U.S. patent application number 10/908894 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for reticule.
Invention is credited to Edward A. Verdugo.
Application Number | 20060026887 10/908894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322055 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060026887 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verdugo; Edward A. |
February 9, 2006 |
RETICULE
Abstract
The present invention is a reticule featuring both rapid
close-quarters target acquisition and precise distance shooting
functionality. The reticule features a broad central aiming ring
and four sets of aiming point-indicating dots. The lowest set
comprises dots of differing dimensions and distances apart. Ranging
rings are also provided. An alternate embodiment also comprises a
highlighting ring around the aiming ring. The reticule can be
illuminated through known or future discovered means for low-light
or night shooting. A further alternate embodiment features an
aiming ring constructed of a plurality of transparent cells,
thereby allowing a user to see through the aiming ring and allow a
less busy reticule with easier illumination capability.
Inventors: |
Verdugo; Edward A.;
(Beaumont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEOFFREY E. DOBBIN, PATENT ATTORNEY
4278 SOUTH 6220 WEST
WEST VALLEY CITY
UT
84128-6501
US
|
Family ID: |
46322055 |
Appl. No.: |
10/908894 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10708288 |
Feb 23, 2004 |
|
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10908894 |
May 31, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20130101; F41G
1/345 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/130 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00 |
Claims
1. A reticule comprising: a central aiming ring of significant
thickness, said ring defining a center and further comprising: a
plurality of transparent cells; and an incomplete perimeter on a
bottom side of the ring; and at least one set of guide dots, with
at least one set of guide dots originating in the center of the
aiming ring with a central aiming dot and said set of guide dots
extending through the incomplete perimeter of the aiming ring into
an area external of the aiming ring; wherein, each set of guide
dots is arranged as a series of dots, each pair of adjacent dots
having an interstitial spacing, extending in a straight linear
fashion and each dot represents a generic aiming point.
2. The reticule of claim 1, the set originating from the center of
the aiming ring being comprised of at least two different sized
dots, with larger dots being positioned near the center of the
reticule.
3. The reticule of claim 2, wherein of the dots only the central
aiming dot has any attached significance external the reticule.
4. The reticule of claim 1, further comprising at least one ranging
system.
5. The reticule of claim 4, wherein a ranging system is a set of at
least one ranging rings.
6. The reticule of claim 1, further comprising an illumination
means.
7. The reticule of claim 1, wherein the central aiming ring is
approximately four times thicker than the central aiming dot.
8. The reticule of claim 1, further comprising a highlighting ring
circumscribing the aiming ring.
9. The reticule of claim 1, further comprising at least one
reference line indicating an ordinal position of at least one dot
in the set of dots originating from the center of the reticule.
10. The reticule of claim 1, the interstitial spacing between dots
being smaller for pairs of dots furthest from the center dot than
for a pair of dots including the central aiming dot.
11. The reticule of claim 1, wherein there is are four sets of
guide dots, each defining a cardinal direction and the set
extending in the southern direction is the set originating from the
center.
12. The reticule of claim 11, the set originating from the center
of the aiming ring being comprised of at least two different sized
dots, with larger dots being positioned near the center of the
reticule.
13. The reticule of claim 12, wherein of the dots only the central
aiming dot has any attached significance external the reticule.
14. The reticule of claim 11, wherein the sets of dots, except the
set containing the central aiming dot, conform to a standard
scale.
15. The reticule of claim 1, the cells' shape being selected from
the set of shapes consisting of circles, ovals, quadrilaterals,
pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, nonagons, and
decagons.
16. The reticule of claim 1, the central aiming ring being
comprised of transparent cells in a manner that allows less than 2
of an area defined by the aiming ring to be obscured.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of prior
application Ser. No. 10/708,288, filed Feb. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat.
No. x,xxx,xxx, issued xx/xx/2005.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of reticules, and
more particularly relates to a reticule for a telescopic sight
system while being useful in both rapid target acquisition in close
quarters combat and precise distance shooting situations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Reticules are well known in the prior art. They are used in
any situation where aiming any type of device is necessary, ranging
from medical devices to weapons. Reticule types range from the
traditional "crosshairs" to dots, circles, other geometric shapes,
and moveable cross lines or any combination of the above. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,512 (2004) to Sammut; U.S. Pat. No.
6,591,537 (2003) to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,595 (2002) to
Sammut; U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,158 (2002) to Smith, III; U.S. Pat. No.
6,058,921 (2000) to Lawrence, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,357
(1990) to Barnes, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,221 (1986) to Thomas;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,719 (1981) to Murdoch; U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,587
(1976) to Rubbert; U.S. Pat. No. 3,782,822 (1974) to Spence; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,392,450 (1968) to Herter, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
2,420,273 (1944) to West; U.S. Pat. No. 1,190,121 (1916) to
Critchett; U.S. Pat. No. 1,088,137 (1914) to Fidjeland; U.S. Pat.
