U.S. patent application number 09/917456 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for adjustable height mount for rifle aiming device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leupold & Stevens, Inc.. Invention is credited to Otteman, Rodney H..
Application Number | 20010045046 09/917456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26802266 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010045046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Otteman, Rodney H. |
November 29, 2001 |
Adjustable height mount for rifle aiming device
Abstract
A telescopic sight is provided that includes an integral
mounting bar for connection to a mounting rail of a firearm and
integral auxiliary equipment mounting features for mounting
auxiliary equipment onto the telescopic sight. The mounting bar
includes multiple grooves spaced apart at incremental distances for
mounting the telescopic sight at a selected height above the
firearm. Clamp assemblies cooperate with the mounting bar and the
mounting rail to secure the telescopic sight to the firearm and
provide adjustment of the height position of the telescopic sight.
The integral auxiliary equipment mounting features are universal
and require no post-mounting adjustment to accurately align the
auxiliary equipment.
Inventors: |
Otteman, Rodney H.; (Aloha,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOEL RIVES LLP
900 SW FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2600
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Assignee: |
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
26802266 |
Appl. No.: |
09/917456 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09917456 |
Jul 27, 2001 |
|
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09425279 |
Oct 21, 1999 |
|
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|
6295754 |
|
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60105111 |
Oct 21, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20130101; F41G
11/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/136 |
International
Class: |
F41G 001/00 |
Claims
1. A device for mounting an aiming device to a mounting rail of a
firearm, the aiming device having a longitudinal axis, the mounting
device comprising: a mounting bar including opposing side surfaces
and a plurality of grooves spaced apart along the side surfaces of
the mounting bar, the mounting bar adapted to be rigidly connected
to the aiming device so that the side surfaces extend in a
direction generally transverse of the longitudinal axis and so that
the grooves are positioned at incremental distances from the aiming
device, the mounting bar adapted to be positioned adjacent the
mounting rail of the firearm; and a clamp assembly including a pair
of clamp blocks adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of the
mounting bar and the mounting rail and drawn together for
simultaneously grasping the mounting bar and the mounting rail, the
clamp assembly including a cleat sized for engagement in a selected
one of the grooves of the mounting bar to thereby secure the aiming
device to the firearm at a selected height above the firearm.
2. The mounting device of claim 1 in which at least one of the
clamp blocks includes a recoil tab, the mounting device further
comprising a recoil notch formed in the mounting bar and extending
in a direction transverse of the grooves, the recoil tab sized to
fit snugly in the recoil notch to prevent the aiming device from
shifting longitudinally relative to the firearm during firing of
the firearm.
3. The mounting device of claim 1 in which the clamp blocks are
joined together by a bolt and a nut threaded onto the bolt.
4. The mounting device of claim 1 in which the mounting rail is a
dovetail rail.
5. The mounting device of claim 1 in which the clamp assembly
includes two pairs of clamp blocks.
6. In a firearm aiming device including a housing having a
longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising an integrated
adjustable-height aiming device mounting mechanism, including: a
mounting bar including opposing side surfaces extending from the
aiming device in a direction generally transverse of the
longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves formed in the side
surfaces and spaced apart at incremental distances from the aiming
device, the mounting bar adapted to be positioned adjacent a
mounting rail of a firearm; and a clamp assembly including a pair
of clamp blocks adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of the
mounting bar and the mounting rail and drawn together for
simultaneously grasping the mounting bar and the mounting rail, the
clamp assembly including a cleat sized for engagement in a selected
one of the grooves of the mounting bar to thereby secure the aiming
device to the firearm at a selected height above the firearm.
7. The aiming device mounting mechanism of claim 6 in which the
mounting bar is integrally formed in the housing.
8. The aiming device mounting mechanism of claim 6 in which at
least one of the clamp blocks includes a recoil tab, and the
mounting device further comprises a recoil notch formed in the
mounting bar that extends in a direction transverse of the grooves,
the recoil tab sized to fit snugly in the recoil notch to prevent
the aiming device from shifting longitudinally relative to the
firearm during firing of the firearm.
9. The aiming device mounting mechanism of claim 6 in which the
clamp blocks are joined together by a bolt and a nut threaded onto
the bolt.
