U.S. patent application number 12/564498 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for illuminated sight for use with firearms and other instruments.
Invention is credited to Rick CALLIHAN.
Application Number | 20100088944 12/564498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42097605 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100088944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CALLIHAN; Rick |
April 15, 2010 |
Illuminated Sight for use with Firearms and other instruments
Abstract
A front sight assembly includes a self powered substantially
permanent light source such as tritium source carried within a bore
defined in a housing, where the housing preferably defines a
structure symmetrically aligned along a central plane, where the
bore carrying the light source has a central axis that lies within
or parallel to the housing's central plane. The sight assembly
housing terminates proximally in a proximal surface that faces the
user when mounted on a firearm or other instrument. The sight
assembly housing's proximal surface further includes a region
surrounding or defining a periphery around the light source which
is coated with, laminated with or altered to define a region of
photo-luminescence that is substantially concentric with the center
of the visible portion of light source.
Inventors: |
CALLIHAN; Rick; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. ANDREW MCKINNEY & ASSOC., LLC
PO Box 1290
Millersville
MD
21108
US
|
Family ID: |
42097605 |
Appl. No.: |
12/564498 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61136776 |
Oct 2, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/01 20130101; F41G
1/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/145 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00; F41G 1/32 20060101 F41G001/32; F41G 1/02 20060101
F41G001/02 |
Claims
1. A sight assembly, comprising: a first self powered substantially
permanent light source carried within a bore defined in a housing;
wherein said sight housing preferably defines an elongate
substantially planar segment symmetrically aligned along a central
plane, wherein said sight assembly terminates proximally in a
proximal surface that will face the user; and wherein said sight
assembly housing's proximal surface further includes a region
surrounding or defining a periphery around said light source which
is altered to define a region of photo-luminescence that is
substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion of
said light source.
2. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein said first self powered
substantially permanent light source comprises a tritium vial
carried within the bore defined in said housing.
3. The sight assembly of claim 2, wherein said bore carrying said
tritium vial has a central axis within or parallel to said
housing's central plane.
4. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein said sight assembly's
proximal surface that will face the user when the sight assembly is
mounted on a firearm near the muzzle.
5. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein said region surrounding
or defining a periphery around said light source which is coated
with a substance to define said region of photo-luminescence that
is substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion
of said light source.
6. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein said region surrounding
or defining a periphery around said light source which is laminated
with a substance to define said region of photo-luminescence that
is substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion
of said light source.
7. The sight assembly of claim 1, wherein the region surrounding or
defining a periphery around said light source is defined within a
counterbore, thereby providing a protective proximally projecting
encircling wall around the photo-luminescent region and light
source.
8. The sight assembly of claim 7, wherein, when using a pistol or
other firearm equipped with the sight assembly of the present
invention, the user looks down the central axis of the counterbore,
so that the protection is provided without any adverse impact upon
the visibility of the photo-luminescent region or light source.
9. A sight assembly, comprising: a sight body with a proximal
surface and an upper surface, said body including an elongate
substantially longitudinal notch defined in said upper surface and
symmetrically aligned along a central axis, wherein said sight
body's proximal surface is defined around said notch's proximal end
so said proximal surface faces the user whereby the user can sight
along said notch; a first self powered substantially permanent
light source carried within a first bore defined in the housing; a
second self powered substantially permanent light source carried
within a second bore defined in the housing; wherein said sight
assembly housing's proximal surface further includes a first region
surrounding or defining a periphery around said first light source
which is altered to define a region of photo-luminescence that is
substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion of
said first light source; and wherein said sight assembly housing's
proximal surface further includes a second region surrounding or
defining a periphery around said second light source which is
altered to define a region of photo-luminescence that is
substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion of
said second light source.
10. The sight assembly of claim 9, wherein said first and second
self powered substantially permanent light sources each comprises a
tritium vial carried within said bores defined in said housing.
11. The sight assembly of claim 10, wherein said first bore
carrying said first tritium vial has a central axis parallel to
said housing's central axis.
12. The sight assembly of claim 9, wherein said sight assembly's
proximal surface that will face the user when the sight assembly is
mounted proximally on a firearm.
