U.S. patent application number 13/455670 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for method and apparatus for lighting a target using a firearm scope.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Lynn, Paul Lynn. Invention is credited to Daniel Lynn, Paul Lynn.
Application Number | 20130283661 13/455670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49476082 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130283661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lynn; Paul ; et al. |
October 31, 2013 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING A TARGET USING A FIREARM
SCOPE
Abstract
A method of lighting a target includes directing light through
an ocular end of a firearm scope having a reticle to project the
reticle on a target distanced from the firearm scope.
Inventors: |
Lynn; Paul; (Himrod, NY)
; Lynn; Daniel; (Penn Yan, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lynn; Paul
Lynn; Daniel |
Himrod
Penn Yan |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49476082 |
Appl. No.: |
13/455670 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/114 ;
42/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 11/001 20130101;
F41G 1/387 20130101; F41G 1/35 20130101; F41G 1/383 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/114 ;
42/123 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20060101
F41G001/35; F41G 1/387 20060101 F41G001/387 |
Claims
1. A method of lighting a target comprising: directing light
through an ocular end of a firearm scope having a reticle to
project the reticle at a distance from the firearm scope.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the light is an incandescent
light.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the light is coherent.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the light emanates from a light
source.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the light source is aligned with
the ocular end of the firearm scope.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the light source occludes the
ocular end of the firearm scope.
7. An apparatus for lighting a target comprising: a firearm scope
having a reticle and an ocular end; and a light source emitting
light into the ocular end of the firearm scope and occluding the
ocular end.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a mount for
mounting the light source relative to the firearm scope.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mount articulates to allow
for positioning of the light source in at least a first position
aligned with the firearm scope and a second position not aligned
with the firearm scope.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mount is mounted to the
scope proximate the ocular end of the scope.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein the light source is mounted to
the scope with a mount proximate the ocular end of the scope.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the mount articulates to allow
for positioning of the light source in at least a first position
aligned with the firearm scope and a second position not aligned
with the firearm scope, wherein the step of directing light through
an ocular end of the firearm scope having a reticle to project the
reticle at a distance from the firearm scope is performed when the
light source is positioned in the first position, and further
comprising positioning the light source in the second position and
thereby allowing a user to look down the scope through the ocular
end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates to firearms. More specifically, the
invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving usability
of a firearm having a scope in low-light and dark conditions.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Firearms are conventionally known that include a scope for
assisting a user in viewing and shooting a target. The conventional
scope includes a reticle and magnification lenses such that a user
looking through the ocular end of the scope will see a magnified
target, with cross-hairs or some similar pattern superimposed
thereon. Assuming the scope is aligned properly relative to the gun
barrel, the reticle pattern will identify to the user where the
target will be impacted upon pulling the trigger.
[0005] Conventional firearms and scoping systems are not without
drawbacks, however. For example, such systems are generally of
limited use in low-light and dark conditions. Some attempts have
been made to remedy this deficiency. For example, some inventors
have tried to pipe a small amount of light into a scope such that
the reticle is illuminated. The reticle will then appear to a user
peering down the scope to be illuminated, instead of black, as a
black reticle may be more difficult to view on the magnified target
in low- or no-light situations. Other scopes have sought to
incorporate light-collecting aspects, such as night-vision. However
such scopes have failed because they are impractical, too expensive
to make, or can only be used in low-light.
[0006] Another drawback of conventional scopes is that they are
only usable by peering down them. They are otherwise of no
assistance in firing. Thus, targeting a rifle or shotgun being shot
"from the hip" is in no way aided by a conventional scope. Some
approaches to this problem have been to provide laser pointers on
scopes. Thus, the laser pointer, if aligned properly, will project
a dot onto the target, at the position at which the target will be
struck upon firing the firearm. One main drawback to such a
configuration, though, is that the target is not readily
perceivable in low light conditions, beyond the dot formed by the
laser. Thus, in low light, there is a possibility of shooting the
wrong target, because conventional apparatus do not provide
sufficient target illumination.
[0007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a firearm with scope
system that is readily usable in low- or no-light conditions, can
be accurately and readily aimed without the need to look down the
scope, and/or can sufficiently illuminate a target.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This disclosure remedies the foregoing needs in the art by
providing an improved firearm and scope apparatus that is useful in
low- and no-light conditions, but that also illuminates a target,
allowing for target identification.