10. The aiming device mounting mechanism of claim 6 in which the
mounting rail is a dovetail rail.
11. The aiming device mounting mechanism of claim 6 in which the
clamp assembly includes two pairs of clamp blocks.
12. A firearm aiming device, comprising: a housing having a
longitudinal axis and a mounting bar including opposing side
surfaces that extend from the longitudinal axis in a direction
generally transverse of the longitudinal axis, the mounting bar
adapted to be positioned adjacent a mounting rail of a firearm and
secured to the mounting rail with a pair of clamp blocks positioned
on opposite sides of the mounting bar and the mounting rail and
drawn together to simultaneously grasp the mounting bar and the
mounting rail; and a plurality of grooves formed in the side
surfaces of the mounting bar and spaced apart at incremental
distances from the longitudinal axis of the housing, the grooves
sized to engage with a cleat of the clamp blocks to facilitate
clamping of the aiming device to the firearm at a selectively
adjustable height above the firearm.
13. The aiming device of claim 12 in which the mounting bar is
integrally formed in the housing.
14. The aiming device of claim 12, further comprising a recoil
notch formed in the mounting bar and extending in a direction
transverse of the grooves, the recoil notch sized to receive a
recoil tab of the clamp blocks to thereby prevent the aiming device
from shifting longitudinally relative to the firearm during firing
of the firearm.
15. The aiming device of claim 12 in which the mounting bar
includes a slot that provides clearance for a bolt used to join
together the pair of clamp blocks.
16. The aiming device of claim 12 in which the mounting bar is
adapted to be mounted to a dovetail rail.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/425,279, filed Oct. 21, 1999 and claims priority from
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/105,111, filed Oct. 21,
1998.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to telescopic sights and other aiming
devices for firearms and the like and, in particular, to a
telescopic sight with integral mounting features to allow for
height adjustment to accommodate various head positions and for
mounting auxiliary equipment on the telescopic sight.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A telescopic sight is one type of aiming device that has
long been used in conjunction with firearms such as rifles and
handguns to assist a shooter in aiming the firearm. More recently,
other aiming devices such as laser markers, range finders, and
infrared imaging devices have been developed for use with firearms.
These aiming devices are typically securely mounted to the firearm
above a barrel or receiver of the firearm using a mounting rack or
mounting rings. Some aiming devices, including telescopic sights,
must be positioned at a particular distance from the eye of the
shooter, known as the eye relief distance, to properly view the
target through the aiming device. Once the aiming device is mounted
to the firearm, fine adjustments are made to the mount, the aiming
device, or both to accurately align the aiming device with the
firearm. This fine tuning of the alignment is known as "sighting
in." Because rifles are typically designed with mounting space
sufficient for only one aiming device, the shooter is forced to
choose one aiming device or to swap aiming devices in the field
when needed. Each time aiming devices are swapped in the field,
they must be sighted in to alleviate misalignment inherent in the
mount's tolerances.
[0004] When used with a rifle, the telescopic sight is typically
mounted at a fixed height above the barrel or receiver so that the
shooter holding the rifle may easily view a target through the
scope from the shooter's natural head position. Protective clothing
and headgear, such as gas masks, bulletproof vests, and the like
that are occasionally worn by the shooter, can change the shooter's
natural head position and make it difficult to use the sight.
[0005] One conventional prior art device for mounting a telescopic
sight to a rifle scope is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,035,487 issued to the assignee of the present invention. This
mounting device includes a base unit securely mounted to the
firearm in accurate alignment with the bore of the firearm and two
split mounting rings for receiving a tubular housing of a rifle
scope. The mounting rings each include a pin that extends from the
rings below the telescopic sight for seating in one of a pair of
receiving holes of the base unit for removably attaching the rings
to the base unit. A locking lever locks the pins in the receiving
holes. These devices do not accommodate the mounting of multiple
aiming devices or other equipment to the firearm and do not allow
any adjustment of the height of the telescopic sight above the
firearm.
[0006] Another prior art type of mounting device is shown and
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. D269,989, D269,988, and 4,328,624. This
mounting device is known in the art as a WEAVER mount, after its
original manufacturer, W. R. Weaver Company, El Paso, Tex. The
WEAVER mount includes an elongate rail having a dovetail shaped
cross section and multiple slots oriented transversely of the rail
and spaced apart along the rail. Due to the WEAVER mount's
widespread use in the industry and its ability to accommodate
various types of aiming devices, it is considered a universal
mount.
