Barrel Cooler

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/633,273, filed on Apr. 12, 2024, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In the discipline of shooting, managing gun barrel temperature is needed for consistent performance. Overheating can lead to a decrease in accuracy and potentially damage the firearm. Therefore, implementing effective cooling methods are needed for performance, and longevity of the equipment.

The management of gun barrel heat is a critical factor that directly impacts the performance and accuracy of gun optics. The intense friction and rapid succession of shots can cause the barrel to overheat, leading to a phenomenon known as “mirage,” where the rising heat waves create optical distortions. This mirage effect can significantly alter the shooter's sight picture, causing the target to appear blurry or wavy, which can be detrimental to precision shooting.

To mitigate these issues, shooters employ various cooling strategies to manage barrel temperature. These include the use of barrel coolers and the application of heat-resistant materials or coatings that help dissipate heat more effectively. Additionally, shooters may also adjust their firing rate to allow the barrel to cool between shots, thereby reducing the likelihood of heat-induced optical illusions.

The integration of these heat management techniques is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of gun optics. By ensuring the barrel remains at a controlled temperature, shooters can prevent the adverse effects of mirage, maintaining a clear and stable sight picture. This not only enhances the shooter's ability to hit the target with greater accuracy but also prolongs the lifespan of the firearm and the optics, safeguarding the investment made in high-quality shooting equipment.

A need therefore exists within the discipline of shooting for further improvements and devices for the mitigation of barrel heat.

A device is disclosed herein that allows the user to manage and regulate the expulsion of hot air so as not to create a vertical heat signature (mirage). Thus, creating a “cool window” for optics to operate in while further not generating a dust signature. The cooling effect created by the hot gases exiting the device extends barrel life and aids in accuracy. The modular design allows for customization of different barrel lengths and suppressor combinations. The flexibility of different remote battery packs configurations allows the user to fine tune balance and hold on the firearm along with the use of under mount accessories.

A device that manages and regulates the expulsion of hot air to reduce the heat and dust signature of firearms and suppressors. The device employs a fan system to cool and direct hot air away from the barrel and optics, extending barrel life and aiding in accuracy. The modular design allows for customization of different barrel lengths and suppressor combinations, and the flexibility of different remote battery pack configurations enables fine-tuning of balance and hold on the firearm. The device features a modular shroud, fan and battery pack assembly, and a series of slots or vents, as well as a shielded barrel nut assembly, tunable tube attachment, adjustable transition cone, and forward exhaust window and end cap assembly for customization and optimization.

is a perspective view of a barrel coolermounted to a rifle upperand a barrel. It will be recognized that the rifle upperand barrelare representative of an entire rifle or rifle system although otherwise not depicted in the figures. Rifle systems often include a variety of interchangeable components, including the upperand barrel, which can be assembled and modified to impart various functions and qualities on the resulting rifle system. A common component added to a rifle system are optics, which provide an enhanced image of the target and its surroundings to improve accuracy and precision by providing a clearer aim and magnification through the reticle. Optics are frequently mounted to the upperwith a line of sight generally parallel to the barrel, accounting for optical adjustments. The intense friction between a bullet and the rifle bore produces significant heat which rises upwards off of the barrel, changing the refraction of the air and altering the path of light above the barrel. The barrel coolerdescribed herein functions to reduce barrel temperature by dissipating heat from the barrel and directing the dissipated heat away from the line of sight of any associated optics.

is a sectional view of the barrel coolerof.is an isolated perspective view of the fan assemblyof the barrel coolerof.is an exploded view of the fan assemblyof. A rear shroudand a front shroudsurround the barrel.provide further detailed views of the connection of the rear shroudto the barreland upper.is an exploded view whileis a cross-sectional view. A21 threaded barrel nutis shaped as a cylinder and has interior threadsthat are configured to engage mating threadson the receiver upper. The threaded barrel nutcoaxially surrounds the barrel. An interior shoulderof the barrel nutengages a lipon the barrel to secure the barrelto the upperwith the engaged threads,. The barrel nutfurther includes exterior threadson the outside of the barrel nut. The exterior threadsare configured to threadingly engage mating threadson the interior surface of the rear shroud. Engagement between threadsandsecure the rear shroudto the receiver upperand about the barrelvia the barrel nut. A locking ringhas interior threadsthat also engage the exterior threadsof the barrel nut to provide an opposing threaded force against the rear shroud, further securing the connection between the rear shroudand the barrel nut.

