U.S. patent application number 11/206430 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for method and apparatus for alignment of firearm sights.
This patent application is currently assigned to Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Orus Reid III Coffield, Russell A. Potterfield.
Application Number | 20070113460 11/206430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38052081 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070113460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Potterfield; Russell A. ; et
al. |
May 24, 2007 |
Method and apparatus for alignment of firearm sights
Abstract
An apparatus for aligning a sighting device mounted on a
firearm. The apparatus has a first indicating device adapted to be
positioned on a surface of the firearm to determine a rotational
position of the firearm relative to a reference plane and a second
indicating device adapted to be positioned on a surface of the
sighting device to determine a rotational position of the sighting
device relative to the reference plane.
Inventors: |
Potterfield; Russell A.;
(Columbia, MO) ; Coffield; Orus Reid III;
(Columbia, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Assignee: |
Battenfeld Technologies,
Inc.
Columbia
MO
65203
|
Family ID: |
38052081 |
Appl. No.: |
11/206430 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60602768 |
Aug 18, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/120 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20060101
F41G001/38 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for aligning a sighting device mounted on a
firearm, the apparatus comprising a first indicating device adapted
to be positioned on a surface of the firearm to determine a
rotational position of the firearm relative to a reference plane,
and a second indicating device adapted to be positioned on a
surface of the sighting device to determine a rotational position
of the sighting device relative to the reference plane.
2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said first indicating
device comprises a firearm level, said second indicating device
comprises a sight level, and said reference plane is a horizontal
plane.
3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said firearm level
and said sight level each comprise a bubble level.
4. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said firearm level
comprises a base for mounting on the surface of the firearm.
5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein said firearm level
further comprises a level support projecting laterally from the
base for supporting said sight level.
6. The apparatus set forth in claim 5 wherein said base further
comprises a magnet for removable attachment of the firearm level to
the firearm.
7. The apparatus set forth in claim 5 wherein said support defines
a cavity for supporting said firearm level.
8. The apparatus set forth in claim 7 wherein said firearm level is
retained in the cavity by interference fit.
9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said firearm
comprises a receiver and said surface of the firearm is a surface
of the receiver that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
firearm.
10. An apparatus for aligning a sighting device mounted on a
firearm having a longitudinal axis and a receiver with a surface
generally flat and parallel to the longitudinal axis, the apparatus
comprising a firearm level having a magnet for removable attachment
of the firearm level to said surface of the receiver to determine
the rotational position of the firearm relative to a horizontal
plane and a sight level for mounting on a generally flat surface of
the sighting device to determine the rotational position of the
sighting device relative to said horizontal plane.
11. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said firearm level
and said sight level each comprise a bubble level.
12. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 wherein said firearm level
further comprises a base and a level support projecting laterally
from the base for supporting said sight level.
13. A method of aligning a sighting device mounted on a firearm,
the method comprising the steps of: using a first indicating device
positioned on a surface of the firearm to determine a rotational
position of the firearm relative to a reference plane; and using a
second indicating device positioned on a surface of the sighting
device to determine a rotational position of the sighting device
relative to said reference plane.
14. The method set forth in claim 13 wherein said first indicating
device comprises a firearm level, and wherein the steps of
determining the rotational position of the firearm comprises
attaching the firearm level to a flat surface of the firearm.
15. The method set forth in claim 14 wherein said firearm has a
receiver and said flat surface of the firearm is a surface of the
receiver that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
firearm.
16. The method set forth in claim 15 wherein said firearm level has
a base comprising a magnet, and wherein the step of attaching the
firearm level to the firearm comprises attaching the magnet to the
surface of the receiver by magnetic attraction.
17. The method set forth in claim 16 wherein said sighting device
comprises a scope and said second indicating device comprises a
sight level, and wherein the step of determining the rotational
position of the sighting device comprises placing the sight level
on a flat external surface of the scope.
18. The method set forth in claim 17 wherein said sight level has a
base with a generally flat surface, and wherein the step of placing
the sight level on the scope comprises supporting the generally
flat surface of the base with the flat external surface of the
scope.