13. The sight assembly of claim 9, wherein said first region
surrounding or defining a periphery around said first light source
which is coated with a substance to define said first region of
photo-luminescence that is substantially concentric with the center
of the visible portion of said first light source.
14. The sight assembly of claim 9, wherein said first region
surrounding or defining a periphery around said first light source
which is laminated with a substance to define said first region of
photo-luminescence that is substantially concentric with the center
of the visible portion of said first light source.
15. The sight assembly of claim 9, wherein the first region
surrounding or defining a periphery around said first light source
is defined within a first counterbore, thereby providing a
protective proximally projecting encircling wall around the first
photo-luminescent region and first light source.
16. The sight assembly of claim 15, wherein, when using a pistol or
other firearm equipped with the sight assembly of the present
invention, the user looks down the central axis of the sight body
and through the notch, so that the protection is provided without
any adverse impact upon the visibility of the first
photo-luminescent region or first light source.
17. A sight assembly, comprising: a housing adapted to be mounted
to an instrument or firearm; a first self powered substantially
permanent light source which generates light in a first selected
color, wherein said light source is carried within a bore defined
in the housing; wherein said sight assembly terminates proximally
in a proximal surface that will face the user when grasping the
instrument or firearm; wherein said sight assembly housing's
proximal surface further includes a region surrounding or defining
a periphery around said light source which is altered to define a
region of photo-luminescence that is substantially concentric with
the center of the visible portion of said light source; and wherein
said region of photo-luminescence defines a region which emits
light in a second color.
18. The sight assembly of claim 17, wherein said first selected
color is selected from the colors green, yellow and orange.
19. The sight assembly of claim 17, wherein said region of
photo-luminescence emits light in a second color which is selected
from the colors white, orange and green.
20. The sight assembly of claim 17, wherein the region surrounding
or defining a periphery around said light source is defined within
a counterbore, thereby providing a protective proximally projecting
encircling wall around the photo-luminescent region and light
source.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIMS AND REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to related and commonly
owned U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/136,776, filed
Oct. 2, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to sights and, more
particularly, to sights adapted for use in low-light environments
on firearms and other instruments.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0005] For purposes of nomenclature and as an example of one type
of firearm, FIG. 1 illustrates a Glock model 17 pistol. When using
or shooting a pistol, the user grasps grip frame and aims by
aligning a notch or aperture included as part of a rear sight with
the distal front sight, thereby pointing the pistol's muzzle at a
target. The front sight is usually an upwardly projecting
protuberance mounted at or near the muzzle or distal end of the
pistol's barrel or slide. An important part of sight alignment is
first visually acquiring the front sight and then bringing the
front sight into alignment with (a) the target and (b) the rear
sight's notch or aperture. In many competition, tactical or combat
situations, the time expended by the shooter in performing this
sight alignment process is critical. Shooting in low light
situations makes front sight acquisition and sight alignment more
of a challenge.
[0006] In the industry of weapon sights there is a need for a sight
that can be used in various environments, regardless of lighting
conditions in the user's (or shooter's) environment.
[0007] Some prior art sights have included employed a
photo-luminescent material, much like on a typical "permanent"
illumination watch face. These photo-luminescent materials are most
often seen as "permanent" illumination for the hands of
wristwatches intended for diving, nighttime, or "tactical" use.
They are also favored by the military for critical applications
where illumination of the glow-in-the-dark sort is desired but a
powered light source may not be available. Some uses of this sort
are analog dials in aircraft, in compasses, and sights for weapons.
Tritium light sources were invented in the 1960s as a reliable
self-powered light source for NATO. Prior art self-powered light
sources used radium paint, which posed health risks. Gaseous
tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, has also been used in
self-powered lighting applications, such as emergency exit signs.
More recently, many applications using radioactive materials have
been replaced with photo luminescent materials.