No. 912,050 (1909) to Wanee; and U.S. Pat. No. 189,721 (1877) to
Freund are all illustrative of the prior art.
[0005] While the aforementioned inventions accomplish their
individual objectives, they do not describe a reticule that is
useful for both rapid close range target acquisition and precision
shooting at a distance. In this respect, the reticule according to
the present invention departs substantially from the usual designs
in the prior art. In doing so, this invention provides a simple
reticule using an aiming point strategy in its design and
functionality. The reticule according to the present invention also
incorporates a plurality of aiming points represented as dots of
different scales to facilitate use at various ranges, from 10 to
600 yards or beyond. Prior reticules attempt to compensate for drop
of a bullet over distance by increasing the distance between
provided reticule guidelines. The reticule according to the present
invention does not attempt to do so. In the present invention, a
set of smaller scale dots provides a reference point for a shooter
to use after practicing with a particular weapon over time, thereby
avoiding problems of translating the results of "average" weapons
to a particular weapon. Simultaneously, the reticule according to
the present invention covers less of a target area, decreasing
uncertainty and having a corresponding increase in hit
potential.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of reticule, this invention provides an improved reticule
with varying scales for use in multiple range environments. As
such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new
and improved reticule that will allow a user to improve accuracy
and time at a distance without being a hindrance at close
range.
[0007] To accomplish this goal and still maintain a utility derived
from simplicity, the reticule according to the present invention
comprises a main aiming ring with a series of aiming dots extending
from the ring in what would be considered the cardinal directions.
The aiming ring is utilized for speed and accuracy in close
targeting scenarios, providing a broad, easily identifiable aiming
point. The "southern" portion of the targeting ring is empty,
allowing for a series of aiming dots to extend from the center of
the ring to the bottom of the reticule. As the southern dots extend
from the ring, they gradually are reduced in size and are spaced at
a lesser distance apart. Thin reference rings are positioned
towards the bottom of the reticule for range estimation. The
reticule may be made of a luminous material, or may be
electronically or chemically induced to glow for night and low
light use.
[0008] The more important features of the invention have thus been
outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows
may be better understood and in order that the present contribution
to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the
invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject
matter of the claims that follow.
[0009] Many objects of this invention will appear from the
following description and appended claims, reference being made to
the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification
wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in
the several views.
[0010] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0011] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the reticule according to the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
reticule.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a further alternate embodiment of
the reticule.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment
of the reticule is herein described. Referring specifically to FIG.
1, reticule 100 is has a central aiming ring 110, a plurality of
varying sized ranging rings 120, 122, 124, 126, and four sets of
dots in linear patterns defining four cardinal directions, 130N,
130S, 130E, 130W. Throughout this application and in the claims,
the term "dot" is used to define an indicator of the location of
generic aiming points on the reticule. The term "dot" may be used
of indicators of any shape, such as triangles, crosshairs, ovals
and rectangles, and need not necessarily be circles. Aiming ring
110 is not a complete ring, as it is open towards the southern
direction. Dot set 130S initiates in the center of the reticule
with central aiming point 135 and is comprised of dots of three
different sizes and two different spacing intervals, as shall be
described later in this specification. Labeled quick count lines
132, 134, 136 may be provided at any interval, though the shown
preferred embodiment is an interval of 5. Ranging ring 120 is
labeled "3" on the reticule. Alternate reticule embodiment 101,
shown in FIG. 2 also comprises a highlighting ring 115, bordering
aiming ring 110 and also open in the southern direction.
[0016] The utility of the reticule 100 is found in the set spacing
and sizes of the individual components relative to each other. The
reticule uses the same basic perspective principles used in other
ranging reticules, that is that objects appear smaller the further
they are away from a viewer. Aiming ring 110 has a thickness of 4
Minutes Of Angle ("MOA"). 1 MOA is roughly equivalent to 1 inch at
100 yards. Its diameter is 18 MOA, leaving a 10 MOA window
interior. When highlighting ring 115 is used, it has a thickness of
1 MOA and is 1 MOA distant from the outer boarder of aiming ring
110, for a total diameter of 22 MOA. Each of the dots in
directional sets 130N, 130E, and 130W are 0.75 MOA, and the central
aiming point 135 is 1 MOA. The next highest dots in set 130S are
0.75 MOA. Each of these dots has an interval spacing of 3.5 MOA.
Staring with the dot labeled "5" in the southern set 130S, the
remaining dots are 0.5 MOA and have an interval spacing of 2 MOA.
