U.S. patent application number 11/809199 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for riflescope with recessed bottom surface for reduced mounting height.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leupold & Stevens, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew W. York.
Application Number | 20080127540 11/809199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36814160 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080127540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
York; Andrew W. |
June 5, 2008 |
Riflescope with recessed bottom surface for reduced mounting
height
Abstract
A riflescope includes an objective optic assembly with a bottom
surface that defines a scoop. Upon mounting the riflescope, the
scoop receives a portion of a firearm. The scoop eliminates
interference between the objective optic assembly and the firearm
and allows a centerline of the riflescope to be placed in closer
proximity to a centerline of the firearm.
Inventors: |
York; Andrew W.; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOEL RIVES LLP
900 SW FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 2600
PORTLAND
OR
97204-1268
US
|
Assignee: |
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
36814160 |
Appl. No.: |
11/809199 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11060444 |
Feb 16, 2005 |
7275343 |
|
|
11809199 |
|
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|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/119 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20060101
F41G001/38 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28-31. (canceled)
32. A riflescope adapted to be mounted on a firearm, the riflescope
comprising a tubular housing supporting on opposite ends an
objective optic assembly and an eyepiece optic assembly, wherein
the objective optic assembly includes a bottom recess adapted to
permit the firearm to at least partially nest within the bottom
recess.
33. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein a centerline of the
riflescope is enabled to be mounted is closer proximity to the
firearm than possible without the bottom recess.
34. A riflescope according to claim 33 wherein a 56-mm objective
optic assembly having a bottom recess may be mounted on a firearm
at a centerline height corresponding to a centerline height of a
conventional 40-mm object optic assembly without a bottom
recess.
35. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein the riflescope is
mounted on the firearm with a gap between the firearm and objective
optic assembly.
36. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein the objective optic
assembly comprises a lens assembly selected from the group
consisting of: a singlet lens, a doublet lens.
37. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein the bottom recess is
formed in a concave shape.
38. A riflescope according to claim 37 wherein the tubular housing
is formed with a concave recess corresponding to the bottom recess
of the objective optic assembly.
39. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein the bottom recess is
formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of:
triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or arcuate.
40. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein an image produced by
the riflescope is substantially circular.
41. A riflescope according to claim 32 wherein the objective optic
assembly includes at least one lens, an objective housing
supporting the lens, a detachable front end member coupled to the
objective housing forming a hermetic seal therebetween.
42. A method of making a riflescope having a larger-diameter
objective optic with reduced distance between a centerline of the
riflescope and a centerline of a firearm, comprising the steps of
forming the objective optic assembly with a bottom recess;
positioning the riflescope onto the firearm such that the firearm
partially nests into the bottom recess.
43. A method according to claim 42 wherein the step of forming the
objective optic assembly with a bottom recess comprises forming an
objective optic of the objective optic assembly out of glass and
grinding the glass objective optic into a desired shape for the
bottom recess.
44. A method according to claim 42 wherein the step of forming the
objective optic with a bottom recess comprises forming the
objective optic out of plastic that is molded into a desired shape
for the bottom recess.
45. A method according to claim 42 wherein the step of forming the
objective optic with a bottom recess comprises forming the
objective optic as a doublet lens and forming the bottom recess in
both lenses of the doublet lens.
46. A method according to claim 42 further comprising forming an
objective housing with a concave bottom portion corresponding to
the bottom recess of the objective optic.
47. A method according to claim 46 further comprising forming the
objective housing by machining material into a desired shape.
48. A method according to claim 46 further comprising forming the
objective housing from a cylindrical workpiece pressed or fitted
into a conforming shape.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/060,444 filed Feb. 16, 2005.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Riflescopes typically include an elongate housing comprising
a substantially cylindrical main tube, with outwardly flared ends.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a conventional riflescope 10 is shown
that has an outer tubular housing 12 with a flared objective end 14
and a flared eyepiece end 16. An adjustment mechanism 18 may be
located between the objective and eyepiece ends 14, 16 along the
main tube. Riflescope 10 is held securely by front and rear
mounting rings 20, 22 placed on either side of adjustment mechanism
18 and which are mountable to a mounting base secured to firearm
24. For purposes of standardization and for reducing part
inventories, riflescope main tubes and mounting rings have
conventionally been sized 1-inch diameter, 26 mm diameter, or 30 mm
diameter.
[0003] Mounting a riflescope 10 lower on firearm 24 places a
centerline 26 of riflescope 10 closer to a centerline 28 of firearm
24. The increased centerline proximity improves operation of
firearm 24, as a user is able to keep the user's cheek on the rifle
stock while having the user's eye as close as possible to the top
of the firearm barrel. The present inventors have recognized that
increased contact between cheek and stock (i.e. "cheek weld")
allows for an improved static position to increase accuracy. If a
user needs to raise his or her eye to view the eyepiece, cheek
contact with the stock may be lost, which increases inaccuracy.