[0008] In a self powered lighting structure such as a gaseous
tritium light source, the tritium undergoes beta decay, releasing
electrons which cause the phosphor layer to fluoresce. During
manufacture, a length of borosilicate glass tube which has had the
inside surface coated with a phosphor-containing compound is filled
with the radioactive tritium. The tube is then fused with a
CO.sub.2 laser at the desired length. Borosilicate is preferred
because it is a type of glass noted for its strength and resistance
to breakage. In the tube, the tritium gives off a steady stream of
electrons due to beta decay. These particles excite the phosphor,
causing it to emit a low, steady glow. One could use any beta
particle-emitting substance, but in practice tritium is preferred
because it is not very hazardous. Various preparations of the
phosphorus compound can be used to produce different colors of
light. Some of the colors that have been manufactured in addition
to the common phosphorus green are red, blue, yellow, purple, and
orange. The types of coatings used in watches give off a small
amount of light--not enough to be seen in daylight, but enough to
be visible in the dark from a distance of several meters.
[0009] Front sights containing vials of Tritium are well known for
use on firearms at night or in low light. Tritium vials are known
as self lighting and are made using glass tubes with a phosphor
layer in them and tritium (a hydrogen isotope) gas inside the tube.
Such a tube is known as a "gaseous tritium light source" (GTLS) or
a Tritium vial. Tritium (self luminous) sights are ideal in
low-light settings, but the tritium sight's glow is not visible
during daylight (and most lighted indoor) environments. The average
such GTLS has a useful life of 10-20 years. As the tritium
component of the lighting is expensive, manufacturers try to use as
little as possible. Being an unstable isotope with a half-life of
about 12.36 years, tritium loses half its brightness in that
period. The more tritium that is initially placed in the tube, the
brighter it is to begin with and the longer its useful life. For
example, tritium devices usually come in three brightness levels
guaranteed for 10, 15, or 20 year useful life expectancies. The
difference between the devices is how much tritium the manufacturer
installs.
[0010] Sights using a fiber optic rod to transfer collected light
to a surface facing the user are ideal for outdoor use, but require
a constant source of ambient light (e.g., sunlight for outdoors or
adequate artificial light for indoors) and are not effective
without abundant ambient light to make the fiber optic surface
`glow`.
[0011] Brightly painted sights, although visible with in an area
with adequate lighting, are not effective in low light
situations.
[0012] There is a need, therefore, for an effective, convenient and
unobtrusive sight system and method for providing an illuminated
sight picture.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
overcome the above mentioned difficulties by providing an
effective, convenient and unobtrusive sight system and method for
providing an illuminated sight picture.
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, a sight is
provided that is highly effective for use at indoor shooting
ranges, where lighting is usually too dim for using fiber optic
sights yet not dark enough to effectively use tritium. The sight of
the present invention is also suitable for use on outdoor shooting
ranges and for all other environments where lighting conditions
vary.
[0015] The sight of the present invention incorporates
self-luminous (tritium) type sight lamps (where the tritium lamp is
encased in a sight housing) and a visible end of the tritium lamp
is surrounded with a surface coated with non-radioactive
photo-luminescent material.
[0016] The tritium lamp feature of the sight provides a constant
`glow`, visible in low light environments while the brightly
colored photo-luminescent material remains highly visible in
daylight and, after storing energy from a secondary source, highly
visible in low-light environments.
[0017] The photo-luminescent material surrounding the tritium lamp
can be seen by the user whether it is `charged` or not charged, and
the user can decide whether to charge the surrounding
photo-luminescent material based on the lighting in the
environment.
[0018] The photo-luminescent material provides a bright, highly
visible `glow` that remains highly visible to the user for an
extended period after receiving a `charge` from a secondary light
source. The user can deliberately `charge` the photo-luminescent
material with a common handheld flashlight or any other artificial
light source (light bulb, table lamp, indoor lighting, chemical
light stick, etc). This `charge` creates a bright, highly visible
surface on the sight, making the sight very noticeable and allowing
the user to quickly acquire the sight and focus on the sight for
improved performance.
[0019] The photo-luminescent material can also be `charged` or
activated by natural lighting such as sunlight. The
photo-luminescent material on the sight needs to be recharged,
unlike the tritium light source, once the photo-luminescent
material no longer produces the desired brightness for the user
(time will vary from minutes to hours, depending upon the user's
preference, the strength (the amount of energy stored in the
photo-luminescent material) of the previous `charge`, and the
specific photo-luminescent material formula used (the
photo-luminescent material is available in an unlimited number of
colors and glow times and, for example, green photo-luminescent
material may be designed for 20-minute glow or for 8-hour glow,
depending upon the application).
