MOUNT FOR A FIREARM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a mount to mount accessories, such as a suppressor, to a firearm.

BACKGROUND

Firearms may be customizable for various operational scenarios. For example, suppressors are often installed on firearms to reduce the intensity of the sound emitted by the firearm when the firearm is discharged. Suppressors are often coupled to a muzzle of the barrel of the firearm, which is at the distal end of the barrel.

The inventors have identified numerous deficiencies and problems with the existing technologies in this field. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified deficiencies and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are structured in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein include systems, methods, and apparatuses to provide for improved means for coupling a suppressor onto a firearm.

In various aspects, a firearm includes a receiver, a barrel defining a bore configured to receive a projectile therethrough, an accessory mount connected directly or indirectly to the receiver, and

at least one accessory connected to the accessory mount. The accessory mount may be configured to position the at least one accessory at least partly distal of the barrel along an axis of the bore, such that the at least one accessory is configured to receive the projectile therethrough. The barrel is configured to reciprocate relative to the at least one accessory during firing.

In various examples, the accessory mount is rigidly connected directly or indirectly to the receiver, such that the at least one accessory is configured to remain stationary relative to the receiver during firing.

In various examples, the firearm further comprises a barrel support rigidly connected to the receiver, the accessory mount being rigidly connected to the barrel support.

In various examples, the accessory mount comprises a clamp assembly comprising a plurality of clamp hooks each configured to engage an orifice formed in the barrel support.

In various examples, the accessory mount is rigidly connected to the barrel support via removable fastening means.

In various examples, the accessory mount comprises a rim that defines an internal diameter that is narrower perpendicular to the axis than a widest external diameter of the barrel support. The internal diameter of the rim may be wider than a narrowest external diameter of the barrel support, such that the rim is configured to impinge the barrel support between a first location of the widest external diameter and a second location of the narrowest external diameter.

In various examples, the firearm further comprises a centering nut configured to engage the barrel support. The centering nut may define the rim.

In various examples, the accessory mount surrounds the barrel along greater than half the length of the barrel.

In various examples, a distal end of a barrel assembly comprising the barrel is configured to be disposed 20 mil or less from the at least one accessory prior to firing.

In various examples, the accessory mount further comprises a support tube assembly comprising a clamp ring that defines a plurality of holes, and a centering assembly that comprises a centering nut that defines a plurality of openings, and a plurality of screws that are configured to engage a respective hole of the plurality of holes of the clamp ring and a respective opening of the plurality of openings of the centering nut.

In various examples, the at least one accessory comprises a suppressor.

In various examples, the firearm is an M2 machine gun.

In various aspects, a mount for a firearm comprises a clamp assembly configured to directly or indirectly engage the firearm, and an engagement coupler for engaging at least one accessory at a distal end of the mount. The mount may be configured to position the at least one accessory at least partly distal of a barrel of the firearm while permitting the barrel to reciprocate relative to the at least one accessory.

In various examples, the clamp assembly comprises a plurality of inwardly-facing clamp hooks each configured to engage an orifice formed in a barrel support of the firearm.

In various examples, the mount further comprises a centering nut comprising a rim that defines an internal diameter that is narrower perpendicular to an axis of the centering nut than a widest external diameter of a barrel support of the firearm.

In various examples, the mount further comprises a support tube assembly fixedly joined with a clamp ring, and a plurality of screws that are each positioned within a respective hole of the clamp ring and a respective opening of the centering nut.

In various examples, the mount further comprises a support tube assembly defining an intermediate ring joined with a support tube base, the support tube assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the barrel therein.

In various examples, the clamp assembly comprises a plurality of clamp hooks that are each positioned within a respective hole of the intermediate ring.

In various examples, the mount further comprises a support tube assembly comprising a bushing at a distal end of the support tube assembly.