[0004] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, objective end 14 determines the
proximity of riflescope 10 to firearm 24. As the objective optic
increases, the distance between riflescope centerline 26 and
firearm centerline 28 also increases. This situation becomes even
more apparent with 30 mm or greater sized objective optics. Larger
objective optics are desired to increase light gathering and
improve visibility.
[0005] A prior art riflescope sold by the Redfield Optics division
of Meade Instruments Corporation under the name WIDEFIELD uses an
oval-shaped objective optic design to gain a wider field of
view.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,324 discloses an electronic sight with
lenses that have a horizontal field of view greater than a vertical
field of view. The lenses do not provide added magnification and do
not reduce interference between the riflescope and the firearm.
[0007] The present inventors have recognized a need for an improved
projectile weapon aiming system for increasing centerline proximity
between riflescope and firearm.
SUMMARY
[0008] In accordance with preferred embodiments, a riflescope
includes a tubular housing with an eyepiece assembly coupled to one
end of the housing. An opposing end of the housing is coupled to an
objective optic assembly. The objective optic assembly may be
nearly circular in cross-section except for a scoop that is formed
on its bottom surface. The objective optic assembly includes an
objective housing and an objective optic supported within the
objective housing. The objective housing and objective optic
include scooped bottom surfaces.
[0009] Upon mounting the riflescope to a firearm, the scoop
provides clearance for a portion of the firearm which may nest in
the scoop. In this manner, the longitudinal centerline of the
riflescope can be placed lower, i.e., in closer proximity to the
firearm. This lower mounting position may improve the user's
ability to form a good cheek weld against the rifle stock, to
thereby increase stability when aiming. This is in contrast with
conventional large-objective scopes wherein the scope is mounted
higher on the rifle and the user's head may need to be held above
the stock in order to view a target through the riflescope. Aiming
precision may also be improved with riflescopes in accordance with
the disclosed embodiments, as the aiming axis (e.g. longitudinal
centerline) of the riflescope is closer to the firearm and can
therefore be more closely aligned with the bore of the firearm
barrel. A viewed image remains substantially circular, and the
removed optic material created by the scoop does not perceptually
impair visibility.
[0010] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A is a side view of a riflescope mounted on a
rifle;
[0012] FIG. 1B is a front view of the riflescope of FIG. 1A;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a side view of a riflescope in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a front view of the riflescope of FIG. 2A;
[0015] FIG. 3A is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
riflescope;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
riflescope;
[0017] FIG. 3C is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
riflescope;
[0018] FIG. 3D is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
riflescope;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the riflescope of FIGS.
2A and 2B taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2B; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the riflescope of FIGS.
2A-2B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Throughout the specification, reference to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or "some embodiments" means that a particular
described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at
least one embodiment. Thus appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in some embodiments" in
various places throughout this specification are not necessarily
all referring to the same embodiment.
[0022] Furthermore, the described features, structures,
characteristics, and methods may be combined in any suitable manner
in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more
of the specific details or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures,
materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail
to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2A, a side view of an embodiment of a
riflescope 100 mounted to a firearm 102 is shown. Riflescope 100
includes a tubular housing 104 that supports, at opposite ends, an
objective optic assembly 106 and an eyepiece optic assembly 108.
Objective optic assembly 106 and eyepiece optic assembly 108 are
typically bell-shaped to accommodate converging and diverging light
rays passing therethrough. An adjustment mechanism 110 may be
located proximate the midpoint of riflescope 100 to modify focus of
an image. Front and rear mounts 112, 114 couple to riflescope 100
and to a mounting base 116. Mounting base 116 engages firearm 102
by bolts, screws, clips, or other fastening devices.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2B, and with continued reference to FIG.
2A, a front view of objective optic assembly 106 and firearm 102 is
shown. The majority of objective optic assembly 106 has a
cross-sectional circular shape as is common in the art to provide a
circular image. However, a bottom surface 118 of objective optic
assembly 106 includes a hollowed-out place, recess, or scoop 120.
Bottom surface 118 is identified as the portion of objective optic
assembly 106 placed in proximity to firearm 102 when riflescope 100
is mounted. Scoop 120 eliminates interference between riflescope
100 and firearm 102. By eliminating interference, riflescope 100 is
mounted in closer proximity to firearm 102. Scoop 120 may be
concave with a cross-sectional form of an arc segment to
accommodate a curvilinear outer surface of firearm 102 as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B. In this embodiment, bottom surface 118
may remain approximately equidistant to firearm 102 when
mounted.
[0025] Objective optic assembly 106 includes an objective optic 122
and an objective housing 124 that are both designed in accordance
with the shape of scoop 120. Objective optic 122 includes two
opposing faces and a periphery with a bottom surface 126 that
defines a scoop 128. A larger-sized objective optic 122 may be used
to increase light gathering while reducing the distance between a
riflescope centerline 130 and a firearm centerline 132. Scoop 120
may have alternative cross-sectional shapes to accommodate various
firearm shapes or based on design constraints. Objective optic 122
may include glass that is ground into the desired shape.