[0007] Yet another type of prior art mounting device having a
dovetail rail is described in U.S. Military Standard No.
MIL-STD-1913 (AR). This dovetail shaped mounting rail is known in
the art as a Picatinny mount or Picatinny rail. As with the WEAVER
mount, the Picatinny mount is a universal mount that provides a
general purpose base for removably mounting different types of
equipment to a firearm.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,772 describes a system for mounting a
telescopic sight and a flashlight above a firearm. A pair of
extension arms are substituted for a top portion of the split
mounting rings of a conventional mount of the type shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,035,487. A flashlight mount is provided at the distal
end of the extension arms. This mounting system is suitable for
mounting a flashlight above a rifle scope, but does not provide a
general purpose mount for different types of auxiliary equipment.
Furthermore, this mounting system lacks positioning features
necessary to attain accurate alignment with the rifle of auxiliary
equipment such as laser markers or infrared imaging devices. It
would also not be suitable for mounting some types of auxiliary
equipment because it would position the auxiliary equipment above
the rifle sight at a height that would make it difficult for a
shooter to view a target through the auxiliary equipment. This
system is also prone to misalignment between the flashlight and the
rifle scope, which can result from failure of the mounting rings to
properly fit onto the rifle scope.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,798 describes a sight mount that
comprises a two-tier base bar. The base bar provides a rigid
support for two mounting rails, which may include rails of the
Picatinny or WEAVER type. This device eliminates a number of the
shortfalls of the mounting system of U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,772
described above. However, because of the rigidity required, the
mount must be formed of metal having a thickness that significantly
increases the weight of the rifle and decreases its portability. A
vertical member of the mount that connects the two tiers of the
base bar limits the allowable length of sights or equipment
mountable to the lower tier. Finally, the different longitudinal
positions of the two tiers make it difficult for a shooter to use
two aiming devices having the same eye relief distance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An advantage of the invention is, therefore, to provide an
aiming device that has integral universal mounting features
allowing for easy mounting and removal of auxiliary equipment
without requiring re-alignment of the aiming device after the
auxiliary equipment is removed.
[0011] Another advantage of the invention is to provide such an
aiming device having compact, integral mounting features that
reduce the overall weight, height, complexity, part count, and
manufacturing cost.
[0012] A further advantage of the invention is, therefore, to
provide an aiming device for mounting to a firearm in which the
height position of the aiming device above a firearm is easily
adjustable in the field to accommodate different shooter head
positions necessitated by the use of protective clothing or
headgear, without requiring realignment of the sight with the
firearm.
[0013] Yet another advantage of the invention is to provide an
aiming device having an integral mounting portion formed thereon to
eliminate misalignment problems.
[0014] These and other advantages of the invention are accomplished
by an aiming device such as a telescopic sight that includes an
elongate housing having integral exterior mounting channels and
integral exterior auxiliary equipment mounting features formed of a
one-piece construction. The housing includes an elongate mounting
bar integrally formed therewith. The housing is sized to hold
optical elements and electronics of the telescopic sight. Clamp
assemblies cooperate with the mounting bar to secure the telescopic
sight to the firearm and provide adjustment of the height position
of the telescopic sight. Each clamp assembly includes two clamp
blocks that are joined together by a bolt and nut assembly. The
clamp blocks include cleats that are sized to fit in one of the
first- and second-side grooves and a heel portion that is sized to
clamp about a Picatinny or WEAVER mounting rail.
[0015] The auxiliary equipment mounting features facilitate the
mounting of multiple devices that allow the shooter to quickly
alternate between or to simultaneously use multiple aiming devices
for various uses, such as for short- and long-range use; laser
marking devices; different types of telescopic sights; equipment
for darkened situations, i.e., infrared imaging devices and
high-intensity or strobe lights; and devices for range finding or
other tactical purposes. Because the mounting features are
universal and require little or no post-mounting adjustment to
accurately align the auxiliary equipment, they allow a shooter to
mount and remove auxiliary equipment in the field. The mounting
features are positioned medially of the proximal and distal ends of
the housing to facilitate the use of auxiliary equipment having an
eye relief distance similar to that of the telescopic sight.