Examples include one or both of baffle plateand a gasketsecured to the barrel nut, at a position forward of the barrel nutand interior of the rear shroud. The rear shroudincludes an interior shoulderand the baffle plateand/or the gasketare fitted radially about the barreland between the interior shoulderand the barrel nut.depict both the gasketand the baffle plate, with the gasketdisposed between the baffle plateand the barrel nut. The gasketis exemplarily a high temperature resistant and flexible material, for example LYTHERM, and is fitted with an interference fit against the barrel. In examples, the baffle plateand gasketmay be held in place by the screw fit between the rear shroudand the barrel nutcompressing the baffle plateand the gasketbetween the interior shoulderof the rear shroudand the face of the barrel nut. In other examples, if the baffle plateis used without the gasket, the baffle platemay be secured to the barrel nutwith bolts received through recessed pockets integral with the gas tube alignment holes into blind pocket holes in the baffle plate. As described in further detail herein, this combination of features provides an air-tight or air-restrictive seal against the barrel nutwhich prevents air from escaping out the back of the firearm and forcing air down the length of the barrel within the rear shroudand front shroud.

The fan assemblyis secured to the rear shroudat a position below the rear shroud. The fan assemblyincludes a fan housingsurrounding a fan. The fan housingis exemplarily constructed of a material that has high strength, heat resistance, and dielectric properties, for example, but not limited to Noryl PPE resin available from SABIC. This provides a protective and thermally-isolated location for the electronics and fan as described herein. The fan assemblyfurther includes battery tubesand a power cordelectrically connecting the battery tubesto the fan. The fan housingdefines an open interior in which the fanis located. The fan housingincludes an intake apertureat the bottom of the fan housingand which is covered by a grate. The fan housingincludes an outlet aperturewhich is configured to align with an aperturein the rear shroud. The fan assemblyis exemplarily secured by one or more boltsthrough the housinginto the rear shroud.is a detailed sectional view of the fan assemblymounted to the lower side of the rear shroudwith the outlet apertureof the fan housingin alignment with the apertureof the rear shroud. Electronicsinclude a voltage regulator and a variable output controller to provide a variable output to the fan. The fanis operable to draw air in through the intake apertureand force the air into the rear shroudthrough the aperture. The position of the fan assemblydoes not impede or impair the user's line of sight above the barrelthrough the associated optics. The fan assemblyfurther includes a low battery indicator positioned to an exterior of the housingat the electronicsand visible to the user.

provide an example of a top-mounted configuration of a battery assemblyof the fan assembly. The top-mounted configuration positions the battery tubesto the sides and above the barrel, while maintaining a clear line of sight above the barrelthrough the associated optics. The battery tubesare mounted to the rear shroudwith front and rear winged flanges. The winged flanges include aperturesconfigured to receive respective ends of the battery tubes. Wire conduitsextend between the winged flangesto provide electrical connection to batteriesplaced in series within each battery tube. A plugretains a springin one of the winged flangesat one end of the battery tube, while a retention knobcloses the other end of the battery tubeat the opposite winged flangeto retain the batteries therein in electrical connection.

The remote mounted battery pack assembly provides DC voltage to the fan though a cable and power jack assembly consisting of conical springs screwed into a recessed pocket of the rear isolation end cap that is then terminalized and soldered to a power cable. The anodized aluminum tubes are threaded over the springs and into the rear isolation end cap. The anodizing provides an additional level of electrical insulation in securing the batteries. Both front and rear isolation end cap assemblies are composed of a high strength, high heat, high dielectric strength material, for example NORYL resins. The front isolation end cap is press fit over the other end of the tubes. With the tubes secured, the batteries are then loaded into the aluminum tubes through a threaded opening set positive+up the other positive+down and secured by the threading the conductive battery knobs down till they engage with the conductive washer assembly. Each battery knob utilizes a screwed in conductive fastener and a raw aluminum surface to provide a self-wiping self-cleaning action each time they are installed engaging the conductive washer assembly that sits in a pocket supported by a washer which is exemplarily a resilient, wave, Belleville, or spring washer and is retained by a screw. The retaining screw is affixed to a conductive shaft. The shaft is sandwiched between the front and rear isolation end caps. Providing returning voltage to the rear of the unit where it is connected to a terminalized connection and soldered to the power cable assembly.