Alternatively, objective optic 122 may include plastic that is
molded into the desired shape.
[0026] Objective housing 124 may begin as a cylindrical workpiece
that is formed on a lathe. The workpiece may then be pressed or
fitted into a conforming shape by hydro-forming or impact forming
techniques. Objective housing 124 may also be formed by machining
material to the desired dimensions. The completed objective housing
124 includes a scoop section 134 shaped to support objective optic
122 along scoop 128. Objective housing 124 may be coupled to
tubular housing 104 or may be integrally formed of unitary
construction with tubular housing 104.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, front views of alternative
embodiments 136, 138, 140, 142 for objective optic assembly 106 are
shown. In FIG. 3A, a scoop 144 has a triangular-shaped
cross-section to form a pie-piece cavity. In FIG. 3B, a scoop 146
has a rounded, triangular-shaped cross-section. In FIG. 3C, a scoop
148 has a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section. In FIG. 3D, a scoop 150
has a rectangular cross-section. One of skill in the art will
appreciate that the shape of a scoop may vary so long as the scoop
allows firearm 102 to partially nest within objective optic
assembly 106.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of riflescope
100 of FIG. 2A taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2B is shown. Objective
optic assembly 106 rests above firearm 102. Preferably, when
riflescope 100 is mounted, scoop 120 provides some distance between
firearm 102 and objective optic assembly 106. This configuration
reduces vibration and stress to objective optic 122 during firearm
discharge.
[0029] Objective optic assembly 106 includes a detachable front end
member 152 that is shaped to define scoop 120 and to support
objective optic 122. In manufacturing, objective optic 122 is
positioned and supported within objective housing 124. Front end
member 152 then couples to objective housing 124 and retains the
periphery of objective optic 122 between front end member 152 and
objective housing 124. Coupling front end member 152 to objective
housing 124 may be achieved by press fitting or by application of
adhesives. Upon coupling front end member 152, a hermetic seal is
created to retain an inert gas within the interior of the
riflescope. Gaskets, elastomers, or adhesives may be disposed
between the periphery of objective optic 122 and front end member
152 and/or objective housing 124 to ensure the seal.
[0030] In more sophisticated riflescopes, objective optic assembly
106 may include one or more additional objective optics 154, 156 as
shown in FIG. 4. Objective optics 154, 156 operate with objective
optic 122 to modify convergence of light rays. Similar to objective
optic 122, objective optics 154, 156 are shaped to accommodate
scoop 120. Objective optics 154, 156 may be manufactured and
disposed within objective housing 124 using the same techniques as
used for objective optic 122. Thus the objective optic may comprise
a singlet lens 122 and a doublet lens 154/156 combination as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, a bottom view of objective optic
assembly 106 of FIGS. 2A-2B is shown. Scoop 120 increases in width
and depth as objective optic assembly 106 longitudinally extends
from tubular housing 104. The scoop's longitudinally diverging
shape receives and accommodates firearm 102 in a nested
arrangement, as objective optic assembly 106 diverges toward
firearm 102.
[0032] Riflescope 100 retains a traditional look and functionality
except for the appearance of scoop 120. Scoop 120 removes a small
amount of objective optic 122, but there is no perceivable visual
effect when viewing through riflescope 100. Thus an image produced
by riflescope 100 appears substantially circular. Furthermore, as
scoop 120 is only a small area of the added circumference of
objective optic 122, riflescope 100 benefits from a large objective
optic 122 with good light-gathering ability.
[0033] The result is that the light-gathering benefit of a large
objective optic 122 is now mountable at a height that was
previously available only with smaller objective optics. Riflescope
100 may be placed at a height that is easier to use in the field,
with centerline 130 of riflescope 100 closer to firearm centerline
132. This can allow a user to keep his or her cheek on the stock of
firearm 102 while sighting a target through riflescope 100 and
thereby create a secure check weld. An improved check weld provides
superior stability and improved aiming accuracy. Aiming precision
may also be improved as the distance between centerlines 130, 132
is reduced, because the aiming axis of the riflescope can thereby
be more closely aligned with the bore of the firearm barrel when
the riflescope is sighted in.
[0034] By incorporating a preferred design described herein, it is
anticipated that a riflescope with a 56-mm objective optic could be
mounted like a conventional riflescope with a 40-mm objective
optic. Similarly, a 50-mm riflescope could be mounted like a
conventional 36-mm riflescope, and a 40-mm riflescope could be
mounted like a conventional 28-mm riflescope.
[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the overall
shape of riflescope 100 and the shape of scoop 120 are matters of
design choice and may be different from the shape and positioning
shown herein. However, the riflescope described herein is not
limited to use with rifles, but may also be used in various other
types of sighting devices and projectile weapon aiming devices and
may be used to aim one or more of a variety of projectile weapons,
such as pistols and others. Thus 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 without departing from the
underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present
invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following
claims.
* * * * *