U.S. patent application number 13/180430 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for rotary-ring firearm scope.
Invention is credited to Bernard T. Windauer.
Application Number | 20120030988 13/180430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45555007 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120030988 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Windauer; Bernard T. |
February 9, 2012 |
ROTARY-RING FIREARM SCOPE
Abstract
An optical sighting system comprises an adjustable optical
system and an adjustment member. The adjustable optical system
comprises at least one optical adjustment, and an optical pathway
that extends along a longitudinal axis of the optical sighting
system. The adjustment member is coupled to the at least one
optical adjustment, such that the adjustment member comprises an
axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates to
actuate the at least one optical adjustment. The axis of rotation
about which the adjustment member rotates is substantially parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system. The at
least one optical adjustment comprises a vertical optical
adjustment and/or a horizontal optical adjustment, and depending on
the embodiment, the axis of rotation about which the adjustment
member rotates substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis
of the optical sighting system or is different from the
longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
Inventors: |
Windauer; Bernard T.;
(Kalispell, MT) |
Family ID: |
45555007 |
Appl. No.: |
13/180430 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61362897 |
Jul 9, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/119 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20060101
F41G001/38 |
Claims
1. An optical sighting system, comprising: an adjustable optical
system comprising at least one optical adjustment, the adjustable
optical system comprising an optical pathway extending along a
longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system; and an adjustment
member coupled to at least one optical adjustment, the adjustment
member comprising an axis of rotation about which the adjustment
member rotates to actuate at least one optical adjustment, the axis
of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates being
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical
sighting system.
2. The optical sighting system according to claim 1, wherein at
least one optical adjustment comprises a vertical optical
adjustment or a horizontal optical adjustment.
3. The optical sighting system according to claim 2, wherein the
axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates
substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical
sighting system.
4. The optical sighting system according to claim 2, wherein the
axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates is
different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting
system.
5. The optical sighting system according to claim 1, further
comprising: at least one second optical adjustment; and a second
adjustment member coupled to at least one second optical
adjustment, the second adjustment member comprising an axis of
rotation about which the second adjustment member rotates to
actuate at least one second optical adjustment, the axis of
rotation about which the second adjustment member rotates being
substantially parallel the longitudinal axis of the optical
sighting system.
6. The optical sighting system according to claim 5, wherein one
optical adjustment of at least one optical adjustment and at least
one second optical adjustment comprises a vertical optical
adjustment or a horizontal optical adjustment.
7. The optical sighting system according to claim 6, wherein the
axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates
substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical
sighting system.
8. The optical sighting system according to claim 6, wherein the
axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates is
different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting
system.
9. The optical sighting system according to claim 5, wherein at
least one adjustment member comprises a groove comprising a
variable depth, the depth at a selected location along the groove
corresponding to a selected optical adjustment of the optical
adjustment.
10. The optical sighting system according to claim 9, wherein the
groove comprises a length, and wherein the depth of the groove
varies linearly along at least a portion of the length of the
groove.
11. The optical sighting system according to claim 9, wherein the
groove comprises a length, and wherein the depth of the groove
varies nonlinearly along at least a portion of the length of the
groove.
12. The optical sighting system according to claim 1, wherein the
adjustment member comprises a groove comprising a variable depth,
the depth at a selected location along the groove corresponding to
a selected optical adjustment of the optical adjustment.
13. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the
groove comprises a length, and wherein the depth of the groove
varies linearly along at least a portion of the length of the
groove.
14. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the
groove comprises a length, and wherein the depth of the groove
varies nonlinearly along at least a portion of the length of the
groove.
15. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the
groove is located on an internal surface of the adjustment
member.
16. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the
groove is located on an external surface of the adjustment
member.
17. An optical sighting system, comprising: an adjustable optical
system comprising a first optical adjustment and a second optical
adjustment, the adjustable optical system comprising an optical
pathway extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical sighting
system; a first adjustment member coupled to the first optical
adjustment, the first adjustment member comprising an axis of
rotation about which the adjustment member rotates to actuate the
first optical adjustment, the axis of rotation about which the
first adjustment member rotates being substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system; and a second
adjustment member coupled to the second optical adjustment, the
second adjustment member comprising an axis of rotation about which
the second adjustment member rotates to actuate the second optical
adjustment, the axis of rotation about which the second adjustment
member rotates being substantially parallel the longitudinal axis
of the optical sighting system.