In an example, the rear shroudis dimensioned to accommodate the mounting of the fan assemblyand the battery assemblythereof to the rear shroud. However, it will be recognized that various barrelsused with the receiver uppermay be provided in a variety of lengths. Moreover, as discussed herein further accessories, including but not limited to suppressors may be secured the end of a barrel, thereby increasing the effective length of the barrel. The presently disclosed system contemplates this variety by providing the shroud in a modular form with the rear shroudas discussed above, and which is combined with a front shroud, selected based upon the length dimension of the barrel and/or the barrel in combination with any barrel accessories. The rear shroudand the front shroudare configured for a threaded engagement to secure the two shroud components together. The user selects a front shroudhaving a length so as to extend for the remaining length of the barrel, with accounting for the shroud endcapand the barrel endcap.

As detailed in, the rear shroudand the front shroudare joined by two opposed threaded surfaces,with opposed leading angles. The leading angleengages and compresses an o-ring. Additional rotation forces the O-ringto distort into a machined recess allowing further rotation to provide self-alignment between the rear shroudand the front shroud, providing enough resistance to a predetermined torque exemplarily represented by alignment marks on the rear shroudand the front shroud. A picatinny railcan then be bolted into place across the junctionwith bolts running into regularly spaced holes in the respective shrouds,. The picatinny railprovides additional strength to the junction, retains alignment between the shrouds,, and provides a further position for accessory attachments.

The front shroudincludes an exhaust window, exemplarily provided by a series of slots, proximate the end of the barrel, the size, dimension, and orientation of which may be selected for particular use conditions and dynamics. The slots of the exhaust windoware directed out the sides of the front shroud, and provide a tunable restriction that maintains a pressure constant allowing the escaping hot pressurized air to be vectored away from the barrelat maximum velocity and direction. The angle and cross-sectional area of the exhaust windowprovided by the slots is selected to maximize airflow velocity out of the exhaust window. The design may be considered in view of the fan strength and output, cross section and length of the shroud, and the barrel shape and/or presence and shape of a suppressor. As detailed in, the shroud capis connected by a threaded or friction fit to the front shroud. The barrel end capis threaded onto the end of the barrel. A compressible gasket, exemplarily has a U-shaped cross-section and is fitted within an annular recesson the inside of the shroud end cap. The gasketis compressed against the barrel end capand provides a gas tight seal between the shroud end capand the barrel end cap. Further discussion and examples of the barrel end capwill be discussed in further detail herein with respect to.

is an isolated perspective view of an example of a barrel end capandis a cross-sectional view of that example of the barrel end capon the end of a barrel. Mechanical contact between the shroudand the barrelmay impart an external force against the barrelwhich could unduly impact accuracy performance. The barrel end capincludes a threaded interior diameterwhich threadingly fits the barrel end caponto a threaded endof the barrel. The barrel end capincludes an annular groove. As depicted in, the annular grooveis configured to receive the gasket. In an example, the gasketis a resilient woven or non-woven fiber material. The gasketincludes an outside diameter that engages a smooth inside diameter of the shroud end cap(or shroud). The gasketis received within the annular groove. The annular groovehas a groove bottomand groove walls. The groove wallsretain the gasketin a longitudinal relationship to the barreland the shroud cap(and/or shroud). However, the groove bottomdefines an minimum external diameter of the groovewhich is smaller than the internal diameter of the gasketdefined by an interior surface. This leaves a gapbetween the gasketand the groove bottom. This separation permits the barrel end cap, and by extension the barrelthe ability to move relative to the gasketand the shroud/shroud end cap. This degree of freedom of movement, reduces or eliminates any mechanical forces on the motion of the barrel during the firing process, providing for a more accurate shot.

The fan assemblycreates a positive pressure interior of the shrouds,from the fan assemblythrough the apertureand out of the exhaust window. Air flow rearward from the aperturetowards the receiver is blocked by the baffle plateand air flow past the end of the barrelis blocked by the gasket. This maintains a constant positive pressure and air flow within the shrouds,that directs a flow of air along the length of the barrel, cooling the barrel and dissipating the heat radially outwards from the barrel at about 90° angles from the line of sight above the barrel.

depict another example of the barrel cooler system. It will be recognized that like reference numbers are used between the examples, and that the descriptions between all of the figures of the present disclosure are interchangeable with the differences noted in the description herein, including but not limited to the descriptions provided above with respect to. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional combinations or sub-combinations of features disclosed herein without being explicitly disclosed together or in arrangement but are nonetheless within the scope of the present disclosure.present two alternative arrangements that may be used alone or in combination both with each other as well as with features as disclosed above with respect to. This includes an undermount configuration of the battery assemblyof the fan assemblyand the accommodation of a suppressor.

The undermount configuration of the battery assemblyincludes the battery tubesconnected directly to the fan housing. This exemplarily locates the battery tubescloser to the midline of the system. Because the battery assemblyis located below the rear shroudin this configuration, the battery assemblyneed not laterally spread the battery tubesso as to leave the line of sight open above the shroudfor any optics. Instead, this configuration centralizes the battery tubesand places the weight of the battery assemblycloser to the midline which may improve stability and balance of the system. Additionally, the battery assemblyin this position may provide a hand grip or placement for the user. Given that the battery assemblyis closer to the center line of the systemin this configuration, the winged flangeis similarly centrally configured and in examples, the aperturesare adjacent, rather than separated as in the winged flangepreviously described.

The suppressorand accommodation thereof is depicted with reference to. The suppressoris threadedly fitted to the muzzle of the barrel. The suppressorfunctions as the barrel cap, as described above. The gasketis seated within an annular recessof the shroud capto form a resilient seal against the suppressor. The front shroudis selected to a length that encapsulates a majority of the suppressor, extending coaxially along a substantial length thereof. A recessed cylinder baseis secured to the end of the barrelprior to connection of the suppressorto the barrel. In an example, the recessed cylinder baseis sandwiched between a lip of the barrel and the suppressorthreadedly connected to the end of the barrel. The recessed cylinder baseprovides a bearing area for a transition coneto slip-fit thereover and for adjustable positioning of the transition coneagainst the suppressoronce the suppressoris installed on the barrel. The slip fit recessed pocket in transition conecan slide (rearward) along the barrelduring attachment and connection of the suppressorand then slid (forward) along the barreland the recessed cylinder base. The transition coneis secured in place against the suppressorby tightening of screwthrough the transition coneagainst the recessed cylinder base. The smooth angle of the transition cone aids airflow over the outer diameter of the suppressor.

It will be recognized that other examples of the transition cone may be used within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly examples that do not use the cylinder base or the screw as described above. In another example, the transition cone may include internal threads such that the transition cone may be threaded onto the end of the barrel. A locking nut may retain the transition cone to the barrel and then the suppressor is subsequently threaded onto the barrel in contact with the transition cone as described above.

is a cross-sectional view of an example of a suppressorand front shroud. As previously noted, the shroud capincludes an annular recessand a gasketis fit within the annular recess. In a further example, the gasketis a resilient woven or non-woven fiber material. The gasketmay be dimensioned such as to leave a gapwithin the annular recessbetween the exterior diameter of the gasketand the exterior diameter of the recess. Thus the gasketis held in relative longitudinal position relative to the suppressorand the shroud capby the side walls of the recess. An interior surfaceof the gasketcan rest on the exterior surface of the suppressor. As previously noted, mechanical contact between the shroudand the barrel(and/or suppressor) may impart an external force against the barreland suppressorwhich could unduly impact accuracy performance. However, with the annular recessand gasketforming the gaptherebetween, the gasket is able to move within the recessto move with the barrelwith low or no mechanical forces.

also provides another example of the transition cone.depicts the transition coneas part of a transition assemblywhich combines the transition conewith a washer. The transition assemblymay be a unitary construction as described herein. The washeris dimensioned with an interior openingto slide over the threads of the threaded endof the barrel. The washerseats against a shoulderof the barreland is held in place by the suppressorbeing subsequently threaded onto the threaded end. The washermay have a diameter that matches the diameter of the suppressorand the transition coneextends rearward from the washer a taper as described above. The transition conehas an interior openingthat is dimensioned to receive the external diameter of the barrel, and thus is a larger diameter than the interior openingof the washer.

Most barrel cooling devices work upon the barrel chamber and bore to remove heat from the barrel. Such solutions work upon a very small surface area they are not very efficient and only can be operated while the firearm is not in use. The presently disclosed barrel cooler works on the outer surface area of the barrel and suppressor, if present. This larger effective area for cooling of the barrel more effectively removes unwanted heat signature, optic mirage, and dust, while not impeding the user's ability to use the firearm at any time and greatly reduces the rate of heat saturation.

The modularity of the barrel cooler enables user-selected combinations of the front and rear shroud to accommodate different barrel lengths, calibers, and suppressor combinations. The battery assembly provides additional modularity with more than one location for mounting to the shroud, either of which leaves the optic path above the barrel clear so that the user's line of sight is unobstructed. The various locations of the battery assembly further gives the user flexibility of firearm balance, hold, and accessories. The transition cone used with a suppressor helps air flow over the outer diameter of the suppressor, which reduces vortices within the shroud. The tunable exhaust window allows for the customization of the exhaust window for maximum velocity and direction.

In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.