Firearm Barrel with Outer Sleeve

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/957,474 filed 30 Sep. 2022 (now U.S. Pat. No. 12,359,887), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/087,676, filed on 3 Nov. 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/434,207, filed on Jun. 7, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/394,155, filed on Dec. 29, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,365,061.

The present invention relates generally to firearms and more specifically to a firearm barrel with an outer sleeve, which may be handled after use.

It appears that the prior art does not teach or suggest a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve, which may be handled after use.

Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve, which may be handled after repeated firings.

The present invention provides a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve, which may be handled after use. The firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve preferably includes a firearm barrel, a first non-metal tube, a second non-metal tube, a sleeve nut and a coupler bushing. The firearm barrel includes an elongated tube. A barrel inner diameter is formed through a length of the elongated tube. A lead-in bore is formed concentric with the barrel inner diameter at an entrance end of the elongated tube. A threaded tap is preferably formed in the entrance end of the elongated tube to threadably receive an extension barrel. Suitable twist rifling is then applied to the barrel inner diameter. Material is preferably removed from the elongated tube to form an end flange, a reduced outer diameter, a first raised sleeve support section and a raised coupler section. The end flange is formed on an entrance end of the elongated tube. The first sleeve support is formed near the end flange. The raised coupler section is formed in substantially a middle of the elongated tube. A gas escape hole is formed through the raised coupler section to the barrel inner diameter. A sleeve thread is formed on an exit end of the elongated tube. The firearm barrel is preferably fabricated from any suitable steel, but other materials may also be used.

The coupler bushing includes a bushing inner diameter, a first reduced diameter and a second reduced diameter. The first reduced diameter is formed on a first end of the coupler bushing and the second reduced diameter end formed on a second end thereof. A combination gas escape and fastener hole is formed through the coupler bushing. The bushing inner diameter is sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the raised coupler section. The coupler bushing is preferably fabricated from any suitable metal, such as steel. The first non-metal tube includes a first tube inner diameter and a plurality of first openings are formed through a wall of the first non-metal tube. The plurality of first openings may have any suitable spacing, size and shape. The first tube inner diameter is sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the first raised sleeve support section and the first reduced diameter. The first non-metal tube is preferably fabricated from carbon fiber, but other non-metal materials could also be used.

The sleeve nut preferably includes a tube end and a rotation flange. The rotation flange is formed on an end of the tube end. A threaded bore is formed through a length of the sleeve nut to threadably receive the sleeve thread of the elongated tube. A plurality of holes are preferably formed in the rotation flange to receive pins of a spanner wrench. However, wrench flats could be formed on an outer perimeter of the rotation flange. The second non-metal tube includes a second tube inner diameter and a plurality of second openings are formed through a wall of the second non-metal tube. The plurality of second openings may have any suitable spacing, size and shape. The second tube inner diameter is sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the second reduced diameter and the tube end of the sleeve nut. The second non-metal tube is preferably fabricated from carbon fiber, but other non-metal materials could also be used.

The firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve is preferably assembled in the following manner. The first non-metal tube is slid over the exit end of the elongated tube on to the first raised sleeve support section. The coupler bushing is slid over the exit end of the elongated tube and on to the raised coupler section. The first reduced diameter of the coupler bushing is slid into the first tube inner diameter of the first non-metal tube. The combination gas escape and fastener hole of the bushing sleeve is aligned with the gas escape hole of the elongated barrel. A gas block is slid over the bushing sleeve. A threaded fastener is inserted through a hole in the gas block and the combination gas escape and fastener hole and threaded into a threaded tap in one end of the combination gas escape and fastener hole. The second non-metal tube is slid over the exit end of the elongated tube and on to the second reduced diameter of the coupler bushing. The sleeve nut is threaded onto the sleeve thread to retain the first and second non-metal tubes on the elongated tube.