In various aspects a firearm comprises a receiver, a barrel, and a means for coupling an accessory to the firearm. The barrel may be configured to reciprocate relative to the means for coupling the accessory to the firearm while firing.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms above, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a firearm, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2A provides a side view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2B provides a top view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2C provides a cross-sectional, side view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3A provides an isometric view of a suppressor mount of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3B provides an isometric view of a support tube assembly of the suppressor mount of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3C provides an isometric view of a clamp assembly and a centering assembly of the suppressor mount of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional, side view of the firearm of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 provides a flowchart of a method, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout and in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and accordingly this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. In addition, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

As used herein, the term “positioned directly on” refers to a first component being positioned on a second component such that they make contact. Similarly, as used herein, the term “positioned directly between” refers to a first component being positioned between a second component and a third component such that the first component makes contact with both the second component and the third component. In contrast, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component may or may not have contact with the second component and the third component. Additionally, a first component that is “positioned between” a second component and a third component is positioned such that there may be other intervening components between the second component and the third component other than the first component.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within manufacturing or engineering tolerances. For example, terms of approximation may refer to being within a five percent margin of error.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to accessory mounts for firearms. The accessory mounts may be configured to reduce or eliminate the force of the accessory applied directly to a distal end of the barrel. For example, some muzzle devices, such as suppressors, flash hiders, muzzle brakes, and the like may be attached (e.g., threaded) directly to the end of the barrel of a firearm. In some such instances, the weight of the accessory (e.g., a suppressor in various examples discussed herein) that is coupled to the distal end of the barrel may cause torque to be exerted onto the barrel of the firearm, which may be undesirable and cause negative effects on the accuracy and durability of the firearm. The increased amount of torque on the barrel of the firearm may cause various mechanical or performance issues for the firearm. Moreover, in some example firearms, such as the M2 machine gun, the barrel may be movable relative to the receiver and various other components of the firearm. The barrel in such firearms (e.g., the M2 machine gun) may reciprocate forwards and rearwards during the firing of the firearm. This mobility may prohibit using heavier muzzle devices, such as suppressors, or may severely harm the performance of the firearm (e.g., by adding weight and torque to the moving barrel).

The present disclosure includes accessory mounts (e.g., suppressor mounts) capable of supporting at least one accessory distal of the barrel of the firearm without the aforementioned drawbacks. For example, the accessory mounts (e.g., suppressor mounts) may allow the barrel to reciprocate relative to the at least one accessory (e.g., suppressor) during firing. Embodiments of the accessory mount may also attach to various rigid portions of the firearm to provide strong attachment and positioning without weighing down the barrel.

Various embodiments include an accessory mount connected directly or indirectly to the receiver of the firearm, and the accessory mount may be rigidly positioned relative to the receiver (e.g., held in a stationary position relative to the receiver) during firing. In some embodiments, the accessory mount may extend along all or substantially all of the length of the barrel. In some embodiments, the accessory mount may extend along more than half of the length of the barrel. For example, the accessory mount may extend from a firearm mounting location at or proximate the receiver (e.g., on a barrel support connected to the receiver) to the distal end of the barrel (e.g., at a location that engages the suppressor).

For firearms such as the M2, the age of the firearm means it was not originally designed to receive modern accessories, such as suppressors. As such, some embodiments of the present disclosure include accessory mounts configured to retrofit to the firearm without modifying the structure of the firearm and/or without permanently fastening any components to the firearm as manufactured without the accessory.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2C, views of a firearm 100 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The firearm 100 defines a vertical direction Z, a longitudinal direction X, and a transverse direction Y. The firearm 100 defines a forward direction F and an aft direction A that each extend in the longitudinal direction X.

In various examples, the firearm 100 is configured as a machine gun. For example, the firearm 100 may be configured as a light machine gun, a medium machine gun, a heavy machine gun, a general-purpose machine gun, or a squad automatic weapon (SAW). In various examples, and as depicted, the firearm 100 may be an M2 machine gun (i.e., a 0.50 caliber machine gun).

In various examples, the firearm 100 includes a receiver 120 that houses, at least partially, various components of the firearm 100, such as a bolt assembly and a retracting slide assembly (not depicted). The firearm 100 may include a barrel assembly 130 that defines a linear projectile path LP that extends in the longitudinal direction X. Certain firearms, such as heavy machine guns, such as the M2 heavy machine gun, often include, barrel assemblies 130 that are relatively long or extend from the receiver 120 by a relatively long length (e.g., by at least 12 inches, such as by at least 36 inches), as depicted in FIG. 2A.

