 may be further positioned within the holes 1232 of the retainer 1230. The user may then attach (e.g., screw) the firearm adapter 1225 into the firearm adapter extender 1227. After attaching the firearm adapter 1225 to the firearm adapter extender 1227, the retainer 1230 may be prevented from moving axially but may remain capable of rotating. In some examples, a user receives the firearm adapter 1225, the firearm adapter extender 1227, the retainer 1230, and the spherical elements 1231 already assembled.

The user may position the accessory adapter 1235 over the firearm adapter 1225 such that the interior of the accessory adapter 1235 envelops the exterior of the firearm adapter 1225. In some examples, the lugs 1239 of the accessory adapter 1235 may interface with the indents 1233 of the retainer 1230 when the accessory adapter 1235 is positioned over the firearm adapter.

After positioning the accessory adapter 1235 over the firearm adapter 1225, the user may rotate the accessory adapter 1235, which may cause the retainer 1230 and the retained spherical elements 1231 to angularly rotate around the periphery of the annular shelf 1228. After rotating the accessory adapter 1235 a threshold amount, the spherical elements 1231 may be driven radially outward by respective outdents 1229 in the annular shelf 1228. In some examples, the spherical elements 1231 are driven into, and contact, the interior of an annular groove 1238 of the accessory adapter 1235. As a result of being driven into the annular groove 1238 of the accessory adapter 1235, the spherical elements 1231 may exert a force into the outdents 1229 that is sufficient to retain the firearm adapter 1225 and the accessory adapter 1235 in place throughout operation of a firearm accessory attached to the accessory adapter 1235.

To remove the firearm adapter 1225 from the accessory adapter 1235, the user may rotate the accessory adapter 1235 in the opposite direction after exerting enough force to overcome the connection between the firearm adapter 1225 and the accessory adapter 1235 created by the one or more spherical elements 1231.

The cross-section view 1203-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 1207, the coupling 1220, and the elements of the springless adapter assembly.

FIGS. 13A through 13D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate springless low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrates a springless adapter assembly. The exploded view 1302-A depicts elements of the springless adapter assembly, including the firearm adapter 1325, the retainer 1330, and the accessory adapter 1335, which may be examples of the firearm adapter 1125, the retainer 1130, and the accessory adapter 1135, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 11. The springless adapter assembly depicted in FIGS. 13A through 13D may be operated similarly to the springless adapter assembly depicted in FIGS. 12A through 12D, except that the coupling 1320 may be used to hold the retainer 1330 in place.

The firearm adapter 1325 may include the barrel attachment portion 1326 and the device attachment portion 1327. The accessory adapter 1335 may include the firearm adapter attachment portion 1336 and the accessory attachment portion 1337. The retainer 1330 may include the spherical elements 1331 and the holes 1332.

The cross-section view 1303-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 1307, the coupling 1320, and the elements of the springless adapter assembly.

FIGS. 14A through 14D show an example of a subsystem that utilizes a separate low-profile adapter assembly to support a firearm accessory in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

The subsystem depicted in FIGS. 14A through 14D illustrates a lug-based adapter assembly. The exploded view 1402-A depicts elements of the lug-based adapter assembly, including the adapter 1410, the coupling 1420, the spring follower 1430, the spring 1425, and the coupling cap 1422 which includes the spring stop 1435. These components may be examples of the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, the spring 225, and the spring stop 235, respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2. The lug-based adapter assembly may further include O-shaped seals 1428.

The adapter 1410 may include the barrel attachment portion 1412 and the device attachment portion 1413. The device attachment portion 1413 may include one or more channels 1417 for receiving the one or more lugs 1414 at the adapter attachment portion 1421 of the coupling 1420, and one or more shelves 1433 for retaining the one or more lugs 1414 when the adapter 1410, the coupling 1420, or both, are rotated relative to each other. In some implementations, the adapter 1410 also includes one or more retention lugs 1444 at one end of the device attachment portion 1413, the purpose of which is described below. FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the adapter.

The coupling 1420 may also include one or more indexing lugs 1446, the purpose of which is described below. FIG. 14C shows a cross-section of the coupling 1420.

The coupling cap 1422 is configured to be attached to the coupling 1420. In some implementations, the coupling cap 1422 and the coupling 1420 may be threadedly secured together. The spring stop 1435 may be an internal annular surface that captures the spring 1425 within the interior of the coupling 1420.