[0016] In the preferred embodiment, the telescopic sight includes
windage and elevation adjustment knobs that extend from the housing
transverse of the longitudinal axis. The windage and elevation
adjustment knobs allow the shooter to manually adjust the lateral
position of a reticle or an erector lens assembly contained within
the housing to adjust for ballistic characteristics of the firearm,
wind conditions, and the distance to the target. The windage and
elevation adjustment knobs are sized to fit within recesses formed
in the housing and the first and second sets of auxiliary mounting
features, but are accessible through gaps in side edges of the
mounting features so that auxiliary equipment, when mounted to the
mounting features, does not interfere with the shooter's access to
or the operation of the adjustment knobs.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes an
internally threaded rim at the distal end for receiving screw-in
filters for enhancing the target image viewed by the shooter. Such
filters may include, i.e., polarizing filters for reducing glare,
green filters for enhancing visibility of laser marking, and amber
filters for increasing contrast in flat light conditions. The
internally threaded rim is also sized to fit an infrared adapter or
other night vision enhancing equipment.
[0018] Additional objects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a partial side elevation view of a prior art M-16
rifle;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a handle of the M-16
rifle taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an eyepiece end and left side perspective view of
a telescopic sight and two mounting clamp assemblies in accordance
with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an objective end elevation view of the telescopic
sight of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an eyepiece end elevation view of the telescopic
sight of FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the telescopic sight
of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a right side elevation view of the telescopic
sight of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the telescopic sight of FIG.
3;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the telescopic sight of FIG.
3;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the telescopic sight
taken along lines 10-10 of FIG. 6; and
[0030] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the telescopic
sight and mounting clamp assembly of FIG. 3 along with a Picatinny
mounting rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 3 shows an aiming device 100 that represents a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. With reference to
FIG. 3, aiming device 100 includes a telescopic sight 50 and clamp
assemblies 60 for mounting the telescopic sight 50 to a firearm.
The aiming device 100, comprises a telescopic sight 50 in a first
preferred embodiment, but alternatively may be embodied as another
type of firearm aiming device such as, for example, a laser marker,
range finder, or infrared imaging device. The aiming device 100
comprises a housing 102 with integral mounting channels 104 that
cooperate with clamp assemblies 60 for mounting the telescopic
sight 50 to the barrel of the firearm. The housing 102 includes
integral mounting features 106 located on upper and side surfaces
of the housing 102 for mounting multiple auxiliary equipment, such
as, for example, devices for short- and long-range use, laser
marking devices, different types of telescopic sights, infrared
imaging devices, high-intensity or strobe lights, and devices for
range finding or other tactical purposes. The mounting features 106
are universal and do not require postmounting adjustment for
accurate alignment and allow quick mounting and removal of the
auxiliary equipment in the field. The housing 102 includes a
tubular portion 108 (FIG. 4) that extends along a longitudinal axis
110 and has a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114. The housing
102 further has an integral mounting bar 116 that extends along a
direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 for mounting the
housing 102 to the barrel of the firearm. Optical elements 118,
such as lenses, prisms, night-vision sensors, and reticles, may be
provided to enhance viewing as seen in phantom in FIG. 11.
[0032] The mounting channels 104 are formed on the mounting bar
116. As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 10, the mounting bar 116
has a first surface 120 along one side on which is formed a
mounting channel 104 made up of a first set of grooves 122. An
opposed mounting channel 104 is made up of a second set of grooves
124 formed in a second surface 126 of the mounting bar 116. The
grooves 122 and 124 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 110 and
are spaced apart at incremental distances. The mounting channels
104 cooperate with the clamp assemblies 60 for mounting onto the
firearm. The clamp assemblies 60 include opposed clamp blocks 128
that are connected by a bolt 130 and secured by a nut 132. Each of
the clamp blocks 128 has a cleat 134 at one end that cooperatively
engages one of the grooves 122 and 124 and a heel portion 136
formed on the opposite end thereof to operatively fit on a
Picatinny or WEAVER mounting rail as seen at 138 in FIG. 11. The
grooves 122 and 124 extend substantially parallel to each other so
that the cleats 134 of the clamp blocks 128 may selectively engage
opposed grooves 122 and 124 to adjust the telescopic sight 50 at
different heights to accommodate different head positions. The
mounting bar 116 has an elongated opening 139 (FIG. 10) through
which the bolt 130 extends to allow for the adjustment without
removal of the clamp assemblies 60 from the mounting bar 116. The
elongated opening 139 extends in a direction transverse of the
grooves 122 and 124 so that the height of the telescopic sight 50
above a firearm can be adjusted by moving it relative to the clamp
assemblies 60 when the bolt 130 and nut 132 are loosened.