The barrel assembly 130 may include a barrel 132 that is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the receiver 120. The barrel assembly 130 may include a muzzle device 134 that is joined with a forward end of the barrel 132 (e.g., an additional muzzle device attached in the standard manner to the end of the barrel). As used herein, the term “joined” refers to a first component being monolithic with, united with, or coupled with a second component. For example, a first component may be made monolithic with a second component via an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing) or a subtractive manufacturing process (e.g., machining from a forging (e.g., bar stock)) to form the monolithic component. A first component may be united with a second component via a welding, brazing, or adhesion process. A first component may be coupled to a second component via a fastening method (e.g., via bolt or screws 520) or via threads.

In various examples, the barrel assembly 130 may reciprocate relative to the receiver 120 when the firearm 100 is discharged (e.g., when a cartridge is fired from the firearm 100). For example, the barrel assembly 130 may translate in the forward direction F followed by translating in the aft direction A relative to the receiver 120 each time a projectile is discharged from the firearm 100.

In various examples, the firearm 100 includes a barrel support 140 that is joined with the receiver 120 and extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the barrel 132. The barrel support 140 may include a plurality of barrel support orifices 142 (FIG. 2A). Each barrel support orifice 142 may have any shape, such as circular, triangular, slot-shaped, etc. The barrel support 140 may include a tapered surface 146 that has a circumference that is greater closer to the receiver 120 than further from the receiver 120. For example, the tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140 may have a conical frustrum shape. The tapered surface 146 may be positioned aft of the portion of the barrel support 140 that includes the barrel support orifices 142. The tapered surface 146 may include at least some of the barrel support orifices 142.

In various examples, the firearm 100 includes a suppressor mount 200. The suppressor mount 200 may be coupled to the barrel support 140, the details of which will be discussed further. The firearm 100 may include a suppressor 150 (FIG. 1). The suppressor 150 may be coupled to a forward end of the suppressor mount 200. For example, the suppressor mount 200 may include an engagement coupler (e.g., a threaded portion 352) proximate to a forward end of the suppressor mount 200 that is configured to mesh with threads of the suppressor 150. As will be explained further, the suppressor mount 200 may be configured to allow the barrel assembly 130 to reciprocate or move (e.g., translate) relative to the suppressor mount 200 and the suppressor 150.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3A-3C, various views of at least portions of a suppressor mount 200 are provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The suppressor mount 200, which is depicted in FIG. 3A, may include a support tube assembly 300, which is depicted in FIG. 3B, a clamp assembly 400, which is depicted in FIG. 3C, and a centering assembly 500, which is also depicted in FIG. 3C.

In various examples, the support tube assembly 300 includes a support tube base 310. The support tube base 310 may define a plurality of support tube orifices 312. Each of the support tube orifices 312 may have any shape, such as circular, triangular, slot-shaped, etc. The support tube assembly 300 may include an intermediate ring 320. The intermediate ring 320 may define a plurality of holes 322 that may each have a circular shape. The plurality of holes 322 of the intermediate ring 320 may extend through the intermediate ring 320 in the longitudinal direction X. The intermediate ring 320 may be joined with the support tube base 310.

In various examples, the support tube assembly 300 includes a clamp ring 330. The clamp ring 330 may be joined with the support tube base 310. For example, the clamp ring 330 may be welded to the support tube base 310. The clamp ring 330 may define a plurality of holes 332 that may each have a circular shape. The plurality of holes 332 of the clamp ring 330 may extend through the clamp ring 330 in the longitudinal direction X.

In various example, the support tube assembly 300 includes a support tube main body 340. The support tube main body 340 may be cylindrical shaped (e.g., tube shaped) and may include a plurality of main body orifices 342. The shape of the plurality of main body orifices 342 may have any shape, such as circular, triangular, slot-shaped, etc. The support tube main body 340 may be joined with the intermediate ring 320. For example, the support tube main body 340 may be welded to the intermediate ring 320.

In various examples, the support tube assembly 300 includes a bushing 350. The bushing 350 may be joined with the support tube main body 340. For example, the bushing 350 may be welded to and/or threaded to the support tube main body 340. The bushing 350 may include the engagement coupler, such as the threaded portion 352, on an outer surface 136 that is configured to mate with threads of the suppressor 150. The threaded portion 352 may be generally cylindrical and may be on a forward portion of the support tube assembly 300, such as a forward portion of the bushing 350. The bushing 350 may include a portion, such as a hexagonal portion 356, that is joined with and positioned aft of the threaded portion 352. The hexagonal portion 356 may have a minimum outside diameter that is greater than the maximum diameter of the threaded portion 352. As will be appreciated, the hexagonal portion 356 may facilitate the bushing 350 being joined with the support tube main body 340 via threads, when included. For example, the bushing 350 may be installed onto the support tube assembly 300 with a plurality of threads that are on the outside of the bushing 350 that mate with a plurality of internal threads of the support tube assembly 300.