The spring follower 1430 may be configured similarly to the spring follower 730 shown in FIGS. 7A through 7D, but may include a groove 1432 for receiving and retaining the one or more retention lugs 1444 at one end of the adapter 1410. In particular, the groove 1432 is configured to receive the one or more retention lugs 1444 and to retain the one or more retention lugs 1444 when the adapter 1410, the coupling 1420, or both, are rotated relative to each other. The retention lugs 1444 of the adapter 1410 in conjunction with the groove 1432 prevent axial movement of the spring follower 1430. In some implementations, the spring follower 1430 may include, at one end, one or more channels 1434 for receiving the one or more indexing lugs 1446 of the coupling 1420. The indexing lugs 1446 in conjunction with the one or more channels 1434 of the spring follower 1430 are configured to maintain the position of the spring follower 1430 relative to the coupling 1420. In this way, when securing the adapter 1410 to the coupling 1420, the groove 1432 of the spring follower 1430 is positioned to receive the one or more retention lugs 1444 of the adapter 1410.

The cross-section view 1403-D depicts a cross-section of an assembly of the barrel 1407 and the elements of the lug-based adapter assembly.

In some examples, a user may receive the coupling 1420, the coupling cap 1422, the spring 1425, and the spring follower 1430 already assembled.

The adapter 1410 is configured to be secured to the firearm barrel 1407. In some implementations, the barrel attachment portion 1412 is configured to be threaded onto the firearm barrel 1407. The coupling 1420, in conjunction with the coupling cap 1422, may be configured to function as a piston of a Nielsen device used with a sound suppressor. In other implementations, the coupling 1420 and/or coupling cap 1422 combination may be integrally formed with a sound suppressor or with another firearm accessory.

In some implementations, a barrel may have an integrated adapter that implements a fifth lug-based adapter assembly—e.g., as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 14A through 14D. The barrel may include one or more channels 1417 and one or more retention lugs 1444.

The components (e.g., the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, and the spring stop 235) of each subsystem disclosed herein may be fabricated using machining processes, additive manufacturing, or any other suitable fabrication process or combination of processes.

The components (e.g., the adapter 210, the coupling 220, the spring follower 230, and the spring stop 235) of each subsystem disclosed herein may be constructed of a metal alloy or another suitable material or combination of materials.

A system is described. The following provides an overview of aspects of the system as described herein:

Aspect 1: A system (e.g., 201), comprising an adapter (e.g., 210) an outermost diameter less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of a firearm barrel, the adapter comprising: a first attachment portion (e.g., 212) configured to attach to a firearm barrel (e.g., 207); and a second attachment portion (e.g., 213) configured to attach to a firearm accessory (e.g., 215).

Aspect 2: The system of aspect 1, wherein the second attachment portion of the adapter comprises a plurality of channels (e.g., 517).

Aspect 3: The system of aspect 1, wherein the second attachment portion of the adapter comprises a plurality of lugs (e.g., 314).

Aspect 4: The system of aspect 1, wherein the second attachment portion of the adapter comprises a plurality of guides (e.g., 814), one or more stops (e.g., 816), and a plurality of channels (e.g., 817) adjacent to the one or more stops.

Aspect 5: The system of aspect 4, wherein a first guide of the plurality of guides is configured to cause a locking component (e.g., 822) in an attachment portion of the firearm accessory to rotate within outer boundaries of a stop of the one or more stops when the attachment portion of the firearm accessory is guided through a channel of the plurality of channels and brought into contact with the first guide, and to cause, based at least in part on rotation of the locking component, the locking component to interface with the stop of the one or more stops when the firearm accessory is subsequently released.

Aspect 6: The system of aspect 5, wherein a second guide of the plurality of guides is configured to cause the locking component to rotate outside the outer boundaries of the stop when the attachment portion of the firearm accessory is brought into contact with the second guide, and to cause, based at least in part on rotation of the locking component, the locking component to be guided through a second channel of the plurality of channels when the firearm accessory is released.

Aspect 7: The system of any of aspects 1 through 6, further comprising the firearm accessory, wherein the firearm accessory comprises an elongate body (e.g., 622), a spring (e.g., 225), a first element (e.g., 235) configured to retain the spring and to remain at a fixed position, and a second element (e.g., 230) configured to retain the spring and to move axially within the firearm accessory to compress the spring when the adapter is coupled with the firearm accessory.

Aspect 8: The system of aspect 7, wherein an alignment portion (e.g., 623) of the firearm accessory is configured to envelop the adapter (e.g., 610) and a portion of the firearm barrel.

