U.S. patent application number 12/151863 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for aperture sighting device.
Invention is credited to Marlin Daniel Ballard.
Application Number | 20080276520 12/151863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39968242 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080276520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ballard; Marlin Daniel |
November 13, 2008 |
Aperture sighting device
Abstract
A sighting device includes an aperture body having a sighting
aperture therein. The sighting aperture includes four intersecting
sides that jointly define horizontally opposing corners. A
horizontal reference axis of the aperture body extends through the
horizontally opposing corners such that a first pair of the sides
are entirely above the horizontal reference axis and a second pair
of the sides are entirely below the horizontal reference axis. The
first pair of the sides define a corner vertically offset above the
horizontal reference axis and equidistant between the horizontally
opposing corners. The first pair of the sides are of approximately
equal length.
Inventors: |
Ballard; Marlin Daniel;
(Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID ODELL SIMMONS
7637 PARKVIEW CIRCLE
AUSTIN
TX
78731
US
|
Family ID: |
39968242 |
Appl. No.: |
12/151863 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60928681 |
May 11, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/143 ; 42/111;
42/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/143 ; 42/111;
42/148 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00 |
Claims
1. A sighting device, comprising: an aperture body having a
sighting aperture therein, wherein the sighting aperture includes
four intersecting sides that jointly define horizontally opposing
corners, wherein a horizontal reference axis of the aperture body
extends through said horizontally opposing corners such that a
first pair of said sides are entirely above the horizontal
reference axis and a second pair of said sides are entirely below
the horizontal reference axis, wherein the first pair of said sides
define a corner vertically offset above the horizontal reference
axis and equidistant between said horizontally opposing corners and
wherein the first pair of said sides are of approximately equal
length.
2. The sighting device of claim 1, further comprising: side posts
extending outwardly from respective peripheral edge portions of the
aperture body, wherein said side posts extend from the aperture
body along the horizontal reference axis that extends through said
horizontally opposing corners of the sighting aperture.
3. The sighting device of claim 2, further comprising: a top post
extending upwardly from a respective peripheral edge portion of the
aperture body, wherein the top post extends from the aperture body
along a vertical reference axis extending through said vertically
offset corner.
4. The sighting device of claim 1 wherein: the aperture body has a
front surface and a rear surface; and the sighting aperture extends
therebetween.
5. The sighting device of claim 4 wherein: edges defining the
sighting aperture at the front surface are each a first length; and
edges defining the sighting aperture at the rear surface are each a
second length different than the first length.
6. The sighting device of claim 31, further comprising: a mounting
structure having a first attachment portion configured for being
attached to a mounting structure of an apparatus requiring
precision aiming and a second attachment portion having the
aperture body pivotably attached thereto, wherein the aperture body
is pivotable about a pivot axis extending substantially
perpendicular to a vertical reference axis extending through said
vertically offset corner whereby the aperture body is pivotable to
a first position such that the sighting aperture is in a use
orientation with respect to the mounting structure and to a second
position such that the sighting aperture is in a non-use
orientation with respect to the mounting structure.
7. The sighting device of claim 6, further comprising: a shade
cover attached to at least one of the mounting structure and the
aperture body, wherein the shade cover extends at least partially
over the aperture body and wherein the shade cover and the mounting
structure are jointly configured for providing an unobstructed line
of sight through the sighting aperture when the sighting aperture
is in the use orientation.
8. The sighting device of claim 7, further comprising: side posts
extending outwardly from respective peripheral edge portions of the
aperture body, wherein said side posts extend from the aperture
body along the horizontal reference axis thereof; and a top post
extending upwardly from a respective peripheral edge portion of the
aperture body, wherein the top post extends from the aperture body
along the vertical reference axis.
9. The sighting device of claim 7, further comprising: a mounting
structure having a first attachment portion configured for being
attached to a mounting structure of an apparatus requiring
precision aiming and a second attachment portion having the
aperture body attached thereto in a manner allowing the sighting
device aperture to be retained in a use orientation with respect to
the mounting structure; and a shade cover attached to at least one
of the mounting structure and the aperture body, wherein the shade
cover extends at least partially over the aperture body and wherein
the shade cover and the mounting structure are jointly configured
for providing an unobstructed line of sight through the sighting
aperture when the sighting aperture is in the use orientation.
