Removable Foregrip With Laser Sight

Abstract

A sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm includes a foregrip, a quantum cascade laser disposed within the foregrip, and a power source operably connected to the quantum cascade laser.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/334,111, filed on Dec. 12, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/013,906, filed on Dec. 14, 2007. The entire disclosure of each of these applications is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING"

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to firearms, and, in particular, to sight assemblies used with firearms.

[0006] 2. Description of Related Art

[0007] It is now common in law enforcement and certain military operations for weapons to be equipped with a laser sighting device, that is, a laser mounted on the weapon that propagates a relatively narrow, intense laser light beam to a target so as to produce a spot on the target essentially where the projectile will intercept the target if the weapon is discharged. This enables the weapon to be aimed precisely by pointing the weapon so that the spot lies on the target at the point where the person using the weapon wants the projectile to strike the target. Such a laser sighting device is disclosed, for example, in Toole et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,091. Laser sights are particularly effective as sighting devices because the lasers do not require users to align an eye with a sighting device, which can limit or obscure the user's view of the targets or their surroundings.

[0008] Laser sights have been mounted from conventional accessory mounts, such as Picatinny rails, in the same way that scopes and other accessories have been mounted on firearms. Typically, the laser sight modules include receptors for engaging the accessory mounts on the firearms. For example, dovetail-type receptors have been formed in laser sight modules for engaging Picatinny rails on the firearms. Laser sights have been mounted from different types of accessory mounts on the firearms, including from other types of rails, using mating receptors and have also been mounted on firearms using clamping devices or other forms of attachment for engaging firearm barrels, frames, or other components that are not otherwise intended as accessory mounts.

[0009] Often, it is desirable to mount the laser sights so that the sights can be removed and transferred between firearms, generally with as little adjustment as possible. Again, rails, particularly Picatinny-type rails, have been used for this purpose. The rails can be formed integral with the firearm frames or clamped or otherwise attached to the firearm barrels or frames.

[0010] Both the accessory mounts presented on firearms and the receptors for engaging them tend to offset the laser sights from the barrels. Alternative adapter structures used for attaching laser sights to firearm components that are not otherwise arranged as mountings also tend to offset the laser sights from firearm barrels. Among the accessory mounts, rail mounts, such as Picatinny rails, offset laser sights by the space occupied by the rails themselves and any attachments for fixing the rails to the firearm barrels or frames. In addition, the receptors used for engaging the rails can take up more space and displace the laser sights farther from firearm barrels. The known laser sights mounted in this way are also exposed to jarring and can encumber the handling or operation of firearms, particularly as the laser sights are mounted at increasing offset from firearm barrels. In addition, known laser sights are only configured to emit a single laser and are not configured to operate multiple lasers using a single control circuit.

[0011] In addition to the drawbacks discussed above, known sight assemblies for firearms also suffer from limited functionality. In particular, while known sight assemblies may include, for example, locating lasers, markers, or other signal emitters, such signal emitters are typically inefficient and potentially dangerous for use in combat, law enforcement, reconnaissance, or other like areas. For instance, the beams, lasers, signals, or other such signals emitted by known signal emitters may be visible by conventional night vision goggles or other like viewing devices. Such viewing devices are widely available and used by both U.S. troops and opposition groups. Thus, the signals emitted by sight assemblies equipped with known signal emitters are detectable by opposition groups, making stealth operation, targeting, identification, or other operations difficult if not impossible.

[0012] In addition, some known signal emitters, such as thermal markers or other devices emitting radiation, pulse signatures, or other signals in the thermal band, may have a relatively limited range. For example, the signals emitted by known devices are not easily detected beyond a range of approximately one km. While this limited range may be relevant in a tightly confined, troop-focused combat arena, signals emitted by such thermal markers or other known signal emitters may not be easily seen from great distances, thus making locating, for example, troops utilizing weapons having a sight assembly with such a signal emitter difficult.

[0013] Accordingly, the disclosed systems and methods are directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly for a firearm includes a foregrip removably attachable to the firearm, a first light source disposed within the foregrip, and a different second light source disposed within the foregrip. The assembly also includes a power source electrically connected to the first and second light sources, and a control circuit configured to control activation of the first and second light sources.

[0015] In such an exemplary embodiment, a position of the first light source is adjustable relative to a position of the second light source. In addition, the assembly further includes an adjustment assembly configured to position the first and second light sources relative to the foregrip, a selection device configured to allow activation of at least one of the first light source and the second light source at a time, and an activation device configured to activate the one of the first light source and the second light source. Activating the one of the first light source and the second light source produces one of a continuous laser beam and a pulsed laser beam.