A second embodiment of a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve preferably includes a second firearm barrel, a non-metal tube and the sleeve nut. The second firearm barrel includes a second elongated tube. A second barrel inner diameter is formed through a length of the second elongated tube. Suitable twist rifling is applied to the second barrel inner diameter. Material is preferably removed from the second elongated tube to form an end taper, a reduced outer diameter and a raised sleeve support section. The end taper is formed near an entrance of the second elongated tube. The raised sleeve support section is formed adjacent the end taper. The raised sleeve preferably includes a straight knurled portion disposed in front of the raised sleeve support section. A sleeve thread is formed on an exit end of the second elongated tube. The firearm barrel is preferably fabricated from any suitable steel, but other materials may also be used.

The non-metal tube includes a tube inner diameter and a plurality of openings formed through a wall of the non-metal tube. The plurality of openings may have any suitable spacing, size and shape. The tube inner diameter is sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the raised sleeve support section and the first reduced diameter. The non-metal tube is preferably fabricated from carbon fiber, but other non-metal materials could also be used.

The second embodiment of the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve is preferably assembled in the following manner. The non-metal tube is slid over the exit end of the second elongated tube on to the raised sleeve support section. The sleeve nut is threaded onto the sleeve thread to retain the non-metal tube on the second elongated tube.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve, which may be handled after repeated firings.

These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to, there is shown a perspective view of a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve. With reference to, the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleevepreferably includes a firearm barrel, a first non-metal tube, a second non-metal tube, a sleeve nutand a coupler bushing. The firearm barrelincludes an elongated tube. A barrel inner diameteris formed through a length of the elongated tube. A lead-in boreis formed concentric with the barrel inner diameterat an entrance end of the elongated tube. A threaded tapis preferably formed in the entrance end of the elongated tubeto receive an extension barrel. Extension barrels are well known in the art and do not need to explained in detail. Suitable twist rifling is then applied to the barrel inner diameter. Material is preferably removed from the elongated tubeto form an end flange, a first raised sleeve support section, a raised coupler sectionand a reduced outer diameter. The reduced diameterhas a diameter measurement, which is less than a diameter measurement of the first raised sleeve support sectionand the raised coupler section. The end flangeis formed on the entrance end of the elongated tube. The first sleeve supportis formed near the end flange. The raised coupler sectionis formed in substantially a middle of the elongated tube. A gas escape holeis formed through the raised coupler sectionto the barrel inner diameter. A barrel clearance holeis formed in the raised coupler section, but not through to the barrel inner diameter. A sleeve threadis formed on an exit end of the elongated tube. The firearm barrelis preferably fabricated from any suitable steel, but other materials may also be used.

The coupler bushingincludes a bushing inner diameter, a first reduced diameterand a second reduced diameter. The first reduced diameteris formed on a first end of the coupler bushingand the second reduced diameter endformed on a second end thereof. A combination gas escape and fastener holeis formed through coupler bushing. A threaded tapis formed in one end of the combination gas escape and fastener hole. The bushing inner diameteris sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the raised coupler section. The coupler bushingis preferably fabricated from any suitable metal, such as steel. With reference to, the first non-metal tubeincludes a first tube inner diameterand a plurality of first openingsare formed through a wall of the first non-metal tube. The plurality of first openingsmay have any suitable spacing, size and shape. The first tube inner diameteris sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the first raised sleeve support sectionand the first reduced diameter. However, the first reduced diametermay be threadably engaged with the inner diameterof the first non-metal tube. The first non-metal tubeis preferably fabricated from carbon fiber, but other non-metal materials could also be used.