[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of
lighting a target including directing light through an ocular end
of a firearm scope having a reticle to project the reticle at a
distance from the firearm scope.
[0010] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an apparatus
for lighting a target including a firearm scope and a light source.
The firearm scope has a reticle and an ocular end. The light source
is arranged to emit light into the ocular end of the scope, while
occluding the ocular end of the scope.
[0011] In another aspect, the light is of sufficient intensity to
project from the scope a distance to illuminate a target.
[0012] These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the
invention will be appreciated further with reference to the
following detailed description of the invention and accompanying
figures, in which preferred embodiment are described and
illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional firearm.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a firearm with an
accompanying apparatus for lighting a target according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an in-use perspective view of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a portion of the
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, in respective aligned and
non-aligned positions.
[0017] FIGS. 5A ad 5B are, respectively, a perspective view and an
exploded perspective view of a mount according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mount according to another
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described
with reference to the Figures.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a conventional firearm 2. The firearm 2
generally includes a barrel 4, a stock 6, and a trigger 8. Also
illustrated is a scope 10 mounted on the barrel 4. The scope
preferably has a conventional form including a lens assembly and a
reticle (not shown). As is conventionally known, a user looks
through the ocular end 12 of the scope 10 to see a target
therethrough. In some applications the target is magnified by the
lens assembly. The reticle, which may take any form, such as
crosshairs, will also be visible through the scope. Although the
firearm 2 of FIG. 1 is a long-barreled firearm such as a rifle or
shotgun, the gun is not limited to such applications. Any firearm
upon which a scope of any size or configuration can be affixed will
work with the invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the firearm 2 of FIG. 1 with an attached
illumination assembly 20. The illumination assembly 20 generally
includes a light source 22, a power source 24, and a mount 40. The
light source may be an LED source, a halogen source or any other
known source that emits light. Preferably, the emitted light is
coherent light having a minimum of 135 lumens and more preferably
of more than about 200 lumens.
[0022] The light source 22 is situated proximate the ocular end 12
of the scope 10 and aligned with the scope 10 such that the emitted
light is directed into the scope. The light is of sufficient
intensity that it will pass through the scope and project out the
opposite end, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The light projecting from
the scope will illuminate any target 30 in its path. Moreover,
because the reticle is disposed in the scope 10, the pattern of the
reticle, such as crosshairs also will be projected onto the target,
as also illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0023] The power source 24 is provided to power the light source. A
preferred power source is a battery, which may be disposable or
rechargeable although any conventional power source with sufficient
power may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the power source may
be tethered to the light source via a power supply cord 26, but it
could alternatively be integral with the light source. In the
illustrated embodiment, the power source 24 includes a housing 28
that is mounted to the stock of the weapon. One or more batteries
(not shown) are contained within the housing 28. In some
embodiments the batteries may be accessible through a door or panel
of the housing, while in others the user may not be provided with
ready access to the inside of the housing. The housing may have a
port or receptacle for recharging, as is generally known in the
art.
[0024] The housing 28 may be removably mounted to the stock, or it
may be fixed to the stock. In a simple embodiment, hook-and-loop
fasteners applied to the housing 28 and the stock 6 may be used to
retain the housing 28 on the stock. Other fasteners also may be
used such as screws, adhesives, mating recesses and protrusions.
Such attachment means will be readily appreciated by those having
ordinary skill in the art.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, the power supply may be disposed
in the stock. For example, the stock may define a cavity within
which the power supply may be disposed. The stock may then be
removable to facilitate retrieval, and thus charging and/or
replacement, of the power source. Alternatively, the stock may have
a port or receptacle with sufficient wiring to allow charging of
the power supply by inserting a tethered charge supply into the
stock. In this embodiment, the stock may also have an outlet port
in which a cord such as power supply cord 26 is received to
transmit power from the power supply to the light source.