In various examples, the bushing 350 may define an inner surface 354. A first portion 354a (FIG. 2C) of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may be positioned radially inward from the threaded portion 352 of the bushing 350. The barrel assembly 130 may include an outer surface 136. A first portion 136a (FIG. 2C) of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130 (e.g., a first portion 136a of an outer surface 136 of the muzzle device 134 of the barrel assembly 130) may be positioned radially inward from and proximate to the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350. For example, the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may be positioned within 100 mil (i.e., 100 thousandths of an inch or 2.54 millimeters), such as within 50 mil, such as within 25 mil, such as within 20 mil of the barrel assembly 130, as measured in a radial direction. In various examples, the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may contact the first portion 136a of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130. In various examples, the smallest inner diameter of the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may differ from the largest outer diameter of the first portion 136a of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130 by at least 2 mil and up to 40 mil, such as at least 5 mil and up to 30 mil, such as at least 10 mil and up to 20 mil. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, positioning the first portion 136a of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130 radially inward from and proximate to the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 has various benefits. For example, this configuration may allow the barrel assembly 130 to move relative to the suppressor mount 200 in the longitudinal direction X while also limiting the radial movement of the barrel assembly 130 relative to the suppressor mount 200. Also, this gap between the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 and the first portion 136a of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130, which may be less than 20 mil, may allow the barrel assembly 130 to reciprocate freely and not bind. Additionally, positioning the barrel assembly 130 proximate to (e.g., within 40 mil, such as within 20 mil) the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may define a relatively small gap between the barrel assembly 130 and the suppressor mount 200, which may assist with the noise attenuation of the suppressor 150 due to the slower release of hot expanding gases from the suppressor 150.

In various examples, the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may be radially inward of the threaded portion 352 and a second portion 354b may be radially inward of the remaining portions (e.g., the hexagonal portion 356). The inner radius of the first portion 354a of the bushing 350 that is radially inward of the threaded portion 352 may be less than the inner radius of the second portion 354b of the bushing 350. The barrel assembly 130 may have a second portion 136b that is radially inward from the second portion 136b of the bushing 350. The first portion 136a of the barrel assembly 130 (e.g., a first portion 136a of the muzzle device 134) and the second portion 136b of the barrel assembly 130 (e.g., a second portion 136b of the barrel 132) may have the same outer diameter. The smallest inner diameter of the second portion 354b of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 may differ from the largest outer diameter of the second portion 136b of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130 by at least 20 mil, such as at least 50 mil. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, have a difference that is at least 20 mil between the smallest inner diameter of the second portion 354b of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 and the largest outer diameter of the second portion 136b of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130 may prevent the barrel assembly 130 from making contact with the second portion 354b of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 when the barrel assembly 130 is moving relative to the suppressor mount 200, which may reduce friction, which may be beneficial.

In various examples, only the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 of the suppressor mount 200 is configured to be within 20 mil of the barrel assembly 130. The other remaining portions of the suppressor mount 200 (e.g., the support tube main body 340 and/or the support tube base 310) are configured to be spaced from the barrel assembly 130 by at least 20 mil. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, this configuration may reduce the amount of surface area of the barrel assembly 130 that contacts the suppressor mount 200 in the event that the barrel assembly 130 makes contact with the suppressor mount 200, which may reduce the amount of friction between the two components, which may be beneficial.

In various examples, the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 and/or the first portion 136a of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130 may include at least one groove that extends circumferentially. Each groove may be provided to store a lubricant, such as a grease, to reduce friction in the event that the barrel assembly 130 makes contact with the bushing 350 and/or to collect debris that may exist between the first portion 354a of the inner surface 354 of the bushing 350 and the first portion 136a of the outer surface 136 of the barrel assembly 130.

