Heat sink for firearm barrels and method for attachment and use

Abstract

A firearm heat sink is provided that may be easily affixed to, and removed from, a firearm. The heat sink is provided with a plurality of cooling fins. In a preferred embodiment, the firearm heat sink is held in place by a cooperating collet and ring on each end of the heat sink. In an alternate embodiment, the firearm heat sink is formed in halves and is mechanically fastened together about the barrel of the firearm. In either embodiment, an underlying heat conducting material optionally may be added to insure a proper thermal path between the firearm and the heat sink.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A heat sink for overlying at least a portion of the barrel of a firearm comprising: 
 a sleeve comprising a collet and an internal diameter; and,    means for constricting said collet;    whereby said constricting means acts to reduce the effective diameter of said collet; thereby, enabling said sleeve to be attached to the barrel of a firearm.    
     
     
         2 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of cooling fins extending from said sleeve.  
     
     
         3 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 2  wherein said cooling fins extend along said sleeve and run approximately the length thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 2  wherein said cooling fins extend about said sleeve and are approximately concentric thereto.  
     
     
         5 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 1  wherein said means for constricting said collet comprises a ring.  
     
     
         6 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 5  wherein said collet and said ring further comprise cooperating threads.  
     
     
         7 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 1  wherein said internal diameter is tapered along the length of said sleeve.  
     
     
         8 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 1  wherein said internal diameter is of non-round cross-section.  
     
     
         9 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 1  further comprising thermally conductive material for filling a gap between said sleeve and a firearm barrel.  
     
     
         10 . A heat sink for overlying at least a portion of the barrel of a firearm comprising: 
 a sleeve comprising an internal diameter, said sleeve further comprising: 
 a first end, said first end comprising a first collet;  
 a second end, said second end comprising a second collet; and,  
 means for constricting each said collet;  
 whereby said constricting means acts to reduce the effective diameter of each said collet; thereby, enabling said sleeve to be attached to the barrel of a firearm.  
   
     
     
         11 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 10  further comprising a plurality of cooling fins extending from said sleeve.  
     
     
         12 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 11  wherein said cooling fins extend along said sleeve and run approximately the length thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 11  wherein said cooling fins extend about said sleeve and are approximately concentric thereto.  
     
     
         14 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 10  wherein said means for constricting each said collet comprises a ring.  
     
     
         15 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 14  wherein each said collet and said ring further comprise cooperating threads.  
     
     
         16 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 10  wherein said internal diameter is tapered along the length of said sleeve.  
     
     
         17 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 10  wherein said internal diameter is of non-round cross-section.  
     
     
         18 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 10  further comprising thermally conductive material for filling a gap between said sleeve and a firearm barrel.  
     
     
         19 . A heat sink for overlying at least a portion of the barrel of a firearm comprising: 
 a sleeve comprising an internal diameter, said sleeve divided along its length to comprise a first part and a second part; and,    means for attaching said first and said second parts together about the barrel of a firearm;    whereby when said first and said second parts are attached about the barrel of a firearm, said sleeve acts to dissipate heat generated by said firearm.    
     
     
         20 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 19  wherein said means for attaching said first and second parts together comprises a mounting flange.  
     
     
         21 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 19  wherein said means for attaching said first and second parts together comprises a clamp.  
     
     
         22 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 19  further comprising a plurality of cooling fins extending from said sleeve.  
     
     
         23 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 22  wherein said cooling fins extend along said sleeve and run approximately the length thereof.  
     
     
         24 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 22  wherein said cooling fins extend about said sleeve and are approximately concentric thereto.  
     
     
         25 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 19  wherein said internal diameter is tapered along the length of said sleeve.  
     
     
         26 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 19  wherein said internal diameter is of non-round cross-section.  
     
     
         27 . The firearm heat sink of  claim 19  wherein gaps between said firearm barrel and said sleeve are filled with thermally conductive material.