[0033] The telescopic sight 50 may be mounted to a standard handle
of a military rifle 142 firearm as illustrated most clearly in
FIGS. 1 and 2. The clamp assemblies 60 are simply removed to
facilitate this mounting arrangement. Such a standard mounting may
be found, for example, on older M-16 automatic and semiautomatic
rifles of the type manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing, Hartford,
Conn. Such a mounting may include a fold 140 formed in a handle 141
of the rifle 142. The lower end of the mounting bar 116 has
chamfers 143 (FIGS. 4 and 5) that cooperate with fillets 144 (FIG.
2) in the fold 140. The mounting bar 116 further includes a
threaded hole 145 (FIG. 9) in a bottom surface to receive a thumb
screw (not shown) that extends through mounting hole 147 for
securing the telescopic sight 50 to the rifle 142.
[0034] A cavity 148 is formed in the mounting bar 116 and extends
through the mounting bar 116. The cavity 148 has several functions,
one of which is to reduce the weight of the mounting bar 116. The
telescopic sight 50 may be provided with battery terminals (not
shown) for connection to, for example, AA-sized batteries, which
are installed in the cavity 148 to provide power to electronic
components or devices such as, for example, an illuminated reticle.
A cover 149 (FIG. 11) may be provided to retain the batteries in
the cavity 148.
[0035] The mounting features 106 include a first set of mounting
guides 150 located on the upper surface of the housing 102 and a
second set of mounting guides 152 located on one side surface 154
of the housing 102 for mounting auxiliary equipment on the housing
102. First and second sets of mounting guides 150, 152 include
respective first and second dovetail rails 156, 158 each having one
or more slots 159 formed therein and aligned transversely of
longitudinal axis 110. The side of the housing occupied by the
second set of mounting guides 152 is opposite the shooter's free
eye so that auxiliary equipment mounted on the second set of
mounting guides 152 will not obscure the unassisted view of the
shooter through the free eye. It also allows the side of the
housing 102 without mounting features to be made smooth so that it
will not catch on the shooter's clothing when carrying the firearm
and aiming device. The mounting guides 150 and 152 are located
between the proximal end 112 and the distal end 114 of the housing
102 to facilitate use of auxiliary equipment having an eye relief
distance similar to that of the aiming device 100. The telescopic
sight 50 preferably includes a windage adjustment knob 160 and an
elevation adjustment knob 162, which allow a shooter to manually
adjust the lateral position of a reticle or an erector lens
assembly contained within the housing 102. This allows for
adjustment of the aim of the telescopic sight 50 to compensate for
varying ballistic characteristics of the firearm, wind conditions,
and distance to the target. The windage and elevation adjustment
knobs 160 and 162 are sized to fit within recesses 164 formed in
the housing 102 and are accessible through gaps 166 in side edges
168 of the mounting features 106.
[0036] The housing 102 also includes an internally threaded rim 176
(FIGS. 4 and 10) to receive screw-in filters for enhancing a target
image. Such filters may include, for example, polarizing filters
for reducing glare, green filters for enhancing visibility of laser
marking, and amber filters for increasing contrast in flat ambient
light conditions. The internal threaded rim 176 may also be sized
to fit an infrared adapter or other night vision enhancing
equipment.
[0037] An eyepiece tube 180 of telescopic sight 50 is rotatably
mounted to housing 102 at the proximal end 112. Rotating the
eyepiece tube 180 causes the optical power of telescopic sight 50
to be changed by adjusting the longitudinal position of one or more
optical elements 118 within telescopic sight 50. Rotation may be
accomplished manually or by a trigger-mounted switch that is
coupled to an electronic motor (not shown) of the telescopic sight
50 for driving the eyepiece tube 180. A reticle control knob 190 is
rotatably mounted to housing 102 for adjustment of the brightness
of an illuminated reticle (not shown) of telescopic sight 50.