Aspect 9: The system of aspect 7, wherein an attachment portion (e.g., 221) of the firearm accessory is configured to attach to the second attachment portion of the adapter, the attachment portion of the firearm accessory comprising a retention portion configured to retain the second element of the firearm accessory and to retain the adapter when the adapter is attached to the firearm accessory.

Aspect 10: The system of aspect 7, wherein an exterior surface of the first element of the firearm accessory is threaded and configured to interface with threads on an interior surface of the elongate body.

Aspect 11: The system of aspect 7, wherein a first portion of the second element of the firearm accessory comprises an annular angled surface (e.g., 331) configured to interface with an annular angled surface of the adapter, and an annular surface (e.g., 332) configured to interface with an interior of the firearm accessory.

Aspect 12: The system of aspect 11, wherein a second portion of the second element of the firearm accessory comprises a second annular surface (e.g., 632-2) configured to interface with an interior of the firearm accessory, and one or more grooves (e.g., 633) are formed in the second annular surface.

Aspect 13: The system of aspect 12, wherein the firearm accessory further comprises one or more O-shaped seals (e.g., 628) positioned in the one or more grooves and configured to form a seal between the second element of the firearm accessory and an interior surface of the elongate body.

Another system is described. The following provides an overview of aspects of the system as described herein:

Aspect 14: A system (e.g., 901), comprising: a firearm barrel (e.g., 907) comprising a primary portion and an attachment portion, the attachment portion (e.g., 913) having an outermost diameter less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of the primary portion and comprising a plurality of channels (e.g., 1017-C).

Aspect 15: The system of aspect 14, further comprising a firearm accessory attachable to the attachment portion of the firearm barrel, wherein the firearm accessory comprises: a spring; a first element configured to retain the spring and to remain at a fixed position; and a second element configured to retain the spring and to move axially within the firearm accessory to compress the spring when the attachment portion of the firearm barrel is coupled with the firearm accessory.

Aspect 16: The system of aspect 15, wherein the firearm accessory further comprises an alignment portion configured to envelop the attachment portion of the firearm barrel.

Aspect 17: The system of aspect 15, wherein the firearm accessory further comprises an accessory attachment portion configured to attach to the attachment portion of the firearm barrel, the accessory attachment portion comprising a retention portion configured to retain the second element of the firearm accessory and to retain the attachment portion of the firearm barrel when the attachment portion of the firearm barrel is attached to the firearm accessory.

Another system is described. The following provides an overview of aspects of the system as described herein:

Aspect 18: A system, comprising a firearm accessory comprising an elongate body having an adapter attachment portion (e.g., 1421), a spring (e.g., 1425), a fixed first element (e.g., 1435) configured to retain the spring, and a second element (e.g., 1430); and an adapter (e.g., 1410) comprising a first attachment portion (e.g., 1412) for securing the adapter to a firearm barrel, and a second attachment portion (e.g., 1413) for securing the adapter to the adapter attachment portion of the elongate body; wherein: the second element of the firearm accessory is configured to retain the spring and to move axially within the elongate body to compress the spring when the adapter is coupled with the firearm accessory; and the second element is configured to attach to the second attachment portion (e.g., 1444) of the adapter when the adapter is coupled with the firearm accessory.

Aspect 19: The system of aspect 18, wherein an outermost diameter of the adapter is less than or equivalent to an outermost diameter of the firearm barrel.

Aspect 20: The system of aspects 18 or 19, wherein a first portion of the second element of the firearm accessory comprises a groove (e.g., 1432) configured to receive one or more retention lugs (e.g., 1444) on the second attachment portion of the adapter.

Aspect 21: The system of aspect 18 or 19, wherein a first portion of the second element of the firearm accessory comprises one or more channels (e.g., 1434) configured to receive one or more indexing lugs (e.g., 1446) on the adapter attachment portion.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the term “substantially” means that the modified characteristic (e.g., a verb or adjective modified by the term substantially) need not be absolute but is close enough to achieve the advantages of the characteristic.

The terms “if,” “when,” “based on,” or “based at least in part on” may be used interchangeably. In some examples, if the terms “if,” “when,” “based on,” or “based at least in part on” are used to describe a conditional action, a conditional process, or connection between portions of a process, the terms may be interchangeable.

The foregoing description of the invention is intended to be illustrative; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Those skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing description and associated drawings.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” “implementation,” or words of similar import indicates that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations,” or a phrase of similar import, as used throughout this specification, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a hyphen and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”