In various examples, the clamp assembly 400 may be configured to couple the support tube assembly 300 to the barrel support 140 (FIG. 2A) of the firearm 100. The clamp assembly 400 may include a plurality of clamp hooks 410. Each clamp hook 410 may have a main body 412 and a hook portion 414 that collectively form an “L” shape. The main body 412 of each clamp hook 410 may be positioned within a respective hole 322 of the intermediate ring 320. The main body 412 of each clamp hook 410 may include a shoulder that is sized larger than the respective hole 322 of the intermediate ring 320 that may abut or may be spaced from an aft surface of the intermediate ring 320, which may prevent the clamp hook 410 from passing completely through the respective hole 322. The clamp assembly 400 may include a plurality of nuts 420, each nut 420 may facilitate coupling the respective clamp hook 410 to the intermediate ring 320. Each nut 420 of the clamp assembly 400 may be positioned forward of the intermediate ring 320. Each nut 420 of the clamp assembly 400 may be a locking nut that may resist loosening under torque or vibrational forces.

In various examples, the centering assembly 500 may be configured to center the support tube assembly 300 relative to the barrel assembly 130 such that the support tube assembly 300 and the barrel assembly 130 are coaxial. The centering assembly 500 may include a centering nut 510 that defines a plurality of openings 512 and may be positioned circumferentially around the support tube assembly 300. Each of the plurality of openings 512 of the centering assembly 500 may extend in the longitudinal direction X and may be a blind hole that does not extend completely through the centering nut 510. The centering assembly 500 may include a plurality of screws 520 that are each positioned within a respective hole 332 of the clamp ring 330 and a respective opening of the centering nut 510. The centering assembly 500 may comprise a plurality of nuts 530 that are threaded to a respective screw 520. Each nut 530 of the centering assembly 500 may be a locking nut that resists loosening under torque or vibrational forces. The screw 520 and nut 530 may facilitate the coupling of the centering nut 510 with the clamp ring 330 of the support tube assembly 300.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the firearm 100 is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. In various examples, the support tube base 310 may include a plurality of support tube orifice walls 314, each defining a respective support tube orifice 312. The hook portion 414 of each clamp hook 410 may be positioned within a respective support tube orifice 312 of the support tube base 310. The barrel support 140 may include a plurality of barrel support orifice walls 144, each defining a respective barrel support 140 orifice. The hook portion 414 of each of the plurality of clamp hooks 410 may be positioned within a respective barrel support 140 orifice.

In various examples, the hook portion 414 of each clamp hook 410 is spaced from the support tube orifice wall 314 that defines the support tube orifice 312 that the clamp hook 410 is positioned within. The hook portion 414 of each clamp hook 410 may contact the barrel support orifice wall 144 that defines the barrel support orifice 142 that the clamp hook 410 is positioned within. For example, a forward-facing surface of the hook portion 414 of each clamp hook 410 may contact an aft facing surface of the barrel support orifice wall 144 that defines the barrel support orifice 142 that the clamp hook 410 is positioned within. As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, and as will be explained further, when the suppressor mount 200 is installed on the barrel support 140, a forward force may be exerted on the barrel support 140 by the clamp assembly 400 and an aft force may be exerted on the support tube assembly 300 by the clamp assembly 400, which may clamp the suppressor mount 200 to the barrel support 140.

In various examples, the support tube base 310, the support tube main body 340, and the intermediate ring 320 of the suppressor mount 200 are joined together. The suppressor mount 200 may define a shoulder 316. For example, support tube base 310 may have an aft facing surface that extends circumferentially and radially, which defines the shoulder 316 that abuts a forward-facing surface of the barrel support 140.

In various examples, and as discussed, the clamp assembly 400 includes the clamp hook 410 and a nut 420 that is threaded with each clamp hook 410. The nut 420 may be tightened, which may move the nut 420 in the aft direction A and may move the clamp hook 410 in the forward direction F. Moving the clamp hook 410 in the forward direction F while the hook portion 414 of the clamp hook 410 is within the barrel support orifice 142 and in contact with the barrel support orifice wall 144 may move the support tube assembly 300 in the aft direction A and/or the barrel support 140 in the forward direction F until the barrel support 140 is against the shoulder 316 of the suppressor mount 200. Stated differently, moving the clamp hook 410 in the forward direction F while the hook portion 414 of the clamp hook 410 is within the barrel support orifice 142 and in contact with the barrel support orifice wall 144 may move the support tube assembly 300 towards the barrel support 140 and clamp the suppressor mount 200 to the barrel support 140.