[0038] To prevent recoil from causing misalignment, the mounting
bar 116 includes two recoil notches 200 (FIG. 10) sized to snugly
receive a recoil tab 202 of the clamp assembly 60 that extends from
one or more of the clamp blocks 128 so that recoil of the rifle
will not cause telescopic sight 50 to move longitudinally relative
to clamp blocks 128. Alternatively, the recoil tab 202 is formed in
a specially-shaped nut (not shown) fitted on bolt 130. Clamp blocks
128 also include a mounting tab 204 that fits within one of a
plurality of lateral rail notches 206 in Picatinny mounting rail
138 (FIG. 11) to prevent clamp blocks 128 from moving
longitudinally during recoil of the rifle.
[0039] The mounting channels 104 are formed on the mounting bar
116. As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 10, the mounting bar 116
has a first surface 120 along one side on which is formed a
mounting channel 104 made up of a first set of grooves 122. An
opposed mounting channel 104 is made up of a second set of grooves
124 formed in a second surface 126 of the mounting bar 116. The
grooves 122 and 124 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 110 and
are spaced apart at incremental distances. The mounting channels
104 cooperate with the clamp assemblies 60 for mounting onto the
firearm. The clamp assemblies 60 include opposed clamp blocks 128
that are connected by a bolt 130 and secured by a nut 132. Each of
the clamp blocks 128 has a cleat 134 at one end that cooperatively
engages one of the grooves 122 and 124 and a heel portion 136
formed on the opposite end thereof to operatively fit on a
Picatinny or Weaver mounting rail as seen at 138 in FIG. 11. The
grooves 122 and 124 extend substantially parallel to each other so
that the cleats 134 of the clamp blocks 128 may selectively engage
opposed grooves 122 and 124 to adjust the telescopic sight 50 at
different heights to accommodate different head positions. The
mounting bar 116 has an elongated opening 139 (FIG. 10) through
which the bolt 130 extends to allow for the adjustment without
removal of the clamp assemblies 60 from the mounting bar 116. The
elongated opening 139 extends in a direction transverse of the
grooves 122 and 124 so that the height of the telescopic sight 50
above a firearm can be adjusted by moving it relative to the clamp
assemblies 60 when the bolt 130 and nut 132 are loosened.
[0040] The telescopic sight 50 may be mounted to a standard handle
of a military rifle 142 firearm as seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and
2. The clamp assemblies 60 are simply removed to facilitate this
mounting arrangement. Such a standard mounting may be found, for
example, on older M-16 automatic and semiautomatic rifles of the
type manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing, Hartford, Conn. Such a
mounting may include a fold 140 formed in a handle 141 of the rifle
142. The lower end of the mounting bar 116 has chamfers 143 (FIGS.
4 and 5) that cooperate with fillets 144 (FIG. 2) in the fold 140.
The mounting bar 116 further includes a threaded hole 145 (FIG. 9)
in a bottom surface to receive a thumb screw (not shown) that
extends through mounting hole 147 for securing the telescopic sight
50 to the rifle 142.
[0041] A cavity 148 is formed in the mounting bar 116 and extends
through the mounting bar 116. The cavity 148 has several functions,
one of which is to eliminate the weight of the mounting bar 116.
The housing may be provided with battery terminals (not shown) for
connection to, for example, AA-sized batteries, which are installed
in the cavity 148 to provide power to electronic components or
devices such as, for example, an illuminated reticle. A cover 149
(FIG. 11) may be provided to retain the batteries in the cavity
148.