10. A sighting device, comprising: an aperture body including a
plurality of elongated members interconnected at end portions
thereof to define a sighting aperture, wherein the sighting
aperture includes horizontally opposing corners, wherein a
horizontal reference axis of the aperture body extends through said
horizontally opposing corners such that a first pair of said
elongated members are entirely above the horizontal reference axis
and a second pair of said elongated members are entirely below the
horizontal reference axis, wherein the first pair of said elongated
members define a corner vertically offset above the horizontal
reference axis and equidistant between said horizontally opposing
corners and wherein the first pair of said elongated members are of
approximately equal length.
11. The sighting device of claim 10, further comprising: side posts
extending outwardly from respective peripheral edge portions of the
aperture body, wherein said side posts extend from the aperture
body along the horizontal reference axis.
12. The sighting device of claim 11, further comprising: a top post
extending upwardly from a respective peripheral edge portion of the
aperture body, wherein the top post extends from the aperture body
along a vertical reference axis extending through said vertically
offset corner.
13. The sighting device of claim 10 wherein: the aperture body has
a front surface and a rear surface; and the sighting aperture
extends therebetween.
14. The sighting device of claim 13 wherein: edges defining the
sighting aperture at the front surface are each a first length; and
edges defining the sighting aperture at the rear surface are each a
second length different than the first length.
15. The sighting device of claim 10, further comprising: a mounting
structure having a first attachment portion configured for being
attached to a mounting structure of an apparatus requiring
precision aiming and a second attachment portion having the
aperture body pivotably attached thereto, wherein the aperture body
is pivotable about a pivot axis extending substantially
perpendicular to a vertical reference axis extending through said
vertically offset corner whereby the aperture body is pivotable to
a first position such that the sighting aperture is in a use
orientation with respect to the mounting structure and to a second
position such that the sighting aperture is in a non-use
orientation with respect to the mounting structure.
16. The sighting device of claim 15, further comprising: a shade
cover attached to at least one of the mounting structure and the
aperture body, wherein the shade cover extends at least partially
over the aperture body and wherein the shade cover and the mounting
structure are jointly configured for providing an unobstructed line
of sight through the sighting aperture when the sighting aperture
is in the use orientation.
17. The sighting device of claim 16, further comprising: side posts
extending outwardly from respective peripheral edge portions of the
aperture body, wherein said side posts extend from the aperture
body along the horizontal reference axis; and a top post extending
upwardly from a respective peripheral edge portion of the aperture
body, wherein the top post extends from the aperture body along a
vertical reference axis extending through said vertically offset
corner.
18. The sighting device of claim 16, further comprising: a mounting
structure having a first attachment portion configured for being
attached to a mounting structure of an apparatus requiring
precision aiming and a second attachment portion having the
aperture body attached thereto in a manner allowing the sighting
device aperture to be retained in a use orientation with respect to
the mounting structure; and a shade cover attached to at least one
of the mounting structure and the aperture body, wherein the shade
cover extends at least partially over the aperture body and wherein
the shade cover and the mounting structure are jointly configured
for providing an unobstructed line of sight through the sighting
aperture when the sighting aperture is in the use orientation.
19. A sighting device assembly, comprising: an aperture body having
a plurality of aperture carrying legs, wherein each one of said
aperture carrying legs has a sighting aperture therein, wherein
each one of sighting apertures includes four intersecting sides
that jointly define horizontally opposing corners, wherein each one
of said aperture carrying legs has a respective horizontal
reference axis that extends through said horizontally opposing
corners thereof such that a first pair of said sides of the
respective sighting aperture are entirely above the respective
horizontal reference axis and a second pair of said sides of the
respective sighting aperture are entirely below the respective
horizontal reference axis, wherein the first pair of said sides of
each one of said sighting apertures define a respective corner
vertically offset above the respective horizontal reference axis,
wherein the first pair of said sides of each sighting aperture are
of a respective approximate equal length and wherein each sighting
aperture is oriented such that said vertically offset corner
thereof has a respective radial reference axis of the aperture body
extending therethrough; and a mounting structure having a first
attachment portion configured for being attached to a mounting
structure of an apparatus requiring precision aiming and a second
attachment portion having the aperture body pivotably attached
thereto, wherein the aperture body is pivotable about a pivot axis
extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical reference
axis of the aperture body whereby the sighting device is pivotable
to a first position such that a first one of said aperture carrying
legs is in a respective use orientation and to a second position
such that a second one of said aperture carrying legs is in a
respective use position.