In various examples, and as discussed, the suppressor mount 200 may include a centering assembly 500, which may include a centering nut 510. The clamp ring 330 can be joined with the support tube base 310. The clamp ring 330 may have threads that are meshed with threads of the centering nut 510. The centering assembly 500 may include a plurality of screws 520 and a plurality of nuts 530 that are threaded with respective screws 520. Each screw 520 may be threaded with respective holes 332 of the clamp ring 330.

In various examples, the suppressor mount 200 may be positioned radially between the centering assembly 500 and the barrel support 140. For example, the clamp ring 330 and/or the support tube base 310 of the suppressor mount 200 may be positioned radially between the centering nut 510 and the barrel support 140.

In various examples, the centering nut 510 may include a rim 514. The rim 514 may be a portion of the centering nut 510 that extends circumferentially and radially inward. The rim 514 of the centering nut 510 may be positioned such that it contacts the tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140. For example, the rim 514 may define a center hole of the centering nut 510, which may be sized to have an inner diameter that is equal to an outer diameter of the tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140 at a longitudinal location. Sizing the inner diameter of the centering nut 510 such that it is equal to an outer diameter of the tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140 at a longitudinal location may prevent the centering nut 510 from being able to move in the aft direction A relative to the barrel support 140. For example, the rim 514 may define an internal diameter that is narrower perpendicular to an axis of the rim than a widest external diameter of the barrel support 140. The internal diameter of the rim 514 may be wider than a narrowest external diameter of the barrel support 140, such that the rim 514 is configured to impinge the barrel support 140 between a first location of the widest external diameter and a second location of the narrowest external diameter.

In various examples, the centering nut 510 may be loosened from the clamp ring 330 (e.g., rotated so that the centering nut 510 moves away from the clamp ring 330) until the centering nut 510 makes contact with the tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140 and/or is prevented from moving further due to the tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140. The plurality of screws 520 may each be tightened (e.g., rotated so that it moves in the aft direction A) until a portion of each screw 520 is within the respective opening of the centering nut 510. Each nut 530 that is threaded to a respective screw 520 of the centering assembly 500 may be tightened (e.g., rotated so that it moves in the aft direction A) until it abuts the clamp ring 330 to maintain the position of the screw 520 relative to the centering nut 510 and the position of the centering nut 510 relative to the clamp ring 330 of the suppressor mount 200.

As will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, the centering assembly 500 may ensure that the suppressor mount 200 remains centered (e.g., coaxial) relative to the barrel support 140 and the barrel assembly 130. For example, the centering nut 510 may be positioned such that the barrel support 140 fits snugly within the centering nut 510, which may center the centering nut 510 with the barrel support 140, which may be centered with the barrel assembly 130. The clamp assembly 400 and/or the plurality of screws 520 of the centering assembly 500 may ensure that the centering nut's 510 position is maintained.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a method 600 for installing a suppressor 150 onto a firearm 100 is provided, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method 600 may include a step 602 of installing a centering assembly 500 onto a support tube assembly 300 of a suppressor mount 200. For example, a centering nut 510 of the centering assembly 500 may be coupled to a clamp ring 330 of the support tube assembly 300 with a plurality of screws 520 and a plurality of nuts 530.

The method 600 may include a step 604 of positioning the support tube assembly 300 of the suppressor mount 200 around a barrel support 140 of a firearm 100. For example, the support tube assembly 300, along with the centering assembly 500, may be positioned around the barrel support 140 of the firearm 100, which may be joined with a receiver 120 of the firearm 100.

The method 600 may include a step 606 of positioning a plurality of clamp hooks 410 of a clamp assembly 400 into a respective hole 322 of an intermediate ring 320 of the support tube assembly 300 and positioning hook portions 414 of each of the plurality of clamp hooks 410 into respective support tube orifices 312 of the support tube assembly 300 and barrel support orifices 142 of the barrel support 140.

The method 600 may include a step 608 of installing a plurality of nuts 420 onto the plurality of clamp hooks 410. For example, each of the plurality of nuts 420 can be threaded onto a respective clamp hook 410 of the plurality of clamp hooks 410.

The method 600 may include a step 610 of loosely tightening the plurality of nuts 420 of the clamp assembly 400 evenly.