[0042] The mounting features 106 include a first set of mounting
guides 150 located on the upper surface of the housing 102 and a
second set of mounting guides 152 located on one side surface 154
of the housing 102 for mounting auxiliary equipment on the housing
102. The side of the housing occupied by the second set of mounting
guides 152 is opposite the shooter's free eye so that auxiliary
equipment mounted on the second set of mounting guides 152 will not
obscure the unassisted view of the shooter through the free eye. It
also allows the side of the housing 102 without mounting features
to be made smooth so that it will not catch on the shooter's
clothing when carrying the firearm and aiming device. The mounting
guides 150 and 152 are located between the proximal end 112 and the
distal end 114 of the housing 102 to facilitate use of auxiliary
equipment having an eye relief distance similar to that of the
aiming device 100. The telescopic sight 50 preferably includes a
windage adjustment knob 160 and an elevation adjustment knob 162,
which allow a shooter to manually adjust the lateral position of a
reticle or an erector lens assembly contained within the housing
102. This allows for adjustment of the aim of the telescopic sight
50 to compensate for varying ballistic characteristics of the
firearm, wind conditions, and distance to the target. The windage
and elevation adjustment knobs 160 and 162 are sized to fit within
recesses 164 formed in the housing 102 and are accessible through
gaps 166 in side edges 168 of the mounting features 106.
[0043] The housing 102 also includes an internally threaded rim 176
(FIGS. 4 and 10) to receive screw-in filters for enhancing a target
image. Such filters may include, for example, polarizing filters
for reducing glare, green filters for enhancing visibility of laser
marking, and amber filters for increasing contrast in flat ambient
light conditions. The internal threaded rim 176 may also be sized
to fit an infrared adapter or other night vision enhancing
equipment.
[0044] An eyepiece tube 180 of telescopic sight 50 is rotatably
mounted to housing 102 at the proximal end 112. Rotating the
eyepiece tube 180 causes the optical power of telescopic sight 50
to be changed by adjusting the longitudinal position of one or more
optical elements 118 within telescopic sight 50. Rotation may be
accomplished manually or by a trigger-mounted switch that is
coupled to an electronic motor (not shown) of the telescopic sight
50 for driving the eyepiece tube 180. A reticle control knob 190 is
rotatably mounted to housing 102 for adjustment of the brightness
of an illuminated reticle (not shown) of telescopic sight 50.
[0045] To prevent recoil from causing misalignment, the mounting
bar 116 includes two recoil notches 200 (FIG. 10) sized to snugly
receive a recoil tab 202 of the clamp assembly 60 that extends from
one or more of the clamp blocks 128 so that recoil of the rifle
will not cause telescopic sight 50 to move longitudinally relative
to clamp blocks 128. Alternatively, the recoil tab 202 is formed in
a specially-shaped nut (not shown) fitted on bolt 130. Clamp blocks
128 also include a mounting tab 204 that fits within one of a
plurality of lateral rail notches 206 in Picatinny mounting rail
138 (FIG. 11) to prevent clamp blocks 128 from moving
longitudinally during recoil of the rifle.
[0046] The mounting channels 104 are formed on the mounting bar
116. As seen most clearly in FIG. 10, the mounting bar 116 has a
first surface 120 along one side on which is formed a mounting
channel 104 made up of a first set of grooves 122. An opposed
mounting channel 104 is made up of a second set of grooves 124
formed in a second surface 126 of the mounting bar 116. The grooves
122 and 124 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 110 and are
spaced apart at incremental distances. The mounting channels 104
cooperate with the clamp assemblies 60 for mounting onto the
firearm. The clamp assemblies 60 include opposed clamp blocks 128
that are connected by a bolt 130 and secured by a nut 132. Each of
the clamp blocks 128 has a cleat 134 at one end that cooperatively
engages one of the grooves 122 and 124 and a heel portion 136
formed on the opposite end thereof to operatively fit on a
Picatinny or Weaver mounting rail as seen at 138 in FIG. 11. The
grooves 122 and 124 extend substantially parallel to each other so
that the cleats 134 of the clamp blocks 128 may selectively engage
opposed grooves 122 and 124 to adjust the telescopic sight 50 at
different heights to accommodate different head positions. The
mounting bar 116 has an elongated opening 139 (FIG. 10) through
which the bolt 130 extends to allow for the adjustment without
removal of the clamp assemblies 60 from the mounting bar 116. The
elongated opening 139 extends in a direction transverse of the
grooves 122 and 124 so that the height of the telescopic sight 50
above a firearm can be adjusted by moving it relative to the clamp
assemblies 60 when the bolt 130 and nut 132 are loosened.
[0047] The telescopic sight 50 may be mounted to a standard handle
of a military rifle 142 firearm as seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and
2. The clamp assemblies 60 are simply removed to facilitate this
mounting arrangement. Such a standard mounting may be found, for
example, on older M-16 automatic and semiautomatic rifles of the
type manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing, Hartford, Conn. Such a
mounting may include a fold 140 formed in a handle 141 of the rifle
142. The lower end of the mounting bar 116 has chamfers 143 (FIGS.
4 and 5) that cooperate with fillets 144 (FIG. 2) in the fold 140.
The mounting bar 116 further includes a threaded hole 145 (FIG. 9)
in a bottom surface to receive a thumb screw (not shown) that
extends through mounting hole 147 for securing the telescopic sight
50 to the rifle 142.
[0048] A cavity 148 is formed in the mounting bar 116 and extends
through the mounting bar 116. The cavity 148 has several functions,
one of which is to eliminate the weight of the mounting bar 116.
The housing may be provided with battery terminals (not shown) for
connection to, for example, AA-sized batteries, which are installed
in the cavity 148 to provide power to electronic components or
devices such as, for example, an illuminated reticle. A cover 149
(FIG. 11) may be provided to retain the batteries in the cavity
148.
[0049] The mounting features 106 include a first set of mounting
guides 150 located on the upper surface of the housing 102 and a
second set of mounting guides 152 located on one side surface 154
of the housing 102 for mounting auxiliary equipment on the housing
102. The side of the housing occupied by the second set of mounting
guides 152 is opposite the shooter's free eye so that auxiliary
equipment mounted on the second set of mounting guides 152 will not
obscure the unassisted view of the shooter through the free eye. It
also allows the side of the housing 102 without mounting features
to be made smooth so that it will not catch on the shooter's
clothing when carrying the firearm and aiming device. The mounting
guides 150 and 152 are located between the proximal end 112 and the
distal end 114 of the housing 102 to facilitate use of auxiliary
equipment having an eye relief distance similar to that of the
aiming device 100. The telescopic sight 50 preferably includes a
windage adjustment knob 160 and an elevation adjustment knob 162,
which allow a shooter to manually adjust the lateral position of a
reticle or an erector lens assembly contained within the housing
102. This allows for adjustment of the aim of the telescopic sight
50 to compensate for varying ballistic characteristics of the
firearm, wind conditions, and distance to the target. The windage
and elevation adjustment knobs 160 and 162 are sized to fit within
recesses 164 formed in the housing 102 and are accessible through
gaps 166 in side edges 168 of the mounting features 106.
[0050] The housing 102 also includes an internally threaded rim 176
(FIGS. 4 and 10) to receive screw-in filters for enhancing a target
image. Such filters may include, for example, polarizing filters
for reducing glare, green filters for enhancing visibility of laser
marking, and amber filters for increasing contrast in flat ambient
light conditions. The internal threaded rim 176 may also be sized
to fit an infrared adapter or other night vision enhancing
equipment.
[0051] An eyepiece tube 180 of telescopic sight 50 is rotatably
mounted to housing 102 at the proximal end 112. Rotating the
eyepiece tube 180 causes the optical power of telescopic sight 50
to be changed by adjusting the longitudinal position of one or more
optical elements 118 within telescopic sight 50. Rotation may be
accomplished manually or by a trigger-mounted switch that is
coupled to an electronic motor (not shown) of the telescopic sight
50 for driving the eyepiece tube 180. A reticle control knob 190 is
rotatably mounted to housing 102 for adjustment of the brightness
of an illuminated reticle (not shown) of telescopic sight 50.
[0052] To prevent recoil from causing misalignment, the mounting
bar 116 includes two recoil notches 200 (FIG. 10) sized to snugly
receive a recoil tab 202 of the clamp assembly 60 that extends from
one or more of the clamp blocks 128 so that recoil of the rifle
will not cause telescopic sight 50 to move longitudinally relative
to clamp blocks 128. Alternatively, the recoil tab 202 is formed in
a specially-shaped nut (not shown) fitted on bolt 130. Clamp blocks
128 also include a mounting tab 204 that fits within one of a
plurality of lateral rail notches 206 in Picatinny mounting rail
138 (FIG. 11) to prevent clamp blocks 128 from moving
longitudinally during recoil of the rifle.
[0053] It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that
many changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments of this invention without departing from the underlying
principles thereof. The scope of the present invention should,
therefore, be determined only by the following claims.
* * * * *