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the photo-luminescent material is
applied to the sight base after the sight base has been machined to
create a surrounding counter-bore (having a square, triangular,
circular or rounded shape) to a selected depth in the range of,
preferably, 0.020'' to 0.060''. The photo-luminescent material is
placed in this surrounding counter-bore area. In the center of the
surrounding counter-bore area is a deeper central concentric hole
or bore, which drilled to a depth which will receive most or all of
entire length of a substantially cylindrical vial containing the
self-luminous tritium light source.
[0021] The above and still further objects, features and advantages
of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of
the following detailed description of a specific embodiment
thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals in the
various figures are utilized to designate like components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a firearm, and more particularly a
pistol, in accordance with the prior art.
[0023] FIG. 2a illustrates a proximal end view, in elevation for a
first embodiment of the front sight having a round counterbore to
define the chamfered phosphorescent surface surrounding the Tritium
illumination source, in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2b illustrates a top view, in elevation of the front
sight of FIG. 2a with its round counterbore to define the chamfered
phosphorescent surface surrounding the Tritium illumination source,
in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2c illustrates a right side view in elevation of the
front sight of FIGS. 2a and 2b, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2d illustrates a bottom view of the front sight of
FIGS. 2a-2c, in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3a illustrates a proximal end view, in elevation for a
second embodiment of the front sight having a square counterbore to
define the chamfered phosphorescent surface surrounding the Tritium
illumination source, in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3b illustrates a top view, in elevation of the front
sight of FIG. 3a with its square counterbore to define the
chamfered phosphorescent surface surrounding the Tritium
illumination source, in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3c illustrates a right side view in elevation of the
front sight of FIGS. 3a and 3b, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 3d illustrates a bottom view of the front sight of
FIGS. 3a-3c, in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a proximal end view, in perspective for a
first embodiment of a rear sight having a tapered body and first
and second round counterbores configured define first and second
chamfered phosphorescent surfaces surrounding the left and right
Tritium illumination sources, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a proximal end view, in perspective for a
two-piece sight kit containing a front sight such as the one
illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2d, and a second embodiment of a rear sight
having a polygonal body and first and second round counterbores
configured define first and second chamfered phosphorescent
surfaces surrounding the left and right Tritium illumination
sources, in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, and for purposes of nomenclature, a
pistol 10 is shown in profile. Pistol 10 is a Glock model 17, but
is exemplary of pistols, generally. As noted above, when using or
shooting pistol 10, the user grasps grip frame 40 and aims by
aligning a notch or aperture included as part of the proximal rear
sight 30 with the distal front sight 20, thereby pointing muzzle 50
at the desired target. Front sight 20, as shown, is usually an
upwardly projecting protuberance (e.g., blade or post) mounted at
or near the muzzle or distal end of the pistol's barrel or slide.
An important part of sight alignment is first visually acquiring
the front sight and then bringing the front sight into alignment
with (a) the target and (b) the rear sight's notch or aperture. In
many competition, tactical or combat situations, the time expended
by the shooter in performing this sight alignment process is
critical. Shooting in low light situations makes front sight
acquisition and sight alignment more of a challenge.
[0034] Turning now to FIGS. 2a-5, in accordance with the present
invention, a first embodiment front sight is illustrated in FIGS.
2a-2d; front sight assembly 100 includes a source of illumination
such as self-luminous tritium vial 102 encased in a sight housing
104 and the visible (or proximal) end of the tritium lamp 106 is
surrounded with an annular surface 110 coated with non-radioactive
photo-luminescent material, preferably within a counterbore such as
circular counterbore 112, defined in the front sight assembly's
proximal surface.
[0035] A second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3d, wherein
front sight assembly 200 includes a source of illumination such as
self-luminous tritium vial 102 encased in a sight housing 204 and
the visible or proximal end of the tritium lamp 106 is surrounded
with a square-shaped surface 210 coated with non-radioactive
photo-luminescent material, preferably within a counterbore such as
square counterbore 212, defined in the front sight assembly's
proximal surface.
[0036] The tritium lamp feature of sight assembly 100 or 200 will
provide a constant, substantially perpetual self powered `glow`,
that is visible in low light environments while the surrounding
brightly colored photo-luminescent material-covered surface (110 or
210) will be highly visible in daylight and, after storing energy
from a secondary source, highly visible in low-light
environments.