20. The sighting device of claim 19, further comprising: side posts
extending outwardly from respective peripheral edge portions of
each one of said aperture carrying legs, wherein said side posts
extend from each one of said aperture carrying legs along the
respective horizontal reference axis thereof.
21. The sighting device of claim 20, further comprising: a top post
extending upwardly from a respective peripheral edge portion of
each one of said aperture carrying legs, wherein the top post
extends from each one of said the aperture carrying legs along the
respective radial reference axis thereof.
22. The sighting device of claim 19, further comprising: a shade
cover attached to at least one of the mounting structure and the
aperture body, wherein the shade cover extends at least partially
over the aperture body and wherein the shade cover and the mounting
structure are jointly configured for providing an unobstructed line
of sight through the sighting aperture when either one of said
aperture carrying legs is in the respective use orientation.
23. The sighting device of claim 22, further comprising: side posts
extending outwardly from respective peripheral edge portions of
each one of said aperture carrying legs, wherein said side posts
extend from each one of said aperture carrying legs along the
respective horizontal reference axis thereof; and a top post
extending upwardly from a respective peripheral edge portion of
each one of said aperture carrying legs, wherein the top post
extends from each one of said the aperture carrying legs along the
respective radial reference axis thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/928,681 filed May, 11,
2007, entitled "Improved Configuration for Rear Sights of Firearms"
and having a common applicant herewith, which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosures made herein relate generally to devices used
for facilitating aiming of an apparatus and, more particularly, to
aperture-type mechanical sighting devices for firearms, weapons and
the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A variety of sighting devices are known for orienting
devices that need to be aimed. Although embodiments of the present
invention are applicable to a variety of applications and uses, the
ensuing discussions and disclosures made herein will be directed
primarily to the problem of aiming firearms and similar weapons.
However, a skilled person will appreciate that such embodiments of
the present invention are in no way unduly limited to firearms and
weapons that require aiming.
[0004] In general, firearms and the other types of weapons
requiring aiming typically have two sights that are spaced from one
another along a line extending coincidentally with a path along
which a projectile will be discharged by the weapon. A shooter
holds the weapon manually so as to view over and/or through the two
spaced sights toward the target, before discharging the weapon. The
object in using such sights is to align a weapon accurately to the
target by viewing along a line to the target and holding the weapon
along that line as defined by alignment of the spaced apart sights.
Preferably, many types of sights allow adjustments to be made
mechanically or manually on the sight by the shooter to adjust the
sight relative to a projectile fired therefrom and/or to compensate
for conditions such as, for example, windage and elevation.
[0005] Known types of sighting devices include iron sights, peep
sights and optical devices such as a scope. A typical iron sight is
by far the most commonly used for handguns and rifles. Typically,
an iron sight has a front sight comprising a blade member at the
extreme front or muzzle end of the weapon. The blade member
comprises an opaque fin that is often rectangular in cross section
and appears to the shooter as a thin solid block on the top surface
of the barrel in line with a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The
rear sight of an iron sight is disposed toward the rear of the
weapon, and typically comprises a planar member having an open
rectangular notch extending downward from a horizontal edge at the
top periphery of the planar member or, optionally, an
aperture-style peep sight. The rear sight can be along the barrel
or over the chamber portion of the weapon, proximate to the
shooter.
[0006] To aim the weapon using an iron sight, a shooter aligns the
blade member of the front sight with the notch or aperture of the
rear sight. The weapon is adjusted (i.e., spatially orientated) as
to elevation by setting the top edge of the front sight blade even
with the top of the rear sight notch or in the center of the
aperture and is adjusted laterally by centering the blade in the
notch or aperture. Such adjustment is facilitated such that the
intended target (i.e., desired location of projectile impact)
appears just against the top of the front blade or in the center of
the aperture. The front and rear sights are dimensioned to place
the discharged projectile on the target viewed in this manner at a
certain range, provided the correct sight alignment is
achieved.