[0016] In such an exemplary embodiment, the first and second light sources include one of a green laser, a red laser, an infra-red laser, an infra-red LED, a white and colored LED, a class 3A laser having an output of less than 5 mW, a search light, a traveling light, and a guide light. In addition, the assembly also includes a locking assembly configured to substantially immobilize the foregrip with respect to the firearm. Moreover, the power source comprises at least one battery and the at least one battery comprises one of a plurality of AA batteries and a DL-123 battery. In addition, the power source is disposed within the foregrip and the control circuit is disposed within the foregrip, the first light source is a laser, and the second light source is an LED.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a sight assembly for a firearm includes adjustably mounting a first light source and a second light source within a foregrip of the firearm and connecting the first and second light sources to a control circuit configured to activate the first and second light sources in response to a control signal.

[0018] In such an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit is configured to direct power to one of the first and second light sources while the other of the first and second light sources is deactivated. The exemplary method further includes mounting a selection device to the foregrip, the selection device being configured to allow activation of at least one of the first light source and the second light source at a time, mounting an activation device to the foregrip, the activation device being configured to activate the one of the first light source and the second light source. Such an embodiment also includes defining a power source compartment within the foregrip, the power source compartment being configured to receive a removable power source. Such an embodiment also includes defining a storage compartment within the foregrip configured to receive a removable sight assembly adjustment tool, and securing an adjustment assembly to the foregrip, the adjustment assembly configured to enable adjustment of the first light source relative to the second light source.

[0019] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of activating a component of a sight assembly for a firearm includes connecting a foregrip to a mounting rail of the firearm, selecting between a first light source and a second light source disposed substantially within the foregrip, and activating the selected light source.

[0020] In such an exemplary embodiment, activating the selected light source includes sending a control signal to the selected light source via a control circuit electrically connected to the first and second light source, and the control signal originates at an activation device mounted to the foregrip. In addition, activating the selected light source includes directing a beam of light in the direction of a target and manipulating an activation device mounted to the foregrip. The activation device is substantially noise-free. Moreover, in such an exemplary embodiment, selecting between the first light source and the second light source includes manipulating a selection device mounted to the foregrip, and the selected light source comprises a warning laser and includes a mechanism configured to assist in removably attaching the foregrip to the firearm wherein the clamping mechanism is reversible and further includes a third light source disposed within the foregrip.

[0021] In still another exemplary embodiment, the first light source comprises a laser and the second light source comprises a range finder wherein at least one of the first and second light sources includes a laser having an output of greater than 5 mW. In addition, at least one of the first and second light sources includes a laser having friend or foe data encoding. Such exemplary embodiment activates the one of the first light source and the second light source produces one of a continuous laser beam and a pulsed laser beam. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one battery comprises one of a plurality of AA batteries and a DL-123 battery.

[0022] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly for a firearm includes a foregrip removably attachable to the firearm, and a first light source disposed within the foregrip, a vertical axis of the first light source being collinear with a vertical axis of a firearm barrel when the foregrip is attached to the firearm. Such an embodiment further includes a second light source disposed within the foregrip, a vertical axis of the second light source being collinear with the vertical axis of the firearm barrel when the foregrip is attached to the firearm. In addition, the foregrip is removably attachable to a rail of the firearm and the foregrip is removably attachable beneath the firearm barrel. The first light source includes a laser, and the sight assembly further includes a second light source disposed within the foregrip. In an exemplary embodiment, the second light source is a travelling light and an adjustment tool is disposed within a power source compartment of the foregrip. The assembly further includes a plurality of AA batteries disposed within the power source compartment and a reversible clamping mechanism configured to assist in removably attaching the foregrip to the firearm. In addition, the foregrip is removably attachable to a plurality of different firearm rails.

[0023] In such an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip further includes a selection device configured to transition the first light source between a continuous and a pulsed mode of operation. In another embodiment, the foregrip further includes an activation device configured to operate the first light source in one of a momentary mode and a latched mode.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm includes a foregrip, a quantum cascade laser disposed within the foregrip, and a power source operably connected to the quantum cascade laser.

[0025] In such an exemplary embodiment, the quantum cascade laser produces a beam having a wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m. In addition, the power source is disposed external to the foregrip. In such an exemplary embodiment, the assembly further includes a heat shield disposed between the quantum cascade laser and a portion of the foregrip such as, for example, an outer surface of the foregrip housing grasped by an operator of the firearm. In another exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a heat shield disposed between the quantum cascade laser and a barrel of the firearm.

[0026] In such an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a cooling element thermally connected to the quantum cascade laser. The cooling element is active and is disposed within the foregrip. Such an exemplary assembly further includes a second light source with the foregrip different than the quantum cascade laser.

[0027] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm includes a quantum cascade laser adjustably mounted within a foregrip, a second light source disposed within the foregrip, and a power source electrically connected to the quantum cascade laser and the second light source. In such an exemplary embodiment, a position of the second light source is adjustable relative to a position of the quantum cascade laser. Such an exemplary embodiment further includes an adjustment assembly configured to position the quantum cascade laser and the second light source relative to the foregrip, and the adjustment assembly positions the quantum cascade laser in unison with the second light source. In such an exemplary embodiment, the quantum cascade laser and the second light source would be co-aligned.