[0037] The photo-luminescent material surrounding the tritium can
be seen to the user whether it is `charged` or not charged, based
on the lighting in the environment. The photo-luminescent material
provides a bright (highly visible to the user) `glow` after
receiving a `charge` from a secondary light source. The secondary
light source can be provided by the user or can be an ambient
source, such as bright sunlight. The user can deliberately `charge`
the photo-luminescent material with a common handheld flashlight or
any other artificial light source (light bulb, table lamp, indoor
lighting, chemical light stick, etc). This `charge` creates a
bright, highly visible surface on the sight (on the peripheral
surface 106, 206), making the sight very noticeable and allowing
the user to quickly acquire the sight and focus on the sight for
improved performance.
[0038] As noted above, the photo-luminescent material can also be
`charged` or activated by natural lighting such as sunlight. The
photo-luminescent material on the sight needs to be recharged,
unlike the tritium light source, once the photo-luminescent
material no longer produces the desired brightness for the user
(time will vary from minutes to hours, depending upon the user's
preference, the strength (the amount of energy stored in the
photo-luminescent material) of the previous `charge`, and the
specific photo-luminescent material formula used. The
photo-luminescent material is available in a virtually unlimited
number of colors and glow times. A green photo-luminescent material
may be designed for 20-minute glow or for 8-hour glow, depending
upon the application.
[0039] In accordance with the present invention, rear sight
assemblies can also be improved.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a proximal end view, in perspective for a
first embodiment of a rear sight 300 having a tapered body defining
a longitudinal sighting notch 320. First and second round
counterbores are configured define first and second chamfered
phosphorescent surfaces surrounding the left and right Tritium
illumination sources 302A and 302B. Rear sight assembly 300
includes first and second sources of illumination 302A, 302B which
can be identical to self-luminous tritium vial 102,and each is
encased in a tapered or contoured sight housing 304 and the visible
(or proximal) end of the first and second tritium lamps are each
surrounded with an annular surface 310a, 310b, and each annular
surface area is coated with non-radioactive photo-luminescent
material, preferably within a counterbore such as a circular
counterbore, defined in the rear sight assembly's proximal surface,
as seen mounted on pistol 10. The left illumination source 302A is
positioned on the proximal surface in the sight body 304, to the
left of sight notch 320 and, when seen from the proximal end, above
the bottom surface of sight notch 320. Right illumination source
302B is positioned on the proximal surface in the sight body 304,
to the right of sight notch 320 and above the bottom surface of
sight notch 320, to be substantially level or even with the left
illumination source 302A.
[0041] Another configuration for a rear sight is illustrated in
FIG. 5, which shows a proximal end view, in perspective, for a
second embodiment of rear sight 400 having a polygonal body
defining a longitudinal sighting notch 420. First and second round
counterbores are configured define first and second chamfered
phosphorescent surfaces surrounding the left and right Tritium
illumination sources 402A and 402B. Rear sight assembly 400
includes first and second sources of illumination 402A, 402B which
can be identical to self-luminous tritium vial 102,and each is
encased in sight housing 404 and the visible (or proximal) end of
the first and second tritium lamps are each surrounded with an
annular surface 410a, 410b, and each annular surface area is coated
with non-radioactive photo-luminescent material, preferably within
a counterbore such as a circular counterbore, defined in the rear
sight assembly's proximal surface The left illumination source 402A
is positioned on the proximal surface in the sight body 404, to the
left of sight notch 420 and, when seen from the proximal end, above
the bottom surface of sight notch 420. Right illumination source
402B is positioned on the proximal surface in the sight body 404,
to the right of sight notch 420 and above the bottom surface of
sight notch 420, to be substantially level or even with the left
illumination source 402A.