18. The optical sighting system according to claim 17, wherein the
at least one of the first and second optical adjustments comprises
a vertical optical adjustment or a horizontal optical
adjustment.
19. The optical sighting system according to claim 18, wherein the
axis of rotation about which at least one adjustment member rotates
substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical
sighting system.
20. The optical sighting system according to claim 18, wherein the
axis of rotation about which at least one adjustment member rotates
is different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting
system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] The present patent application is related to and claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/362,897, filed Jul. 9, 2010, entitled "Rotary Ring Firearm Scope
Adjustment," and invented by Bernard T. Windauer, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Military and tactical operations require the utmost in
accuracy and diligence on the part of an operator (or shooter or
marksman) to remain focused on their task. Focusing on the task at
hand requires concentration on a target that is in view through a
rifle scope. Accordingly, a minimal amount of movement is necessary
(i.e., to adjust sight settings) while in a shooting position
(i.e., prone, sitting, kneeling, or standing) in order to remain
looking through the rifle scope at the target. The ability to make
sight adjustments with the hand/arm that is not being used to fire
the rifle, that is, the hand/arm that is not on the trigger (i.e.,
the non-shooting hand), is extremely advantageous. The subject
matter disclosed herein allows an operator (shooter/marksman) to
make major sight adjustments (windage and elevation adjustment) and
minor adjustment (parallax adjustment) with the non-shooting hand
independent of whether the shooter is right or left handed.
Additionally, the repeatability of a rifle scope is dependent on
the number, quality, and close machining tolerances of the internal
parts. Therefore, the fewer number of parts used by the subject
matter disclosed herein equates to tighter overall tolerances of
the total assembly, greater repeatability, and overall lower cost
of the total scope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The subject matter disclosed herein is illustrated by way of
example and not by limitation in the accompanying figures in which
like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
[0004] FIG. 1A depicts a left side view of a first exemplary
embodiment of a Rotary-Ring Scope (RRS) according to the subject
matter disclosed herein;
[0005] FIG. 1B depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A
in FIG. 1A of the first exemplary embodiment of an RRS according to
the subject matter disclosed herein;
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the first exemplary
embodiment of an RRS according to the subject matter disclosed
herein;
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the first
exemplary embodiment of an RRS according to the subject matter
disclosed herein;
[0008] FIGS. 4A-4E depict different views of an exemplary
embodiment of a rotary ring according to the subject matter
disclosed herein;
[0009] FIGS. 5A-5D depict different views of another exemplary
embodiment of Rotary-Ring Scope according to the subject matter
disclosed herein;
[0010] FIGS. 6A-6C depict different views of yet another exemplary
embodiment of Rotary-Ring Scope according to the subject matter
disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a first exemplary reticle view through an
optical firearms scope with adjustable optical marker scales to
indicate erector tube assembly movements according to the subject
matter disclosed herein; and
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a second exemplary reticle view through an
optical firearms scope with electronic/digital markers to indicate
erector tube assembly movements according to the subject matter
disclosed herein.
[0013] It should be understood that the word "exemplary," as used
herein, means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration."
Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not to be
construed as necessarily preferred or advantageous over other
embodiments. Additionally, it will be appreciated that for
simplicity and/or clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in
the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative
to other elements for clarity. Further, in some figures only one or
two of a plurality of similar components or items may be indicated
by reference characters for clarity of the figure.
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 2 respectively depict a left side view and a
perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a Rotary-Ring
Scope (RRS) 100 according to the subject matter disclosed herein.
FIG. 1B depicts a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.
1A of the first exemplary embodiment of RRS 100. FIG. 3 depicts an
exploded perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of RRS
100.
[0015] RRS 100 comprises a scope body 201, an elevation adjustment
ring 202, an elevation adjustment plunger 203, a windage adjustment
ring 204, a windage adjustment plunger 205, and an ocular-lens end
215. The interior construction of RRS 100 (FIGS. 1B and 3) is
essentially conventional with the presence of an erector tube
assembly 206 (shown in FIGS. 1B and 3, but not shown in FIGS. 1A
and 2) and an erector tube reaction spring(s) (not shown), and an
optical pathway that extends along a longitudinal axis 210, as
depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0016] The front 207 of erector tube assembly 206 (into which the
aiming point (dot or cross hair, not shown) is mounted) is
physically moved vertically (i.e., the elevation adjustment) and
horizontally (i.e., windage adjustment) to provide adjustment of
the internal aiming point of RRS 100. Erector tube assembly 206 is
positioned in a vertical direction by pivoting around spherically
shaped rear-end section 208 based on movement of elevation
adjustment plunger 203 and spring-pressure counter force via
erector tube reaction spring(s) (not shown) in opposition to
movement of elevation adjustment plunger 203. That is, as elevation
adjustment ring 202 is rotated around an axis of rotation that is
substantially coincident with longitudinal axis 210, elevation
adjustment plunger 203 is extended (or retracted) based on contact
of its rounded end within a variable-depth groove 402 (FIGS.