[0028] In such an exemplary embodiment, the assembly also includes a cooling element thermally connected to the quantum cascade laser, the power source is disposed within or external to the foregrip, and a position of at least one of the quantum cascade laser and the second light source can be adjusted while the foregrip is connected to the firearm.

[0029] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly for a firearm includes a quantum cascade laser disposed within a foregrip, and a second light source disposed within the foregrip. In such an assembly, a vertical axis of at least one of the quantum cascade laser and the second light source is co-linear with a vertical axis of a firearm barrel when the foregrip is attached to the firearm.

[0030] In such an exemplary embodiment, the quantum cascade laser and the second light source are aligned with the vertical axis of the barrel. In addition, such an exemplary assembly also includes a third light source disposed within the foregrip. A horizontal axis of the third light source is collinear with a horizontal axis of at least one of the quantum cascade laser and the second light source.

[0031] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sight assembly for a firearm includes a foregrip and a first light source disposed within the foregrip. The first light source emits a beam having a wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m. The sight assembly also includes a second light source different from the first light source adjustably mounted with respect to the first light source within the foregrip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sight assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3 is another diagrammatic illustration of a side of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4 is still another diagrammatic illustration of a front of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 5 is yet another diagrammatic illustration of a back of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 6 is another diagrammatic illustration of a top of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 7 is still another diagrammatic illustration of a bottom of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a sight assembly control schematic according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 9 is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 10 is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 removably attached to a firearm according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a firearm barrel axis in vertical alignment with an axis of a light source according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 12 is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 13 is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly of FIG. 1 according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a sight assembly control schematic according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 15 is an isometric illustration of a sight assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 16 is an isometric illustration of the sight assembly FIG. 15 removably attached to a firearm according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 17 is an illustration of a firearm barrel axis in vertical alignment with an axis of light sources according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 18 is an illustration of a firearm barrel axis in vertical alignment with an axis of light sources according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a sight assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side of the sight assembly of FIG. 19 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIGS. 1-7,9-13 and 15-20 illustrate sight assemblies according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary sight assembly 10 includes, for example, a foregrip 12 configured to be removably attached to a firearm of any type. The assembly 10 also includes a first light source 14 and a second light source 16, and both of the light sources 14, 16 are disposed within the foregrip 12. As will be described in greater detail below, exemplary sight assemblies of the present disclosure may also include three, four, or more light sources. In an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip 12 may define a housing 13, and at least the first light source 14 and the second light source 16 may be disposed substantially within the housing 13 of the foregrip 12. In such an exemplary embodiment, each component of the light sources 14, 16 may be disposed within the housing 13 and the housing 13 may define one or more orifices 15, 17 through which light beams 19, 21, signals, or other like radiation emitted from the light sources 14, 16 may exit the housing 13.

[0053] The light sources 14, 16 can comprise, for example, any of a variety of lasers. Typically, the light sources 14, 16 are self-contained, and one or more of the light sources 14, 16 may include a lens. The light sources 14, 16 can comprise, for example, any combination of a green laser, a red laser, a quantum cascade laser (QCL), an infra-red laser, an infra-red light emitting diode (LED), a white and colored LED, a laser having an output of approximately 5 mW (it is understood that lasers having an output greater than approximately 5 mW or less than approximately 5 mW may also be used), a search light, a laser having an output of greater than 5 mW, a guide light, a travelling light, a warning laser, a range finder, an illuminating light such as a flashlight, and a communication laser. The light sources 14, 16 can also comprise a laser capable of and/or otherwise having friend or foe data encoding. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the light sources 14, 16 may emit a thermal beam, pulse, or signal, and in such an exemplary embodiment, a thermal imager may be used to view the thermal beam, pulse, or signal.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments of the sight assemblies described herein wherein at least one of the light sources 14, 16 comprises a QCL, the QCL may be configured to emit a beam, pulse, signal, and/or other type of radiation having a wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m. The QCLs described herein may be, for example, a laser emitting structure disposed within, adjustably mounted within, and/or otherwise retained by the housing 13 of the foregrip 12. Such QCLs may be configured, via one or more lenses, to produce a beam extending along a focused beam path extending from the QCL external to the housing 13. Alternatively, such lenses may be omitted, and the beam, pulse, or signal produced by the QCL may be widely divergent or otherwise dispersed due to the nature and configuration of the QCL itself.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the QCL may be selected to operate in ambient temperature conditions while producing a beam or other such signal having a wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m, with preferred wavelengths of approximately 2 .mu.m to approximately 5 .mu.m (mid-range) or approximately 8 .mu.m to approximately 30 .mu.m (long-range). It is further contemplated that the exemplary light sources 14, 16 may comprise a plurality of QCLs, thereby providing for a sight assembly configured to produce beams having a plurality of different useful wavelengths.