Ranging rings 120, 122, 124, 126 have diameters of 3.33 MOA, 2.5
MOA, 2 MOA, and 1.67 MOA respectively. To maintain proper
perspective of relative sizes of the reticule components with
potential targets, the reticule should be positioned either on or
next to the objective lens of any telescopic sighting devices,
thereby magnifying the reticule in the same power as the target and
maintaining proportion.
[0017] In use, the reticule according to the present invention
provides a rapidly identified aiming point in close quarters combat
situations, as the reticule provides an easily identified center
target with aiming ring 110. This is especially true if the
sighting device is set at zero magnification, thus diminishing all
other reticule components from view. The reticule also provides
ranging capability for more accurate distance shooting. Aiming ring
110 and ranging rings 120, 122, 124, and 126 are set to measure the
equivalent of 10-inch targets at 100, 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards
distance. Central aiming point 135 is the center of aiming ring 110
and therefore defines the diameter of a 5 MOA circle with any
single point within the inner rim of the aiming ring 110. This
corresponds to a 10-inch target at 200 yards. While the four
ranging rings are provided in the preferred embodiment, more or
fewer rings may be employed in the practice of this invention.
Likewise, different shapes may also be used, though in all
embodiments the shapes should be mere outlines, allowing a user to
see past the shape.
[0018] For distance shooting, it is important to consider the drop
of a bullet over distance. The amount of drop will be determined by
a number of factors, including barrel length, rifling, bullet
weight, charge of ammunition, etc. Together, these factors are
called a "package" and are usually uniform over time for a user's
weapon. The scope can be zeroed so that the central aiming point
135 represents where a bullet will hit at 200 yards. Once this is
set, a user merely practices with his or her particular weapon
package to determine at which dot in the southern set 130S a bullet
will hit at specified yardage. Since the lower portion of southern
set 130S is used in distance shooting, the dots are smaller and the
distance between them is smaller, so that less of a target is
covered by a dot at greater distance from the shooter. With less of
a target covered, there is greater accuracy in the shooting due to
less uncertainty as to the actual spot where the bullet will hit.
In the present embodiment, a 0.5 MOA dot will cover only 3 inches
of a target at 600 yards. The distance between the dots in the
lower range is 2 MOA, corresponding to 12 inches at 600 yards. The
central aiming dot 135 would cover 6 inches at 600 yards,
presenting double the uncertainty and a corresponding drop in
accuracy.
[0019] Through practice, a user may note where a bullet will hit on
the reticule at a determined distance. Afterwards, when a user
picks a target of a known size, comparisons are made with ranging
rings 120, 122, 124, and 126, as well as with the interior of
aiming ring 110, to determine distance. When aiming at the target,
the user merely picks the appropriate aiming point from the dots in
set 130S and fires, hitting the target. The preferred embodiment
attaches no external significance to the aiming points represented
by the dots, unlike various other prior art reticules which attempt
to compensate for the amount of drop a bullet will have over
distance. The importance of the smaller dots and smaller distance
between them is for better accuracy with a particular weapon.
Remaining dot sets 130N, 130E, 130W are ideally set to a uniform
standard, for instance the standard military dot ranging system,
and are useful as guides for windage and canting calculations and
for ranging in horizontal and vertical planes.
[0020] In low light situations, the reticule may be illuminated
through conventional means, or means to be discovered. Ideally,
ranging rings 120, 122, 124, 126, dots sets 130N, 130S, 130E, 130W,
and aiming ring 110 would have illumination capability.
Highlighting ring 115 is used in those situations where
illumination of the central aiming ring 110 is difficult or
impossible.
[0021] In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the aiming ring
310 is composed of a plurality of transparent cells 305, allowing a
user to see through a portion of the aiming ring 310. Lines 303,
which are of uniform thickness as the lines used to demarcate other
portions of the reticle 301, divide the ring 310 into the cells
305. Cells 305 may be of any shape, though regular polygons, such
as the diamond pattern shown in FIG. 3, circles and ovals are
preferred. Ideally, lines 303 should be thinner than cells 305,
allowing a user to see "through" over 1/2 of the area covered by
the aiming ring 310. This construction of the aiming ring 310
allows a user to look through the aiming ring 310 while still
having the capacity to use it. It is also easier to illuminate
aiming ring 310 when using the depicted or similar cell
constructions, as uniform lines are easier to illuminate using
current technology. Dots 307, 335 and rings 320, 322, 324, and 326
may also be turned into cells with an interior cross-hatching or
other construction without hindering the practice of this
invention. Likewise, dots 307 and 335 and rings 320, 322, 324, 326,
may be of any shape, and may actually mimic the construction of
cells 305.
[0022] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and
variations can be made, such as altering the shape of the dots or
the cells, and still the result will come within the scope of the
invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments
disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.
* * * * *