[0042] FIG. 5 also illustrates a two-piece sight kit 500 containing
a front sight 100 such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2d, and a
rear sight 404, in accordance with the present invention. When
purchased or installed together, the front sight 100 and rear sight
404 can be configured to have identical illumination sources having
identically sized surrounding counterbore areas 110, 410A and
410B.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, the photo-luminescent
material is applied to the sight base after the sight base has been
machined to create a surrounding counter-bore (having a square or
rectangular (e.g., 206), triangular, circular (e.g., 106) or
rounded shape) to a selected depth in the range of, preferably,
0.020'' to 0.060''. The photo-luminescent material is placed in
this surrounding counter-bore area (e.g., 106). In the center of
the surrounding counter-bore area is a deeper central concentric
hole or bore, which drilled to a depth which will receive the most
or all of entire length of a substantially cylindrical vial
containing the self-luminous tritium light source 102.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the deeper central concentric
hole or bore is drilled to a depth which will receive not quite all
of the entire length of substantially cylindrical vial containing
the self-luminous tritium light source 102, and instead, the light
source 102 is installed with a proximal crystal or sapphire
jewel-lens, so the proximal end actually projects out of the
central bore by 20 to 60 thousandths of an inch, but is flush with
the added photo-luminescent material in the annular region of the
counter bore, so that a portion of the light emitted by light
source 102 shines laterally and directly into or onto the
surrounding photo-luminescent material in the annular region.
Alternative Embodiments
[0045] Preferably, the sight assembly's tritium insert 102 includes
the tritium light source vial (a cylindrical glass ampoule
containing gaseous tritium and phosphor), a sleeve (made of metal
or plastic) surrounding the tritium ampoule, and a protective
end-mounted lens (e.g., a sapphire jewel or lens) on the proximal
end (the end visible by the user) of the ampoule. This
configuration of Tritium filled glass lamp is offered by the
Trijicon.RTM. Company, for example. In the center of the annular
surrounding counter-bore area is a deeper central concentric hole
or bore, which is drilled to a depth to receive the tritium
ampoule, but not the added sapphire lens (if present). During
manufacture, the photo-luminescent material (before curing or
drying, e.g., when in a gel or paint-like state) is applied into
the annular counter-bore in such a way that fills in around and
surrounds the sides of the end mounted sapphire lens, creating a
flush surface including the lens and the photo-luminescent material
and that portion of the sight housing beyond the annular
counter-bore. The end-mounted lens may be sapphire, plastic or may
be applied as a clear adhesive. Alternatively, there may be no lens
on the proximal end of insert 102.
[0046] In the illustrated and exemplary embodiments, the
photo-luminescent material is a paint-like coating including a
photo-luminescent pigment or phosphor; an example of a suitable
photo-luminescent pigment is one currently sold under the brand
name Super-LumiNova.RTM. by LumiNova AG Switzerland, under license
from Nemoto & Co. Ltd. of Japan, patent holder of these new
compositions and RC TRITEC Ltd. The "photo-luminescent" or
"afterglow" pigments or phosphor, are a non-radioactive and
non-toxic alternative for illuminating markings on time-piece dials
and hands, making them visible in the dark. Selected grades of new
chemical pigment compositions have up to 100 times better
brightness than previous zinc sulphide materials. These pigments or
phosphors operate like a light battery. After sufficient activation
by sunlight or artificial light, they glow in the dark for many
hours. Larger markings are visible for the whole night. This
activation and subsequent light emission process can be repeated
again and again, and the material does not suffer any ageing.
Super-LumiNova.RTM. pigments are available in ISO 3157 or ISO/DIS
17514 standard colors and many other shades. Before use they are
mixed with suitable (e.g., RC TRITEC.TM.) binders, which can be
characterized as working like a varnish. Here, the luminous
pigments are supplied as dry powders and must be mixed before use
with transparent binders. The pigment and binder mixture is applied
and then cured in the air or in a curing oven. Zinc is used to make
an orange photo-luminescent material, and photo-luminescent
materials in other colors can also readily be made.
[0047] For purposes of nomenclature, the term "photo-luminescent
material" is construed to include all coatings applied in a manner
similar to paint as well as solid lamina or film-like structures
adapted to conform to the surface of the sight surrounding the
tritium vial's bore. Those having skill in these arts will
understand that "photo-luminescent material" is, as noted above, a
generically descriptive term for light sources that emit light
continuously without an external power source, most frequently used
on wristwatches (i.e. "night" watches) and certain emergency and
tactical equipment, and those materials are also appropriate for
use in the peripheral photoluminescent region (e.g., 110). Other
photoluminescent lamina, coatings or layers are also appropriate;
for example, a coating including the features of US published
patent application 20070200074, filed in 2007, has sand-grain-sized
tritium containers or glass or polymer "microspheres" that can be
applied in self-powered lighting paint or incorporated into a film
layer, where the plurality of individual containment microspheres
minimizes the likelihood of escaping radioactive gas in the event
of any physical damage to an assembly having the microspheres.