[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the interface between the light source
22, mount 40, and scope 10 in more detail. The mount 40 has
generally cylindrical first and second receptacles 42, 44. The
first receptacle 42 is sized to receive and retain therein the
light source 22, proximate an end from which light is emitted. The
second receptacle is sized to receive and be affixed to the scope
10 proximate the ocular end 16. As will be appreciated, the first
and second receptacles 42, 44 are generally cylindrical because the
outer profile of each of the light source 22 and the scope 10 are
cylindrical. The receptacles are sized to accommodate these
components, so to the extent that the light source 22 and the scope
10 have different outer profiles, the receptacles 42, 44, may take
a different shape. Moreover, to the extent that the mount can take
a shape different from the light source 22 and/or the scope 10 and
still be attached to such component, it need not have the same
shape.
[0027] In a simple embodiment, the mount 40 retains the light
source 22 in the first receptacle 42 and is secured to the scope 10
proximate the ocular end 16 via the second receptacle 44. Set
screws or the like may be provided to aid in securing the
respective components. In the position illustrated in FIG. 4A,
which is an "aligned" or "in-use" position, the mount 40 is
arranged such that an axis of the light source is substantially
coaxial with an axis of the scope. Thus, the light is directed into
and through the scope, substantially along the axis of the
scope.
[0028] When in place, the light source substantially occludes the
ocular end of the scope, such that only light from the light source
is entering the scope, and substantially all of the light from the
light source is entering the scope. The scope can thus not be used
in a conventional manner in this embodiment, as there is no way for
a user to look into the ocular end of the scope. However, the
rewards of the scope still can be reaped by the user, because, as
noted above, light from the light source travels through the scope
and is of sufficient power to illuminate a target and project the
reticle on that target, the user will still know where he is
aiming. Assuming proper alignment of the scope relative to the
barrel of the firearm, the projected reticle is an accurate
representation of where the target will be impacted upon firing the
firearm.
[0029] Because it may be desirable in many applications to have the
possibility to use the scope for its conventional purpose, i.e.,
for a user to look down the scope, the mount according to this
illustrated embodiment allows the first and second receptacles 42,
44 to move relative to each other. FIG. 4B shows the mount in an
"open" or "unaligned" position where the ocular end of the scope is
unoccluded, thereby allowing a user to use the scope in the
conventional manner. Although the light source in this open
position will no longer be directed down the scope, it still may be
used to illuminate the target, as the light is preferably
unobstructed in the open position.
[0030] One embodiment of the mount 40 is shown in FIG. 5A, and in
exploded view in FIG. 5B. The two receptacles 42, 44 have generally
cylindrical inner surfaces, as noted above. The second receptacle
44, which is designed for mounting to the scope, has a C-shape
configuration with protrusions 48a, 48b extending substantially
radially from a sidewall of the receptacle 44. A screw 50, such as
a thumb screw, is threadable through each of the protrusions to
move the protrusions relative to each other. As will be
appreciated, when the protrusions move relatively closer, the
inner, cylindrical surface of the receptacle 44 will get smaller.
This allows the receptacle 44 to clamp on the outer surface of the
scope 10, to hold the receptacle on the scope 10. The illustrated
embodiment also includes a sleeve 52, which fits inside the
receptacle 42 to contact the scope 10. The sleeve 52 may be
included to account for any dimensional variations, owing to
different tolerance differences resulting in manufacturing the
scope, especially across manufacturers. The sleeve 52 also may be
preferable when a user desires that the clamp not directly contact
the scope, i.e., for fear of damaging the scope. The sleeve 52
preferably is made of a non-marring material, such as a polymer.
The receptacles may be of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, or
could also be made of some other metal, a polymer, or something
else entirely.
[0031] The first receptacle 42 is substantially cylindrical and its
inner surface is sized to receive the light source 22 therein. The
illustrated first receptacle 42 has a flange 54 that circumscribes
the opening on the side of the first receptacle spaced from the
second receptacle. The flange 54 cooperates with the light source
to retain the light source in the second receptacle. To this end,
the light source may have a mating, annular indentation that will
receive the flange. Alternatively, the flange may be sized
sufficiently small that the light source may be inserted into the
first receptacle through the end opposite the end having the flange
and the flange will prevent the light source from passing
completely through the receptacle. A set screw may be used in
combination with the flange in this embodiment, to prevent rotation
of the light source in the receptacle.