[0007] When the shooter is aiming the weapon at the target and
focusing on the target, the front and rear sights are in the line
of sight between the shooter's eye and the target. The rear sight
is closer to the shooter's eye than is the front sight, and the
target is typically a substantially greater distance away. Thus, it
is necessary for the shooter to choose where to focus his or her
eye(s) while aiming at and tracking the target. If the shooter
focuses on the target, the sights will appear blurred. If the
shooter focuses on one of the sights, the target will appear
blurred. Accordingly, a deficiency of current rear iron sights is
that there is necessarily a certain amount of visual blurring of
the sight during aiming. As discussed above, this blurriness is due
to the fact that while the shooter's eye is focused on the target,
the eye cannot also be simultaneously focused on the front and rear
sights as well. This problem is further aggravated by shooting in
low light conditions because of pupillary dilation and the
consequent loss of depth of field by the eye, as well as the loss
of contrast between the sight and the target, which is caused by
poor lighting.
[0008] Shooters are typically trained to focus on the target and
let their eye incidentally and simultaneously (i.e., without taking
focus off of the target) align the sights with respect to the
target while they focus on the target. In this manner, such
incidental alignment of the sights can be accomplished without
taking focus off of the target. However, blurriness of the rear
sight resulting from the relatively close proximity of the rear
sight to the shooter's eye while aiming a weapon can make such
aiming less accurate than desirable or necessary. Therefore, a
sighting device that overcomes the deficiencies of conventional
mechanical sighting devices that lead to such conventional sights
being blurry while focusing on a target that is being aimed at
would be advantageous, desirable and useful.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention relate to rear sights
for devices that require precision aiming (e.g., firearms). More
specifically, such embodiments provide for implementation of a rear
sighting device (e.g., a traditional peep sight) in a manner that
overcomes deficiencies of conventional mechanical rear sights that
lead to such conventional sighting devices being blurry while
focusing on a target that is being aimed at. As will be appreciated
from the ensuing disclosure, the present invention provides for
such advantageous functionality by providing a uniquely shaped
aperture (i.e., rhombus or kite shaped), by providing a uniquely
shaped structure defining such a uniquely shaped aperture and/or by
providing geometric structures adjacent to the aperture.
[0010] The present invention addresses the problem of visual
blurring of convention mechanical sighting devices while focusing
on a target while tracking and/or aiming at such target by a user
of the sighting device. Such blurring is due to the fact that while
the user's eye is focused on the target, the eye cannot also be
simultaneously focused on the front sighting device and the rear
sighting device of the firearm. This problem is further aggravated
by shooting in low light conditions because of pupillary dilation
and the consequent loss of depth of field by the eye, as well as
the loss of contrast between the sight and the target, which is
caused by poor lighting. Embodiments of the present invention
address this problem by changing the shape of the aperture to a
geometric shape which, when the eye views it as a blurry shape, the
eye can still easily find the center of the blurry shape. This task
is made easier by providing a shape which, when blurred, still
gives the eye some specific reference points by which to line up
the front sight with the center of the rear sight. In general, this
is accomplished by providing an aperture shape which allows the eye
to easily triangulate between the 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 3
o'clock points within the rear sight aperture such that precision
horizontal and vertical alignment can be achieved with a
corresponding front sight of the apparatus requiring aiming.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sighting
device comprising an aperture body having a sighting aperture
therein. The sighting aperture includes four intersecting sides
that jointly define horizontally opposing corners. A horizontal
reference axis of the aperture body extends through the
horizontally opposing corners such that a first pair of the sides
are entirely above the horizontal reference axis and a second pair
of the sides are entirely below the horizontal reference axis. The
first pair of the sides define a corner vertically offset above the
horizontal reference axis and equidistant between the horizontally
opposing corners. The first pair of the sides are of approximately
equal length.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a sighting
device comprises an aperture body including a plurality of
elongated members interconnected at end portions thereof to define
a sighting aperture that includes horizontally opposing corners. A
horizontal reference axis of the aperture body extends through the
horizontally opposing corners such that a first pair of the
elongated members are entirely above the horizontal reference axis
and a second pair of the elongated members are entirely below the
horizontal reference axis. The first pair of the elongated members
define a corner vertically offset above the horizontal reference
axis and equidistant between the horizontally opposing corners. The
first pair of the elongated members are of approximately equal
length.