4A-4E). Erector tube assembly 206 is selectably positioned in a
vertical direction as elevation adjustment ring 202 is rotated
around its axis of rotation, thereby shifting the internal aiming
point upward or downward. It should be understood that the exact
mechanical configuration of the elevation adjustment plunger 203
and the variable depth groove 402 (FIG. 4A-4E) machined on the
interior circumference of the elevation adjustment ring 202 can be
any of a number of well-known mechanical configurations.
[0017] Erector tube assembly 206 is positioned in a horizontal
direction by pivoting around spherically shaped rear end section
208 based on movement of windage adjustment plunger 205 and
spring-pressure counter force in opposition to movement of windage
adjustment plunger 205. That is, as windage adjustment ring 204 is
rotated around an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident
with longitudinal axis 210, windage adjustment plunger 205 is
extended (or retracted) based on contact of its rounded end within
a variable-depth groove. Erector tube assembly 206 is selectably
positioned in a horizontal direction as horizontal adjustment ring
204 is rotated around its axis of rotation, thereby shifting the
internal aiming point to the left or right. It should be understood
that the exact mechanical configuration of windage adjustment
plunger 205 and variable-depth groove 402 (FIG. 4A-4E) machined on
the interior circumference of windage adjustment ring 204 could be
any of a number of well-known mechanical configurations. It should
also be understood that more than one variable depth groove 402
could be used, in which case a corresponding number of plungers
(i.e., plungers 203 and 205) would be used. It should also be
understood that a spiral path variable-depth groove 402 could be
used for finer adjustment or longitudinal movement of internal
mechanisms as in the case of parallax adjustment with the
rotary-ring concept disclosed herein.
[0018] FIGS. 4A-4E depict different views of an exemplary
embodiment of a rotary ring 400 according to the subject matter
disclosed herein. In particular, FIG. 4A is a left-side view of
rotary ring 400, FIG. 4B is a front view of rotary ring 400, and
FIG. 4C is a right-side view of rotary ring 400. FIG. 4D is a
perspective view of rotary ring 400, and FIG. 4E is a
cross-sectional view of rotary ring 400 taken along line B-B in
FIG. 4B. In one exemplary embodiment, rotary ring 400 comprises
elevation adjustment ring 202. In another exemplary embodiment,
rotary ring 400 comprises windage adjustment ring 204. As depicted
in FIGS. 4A-4E, rotary ring 400 comprises a body member 401, and an
internally positioned variable-depth groove 402. The depth of
variable-depth groove 402 varies as groove 402 traverses the
interior surface 403 of rotary ring 400. In one exemplary
embodiment, the variation of the depth of groove 402 is constant or
linear for at least a portion of the length of groove 402. In
another exemplary embodiment, the variation of the depth of groove
402 is not constant or is nonlinear for at least a portion of the
length of groove 402. In still another exemplary embodiment, groove
402 can include protuberances along the length of the groove that
provide a tactic feel as the rotary ring is rotated. In still
another exemplary embodiment, groove 402 can be configured as a
spiral so that the length of groove 402 around the internal surface
403 of rotary ring 400 can be selectably varied depending on the
application.
[0019] It should be understood that the rotary-ring configurations
for the various adjustments for the exemplary embodiment of the RRS
100 depicted in the Figures could be adapted for use with an
optical adjustment mechanism for an automatic optical sighting
system, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2009/0266892 A1 to Windauer et al., Ser. No.
11/720,426, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,331 B2 to Windauer et al.
Moreover, while the exemplary embodiments of a RRS depicted in the
Figures comprise an optical pathway that extends along a single
longitudinal axis, it should be understood that an exemplary
embodiment of an RRS could comprise an optical pathway that extends
along one or more axes, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2009/0266892 A1 to Windauer et al.,
Ser. No. 11/720,426, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,331 B2 to Windauer et
al., the disclosure of which being incorporated by reference
herein.
[0020] FIGS. 5A-5D depict different views of another exemplary
embodiment of Rotary-Ring Rifle Scope (RRS) 500 according to the
subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, FIGS. 5A and 5B
respectively depict top and side views of RRS 500. FIG. 5C depicts
a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 5B of RRS 500.
FIG. 5D depicts an ocular-lens end view of RRS 500. RRS 500
comprises a scope body 501, an elevation adjustment actuator 502,
an elevation adjustment plunger (not shown), a windage adjustment
actuator 504, a windage adjustment plunger 505, and an ocular-lens
end 515. The interior construction of RRS 500 is essentially
conventional with the presence of an erector tube assembly 506 and
an erector tube reaction spring(s) (not shown), and an optical
pathway that extends along a longitudinal axis 510, as depicted in
FIG. 5C.
[0021] The front 507 of erector tube assembly 506 (into which the
aiming point (dot or cross hair, not shown) is mounted) is
physically moved vertically (i.e., the elevation adjustment) and
horizontally (i.e., windage adjustment) to provide adjustment of
the internal aiming point of RRS 500. Erector tube assembly 506 is
positioned in a horizontal direction by pivoting around spherically
shaped rear-end section 508 based on movement of windage adjustment
plunger 505 and spring-pressure counter force via erector tube
reaction spring(s) (not shown) in opposition to movement of windage
adjustment plunger 505. That is, as windage adjustment actuator 504
is rotated around an axis of rotation 513 (FIG. 5C) that is
substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 510, windage adjustment
plunger 505 is extended (or retracted) based on contact of its
rounded end within a variable-depth groove 511 formed on the
exterior surface 512 of windage adjustment actuator 504. Erector
tube assembly 506 is selectably positioned in a horizontal
direction as windage adjustment actuator 504 is rotated around its
axis of rotation, thereby shifting the internal aiming point upward
or downward. It should be understood that the exact mechanical
configuration of the windage adjustment plunger 505 and the
variable depth groove 511 machined on the exterior circumference of
the windage adjustment actuator 504 can be any of a number of
well-known mechanical configurations. Further, it should be
understood that the elevation adjustment for the exemplary
embodiment of RRS 500 depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D operates in a manner
similar to the horizontal adjustment.
[0022] FIGS. 6A-6C depict different views of yet another exemplary
embodiment of Rotary-Ring Rifle Scope (RRS) 600 according to the
subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, FIGS. 6A and 6B
respectively depict top and side views of RRS 600. FIG. 6C depicts
a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 6B of RRS 600.
RRS 600 comprises a scope body 601, an elevation adjustment
actuator 602, an elevation plunger screw 603, an elevation plunger
gear 623, a windage adjustment actuator 604, a windage plunger
screw 605, a windage adjustment gear 624, and an ocular-lens end
615. The interior construction of RRS 600 is essentially
conventional with the presence of an erector tube assembly 606 and
an erector tube reaction spring(s) (not shown), and an optical
pathway that extends along a longitudinal axis 610, as depicted in
FIG. 6C.
[0023] As depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C, elevation adjustment actuator
602 and windage adjustment actuator 604 respectively comprise gear
teeth 621 and 622 on an interior surface of the actuator. Gear
teeth 621 and 622 respectively engage with gear teeth on elevation
adjustment gear 623 and windage adjustment gear 624 on the
respective plunger screws 603 and 605 to provide either elevation
or windage adjustment. Plunger screw gears 623 and 624 comprises
screw threads on its interior bore (not shown) that engage with the
threads of a mating plunger screw. A plunger screw gear is
restrained from radial movement (movement perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis) by the housing, and the plunger screw is
restrained from rotation by the scope body. When an adjustment
actuator (elevation adjustment actuator 602 or windage adjustment
actuator 604) is rotated the gear teeth on the internal surface of
the actuator cause the corresponding plunger gear screw to rotate
and the gear threads cause the plunger to either enter or retract
from the hole in the scope body 601. The end of the plunger that is
within the scope body is touching erector tube 606 and causes
movement of the erector tube 606 either vertically for elevation or
horizontally for windage as the rear end of the erector tube pivots
about its spherical surface 608. All movements of the front end (or
back end if the design is reversed) are counteracted by a spring
body (leaf or coil spring) (not shown) to maintain contact of the
erector tube 606 with the windage or elevation adjustment
mechanisms.
[0024] Parallax adjustment and illuminated-reticle control can be
accomplished by the addition of a third and fourth (respectively)
ring (not shown) or with knobs in a well-known manner.