The sleeve nutpreferably includes a tube endand a rotation flange. The rotation flangeis formed on an end of the tube end. A threaded boreis formed through a length of the sleeve nut to threadably receive the sleeve threadof the elongated tube. A plurality of pin holesare formed in the rotation flangeto receive pins of a spanner wrench. The second non-metal tubeincludes a second tube inner diameterand a plurality of second openingsare formed through a wall of the second non-metal tube. The plurality of second openingsmay have any suitable spacing, size and shape. The second tube inner diameteris sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the second reduced diameterand the tube endof the sleeve nut. However, the second reduced diametermay be threadably engaged with the inner diameterof the second non-metal tube. The second non-metal tubeis preferably fabricated from carbon fiber, but other non-metal materials could also be used.

The firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeveis preferably assembled in the following manner. The first non-metal tubeis slid over the exit end of the elongated tubeon to the first raised sleeve support section. The coupler bushingis slid over the exit end of the elongated tubeand on to the raised coupler section. The first reduced diameterof the coupler bushingis slid into a first tube inner diameterof the first non-metal tube. The reduced diameterhas a diameter measurement, which is less than a diameter measurement of the first reduced diameter, the second reduced diameterand the tube endto create an air gap between the reduced diameterand the first and second tube inner diameters,. The combination gas escape and fastener holeof the bushing sleeveis aligned with the gas escape holeof the elongated barrel. A gas blockis slid over the bushing sleeve. A threaded fasteneris inserted through a holein the gas blockand threaded into the threaded tapin the coupler bushing. The second non-metal tubeis slid over the exit end of the elongated tubeand on to the second reduced diameterof the coupler bushing. The sleeve nutis threaded onto the sleeve threadto retain the first and second non-metal tubes,on the elongated tube. Heat from the elongated barrelescapes through the plurality of first and second openings,. Tightening the sleeve nuthas the unexpected result of tensioning the rifling in the inner diameter of the elongated tube and improving shooting accuracy of the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve. Tightening the sleeve nutalso stretches the elongated tube. The first non-metal tubeand the second non-metal tubeallow the weight of the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeveto be reduced while improving shooting accuracy.

With reference to, a second embodiment of a firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleevepreferably includes a second firearm barrel, a non-metal tubeand the sleeve nut. The second firearm barrelincludes a second elongated tube. A second barrel inner diameteris formed through a length of the second elongated tube. Suitable twist rifling is applied to the second barrel inner diameter. Material is preferably removed from the second elongated tubeto form an end taper, a reduced outer diameterand a raised sleeve support section. The end taperis formed near an entrance end of the second elongated tube. The raised sleeve support sectionis formed adjacent the end taper. The raised sleeve support sectionpreferably includes a straight knurled portiondisposed in front of the raised sleeve support section. The straight knurled portionwill prevent rotation of the non-metal tuberelative to the second elongated tubein rare circumstances. A sleeve threadis formed on an exit end of the second elongated tube. The firearm barrel is preferably fabricated from any suitable steel, but other materials may also be used. The sleeve nutincludes the threaded bore, which is sized to threadably receive the sleeve thread.

The non-metal tubeincludes a tube inner diameter and a plurality of openingsformed through a wall of the non-metal tube. The plurality of openings mayhave any suitable spacing, size and shape. The tube inner diameter is sized to slidably receive an outer diameter of the raised sleeve support section, the straight knurled portionand the tube endof the sleeve nut. The non-metal tubeis preferably fabricated from carbon fiber, but other non-metal materials could also be used.

The firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeveis preferably assembled in the following manner. The non-metal tubeis slid over the exit end of the second elongated tubeon to the raised sleeve support section. The sleeve nutis threaded onto the sleeve threadto retain the non-metal tubeon the second elongated tube. The outer diameter of the tube endis not threadably engaged with the inner diameter of the non-metal tubeas shown in. Tightening the sleeve nuthas the unexpected result of tensioning the rifling in the inner diameter of the elongated tubeand improving shooting accuracy of the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve. The non-metal tubeallows the weight of the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeveto be reduced while improving shooting accuracy. The sleeve nutis threaded on to the sleeve thread, tightening of the sleeve nutis not limited by a discontinuation of the sleeve threadon the elongated tubewhen the rotation flangeis in contact with the non-metal tube. Additionally, an outer diameter of the tube endis in contact with the inner barrel diameter of the non-metal tube, the outer diameter of the tube endis not threadably engaged with the inner diameter of the non-metal tube. Shooting accuracy is also improved by having the tube endof the sleeve nutconcentric with the threaded boreby no greater than 0.001 inches and the second barrel inner diameterconcentric with the second elongated tubeby no greater than 0.001 inches. The above concentricity also applies to the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve.