[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, a sighting
device assembly comprises an aperture body and a mounting
structure. The aperture body having a plurality of aperture
carrying legs. Each one of the aperture carrying legs has a
sighting aperture therein and each one of sighting apertures
includes four intersecting sides that jointly define horizontally
opposing corners. Each one of the aperture carrying legs has a
respective horizontal reference axis that extends through the
horizontally opposing corners thereof such that a first pair of the
sides of the respective sighting aperture are entirely above the
respective horizontal reference axis and a second pair of the sides
of the respective sighting aperture are entirely below the
respective horizontal reference axis. The first pair of the sides
of each one of the sighting apertures define a respective corner
vertically offset above the respective horizontal reference axis
and the first pair of the sides of each sighting aperture are of a
respective approximate equal length. Each sighting aperture is
oriented such that the vertically offset corner thereof has a
respective radial reference axis of the aperture body extending
therethrough. The mounting structure has a first attachment portion
configured for being attached to a mounting structure of an
apparatus requiring precision aiming and a second attachment
portion having the aperture body pivotably attached thereto. The
aperture body is pivotable about a pivot axis extending
substantially perpendicular to the vertical reference axis of the
aperture body whereby the sighting device is pivotable to a first
position such that a first one of the aperture carrying legs is in
a respective use orientation and to a second position such that a
second one of the aperture carrying legs is in a respective use
position.
[0014] These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or
distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent
upon further review of the following specification, associated
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a shooter aiming a weapon
using a flip-up rear sighting device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view showing a line of sight view of
the flip-up rear sighting device of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the flip-up rear
sighting device of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3B is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the first
sighting aperture of the flip-up rear sighting device of FIG. 1
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the flip-up rear sighting device of
FIG. 1 showing the aperture body in a first pivotable
orientation;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the flip-up rear sighting device of
FIG. 1 showing the aperture body in a second pivotable orientation
and showing aiming and stowed orientations of the flip-up rear
sighting device;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing a fixed sighting
device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a pentagon shaped sighting
aperture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a sighting aperture in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention that is tapered along a line of
sight thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a weapon 100 has mounted thereon
a flip-up rear sighting device 105 in accordance with the present
invention and a front sighting device 110. A shooter 115 uses rear
sighting device 105 and the front sighting device 110 to aim the
weapon 100 at an intended target. More specifically, as shown in
FIG. 2, the shooter 115 visually aligns a top portion of a sighting
post 120 of the front sighting device 110 with a center portion of
an in-use sighting aperture 125 of the rear sighting device
105.
[0025] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, were it not for the
advantageous configuration of the rear sighting device 105, the
close proximity of the rear sighting device 105 to an eye 130 of a
shooter 115 would otherwise cause blurring of the in-use sighting
aperture 125 to adversely impact vision of the shooter 115 to the
point where aiming the weapon 100 in a precise and ready manner
would not be possible. The rear sighting device 105 aids in
shooter's eye 130 precisely find the center of the in-use sighting
aperture 125, in part, by reducing blurriness of the in-use
sighting aperture 125 and, in part, by providing the shooter's eye
130 with reference points on at the periphery of the in-use
sighting aperture 125. In short, a sighting device in accordance
with the present invention provides the shooter's eye 130 with
reference points (i.e., corners of the in-use sighting aperture
125) that are sufficiently distinct and visible so that the
shooter's eye 130 can properly utilize such reference points even
when they are blurry because of their close proximity to the
shooter's eye 130 while the shooter's eye 130 is focused with a
target at a distance.