19. The method set forth in claim 13 further comprising comparing
the first indicating device to the second indicating device to
determine whether the sighting device is rotationally aligned with
the firearm.
20. The method set forth in claim 13 further comprising adjusting
the position of the sighting device relative to the firearm based
on said determining steps.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/602,768, filed Aug. 18, 2004, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to an apparatus for
aligning a sighting device on a firearm, and more particularly to
an apparatus for rotationally aligning the sighting device with a
horizontal plane.
[0003] A sight or sighting device is designed to enable the firearm
user to accurately locate a projectile (e.g., bullet) at a precise
point on a target. Typical sights have a horizontal crosshair and a
vertical crosshair that assist the shooter in accurately aiming the
firearm. The sight allows the shooter to precisely adjust or move
the point of impact of the projectile on the target as necessary.
Some examples of typical sights used on firearms include telescopic
sights, receiver sights, and open sights. The discussion of
firearms will pertain specifically to long arms (e.g., rifles and
shotguns) although many of the principles discussed could be
applied to other types of firearms (e.g., handguns).
[0004] A sight is typically attached to a firearm at a position
above the longitudinal axis of the barrel. It is desirable that the
sight be rotationally aligned such that the horizontal crosshair of
the sight is parallel with a horizontal plane of the firearm. If a
sight is rotationally misaligned the shooters ability to accurately
fire the firearm will be compromised. For example, when the user of
a firearm moves the crosshairs of the sight to move the point of
impact on the target, it is essential that the movement of the
sight in a given direction (e.g., horizontally) will have a
corresponding singular effect upon the location of the point of
impact on the target. As such, a horizontal movement (right or
left) of the sight and firearm should only effect the horizontal
movement of the point of impact of the projectile with the target.
If the sight is misaligned, movement that appears to be truly
horizontal, as viewed through the sight, will also affect the
vertical placement of the projectile. Consequently the precise
alignment of the sight relative to the horizontal plane of the
firearm is critical for achieving and maintaining accuracy of the
firearm.
[0005] Existing apparatus for aligning a sighting device with a
firearm require the establishment of a vertical reference line by
the user external to the firearm and sighting device. The vertical
reference line must be sighted through the sighting device and
visually aligned by the shooter to correspond with the vertical
crosshair of the scope. The creation of an external vertical
reference line and visual alignment of the reference line with the
vertical crosshair of the sighting device are time consuming and
require precision in checking that the external reference is truly
vertical and perfectly aligned with the vertical crosshair.
Further, a fixed external reference line is difficult to establish
in some shooting environments (e.g., uneven terrain or high wind
conditions). Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,504 and
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0177685, for
additional information regarding existing sighting device
apparatus.
[0006] Currently there are no commercially available devices that
provide quick and accurate alignment of the sighting device and the
firearm. Accordingly, there is a need for such a device that
quickly and easily aligns the horizontal position of the sighting
device with the horizontal plane of the firearm in such a way that
does not require the creation of a reference line external to the
firearm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the
provision of an apparatus for aligning a sighting device with a
firearm, the provision of such an apparatus that reduces the time
needed to accurately align the sighting device with the firearm,
and the provision of such an apparatus that is easy to use and
manufacture.
[0008] In general, the present invention is directed to an
apparatus for aligning a sighting device mounted on a firearm. The
apparatus comprises a first indicating device adapted to be
positioned on a surface of the firearm to determine a rotational
position of the firearm relative to a reference plane and a second
indicating device adapted to be positioned on a surface of the
sighting device to determine a rotational position of the sighting
device relative to the reference plane.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an
apparatus for aligning a sighting device mounted on a firearm
having a longitudinal axis and a receiver with a surface generally
flat and parallel to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus comprises
a firearm level having a magnet for removable attachment of the
firearm level to the surface of the receiver to determine the
rotational position of the firearm relative to a horizontal plane
and a sight level for mounting on a generally flat surface of the
sighting device to determine the rotational position of the
sighting device relative to the horizontal plane.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a method
of aligning a sighting device mounted on a firearm. A first
indicating device positioned on a surface of the firearm is used to
determine a rotational position of the firearm relative to a
reference plane. A second indicating device positioned on a surface
of the sighting device is used to determine a rotational position
of the sighting device relative to said reference plane.
[0011] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm level;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the firearm
level;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sight level;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sight
level;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a firearm having a
telescopic sight;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the firearm of
FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a detail perspective of a receiver of the
firearm;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective of the rifle showing placement of
the firearm level and sight level;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail view of the firearm of FIG. 8
showing placement of the firearm level and the sight level;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an elevation view from the end of the firearm
showing the firearm level and sight level positioned relative to
crosshairs of the sight.
[0022] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the present invention serves as
an aid for mounting a sighting device or sight, generally
designated 9, on a firearm, generally designated 8. The present
invention comprises a first level (firearm level) 1 removably
attached to the firearm 8 and a second level (sight level) 2
removably mounted on the sighting device 9. In the illustrated
embodiment, the sighting device 9 is a telescopic scope but it will
be understood that the sighting device may be any other device for
improving the accuracy of the firearm 8 such as a receiver sight,
or an open sight.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the firearm 8 is a
conventional bolt-action rifle, but it will be understood that the
present invention may be used to align a sighting device 9 attached
to other types of firearms. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the rifle 8
comprises a stock 30, a receiver 10 attached to the stock, and a
barrel 32 threadably attached to the receiver. The rifle 8 has a
central longitudinal axis L1 aligned with the axis of the barrel 32
that is generally perpendicular to a lateral or transverse axis L2.
In the illustrated embodiment, the firearm 8 is level with respect
to a horizontal plane so that the reference plane defined by the
axis L1 and axis L2 is a horizontal reference plane. The firearm 8
has a vertical axis V1 passing through the firearm perpendicular to
the reference plane defined by the longitudinal axis L1 and the
lateral axis L2. The longitudinal axis L1, lateral axis L2, and
vertical axis V1 define a three-dimensional coordinate system of
the firearm 8.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the firearm 8 has a bolt 12 which
is removably received in the receiver 10 and which has a chamber 36
for receiving a cartridge (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a
bolt slot 24 is provided in the receiver 10 for loading the
cartridge into the chamber 36 when the bolt 12 is assembled in the
receiver. A bullet (not shown) is fired from the firearm 8 by
actuating a trigger mechanism 38 to cause the discharge of the
bullet from the cartridge. During normal operation of the rifle 8,
the bolt 12 is supported within the receiver 10 by two spaced apart
support members referred to as bolt ways 21 (FIG. 7). The bolt ways
21 are precision machined to have a generally flat top surface 21A
that is parallel or co-planar with the reference plane defined by
the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 of the firearm 8.
Typically, the bolt ways 21 comprise a metal material (e.g., steel)
that provides a durable and wear resistant surface 2lA during the
life of the firearm 8.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the scope 9 is attached to
the top of the receiver 10 by two scope rings 11. The scope has a
longitudinal axis L3. The scope rings 11 are releasably attached to
the receiver 10 to hold the scope 9 in a fixed axial and rotational
position. In the illustrated embodiment, the scope 9 is a
telescopic scope having an elevation adjustment turret or knob 17
and a horizontal adjustment turret or knob 18 that are used to
adjust the position of the sighting device. The elevation
adjustment knob 17 is mounted on the top of the scope 9 and is used
to adjust the vertical position of the sighting device (along or
parallel to axis V1) to compensate for the elevation drop of the
bullet between the firearm 8 and a target. The horizontal
adjustment knob 18 extends from a side of the scope 9 and is used
to adjust the horizontal position of the scope (along or parallel
to axis L2) to make sighting corrections based on the horizontal
deflection of the bullet resulting from the wind. As shown in FIG.
10, the elevation adjustment knob 17 has a top surface 25 that is
parallel with the horizontal crosshair 26 of the sight 9. The
horizontal adjustment knob 18 has an external surface 40 that is
parallel with the vertical crosshair 42 of the sight 9. In one
embodiment, the scope has protective caps (not shown) that are
threadably engaged with respective turrets 17, 18 to cover and
protect the turrets during normal use.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, the firearm level 1 is
configured for mounting on the top surface 21A of the bolt ways 21
of the rifle 8. Alternatively, the firearm level 1 may be mounted
on any other flat, machined surface of the firearm 8 that is
oriented parallel or co-planar to the reference plane defined by
the longitudinal axis L1 and lateral axis L2 of the firearm. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the firearm level 1 comprises a generally
rectangular base 3 which includes a magnetic pad 5 having a bottom
surface 13. A support 14 projects laterally outward from the base 3
and has a semi-circular cavity 15 for supporting level vial 4. The
level vial 4 has a longitudinal axis 28 and is retained by an
interference fit in the semi-circular cavity 15 of the support wall
14 so that the longitudinal axis 28 of the level vial is parallel
to the bottom surface 13 of the base 3. The level vial 4 comprises
a transparent tube containing fluid that has a bubble 22 that moves
in the tube based on the position of the level vial relative to a
horizontal plane. It is understood that the magnetic pad 5 is sized
and shaped such that the bottom surface 13 is generally parallel to
the longitudinal axis 28 of the vial 4. When the longitudinal axis
28 of the level vial 4 and bottom surface 13 of the base 3 are
parallel with a horizontal plane, the bubble 22 is positioned
between indicating marks 23 on the tube.
[0028] The firearm level 1 may have a base 3 with other shapes and
configurations as long as the bottom surface 13 remains generally
parallel with the longitudinal axis 28 of the level vial 4 so that
the level provides an accurate reading of the position of the
bottom surface relative to the horizontal reference plane. For
example, the level 1 may have a magnetically attractive base
without a separate magnetic pad 5. The level 1 may have a base that
is non-magnetic and attaches to the firearm 8 by other attachment
means (e.g., adhesive). Further, the base may have a magnetic pad
that is shaped other than rectangular or may have a magnetic pad
with a top surface that is non-parallel with the bottom surface of
the pad.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the sight level 2 has a generally
rectangular base 6 with a top wall having a cavity 46 for receiving
a level vial 7, generally flat longitudinal end surfaces 6A, and a
flat bottom surface 16. The level vial 7 has a longitudinal axis 29
and is retained by an interference fit in the cavity 46 so that the
longitudinal axis 29 is parallel to the bottom surface 16 of the
base 6. The level vial 7 of the sight level 2 is substantially
similar to the level vial 4 of the firearm level 1 in that it has a
transparent tube containing a liquid and a bubble 26. The bubble 26
is positioned between two indicating lines 27 on the tube when the
longitudinal axis 29 of the level vial 7 and the bottom surface 16
of the base 6 are parallel to a horizontal plane.
[0030] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the firearm level 1 and sight level 2
positioned for rotationally aligning and adjusting the telescopic
scope 9 with the firearm 8. With the bolt 12 removed from the
receiver 10, the firearm level 1 is placed inside the receiver with
the magnetic pad 5 resting on the flat top surfaces 21A of the bolt
ways 21. The bolt ways are typically made of a magnetically
attractive material (e.g., steel) so that the magnetic pad 5
secures the level 1 to the bolt ways at a position parallel to the
top surfaces of the bolt ways. The upper wall 14 and level vial 4
protrude through the bolt slot 24 of the receiver 10 so that the
level vial 4 is visible to the user. With the firearm level 1
securely mounted on the firearm 9 such that the bottom surface 13
of the firearm level is parallel with the flat top surfaces 21A of
the bolt ways 21, the rifle 8 is rotated about its longitudinal
axis L1 until the bubble 22 of the level vial 4 is centered between
the indicator marks 23 of the level vial 4 to indicate that the
lateral axis L2 of the rifle 8 is level relative to a horizontal
plane. In addition, a separate level (not shown) should be used to
check that the longitudinal axis L1 of the rifle 8 is level
relative to the horizontal plane. The position of the longitudinal
axis L1 of the rifle 8 relative to the horizontal plane can be
checked by placing the sight level 2, or other conventional level,
lengthwise along the top of the barrel 32, the flat top surface 21A
of the bolt ways 21, or other flat surface of the rifle that is
oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L1.
[0031] After leveling the rifle 8 with respect to the horizontal
plane, the sight level 2 is placed on the top surface 25 of the
elevation adjustment knob 17 to check the positioning of the scope
9 relative to the rifle. The telescopic sight 9 is rotated about
its longitudinal axis L3 until the bubble 32 of the level vial 7 is
centered between the indicator marks 27. As shown in FIG. 10, the
telescopic scope 9 is level and aligned with the firearm as
illustrated by the level indication of both the receiver level 1
and sight level 2. In the aligned condition of the scope 9 and
firearm 8, the horizontal crosshair 26 is parallel to the flat top
surfaces 21A of the bolt ways 21 and to the longitudinal axes 28,
29 of the levels 4 and 7, respectively. This alignment indicates to
the user that the telescopic scope 9 is level and properly mounted
on the rifle 8.
[0032] In use, the firearm 8 is first placed in a secure holding
fixture such as a vise (not shown). The scope 9 may be separated
from the firearm 8 if performing an initial installation and
alignment or the scope may be attached to the receiver 10 of the
firearm if performing a check of the rotational alignment of an
existing mounted scope. The bolt 12 is removed from the receiver 10
and the position of the firearm 8 is adjusted and checked so that
the firearm is horizontally level with respect to the reference
plane defined by the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2.
Specifically, the firearm level 1 with magnetic base 5 is placed on
the flat top surfaces 21A of the bolt ways 21 of the receiver 10.
The firearm 8 is adjusted as needed so that the firearm level 1
indicates that the firearm is level relative to the horizontal
reference plane. In addition, a separate level (not shown) is used
to check that the longitudinal axis L1 of the rifle 8 is level
relative to the horizontal plane. The position of the longitudinal
axis L1 of the rifle 8 relative to the horizontal plane can be
checked by placing the sight level 2, or other conventional level,
lengthwise along the top of the barrel 32, the flat top surface 21A
of the bolt ways 21, or other flat surface of the rifle that is
oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L1.
[0033] If performing an initial assembly of the scope 9 to the
firearm 8, the scope may be attached to the firearm at this stage
in the alignment process. The sight level 2 is placed on the top
surface 25 of the elevation adjustment knob 17 of the scope 9.
Comparison of the firearm level 1 and sight level 2 enables the
user to quickly determine whether the scope 9 is rotationally
aligned with the firearm 8. Rotational adjustments of the scope 9
are made by loosening the scope rings 11, rotating the scope as
needed about axis L3 until the sight level 2 indicates that the
scope is level, and re-tightening the scope rings. When the scope 9
is rotationally aligned with the firearm 8, the horizontal
crosshair 26 of the scope should be perfectly parallel to the flat
top surfaces 21A of the bolt ways 21 of the receiver 10, the
longitudinal axis 28 of the firearm level 1, and the longitudinal
axis 29 of the sight level 2.
[0034] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0035] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense. For example, the scope 9 may have other
surface(s) aligned with the horizontal crosshairs 26 that may be
suitable for checking the alignment of the scope relative to the
firearm 8. Further, the longitudinal ends 6A of the sight level 2
may be generally perpendicular to the flat bottom surface 16 of the
level. As such, one of the longitudinal ends 6A of the sight level
2 may be placed against the flat external surface 40 of the windage
adjustment knob 18 to determine if the scope 9 is rotationally
aligned with the firearm 8. The firearm level 1 and sight level 2
could comprises level indicators other than bubble levels 4 without
departing from the scope of this invention
[0036] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
* * * * *