With reference to, an alternative design of the raised sleeve support sectionincludes a diameter, which is about 0.004 inches less than an inner diameter of the non-metal tube. The lesser diameter of the raised sleeve support sectioncan vary from between 0.002-0.006 inches, but other dimension could also be used instead of about 0.004 inches. A bonding substance is applied to the raised sleeve support section. The raised sleeve support sectionis inserted into non-metal tubeand rotated to ensure that any suitable bonding substance is evenly distributed around a gap between the inner diameter of the non-metal tubeand the raised sleeve support section. The following product is given by way of example and not way of limitation. An example of a suitable bonding substance is J-B Weld®. Further it is also preferable to make the tube endof the sleeve nutabout 0.004 inches less than the inner diameter of the non-metal tube. The lesser diameter of the tube endcan vary from between 0.002-0.006 inches, but other dimension could also be used instead 0.004 inches. The bonding substance is applied to the raised sleeve support section. The above bonding also applies to the firearm barrel with non-metal outer sleeve.

provide an alternative embodiment of the barrel assembly of the present invention. The embodiment is similar to the embodiments, discussed above, but provides for alternate securing means. A barrelis concentrically located within non-metal tubes or sleevesand. A sleeve nutsecures the sleevesandin place, with coupler bushinglocated between the non-metal tubesand. As shown in the cross-sectional view of, the barrelforms an elongated tubehave an inner diameter. The barrelis concentrically formed with a lead-in bore, which is further formed with a flange. The barrelis machined so that a first raised sleeve sectionis formed so that the sleevewill be positioned on the raised sleeve sectionwhen assembled. The barrelalso has a raised coupler section, preferably having the same diameter as the raised sleeve section. The sleeve sectiontapers downwardly to a reduced diameterwhich will then taper upwardly to the raised coupler section, thereby forming an air gapbetween the sleeveand the barrel. The raised coupler sectionfurther tapers downwardly to the reduced diameterin the area of the barrelaligned with the second sleeve. The outer surface of the barrelmay have a further tapered sectionthat will abut the sleevewhen assembled, thereby forming a second air gap. A sleeve threadis formed on an exit end of the elongated tubeto allow the sleeve nutto be threaded onto the tube and secure the barrel assembly in place.

As previously noted above, the sleevecan be secured to the raised sleeve sectionby the use of a bonding agent as discussed with respect toor threaded on as discussed with respect to. However, as demonstrated in, a threaded arrangement is used to secure the coupler bushingin place. The bushinghas a threaded surfacethat interacts with a threaded surfaceof the barrel. The threaded surfaceextends far enough to engage with threaded surfacesandof the respective sleevesand. As with the previous embodiments, the arrangement provides for a consistent pressure along the barrelwhen in use. That is, the pressure exerted between the barreland the sleeveis the same as the pressure exerted between the barreland the sleeve.

shows the outer sleevesandhaving a plurality of openingsand. However, as shown in, the bushingcould be used with sleevesandwithout any additional openings.

As is appreciated from the various embodiments discussed above, the present invention provides a unique arrangement of a gun barrel and an outer sleeve that provides a unique arrangement that allows the concentricity of the gun barrel and the outer sleeve to remain consistent after firing of the gun.demonstrate an alternate arrangement that will fall within the scope of the present invention. The arrangement would be preferably be used for a bolt style barrel and sleeve. A barrelis shown concentrically within an outer sleeve. A sleeve nutsecures the outer sleeveto the barrel. The barrelhas an outer diameterand a plurality of raised sectionsthat abut the inner surfaceof the outer sleeve. Air gapsare formed between the outer sleeve and the barrel.

provides an enlarged view where the outer sleeveis mated with the barrel. As the sleeveis slid onto the barrel, it will be positioned on a raised sleeve sectionwhen assembled. As previously noted above, the sleevecan be secured to the raised sleeve sectionby the use of a bonding agent, as discussed with respect to.

provides an enlarged view of the raised sectionengaged with the inner surfaceof the outer sleeve. When the sleeveis slid over the barrel, the abutment of the sleeveand the raised sectionwill assist in maintaining a constant pressure along the barrel, as well as assisting in maintain the concentricity of the barreland the sleeve when in use.

shows an enlarged view of a sleeve nutthat will be used to secure the sleevein place on the barrel. The sleeve nutwill be threaded on a sleeve threadlocated on the barrel in a fashion as described above with the other various embodiments. The arrangement also assists in maintaining the concentricity and pressure of the barreland the sleeve.

further demonstrate the adaptability of the present invention to provide a barrel and sleeve arrangement where the concentricity and pressure distribution is maintained during use.provides a barreland a sleeve, with an air gapformed between them. The arrangement is similar to other arrangements in that a sleeve nutis used to secure the sleeveon the barrel, as can be seen in. Similarly a second sleeve nutis use to position the sleeveon the barrel, as is shown in. The barrelhas a threaded outer portion. A threaded inner portionof the sleeve nutwill allow for the sleeve nutto be secured to the barrelon a mating threaded portion. The outer surfaceprovides a raised sleeve sectionthat allows the sleeveto be properly positioned and retained on the barrelin a concentric fashion.

demonstrates that the barreland sleeve arrangementmay also be used when openingsare located in the sleeve. It should be understood that any of the various securing means described in the above embodiments could be used with one another and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Provided that a barrel and sleeve arrangement is designed so that the concentricity of the two is maintained throughout use of the barrel, the design would fall within the scope of the present invention.

For example, the firearm barrel assemblies of the present invention generally consists of an internal firearm barrel and an outer sleeve. The inner barrel is formed of a metal material, such as steel, while the outer sleeve is formed of a non-metal material, such as carbon graphite or Kevlar® material. The ability of the barrel and the sleeve retain a concentric relationship after is a key feature of the present invention, which is carried out by the barrel and sleeve having the same coefficient of expansion (COE). As the assembly heats up when fired, the barrel and sleeve will expand in fashion with each respective COE. However, it was discovered with the present invention that by using non-similar materials having the same or substantially the same COE, the concentricity of the assembly will remain constant throughout use. This is also understood in the above firearm assemblies that include a second outer non-metal sleeve. The second outer non-metal sleeve will also have the same COE as the first outer non-metal sleeve and the inner barrel.

It has been discovered that the novel features of the present invention can be incorporated into various barrel assemblies. As appreciated in the various embodiments discussed above, the ability of the present invention to provide the unexpected result of tensioning the rifling of the inner diameter of the elongated tube, i.e. the gun barrel, and improving shooting accuracy of the firearm barrel can be incorporated into assemblies of varying materials. For example, it is appreciated that the fire arm barrel, e.g. the barrel tube, is preferably machined out of a metal material, e.g. steel. However, it should be appreciated that the outer sleeve could also be formed from a metal material. For example, aluminum or titanium or other similar metal materials could form the outer sleeve, in addition to non-metal materials, e.g. carbon fiber and Kevlar®, discussed above. The tensioning arrangement of the sleeve nut as disclosed herein provides an improved barrel assembly, independently of the material that forms the outer sleeve. The improved barrel assembly of the present invention retains the necessary tension of the barrel and concentricity of the barrel and the outer sleeve or sleeves, while still providing a surface that dissipates heat and is capable of being touched after use.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.