[0048] In accordance with the present invention, a sight assembly
includes a self powered substantially permanent light source such
as tritium source 102 carried within a bore defined in a front
sight blade or housing (104 or 204), where the sight housing
preferably defines an elongate substantially planar segment
symmetrically aligned along a central plane, where the bore
carrying tritium source 102 has a central axis that lies within or
parallel to the housing's central plane. Sight assembly blade or
housing (104 or 204) terminates proximally in a proximal surface
that will face the user when the sight assembly is mounted on a
firearm (e.g. 10) near the muzzle (e.g., 50). Sight assembly
housing's proximal surface further includes a region surrounding or
defining a periphery around light source 102 which is coated with,
laminated with or altered to define a region of photo-luminescence
that is substantially concentric with the center of the visible
portion of light source 102.
[0049] In the illustrated, preferred embodiments, the region
surrounding or defining a periphery around light source 102 is
defined within a counterbore, thereby providing a protective
proximally projecting encircling wall around the photo-luminescent
region and light source 102. When using a pistol or other firearm
equipped with the sight assembly of the present invention, the user
looks down the central axis of the counterbore (e.g., 112 or 212),
so that the protection is provided without any adverse impact upon
the visibility of the photo-luminescent region or light source
102.
[0050] In use, a gunsmith or user can remove the plain front sight
50 from the distal end of pistol 10 and replace it with the front
sight assembly of the present invention (e.g., 100 or 200).
[0051] Similarly, a gunsmith or user can remove the plain front
sight 30 from the proximal end of pistol 10 and replace it with one
of the rear sight assemblies of the present invention (e.g., 300 or
400), and of course, a gunsmith or user can remove both the plain
front sight 50 and the plain rear sight 30 from pistol 10 and
replace them both, once having obtained a pair of sight assemblies
(100, 400) in a kit 500, thereby obtaining a pistol adapted for use
in a wider variety of ambient lighting conditions.
[0052] Rear sights (e.g., 300 or 400) are readily configured using
the illumination structure and method of the present invention in
the following heights: 0.256'', 0.271'', 0.287'', 0.311'', 0.393''
(6.5 mm, 6.9 mm, 7.3 mm, 7.9 mm, and 10.0 mm). Similarly, front
sights (e.g., 100 or 200) are readily configured in plain or
serrated housings using the illumination structure and method of
the present invention in the following heights: 0.165'' (standard
factory height), 0.180'', 0.200'', 0.220'', 0.240'', 0.260'',
0.280'', 0.300'', 0.315'', 0.330'', 0.350''. Users typically know
their current sight heights. The standard height of a Glock.RTM.
plastic front sight is 165'' (measuring only the sight blade) and
the Glock.RTM. parts suppliers offer a variety of rear sights,
indicated with a series of dashes; Glock refers to these heights as
+0 (6.5 mm), +1 (6.9 mm), and this knowledge is used when comparing
observed shooting performance (e.g., shooting low at desired range)
to the optimal performance for a given user.
[0053] Broadly speaking, a sight assembly in accordance with the
present invention, comprises a housing (e.g., 100) adapted to be
mounted to an instrument or firearm;
[0054] a first self powered substantially permanent light source
102 which generates light in a first selected color (e.g., green,
yellow or orange) carried within a bore defined in the housing. The
sight assembly terminates proximally in a proximal surface that
will face the user when grasping the instrument or firearm and
housing's proximal surface further includes a region 112
surrounding or defining a periphery around light source 102 which
is altered to define a region of photo-luminescence that is
substantially concentric with the center of the visible portion of
light source 102 which emits light in a second color (e.g., white,
orange or green).
[0055] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved
method, it is believed that other modifications, variations and
changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of
the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood
that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to
fall within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the
claims.
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