[0025] It is common practice in the firearms optics industry to
have index/calibration marks on the elevation and windage
adjustments and a fixed index mark on the scope body to give the
user a point of reference for rotational adjustment movements. It
is also normal practice for the user to "zero" the scope prior to
normal use. To "zero" a scope, the user chooses a distance where
the bullet point of impact will coincide with the point of aim.
This practice is accomplished by shooting the firearm at the chosen
distance and measuring the distance of separation of both points.
The scope aiming point adjustment mechanisms (windage and/or
elevation) are adjusted a specific amount to make both points
coincide. The firearm is again fired to verify that the adjustment
of the scope aiming point adjustments was adequate to have both
points coincide. The physical contact surfaces of the adjustments
are then loosened from the internal mechanical assembly to align
the "zero" index mark on the rotating adjustment surfaces with the
fixed index mark on the scope body. Based on the aligning of the
two marks, the scope can be adjusted during use and returned to the
"zero" or base setting where the point of aim and point of bullet
impact are aligned with one another. Separation of the physical
contact surfaces of the rotary adjustment rings from the internal
ring (housing the variable depth groove) of the RRS can be
accomplished using nested rings (not shown) and set screws or
spring-loaded pins in a well-known manner. Datum (bottom stop)
positions can also be provided in a well-known manner (not shown)
to allow alignment of the "zero" digit of the index scale to the
fixed "datum" mark on the RRS.
[0026] There are times during use when the index marks on the
outside of the scope are not readily visible, for example, at
night. There are other times when the operator (or shooter or
marksman) does not want to lose sight of the target through the
scope by looking at the index marks. The subject matter disclosed
herein provides an internal adjustable scale that can be aligned
with the "cross hair," "dot," or another type of reticle to give
the "zeroed" position of the reticle without having to check the
index marks on the outside of the scope. The subject matter
disclosed herein provides an operator an advantage of making or
verifying sight changes without dismounting the rifle to look at
the external index marks on the rotating knob and fixed index mark.
In one exemplary embodiment, separate adjustable optical markers
are added to indicate the correct sight settings or direct movement
of the erector tube assembly 206 for specific user designated
distances. In a second exemplary embodiment the rotational movement
of the adjustment rings or the direct movement of the erector tube
assembly 206 is indicated by electronic or digital numerals in the
field of view within the optical firearms scope.
[0027] FIG. 7 depicts a reticle view 700 through an optical
firearms scope with adjustable optical internal scales/markers to
indicate movements of erector tube assembly 206 (FIG. 3) according
to the subject matter disclosed herein. An adjustable elevation
scale 701 is shown towards the left of the reticle view shown. An
adjustable windage scale 702 is shown towards the bottom of the
reticle view shown. Scales 701 and 702 include calibration markings
that are not clearly shown (due to the relatively small scale of
the drawing) in FIG. 7. The center mark 703 represents the aiming
point. The elevation setting for a user adjusted sight setting can
be read at 704.
[0028] FIG. 8 depicts a reticle view 800 through an optical
firearms scope with electronic/digital markers to indicate erector
tube assembly 206 (FIG. 3) movements according to the subject
matter disclosed herein. An adjustable numeric marker 801 for
elevation position of the internal point of aim is shown towards
the left of the reticle view shown. An adjustable numeric marker
802 for lateral movement (windage) of the internal point of aim is
shown towards the bottom of the reticle view shown. Markers 801 and
802 can be "zeroed" at any point of adjustment knob rotational
position or erector tube assembly elevation of windage
position.
[0029] It should be understood that one exemplary embodiment of the
reticle with internal adjustment readings provides variable
illumination in a well-known manner. Additionally, it should be
understood that the internal adjustment reading reticles depicted
in FIGS. 7 and 8 could be used in an optical rifle scope that uses
separate knobs for adjusting elevation and windage, or an optical
rifle scope that uses a multi-function turret knob, such as that
disclosed in PCT/US2009/067215, entitled "Multi-Function Turret
Knob," and invented by Bernard T. Windauer, now U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/133,454. Further still, it should be
understood that the particular scales shown as an internal
adjustment reading could be different depending on the application.
It should also be understood that the internal scales to indicate
adjustment settings can be numerically indicated with liquid
crystal displays (LCD) or light emitting diodes (LED) or other
electronically controlled methods.
[0030] Although the foregoing disclosed subject matter has been
described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding,
it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be
practiced that are within the scope of the appended claims.
Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the subject matter disclosed
herein is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be
modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended
claims.
* * * * *