[0032] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, the flange 54
may be provided on the side of the first receptacle 42 proximate
the second receptacle 44. The flange 54 has a diameter smaller than
an outer diameter of the leading or "light emitting" end of the
light source, such that when the light source is inserted into the
first receptacle through the opening of the first receptacle
opposite the second receptacle, the leading end will contact the
flange. This contact will prevent the flange from further
advancement of the light source into the second receptacle. once
seated against the flange, the light source is secured in the first
flange using a set screw, clamp or the like.
[0033] Rotational blocks 56a, 56b also are provided on the outside
surface of the receptacles 42, 44. In the illustrated embodiment,
mating rails 46a, 46b are provided on the blocks and the
receptacles, and screws are used to fix each of the blocks to its
respective receptacle. The two blocks (and thus the receptacles)
are connected by a fulcrum screw 58. A spring 60 also is provided
about the fulcrum screw 58, to bias the rotational blocks 56a, 56b
toward each other. The fulcrum screw allows the rotational blocks
56a, 56b to rotate relative to each other, about the axis of the
fulcrum screw. Accordingly, when the first receptacle 42 is fixed
to the scope, the second receptacle 44, and thus the light source,
can be placed at any rotational position about the fulcrum screw,
including co-axial with the first receptacle 42, as in the aligned
position described above. Although the blocks and receptacles are
provided with mating rails, they could alternatively be fixed to
each other. That is, rotational block 56a could be fixed to
receptacle 44 and/or rotational block 56b could be fixed to
receptacle 42. The illustrated rails are symmetrical, i.e., they
will allow the receptacle and associated block be registered at two
positions, 180-degrees apart, so by fixing the block and the
receptacle, some alignment flexibility may be lost. Moreover,
although the blocks and receptacles are fastened using different
techniques, i.e., a thumb screw mounts block 56a and two flat head
screws mount block 56a, in FIG. 6 both blocks are mounted using a
pair of flat head screws. The invention is not limited by any
attachment methodology.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational blocks 56a,
56b are provided with a notch 62 and a protrusion 64, respectively,
which cooperate to align the receptacles 42, 44 in two positions,
at 180-degree rotational intervals. These positions are show in
FIGS. 4A and 4B as the aligned ad non-aligned positions.
[0035] Although a specific embodiment of the mount is illustrated
in FIGS. 5A and 5B, variations to that mount will be readily
appreciated to those having ordinary skill in the art, upon
enlightenment by this disclosure. For example, the same clamping
mechanism and/or the sleeve used in the second receptacle could
also be used in the first receptacle. Other clamping and/or
retention mechanisms could be used in either or both of the
receptacles. Moreover, the notch 62 and protrusion 64 may not be
provided at all in some embodiments, while in still others they
could be formed to provide additional alignment positions. In
another embodiment, the first and second receptacles may be fixed
in the aligned position, or may be integrated into a single piece.
In such an application the light source would always be in the
aligned position when the mount is affixed to the scope, and the
unaligned position would be achieved by removing the mount.
[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, the first receptacle
may mount to the gun instead of the scope. In such an embodiment
the first receptacle may have a completely different shape,
designed to instead clamp onto or otherwise releasably secure to
the gun. In such an embodiment, the second receptacle would still
be attached to the first receptacle, to selectively align the light
source with the scope.
[0037] As will be appreciated, the invention is particularly useful
for using a firearm in low- and no-light conditions, including at
night. Whereas most scopes would be rendered unusable in darkness,
the invention may be embodied as a simple accessory to make use of
the scope. The high-powered light projects from the scope to
illuminate the target while projecting the reticle from the scope
onto the target. Although a user cannot look through the scope when
the light source is aligned therewith, there is no need to, as the
projected cross-hairs or other reticle pattern will be readily
discernible on the target, and accurate. Thus, the user gets the
benefit of the scope, but without the necessity to look through it.
The user also therefore need not fire the gun from a customary
firing position, such as from the shoulder for a rifle, to
accurately aim. Applications of the invention include
night-hunting, for example, for wild boar or raccoons. Other uses
may include law enforcement or military. Whereas law enforcement
officers and soldiers are generally required to carry a flashlight
separate from their firearm to identify perpetrators before firing,
the present invention provides a single solution that allows for
illumination and aiming. Moreover, as noted above, an officer need
not have the gun in the proper firing position for reliable
aiming.
[0038] While the invention has been described in connection with
several presently preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that many modifications and changes may be
made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of
the invention which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by
the appended claims.
* * * * *