[0026] In view of the foregoing disclosure, a skilled person will
appreciate that a sighting device in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention includes a sighting aperture that has
horizontally opposing corners in addition to either vertically
opposing corners or a single vertically offset corner (i.e.,
vertically offset above the horizontal reference axis). Examples of
shaped that provide such an aperture configuration in accordance
with the present invention include a rhombus, a kite and a
pentagon. Corners of the aperture are defined by sharp angles that
allow an eye of a user (e.g., the shooter 115) of an apparatus that
needs to be precisely aimed (e.g., the weapon 100) to divide up an
overall area of a blurry-appearing aperture in such a way that the
eye can precisely locate the center of the aperture. In this
manner, the user can precisely align the sighting device in
accordance with the present invention with a corresponding front
sighting device even through the in-use sighting aperture of the
rear sight in blurry. Conventional shaped apertures such as, for
example, round do not provide the eye with reference points that
allow the eye to precisely locate the center of such a conventional
shaped aperture. In contrast, the corners of a sighting aperture of
a sighting device in accordance with the present invention allow,
in effect, the eye to draw imaginary crosshairs within the sighting
aperture.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the sighting device 105 includes
an aperture body 150 and a mounting structure 151. The aperture
body 150 has a first aperture carrying leg 152 and a second
aperture carrying leg 154. The first aperture carrying leg 152 has
a first sighting aperture 156 therein and the second aperture
carrying leg 154 has a second sighting aperture 158 therein. Each
one of the apertures 156, 158 extends between opposing major
surfaces of the respective aperture carrying leg 152, 154 (i.e.,
front surface and rear surface).
[0028] It is disclosed herein that one or both of the aperture
carrying leg 152, 154 can be constructed so as to appear as a
substantially flat plate having an aperture extending between
opposing sides thereof. It is also disclosed herein that one or
both of the aperture carrying leg 152, 154 can be constructed so as
to appear as the respective one of the sighting apertures 156, 158
is defined by elongated members (i.e., at least a portion of the
aperture carrying leg has a skeleton or frame appearance). For
example, for a single piece aperture body, an aperture carrying leg
thereof appears to be constructed from elongated members when a
distance between the sides of the aperture and respective
peripheral edges of the aperture carrying let is relatively small
with respect to the size of the respective sighting aperture and an
aperture appears to be disposed within a plate when a distance
between the sides of the aperture and respective peripheral edges
of the aperture carrying let is relatively large with respect to
the size of the respective sighting aperture. Such elongated
members are not limited in their cross sectional configuration.
Examples of such cross sectional configurations include, but are
not limited to, rectangular, round, triangular and the like.
[0029] Each sighting aperture 156, 158 includes four intersecting
sides 160-166 that jointly define horizontally opposing corners
168, 170 and vertically opposing corners 172, 174. Each one of the
aperture carrying legs 152, 154 has a respective horizontal
reference axis HA1, HA2 that extends through the respective
horizontally opposing corners 168, 170 thereof such that a first
pair of the sides of the respective sighting aperture are entirely
above the respective horizontal reference axis HA1, HA2 and a
second pair of the sides of the respective sighting aperture are
entirely below the respective horizontal reference axis HA1, HA2.
Each one of the sighting apertures 156, 158 is oriented such that
the respective vertically opposing corners 172, 174 thereof have a
respective radial reference axis of the aperture body 150 extending
therethrough. Each radial reference axis is, in effect, a vertical
reference axis for the respective one of the sighting
apertures.
[0030] The first pair of sides of each sighting apertures 156, 158
are of a respective approximate equal length and the second pair of
the sides of each sighting aperture are of a respective approximate
equal length. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
and second pairs of sides of one or both of the sighting apertures
156, 158 are all the same length such that the sighting aperture is
rhombus shaped. Thus, a rhombus shape is defined herein to be a
four-sided polygon with all sides being of equal length. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the first pair of sides (i.e.,
the sides above the respective horizontal reference axis) and the
second pair of sides (i.e., the sides below the respective
horizontal reference axis) of one or both of the sighting apertures
156, 158 are different lengths such that the sighting aperture is
kite shaped. Thus, a kite shape is defined herein to be a
four-sided polygon with sides above the respective horizontal
reference axis being of a first length and sides below the
respective horizontal reference axis being of a second length
different than the first length. Accordingly, it is disclosed
herein that a sighting aperture in accordance with the present
invention can be rhombus shaped or kite shaped, and that the
aperture of a first aperture carrying leg of a particular aperture
body can be of a first shaped and the aperture of a second aperture
carrying leg of the particular aperture body can be of a second
shape different than the first shape. Preferably, but not
necessarily, a kite shaped or rhombus shaped aperture will be
horizontally symmetrical such that the vertically opposing corners
are equidistant from each one of the horizontally opposing
corners.