The method 600 may include a step 612 of unscrewing a centering nut 510 of a centering assembly 500 until the centering nut 510 contacts a tapered surface 146 of the barrel support 140. For example, rotating the centering nut 510 in a first direction may unscrew the centering nut 510 such that it moves away from the clamp ring 330 (e.g., in the aft direction A).

The method 600 may include a step 614 of tightening each of the plurality of screws 520 of the centering assembly 500 until it engages an opening in the centering nut 510. For example, each opening of the centering nut 510 may be a blind hole and the screw 520 can be rotated until it is unable to penetrate deeper into the opening.

The method 600 may include a step 616 of tightening a plurality of nuts 530 that are each threaded to a screw 520 of the centering assembly 500 until it abuts a clamp ring 330 of the support tube assembly 300. Each nut 530 may be a locking nut and may resist loosening under torque or vibration forces, which may secure the positioning of the components of the centering assembly 500 relative to the barrel support 140.

The method 600 may include a step 618 of securely tightening the plurality of nuts 420 of the clamp assembly 400 evenly. For example, each nut 420 may be rotated so that it moves towards the intermediate ring 320 and tightened so that it abuts the intermediate ring 320. Tightening each nut 420 may move the nut 420 in the aft direction A while also moving the clamp hook 410 in the forward direction F. Each nut 420 may be prevented from being tightened further when the hook portion 414 of the respective clamp hook 410 contacts the barrel support 140 (e.g., a barrel support orifice wall 144 of the barrel support 140). Tightening each nut 420 may exert a force on the barrel support 140 in the forward direction F via the clamp hook 410 and a force on the support tube assembly 300 in the aft direction A via the plurality of nuts 420, which may clamp the support tube assembly 300 of the suppressor mount 200 to the barrel support 140.

The method 600 may include a step 620 of installing a suppressor 150 onto the suppressor mount 200. For example, the suppressor 150 may include threads that mesh with threads of the bushing 350 of the support tube assembly 300.

The suppressor mount 200 of the present disclosure and associated methods, such as method 600, have various benefits. For example, placing a suppressor directly to an forward end of a barrel assembly of a firearm may cause issues. Some suppressors, such as relatively large suppressors or suppressors made from relatively heavy material, such as steel, may cause an undesirable downward force on the distal end of the barrel assembly when the suppressor is coupled directly to the end of the barrel assembly. The long length of barrel assemblies of certain firearms, such as heavy machine guns, may cause an undesirable amount of torque on a proximal end of the barrel assembly when this downward force is exerted on the distal end of the barrel assembly. For certain firearms, such as heavy machine guns, the barrel assembly may reciprocate relative to the receiver and as the barrel assembly reciprocates, this downward force and torque may cause issues during operation of the firearm. As such, if a suppressor is coupled directly to the end of the barrel assembly, the size of the suppressor or the materials used for the suppressor may need to be limited to a lighter material, such as titanium, to prevent these undesirable effects.

In comparison, the suppressor mount 200 of the present disclosure solves these issues by allowing a suppressor, such as suppressor 150, to be coupled directly to the suppressor mount 200, which may be directly coupled to a barrel support 140 that may be rigidly coupled to a receiver of a firearm, such as firearm 100. The suppressor mount 200 may be configured such that the suppressor mount 200 does not contact the barrel assembly or the contact with the barrel assembly is minimal. For example, the contact with the barrel assembly may be minimized to an area at the forward end of the barrel assembly (e.g., an outer surface of the muzzle device). As such, the friction between the barrel assembly and the suppressor mount 200 is minimized due to the minimal contact areas. Also, because the suppressor mount 200 is not directly coupled to the barrel assembly, the weight of the suppressor does not transfer to the barrel assembly and exert a downward force on the forward end of the barrel assembly or exert torque on the barrel assembly. Instead, the load path for the weight of the suppressor goes through the suppressor mount 200, to the barrel support, and to the receiver of the firearm 100. As such, the suppressor, when coupled to the suppressor mount, does not exert a downward force or torque on the barrel assembly and the suppressor mount allows the barrel assembly to reciprocate. Accordingly, the suppressor can be relatively large and/or manufactured from a heavier material without imparting a downward force or torque on the barrel assembly.

CONCLUSION

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.