[0056] Any of the QCLs employed by the sight assemblies described herein may be operably connected to an appropriate driver (not shown) to provide and/or otherwise produce such desired wavelengths. It is understood that such a driver can be constructed to provide either pulsed or continuous wave operation of the QCL. The rise/fall time of the pulse, compliance voltage, and current provided to the QCL maybe selected to minimize power consumption and heat generation of the QCL. These parameters may also be selected to produce a desirable beam or signal signature for friend or foe identification. It is further understood that such a driver may be located within the housing 13 or external to the housing 13, and may be operably connected to the QCL by any known means. Such a driver may include a pulse generator, amplifier, pulse switcher, and/or any other known driver components.

[0057] In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the light sources 14, 16 may comprise one or more carbon dioxide lasers. Such lasers may be useful in any of the law enforcement, combat, reconnaissance, and/or other applications described herein. In still a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of the light sources 14, 16 may comprise a short wavelength infrared laser (SWIR). Such a laser may emit a signal or beam having a wavelength between, approximately 0.9 .mu.m and approximately 2.5 .mu.m.

[0058] It is also understood that, in exemplary embodiments in which the light source 14, 16 comprise a QCL, such a QCL can be tuned to provide a signal or beam having a specific wavelength, and/or to provide a signal having a pulse or other signature easily recognizable by U.S. or other friendly/allied forces. Tuning of the signal or beam emitted by the QCL can be accomplished by any known means such as, for example, by locating a diffracting grating in the signal or beam path. Such a grating can be adjustable to allow selected transmission of a plurality of wavelengths, or fixed to transmit only a single wavelength. Although the signature of the beam, pulse, or signal emitted by the QCL may be preset, the signature, wavelength, frequency, pulse pattern, and/or other identifiable and distinguishable characteristics of the signal or beam may be easily tunable in the field and/or during use. These characteristics may be useful in friend or foe identification and other applications. In addition, to this grating, the driver discussed above may also be configured to assist in tuning and/or otherwise controlling the output of the QCL.

[0059] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary sight assembly 100 including, for example, more than two light sources 14, 16. As shown in FIG. 15, the sight assembly 100 may include a first light source 14, second light source 16, third light source 23, and fourth light source 25. Although the sight assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes four light sources, it is understood that other exemplary sight assemblies of the present disclosure may include three such light sources or five or more light sources. The light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 shown in FIG. 15 may comprise any of the variety of different light sources described above with respect to light sources 14, 16. In particular one or more of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may comprise a QCL.

[0060] The housing 13 of the foregrip 12 can be, for example, substantially fluid-tight such that the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 can be operable in wet conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip 12 may be rated for substantially complete submersion in a liquid for a period of at least thirty minutes. In such an exemplary embodiment, the liquid may comprise, for example, fresh water or salt water. The assembly 10 may also be configured to withstand a substantial level of shock, vibration, and/or other contact typical of rugged use. For example, the assembly 10 may be configured for use in harsh environments such as, for example, jungles, swamps, deserts, rocky terrain, and/or other law enforcement, combat, or self-defense environments. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly 10 may be configured to successfully pass National Institute of justice drop tests, and may meet or exceed all applicable military specifications.

[0061] An adjustment assembly 22 can be disposed proximate the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 and can be configured to position the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 relative to the foregrip 12. The adjustment assembly 22 can also be configured to position the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 relative to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly 22 may be configured to position the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25, in unison, relative to the foregrip 12. The adjustment assembly 22 may be useful in adjusting the path of the light beams 19, 21, 66, 68 emitted by the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25, and exiting the housing 13.

[0062] To assist in adjusting the beam paths, the adjustment assembly 22 may be configured to manipulate the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in any useful direction such as, for example, in the direction of arrows 36, 38, 40, 42 (FIGS. 11, 17, and 1 8). In addition, the adjustment assembly 22 may be configured to rotate the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in the clockwise direction of arrow 44 and/or in the counterclockwise direction of arrow 46. Accordingly, two or more of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be aligned in unison (i.e., co-aligned) or, alternatively, the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may each be aligned independently. For example, the adjustment assembly 22 may be used to align or otherwise calibrate a light source operating in the visible spectrum to a desired impact point of the firearm 52. The adjustment assembly 22 may then be used to align a QCL or other light source to the same impact point as the visible spectrum light source. In this way, the adjustment assembly 22 may be used to calibrate and/or align each of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 relative to one another.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment in which the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 comprise a QCL, the QCL may be co-aligned with one or more of the other light sources operating in the visible spectrum (approximately 0.4 .mu.m to approximately 0.7 .mu.m). In such an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly 22 may enable the user to align the QCL and the visible spectrum light source at the same time. Thus, the separate beams emitted by the various light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be aligned to converge at the impact point of the firearm 52 with a single adjustment. In such an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly 22 may also be used to align or calibrate these separate beams relative to one another as discussed above. The adjustment assembly 22 may include, for example, one or more screws, pneumatic devices, piezoelectric devices, solenoids, gears, motors, and/or other components configured to assist in positioning an optical device in an enclosed and/or portable environment.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment assembly 22 may be manually adjusted by using one or more sight assembly adjustment tools (not shown). The sight assembly adjustment tool may be utilized to manipulate the adjustment assembly 22 when the housing 13 is closed and/or substantially sealed. In such an exemplary embodiment, the sight assembly adjustment tool may be configured to access and/or otherwise engage the adjustment assembly 22 via, for example, one or more substantially fluid-tight channels defined by the housing 13 of the foregrip 12. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the adjustment tool may be utilized to manipulate the adjustment assembly 22 while the housing 13 is opened and the adjustment assembly 22 is easily accessible. In still another exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly 22 may be electromechanically adjusted without the use of a sight assembly adjustment tool. In such an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip 12 may include one or more buttons, knobs, levers, and/or other interfaces allowing the user to electromechanically manipulate the adjustment assembly 22 and to thereby position the light sources 14, 16 relative to the foregrip 12.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 11, 17, and 18, when the foregrip 12 is connected to an exemplary firearm 52 of the present disclosure, at least one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be disposed along and/or otherwise aligned with a vertical axis 50 of a barrel 54 of the firearm 52. In an additional exemplary embodiment, at least two of the light sources 14, 16, 23. 25 may be disposed along and/or aligned with the vertical axis 50 of the barrel 54 when the foregrip 12 is mounted to the firearm 52. For example, the vertical axis 50 of the barrel 54 may pass through and/or be collinear with the vertical axis of at least one of at least two of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 when the foregrip 12 is connected to the firearm 52. In an additional exemplary embodiment, the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be disposed within the foregrip 12 such that the horizontal axes 58, 60 of at least two of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 are positioned as close to the horizontal axis 48 of the barrel 54 as possible when the foregrip 12 is connected to the firearm 52. In such an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal axes 58, 60 of two or more light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be coplanar or may be in parallel planes. Such an exemplary embodiment may assist in alleviating the barrel offset deficiencies found in prior art foregrip sight assemblies. It is also understood that the adjustment assembly 22 may be configured to move the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in the direction of arrows 36, 38, 40, 42 and/or to pivot the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in the direction of arrows 36, 38, 40, 42, in order to achieve the configurations discussed above. Additionally, a longitudinal axis of at least one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be aligned substantially coplanar with and/or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the barrel 54 by manipulating the adjustment assembly 22.

[0066] A selection device 24 of the assembly 10 can be mounted to the foregrip 12 such that the device 24 can be actuated by a finger of the user. The selection device 24 can be configured to allow activation of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 as desired. For example, the selection device 24 can be a switch configured to be manipulated so as to only allow activation of one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 at a time. Alternatively, the selection device 24 can be a button, rotatable knob, and/or other operator interface configured to select more than one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 for activation at one time. For example, the selection device 24 may be manipulated to select either the first light source 14, the second light source 16, or both of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 for activation by the user. The selection device 24 may also have a setting for pulsed activation of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 and a different setting for continuous activation of light sources 14, 16, 23, 25. In an exemplary embodiment, the selection device 24 may have a first setting to turn on one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25. In such an embodiment, the selection device 24 may also have a second setting for operating the other light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in a continuous mode, a third setting for operating the other light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in a pulsed mode, and a fourth setting in which the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 are turned off. In such an embodiment, the one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be an LED and the other light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be a laser of the type described above.

[0067] An activation device 26 of the assembly 10 can be disposed at a front end of the foregrip 12 to allow activation of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 selected for use. The activation device 26 can have a configuration similar to a trigger or a depressible switch. In such an embodiment, the activation device 26 may be configured to energize and/or otherwise activate one or more of the light sources in the mode specified by the selection device 24.

[0068] In addition to controlling the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in a continuous mode or in a pulsed mode, the activation device 26 may have two or more configurations or settings, enabling the activation and/or operation of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 either momentarily when the activation device 26 is in a first setting or continuously when the activation device 26 is in a second setting. In an exemplary embodiment, when the activation device 26 is in the second setting, components of the activation device 26 may be in a latched configuration such that the selected light source 14, 16, 23, 25 may be activated without continuous manipulation of the activation device 26 by the user. In such an exemplary embodiment, the assembly 10 may be operated substantially hands-free by the user in the latched configuration. In addition, in each of the embodiments discussed herein, the activation device 26 may be operated substantially noise-free for stealth applications.

[0069] A locking assembly 28 can be disposed proximate the section of the foregrip 12 configured for mounting to the firearm, and can be configured to assist in substantially immobilizing the foregrip 12 during use and/or attachment to the firearm. The locking assembly 28 can be any conventional locking assembly known in the art. The locking assembly 28 may assist in, for example, using the foregrip 12 in combat, law enforcement, self-defense, and/or other rugged environments or applications. The foregrip 12 may also include a clamping mechanism 29 configured to assist in removably attaching the foregrip 12 to a firearm. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly 28 may be a component of the clamping mechanism 29. The clamping mechanism 29 may enable the user to mount and/or otherwise connect the foregrip 12 to any one of a plurality of commercially available mounts based on user preference. As shown in FIG. 10, in an exemplary embodiment, the foregrip 12 may be mounted on a picatinny rail 56 of a firearm 52. In additional exemplary embodiments, however, the foregrip 12 may be connected to other known rails such as, but not limited to, dove tail rails and T-rails. In addition, the clamping mechanism 29 and/or the locking assembly 28 may be disposed on either side of the foregrip 12 based on user preference. Such a configuration may enable the foregrip 12 to be easily removably attachable to the picatinny rail 56 or other rails of the firearm 52 between uses. In particular, the clamping mechanism 29 may be reversible in that at least a portion of the components of the clamping mechanism 29 may be disposed on either side of the foregrip 12 based on user preferences. For example, the foregrip 12 illustrated in FIG. 12 shows the clamping mechanism 29 disposed on a first side of the foregrip 12 while the foregrip 12 illustrated in FIG. 13 shows the clamping mechanism 29 disposed on the second side of the foregrip 12. The functionality of the clamping mechanism 29 is substantially the same regardless of which side of the foregrip 12 the clamping mechanism 29 is disposed on.

[0070] The assembly 10 further includes a power source 18 electrically connected to the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25. The power source 18 can be any source of power known in the art such as, for example, one or more batteries. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source 18 can comprise a plurality of AA batteries. In an additional exemplary embodiment, the power source 18 can comprise a DL-123. The power source 18 may be, for example disposable and/or rechargeable. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source 18 may be configured to power a QCL of the type described above. Accordingly, the power source 18 may be operably connected to the driver discussed above and/or any of the control circuits described herein. Thus, the amount of power from the power source 18 directed to the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 described above may be controlled and/or otherwise varied in order to alter their output. For example, one or more of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 described herein may be operated in different modes to conserve energy. For example, a high power mode (approximately 100% of required voltage and/or current) may be utilized during operation while a low power mode (approximately 10% to approximately 15% of required voltage and/or current) may be utilized for training and/or safety reasons. The driver and/or control circuitry described herein may be configured to effect these different modes of operation. It is understood that any type of power source 18, preferably portable and sufficiently small in size for use with any of the firearms discussed herein, can be utilized, and such power source 18 may further include N-type batteries and/or lithium/manganese dioxide batteries.

[0071] Although FIGS. 1 and 19 illustrate a power source 18 disposed within the foregrip 12, in additional exemplary embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the power source 18 may be disposed outside of the foregrip 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source 18 may be disposed on and/or otherwise mounted to the firearm 52 to which the foregrip 12 is connected. Exemplary embodiments comprising one or more QCLs may have significantly greater power requirements than other exemplary embodiments in which one or more QCLs are not used. In such exemplary embodiments, a larger power source 18 may be required, and such power source 18 may not fit, within in, for example, the housing 13 of the foregrip 18.

[0072] The foregrip 12 can define a power source compartment 32. The power source compartment 32 can be sized and/or otherwise configured to receive the power source 18, and the compartment 32 can be configured such that the power source 18 can be easily removed and/or replaced by the user. The foregrip 12 can also define a storage compartment configured to store and/or otherwise receive a removable sight assembly adjustment tool. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage compartment may be defined by a portion of the housing 13. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the storage compartment may be defined by a lid, cap, and/or other closure device of the power source compartment 32. In such an alternative exemplary embodiment, the sight assembly adjustment tool may be stored within, for example, a cap of the power source compartment 32.

[0073] The assembly 10, 100 may also includes a control circuit 20 configured to control activation of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 in response to a control signal. The control circuit 20 can comprise, for example, a first control circuit associated with the first light source 14, a second control circuit associated with the second light source 16, a third control circuit associated with the light source 23, and/or a fourth control circuit associated with the fourth light source 25. The control signal can be sent by the activation device 26 mounted to the foregrip 12.

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates a control schematic associated with the control of the sight assembly 10 and FIG. 14 illustrates control schematic associated with the control of the sight assembly 100. In particular, the power source 18 can provide power to the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 via the selection device 24. Distribution of the power provided by the power source 18 (and, thus, activation of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25) can be governed by first, second, third, and/or fourth control circuits each of which are contained within the control circuit 20. The control circuit 20 may include more or less than the four control circuits described herein, and the number of control circuits within the control circuit 20 may correspond to the number of light sources employed by the sight assembly.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 20 may include a universal circuit board capable of being configured to control multiple similar or dissimilar light sources 14, 16, 23, 25. In such an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board may be configured at the time the assembly 10, 100 is being manufactured. In addition, it may be desirable to maximize the output power of one or more of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 within the limits of applicable regulations and tolerances. Such regulations and/or tolerances may be dictated by, for example, the class to which the light source belongs. Accordingly, the circuit board may enable the user to calibrate the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 such that their respective outputs are at the appropriate levels, respectively.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment in which at least one of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 comprises a QCL, a cooling element may be disposed in thermal contact with the QCL. FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which such a cooling element 64 may be disposed within the housing 13, while FIG. 16 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment in which the cooling element 64 may be disposed outside of the foregrip 12 such as, for example, on a portion of the firearm 52 to which the foregrip 12 is connected. Regardless of its location, the cooling element 64 maybe employed to maintain one or more of the QCLs described herein at a desirable operating temperature. Certain configurations of the cooling element 64 may require, for example, energy input thus, in an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the cooling element 64 may be operably connected to the power source 18.

[0077] The cooling element 64 may assist in cooling the QCL to a specified and/or desired operating temperature range. For example, the cooling element 64 may assist in cooling the QCL to approximately room temperature, or between approximately 65.degree. Fahrenheit and approximately 75.degree. Fahrenheit. The cooling element 64 may comprise a thermal electric cooler or any other cooler known in the arts. For example, the cooling element 64 may be either a passive device or an active device. Exemplary passive cooling element 64 may include, heat sinks, phase change elements, radiators, and/or one or more fins configured to dissipate thermal energy from the QCL. Active cooling elements 64, on the other hand, may include Peltier modules, and/or Stirling devices.

[0078] In addition to the uses described herein, it is understood that the sight assemblies 10, 100 may be used to communicate, for example, information pertaining to the location of the target, the location of friendly forces, the location of a perimeter or territory, the location of an injured or distressed soldier, and/or other useful identification or location information to one or more remote detectors or receivers. One or more of the beams, pulses, or signals emitted by the sight assemblies 10, 100 may be used to locate, identify, and/or distinguish such targets, perimeters, troops, territories, locations, or other items of interest. A remote receiver may be configured to receive and interpret such emissions for use in the desired application. Such receivers may be located, for example, on or in the foregrip 12, on the firearm 52 to which the foregrip 12 is attached, and/or in a remote troop base, post, or control center. Such friendly beams, pulses, or signals may be easily distinguishable from similar foe signals based on the characteristics or properties thereof. The signal, beam, pulse, and/or other emissions of the light sources 14, 16, 23, 25 may be distinguished from other like emissions having, for example, like frequencies, pulse signatures, information and/or any other identifiable or distinguishable characteristics or properties. It is understood that such emissions may be in the thermal band, and that one or more receivers may comprise a thermal imager configured to receive and display such emissions for viewing.

[0079] The inclusion of light sources 14, 16, 23, 25, such as, for example, a QCL into a foregrip 12 was heretofore impractical due to the difficulties associated with operating a QCL. For instance, due to their inherent inefficiencies, known QCL chips and/or materials generate substantial amounts of heat. Such heat may make it uncomfortable to use QCLs in connection with hand-held devices, such as foregrips 12 or firearms 52, without utilizing adequate thermal management techniques to minimize the danger of operating a QCL in close proximity to the operator. An exemplary method of minimizing this risk is to pulse the QCL during operation as opposed to leaving it on continuously. Alternatively, as will be discussed below, one or more heat shields may be employed.

[0080] In addition, QCLs are particularly sensitive to heat and must be maintained at a relatively low temperature for peak efficiency. As a result, it may be desirable to mount, locate and/or operate QCLs as far away from sources of heat as possible. Since barrels and/or other components of firearms produce significant amounts of heat during use, operating a QCL in the proximity of such components is not generally acceptable.

[0081] The sight assemblies 10, 100 described herein overcome these obstacles, and many of the deficiencies of known sight assemblies, by utilizing a robust power supply sized for use with a QCL and/or by providing for cooling of the QCL during operation. Such cooling can be achieved through the use of a cooling element 64 thermally connected to the QCL and operative to maintain the QCL at a desirable operating temperature for peak efficiency.

[0082] To assist in thermally insulating the QCL from the barrel or other components of the firearm 52 that may be at elevated temperatures, and to thermally insulate the operator from the QCL itself during use, the sight assemblies 10, 100 described herein may also employ a thermal barrier between, for example, the QCL and the barrel 54 and/or rail 56 of the firearm 52. Such a barrier may be created by, for example, distancing the QCL from the barrel 54 and/or the rail 56. In addition, any of the cooling elements 64 may assist in forming such a barrier, and one or more heat shields 70 may be also be utilized to form such a barrier. Such heat shields 70 may insulate the QCL from, for example, the barrel 54, and may further assist in maintaining the QCL within its peak operating temperature range. Such heat shields 70 may also insulate the QCL from, for example, the hand of a soldier using the firearm 52 to which the foregrip 12 is attached.

[0083] The heat shields 70 may comprise an insulating foam, gel, fabric, honeycomb-like structure, or other like material or structure configured to block the transmission of heat to and/or from the QCL. In an exemplary embodiment, a honeycomb-like structure may be at least partially filled and/or otherwise combined with an insulating foam, gel, fabric, or other like material to form a heat shield 70. It is understood that any combination of the above materials or structures may be employed in the exemplary heat shield embodiments described herein.

[0084] One or more heat shields 70 may be disposed between the QCL and the barrel 54 or rail 56 of the firearm 52 to which the foregrip 12 is attached. A heat shield 70 may be disposed within the foregrip housing 13 or external thereto. For example, a heat shield 70 may be disposed proximate and/or connected to the underside of the barrel 54 external to the foregrip housing 13. Such a heat shield 70 may extend along at least a portion of the barrel 54. In another exemplary embodiment, a heat shield 70 may be disposed proximate or connected to a top portion of the housing 13, either internal or external thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a heat shield 70 may be disposed external to the housing 13, between the housing 13 and the mount 28.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment, a heat shield 70 may be thermally connected to the QCL within the housing 13, and/or may be disposed between the QCL and one or more walls of the housing 13 to substantially prohibit heat from passing from the barrel to the QCL. A heat shield 70 may substantially surround the QCL on one, two, three, or more sides. In an additional exemplary embodiment, a heat shield 70 may substantially surround the entire QCL within the housing 13. In such an exemplary embodiment, the heat shield 70 may still permit the QCL to emit a beam, pulse, or signal as desired. In addition, a heat shield 70 may be positioned to block heat from passing from the QCL to the hand or other body part of an operator during use. Accordingly, at least a portion of the heat shield 70 and/or an additional heat shield 70 may be disposed between, for example, the QCL and the portion of the housing 13 grasped or held by the operator during use. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more heat shields 70 may substantially conform to an interior surface or portion of the housing 13. For example, one or more heat shields 70 may be connected to and/or supported by one or more walls of the housing 13.

[0086] Other embodiments of the disclosed assembly 10, 100 will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this specification. For example, additional embodiments of the disclosed assembly 10 may include a shot counter configured to indicate the number of times the firearm has been discharged. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm, the sight assembly comprising: (a) a foregrip; (b) a quantum cascade laser disposed within the foregrip; and (c) a power source operably connected to the quantum cascade laser.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further including a heat shield disposed between the quantum cascade laser and a portion of the foregrip.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the quantum cascade laser produces a beam having a wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further including a heat shield disposed between the quantum cascade laser and a barrel of the firearm.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the power source is disposed external to the foregrip.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further including a cooling element thermally connected to the quantum cascade laser.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the cooling element is active.

8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the cooling element is disposed within the foregrip.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further including a second light source with the foregrip different than the quantum cascade laser.

10. A sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm, the sight assembly comprising: (a) a quantum cascade laser adjustably mounted within a foregrip; (b) a second light source disposed within the foregrip; and (c) a power source electrically connected to the quantum cascade laser and the second light source.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein a position of the second light source is adjustable relative to a position of the quantum cascade laser.

12. The assembly of claim 10, further including an adjustment assembly configured to position the quantum cascade laser and the second light source relative to the foregrip.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the adjustment assembly positions the quantum cascade laser in unison with the second light source.

14. The assembly of claim 10, further including a cooling element thermally connected to the quantum cascade laser.

15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the power source is disposed external to the foregrip.

16. The assembly of claim 10, wherein a position of at least one of the quantum cascade laser and the second light source can be adjusted while the foregrip is connected to the firearm.

17. A sight assembly for a firearm, comprising: (a) a quantum cascade laser disposed within a foregrip; and (b) a second light source disposed within the foregrip, a vertical axis of at least one of the quantum cascade laser and the second light source being co-linear with a vertical axis of a firearm barrel when the foregrip is attached to the firearm.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the quantum cascade laser and the second light source are aligned with the vertical axis of the barrel.

19. The assembly of claim 17, further including a third light source disposed within the foregrip, a horizontal axis of the third light source being collinear with a horizontal axis of at least one of the quantum cascade laser and the second light source.

20. A sight assembly for a firearm, comprising: (a) a foregrip; (b) a first light source disposed within the foregrip, the first light source emitting a beam having a wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m; and (c) a second light source different from the first light source adjustably mounted with respect to the first light source within the foregrip.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the second light source emits a beam having a wavelength between approximately 0.9 .mu.m and approximately 2.5 .mu.m.