[0031] It is disclosed herein that sides of a sighting aperture in
accordance with the present invention need not be linear (i.e.,
straight). More specifically, it is disclosed herein that sides of
a sighting aperture can be non-linear (e.g., inwardly arcuate,
outwardly arcuate, etc). Similarly, it is disclosed herein that
peripheral edge portion of an aperture carrying leg of an aperture
body in accordance with the present invention need not be linear
(i.e., straight). Thus, as is the case with the edges of a sighting
aperture in accordance with the present invention, it is disclosed
herein that peripheral edge portions sides of an aperture body in
accordance with the present invention can be non-linear (e.g.,
inwardly arcuate, outwardly arcuate, etc). Still further, it is
disclosed herein that accentuation of the corners of a rhombus or
kite shaped sighting aperture in accordance with the present
invention can be accomplished by slightly enlarging the corners
(e.g., cutting away the aperture body at the corners of the
sighting aperture).
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the mounting
structure 151 includes a pedestal 180 and a base 182. The aperture
body 150 is pivotably attached to a first end portion of the
pedestal 180, thereby allowing each one of the aperture carrying
leg 152, 154 to be moved in a dependent (e.g., linked) manner
between a respective non-use position NP1, NP2 and a use position
UP (i.e., the use orientation). In this manner, a user can
selectively position an aperture of a preferred configuration for
use (i.e., in-use sighting aperture) by rotating the corresponding
aperture carrying leg 152, 154 to the use position UP. The base 182
is pivotably attached to a second end portion of the pedestal 180,
thereby allowing the pedestal 180 to be moved between a stowed
position SP and an aiming position AP. The base 180 includes means
for allowing attachment to an apparatus requiring aiming (e.g., a
picatinny rail thereof).
[0033] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, one or both of the aperture
carrying legs 152, 154 can include horizontally extending posts 190
and a vertically extending post 192 extending from peripheral edges
of respective aperture carrying leg 152, 154. Such posts 190, 192
serve to accentuate the imaginary crosshair effect created by the
corners of the respective one of the sighting apertures 156, 158.
This effect is a result of the aperture carrying leg 152, 154
surrounding the corresponding one of the sighting apertures 156,
158 creating discrete bright spots at the corners of the sighting
aperture, while the corresponding posts 190, 192 create dark spots
against the brighter distant background of the target that is being
aimed at. A user's eye sees the bright spots as essentially
continuing into the dark spots created by posts. The result is that
the imaginary crosshair effect is carried further out to the sides
of the respective aperture carrying leg (i.e., horizontally) as
well as above and below the aperture body 150 (i.e., vertically),
thus giving the user's eye a greater ability to easily and quickly
locate the exact center of the in-use sighting aperture. In other
words, posts in accordance with the present invention (e.g., posts
190, 192) accentuate the imaginary crosshair effect created by the
corners of a respective sighting aperture. One reason that the
combination of bright spots and dark spots is helpful is because
the rear sight on a rifle is placed very close to the shooter's eye
when the shooter is aiming to take a shot. It is disclosed herein
that spikes, points, or similar protuberances can be used in place
of the posts 190, 192 for accomplishing a similar effect.
[0034] The reason crosshairs are used in optical scopes is because
they are extremely precise as a means of aiming. The reason
crosshairs are not used in rear iron sights is because they blur to
the point of being either invisible or so close to indivisible that
they are useless. The reason optical scopes do not use a circle
instead of crosshairs is because a circle would be far less precise
in letting the shooter's eye choose a precise point of aim. The
ultimate goal of iron sights is to provide an aiming system for the
shooter's eye that is as close to crosshairs as possible. In
contrast, a sighting aperture in accordance with the present
invention, which optionally has protruding posts implemented
therewith achieves the goal of allowing more precise aiming via the
sights while still allowing a shooter to focus on the intended
target.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, a fixed sighting device 200 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
With respect to sighting functionality, the fixed rear sighting
device 200 operates in essentially the same manner as the flip-up
rear sighting device 105 discussed above. Accordingly, only
different features of the rear sighting device 200 will be
discussed. The rear sighting device 200 includes a pedestal 280
that is non-movably attached to a base 282 thereof (i.e., jointly a
mounting structure). The fixed sighting device 200 further includes
upstanding protective wings 290 and a shade cover 292 spanning
between the wings 290. The upstanding wings 290 are integral with
the pedestal 280 and serve to protect an aperture body 250 of the
fixed sighting device 200. The shade cover 292 aids aiming by
shading the aperture body 250 for the purpose of keeping it as dark
as possible in contrast to the surrounding environment, which
allows for maximum speed and accuracy of aiming. The shade cover
292 and the mounting structure are jointly configured for providing
an unobstructed line of sight through the in-use sighting aperture
256 when the in-use sighting aperture 256 is in the use position
thereof.
[0036] A skilled person will appreciate that the shade cover 292
can be mounted in any number of ways. Examples of such manners by
which the shade cover 292 can be mounted include, but are not
limited to, being pivotably mounted to one or both of the pedestal
280 (e.g., pivotably spring loaded to the protective wings 290),
being mounted over the pedestal (e.g., a flexible protective boot),
etc. A reason for pivotably spring-loading the shade cover or for
making it out of a very flexible material or making it removable is
so that a user can gain instant access with their fingers to enable
them to flip a dual aperture body from one aperture position to
another, such as flipping between a large and small aperture,
between a sighting aperture of a first shape (e.g., rhombus shaped)
and a sighting aperture of a second shape (e.g., kite shaped). A
spring can bias the shade cover 29 to its static position (shown in
FIG. 6).
[0037] It is disclosed herein that, in one embodiment of the shade
cover 292, the shade cover 292 can extend further back than a rear
surface of the protective wings 290, thus adding additional shade
coverage to the in-use sighting aperture. In another embodiment of
the shade cover 292, the shape cover 292 can also extend further
laterally than the outer walls of the protective wings 290, thus
adding additional shade coverage to the rear and sides of the
in-use sighting aperture.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 7, an aperture body 350 having a
pentagon shaped sighting aperture 356 therein is shown. The
sighting aperture 356 includes four intersecting sides 360-366 that
jointly define horizontally opposing corners 368, 370. A horizontal
reference axis HA of the aperture body 350 extends through the
horizontally opposing corners 368, 370 such that a first pair of
the intersecting sides are entirely above the horizontal reference
axis HA and a second pair of the intersecting sides are entirely
below the horizontal reference axis HA. The first pair of the sides
also define a corner vertically offset above the horizontal
reference axis HA (i.e., the vertically offset corner 372) and
equidistant between the horizontally opposing corners 368, 370.
Preferably, the first pair of sides are of approximately equal
length.
[0039] It is disclosed herein that the pentagon shaped sighting
aperture 356 can be used in place of or in combination with the
rhombus and/or kite shaped apertures disclosed above. More
specifically, the flip-up sighing device 105 and/or the fixed
sighting device 200 can include such a pentagon shaped sighting
aperture. Thus, it is disclosed herein that such a pentagon shaped
sighting aperture is functionally interchangeable with the rhombus
and/or kite shaped apertures discussed above.
[0040] To optimize, enhance and/or mitigate lighting
considerations, a sighting aperture in accordance with the present
invention (e.g., the sighting aperture 156) can have differential
sizing along the corresponding line of sight. As shown in FIG. 8,
edges defining a sighting aperture 456 at front surface F of an
aperture body 450 are each a first length and edges defining the
sighting aperture at the rear surface R of the aperture body 450
are each a second length different than the first length. In this
manner, the sighting aperture 456 has a linear or arcuate taper
between the front surface F and the rear surface R.
[0041] Although the aperture body of sighting devices disclosed
herein are shown as being pivotable, it is disclosed herein that
the aperture body can be fixedly attached to a pedestal thereof. In
such implementations, the aperture body will typically have only a
single sighting aperture therein.
[0042] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments,
and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments
of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,
chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid
unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *