U.S. patent application number 13/737248 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for reticle including windage aiming points adjusted for distance to a target.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stephen Todd HODNETT. Invention is credited to Stephen Todd HODNETT.
Application Number | 20140123534 13/737248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48781828 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140123534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HODNETT; Stephen Todd |
May 8, 2014 |
RETICLE INCLUDING WINDAGE AIMING POINTS ADJUSTED FOR DISTANCE TO A
TARGET
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to target acquisition and related
devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and
associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for
example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at
stationary and moving targets.
Inventors: |
HODNETT; Stephen Todd;
(Arthur City, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HODNETT; Stephen Todd |
Arthur City |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48781828 |
Appl. No.: |
13/737248 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61585074 |
Jan 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20130101; F41G
3/00 20130101; F41G 1/473 20130101; F41G 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/122 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20060101
F41G001/38 |
Claims
1. A reticle comprising: a primary horizontal cross-hair; a primary
vertical cross-hair that intersects said primary horizontal
cross-hair; a plurality of drop hold markings positioned on the
vertical cross-hair, each of the drop hold markings corresponding
to a predetermined drop hold value for a target at a particular
distance, and a plurality of aiming points vertically aligned with
each of the drop hold markings, the aiming points having a
horizontal spacing that corresponds to regular increases in windage
effects, wherein the horizontal spacing between aiming points at
each drop hold marking is different and increases as the distance
to the target increases to compensate for the windage effect over
the particular distance, the windage effect being larger when the
distance to the target increases.
2. A reticle comprising: a primary horizontal cross-hair; a primary
vertical cross-hair that intersects said primary horizontal
cross-hair; two or more lines of graduated length spaced at regular
intervals on said primary horizontal cross-hair; two or more lines
of graduated length spaced at regular intervals on said primary
vertical cross-hair; a plurality of aiming points vertically
aligned with a first of the two or more lines of graduated length
on the primary vertical cross-hair, the plurality of aiming points
aligned with the first line of graduated length each being spaced
from the vertical cross-hair and each other by an equal first
spacing; and a plurality of aiming points vertically aligned with a
second of the two or more lines of graduated length on the primary
vertical cross-hair, the second of the two or more lines of
graduated length on the primary vertical cross-hair being
positioned vertically lower than the first of the two or more lines
of graduated length on the primary vertical cross-hair, the
plurality of aiming points aligned with the second line of
graduated length each being spaced from the vertical cross-hair and
each other by an equal second spacing greater than the first
spacing.
3. The reticle of claim 2, wherein the reticle comprises a third
line of graduated length positioned on the vertical cross-hair
between the first and second lines of graduated length, and a
plurality of aiming points vertically aligned with the third line
of graduated length on the primary vertical cross-hair, each of the
plurality of aiming points aligned with the third line of graduated
length being spaced from the vertical cross-hair and each other by
an equal third spacing greater than the first spacing and less than
the second spacing.
4. The reticle of claim 3, wherein each of the lines of graduated
length positioned on the vertical cross-hair correspond to a drop
hold value that corresponds to the drop hold necessary for a
particular range to a target, and wherein the first spacing
corresponds to equal increases in windage effects at the particular
drop hold value of the first line of graduated length.
5. The reticle of claim 4, wherein the second the second spacing
corresponds to equal increases in windage effects at the particular
drop hold value of the second line of graduated length, the equal
increases of the second spacing being the same as the equal
increases in the first spacing.
6. The reticle of claim 5, wherein the third spacing corresponds to
equal increases in windage effects at the particular drop hold
value of the third line of graduated length, the equal increases of
the third spacing being the same as the equal increases in the
first spacing and the second spacing.
7. The reticle of claim 6, wherein a first aiming point vertically
aligned with the first line of graduated length on the vertical
cross-hair closest to the vertical cross-hair on a first side of
the vertical-cross hair, a first aiming point vertically aligned
with the second line of graduated length on the vertical cross-hair
closest to the vertical cross-hair on the first side of the
vertical-cross hair, and a first aiming point vertically aligned
with the third line of graduated length on the vertical cross-hair
closest to the vertical cross-hair on the first side of the
vertical-cross hair are aligned along first line that is not
parallel to the vertical cross-hair.
8. The reticle of claim 7, wherein a second aiming point vertically
aligned with the first line of graduated length on the vertical
cross-hair adjacent to the first aiming point vertically aligned
with the first line of graduated length, a second aiming point
vertically aligned with the second line of graduated length on the
vertical cross-hair adjacent to the first aiming point vertically
aligned with the second line of graduated length, and a second
aiming point vertically aligned with the third line of graduated
length on the vertical cross-hair adjacent to the first aiming
point vertically aligned with the third line of graduated length
are aligned along second line that is not parallel to the vertical
cross-hair or the first line.
9. The reticle of claim 3, wherein a first aiming point vertically
aligned with the first line of graduated length on the vertical
cross-hair closest to the vertical cross-hair on a first side of
the vertical-cross hair, a first aiming point vertically aligned
with the second line of graduated length on the vertical cross-hair
closest to the vertical cross-hair on the first side of the
vertical-cross hair, and a first aiming point vertically aligned
with the third line of graduated length on the vertical cross-hair
closest to the vertical cross-hair on the first side of the
vertical-cross hair are aligned along first line that is not
parallel to the vertical cross-hair.
10. The reticle of claim 9, wherein a second aiming point
vertically aligned with the first line of graduated length on the
vertical cross-hair adjacent to the first aiming point vertically
aligned with the first line of graduated length, a second aiming
point vertically aligned with the second line of graduated length
on the vertical cross-hair adjacent to the first aiming point
vertically aligned with the second line of graduated length, and a
second aiming point vertically aligned with the third line of
graduated length on the vertical cross-hair adjacent to the first
aiming point vertically aligned with the third line of graduated
length are aligned along second line that is not parallel to the
vertical cross-hair or the first line.
11. The reticle of claim 10, wherein the reticle further includes a
plurality of reference indicia vertically aligned with each of the
lines of graduated length positioned on the vertical cross-hair,
the reference indicia having equal horizontal spacing such that the
reference indicia vertically aligned with a first line of graduated
length are horizontally aligned with the reference indicia
vertically aligned with a second line of graduated length.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/585,074, filed
Jan. 10, 2012 which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to target acquisition and
related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and
associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for
example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at
stationary and moving targets.
[0003] All shooters, whether they are police officers, soldiers,
Olympic shooters, sportswomen and sportsmen, hunters, plinkers or
weekend enthusiasts have one common goal: hitting their target
accurately and consistently. Accuracy and consistency in shooting
depend in part on the skill of the shooter and on the construction
of the firearm and projectile. At long ranges, for example, in
excess of 500 yards, the skill of the shooter and the consistency
of the ammunition are often not enough to insure that the shooter
will hit the target. As range increases, other factors can affect
the flight of the bullet and the point of impact down range.
[0004] One of these factors is "bullet drop". "Bullet drop" is
caused by the influence of gravity on the moving bullet, and is
characterized by a bullet path which curves toward earth over long
ranges. Therefore to hit a target at long range, it is necessary to
elevate the barrel of the weapon, and the aiming point, to adjust
for bullet drop. Other factors, such as wind, Magnus effect (i.e.,
a lateral thrust exerted by wind on a rotating bullet whose axis is
perpendicular to the wind direction), projectile design, projectile
spin, Coriolis effect, and the idiosyncrasies of the weapon or
projectile can change the projectile's path over long range. Such
effects are generally referred to as "windage" effects. Therefore,
for example, to hit a target at long range, it may be necessary to
correct for windage by moving the barrel of the weapon slightly to
the left or the right to compensate for windage effects. Thus, for
example, in order to hit a target at long range, the shooter must
see the target, accurately estimate the range to the target,
estimate the effect of bullet drop and windage effects on the
projectile, and use this information to properly position the
barrel of the firearm prior to squeezing the trigger.
[0005] Conventional telescopic target acquisition devices are not
generally useful at long ranges in excess of 400-800 yards. At
close ranges less than 100 yards conventional target acquisition
devices generally fall short when extreme accuracy is desired.
Modifications to this basic system have not, thus far, enabled a
skilled shooter firing at long ranges to acquire and hit a target
quickly and reliably, regardless of the weapon used (assuming
always that the firearm is capable of reaching a target at the
desired long range). Accordingly, the need exists for a target
acquisition device having a reticle which permits a skilled shooter
to rapidly and accurately identify the range to any target of known
or estimable size, no matter how large or small, and to make fast
and accurate adjustment for projectile drop and windage.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides reticles that provide means
for selecting aiming points that accurately target an intended
target at any desired range, including extreme distances. In
particular, the reticles of the present disclosure provide markings
or other indications that allow a user, for example, to associate a
first aiming point of the reticle with an intended target (e.g.,
the aiming point created by the cross-section of primary vertical
and horizontal cross-hairs), and to identify a second aiming point
(e.g., identified by a generated aiming dot, an electronic aiming
dot, or an aiming point created by secondary vertical and/or
horizontal cross-hairs) that represents a point to insure an
accurate shot to hit the target.
[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a reticle
for use in any target acquisition device, fixed power scope or a
variable power telescopic gunsight, image amplification device, or
other aiming device. In some embodiments, the reticle comprises a
substantially transparent disc, although the present disclosure is
not limited to the use of disc shaped reticles, or to substantially
transparent reticles, or to electronically generated reticles. In
some embodiments, the reticle has an optical center and an edge for
mounting said reticle in a housing (e.g., between an objective lens
and the ocular lens of a scope), one or more aiming points
positioned on said reticle, wherein the aiming points are formed by
a primary vertical cross-hair intersecting the optical center of
the reticle, a primary horizontal cross-hair intersecting said
primary vertical cross-hair to form an upper right sector (e.g.,
quadrant), an upper left sector, a lower right sector, and a lower
left sector, a plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairs at
predetermined distances along said primary vertical cross-hair, and
a plurality of secondary vertical cross-hairs at predetermined
distances along at least some of said secondary horizontal
cross-hairs. The cross-hairs may be of any length, any width, and
may comprise contiguous lines or may have gaps. In some
embodiments, the secondary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs
comprise intersecting continuous lines. In other embodiments, the
secondary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs comprise intersecting
dis-continuous lines. In further embodiments, the cross-hairs
comprise a pillar connecting, for example, the cross-hair to the
circumference of the reticle with a line of different thickness. In
some embodiments, at least one intersecting cross-hair crosses
beyond at least one other cross-hair. In other embodiments, at
least one intersecting cross-hair contacts but does not cross at
least one other cross-hair. In further embodiments, primary and
secondary cross-hairs comprise triangles, circles, squares,
straight lines, curved lines, arcs, solid dots, hollow dots,
numbers, letters, crosses, stars, solid shapes, hollow shapes, or
shapes in silhouette in a linear or curvilinear orientation to one
another.
[0008] In one embodiment, unique markings (e.g., numbers) identify
at least some of the secondary cross-hairs. In a further
embodiment, the primary horizontal cross-hair intersects that
primary vertical cross-hair at the optical center of the reticle.
In another embodiment, the primary horizontal cross-hair intersects
that primary vertical cross-hair below the optical center of the
reticle. In a preferred embodiment, the primary horizontal
cross-hair intersects that primary vertical cross-hair above the
optical center of the reticle. In a yet further embodiment, the
plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairs are evenly spaced at
predetermined distances along the primary vertical cross-hair. In
another embodiment, at least some of the secondary horizontal
cross-hairs are unevenly spaced at predetermined distances along
the primary vertical cross-hair. In a still further embodiment, two
or more secondary vertical cross-hairs are evenly spaced at
predetermined distances along at least some of the secondary
horizontal cross-hairs. In another embodiment, at least some of the
secondary vertical cross-hairs are unevenly spaced at predetermined
distances along the primary horizontal cross-hair. In yet another
embodiment, the reticle additionally includes range-finding
markings on the reticle. The range finding markings may be in one
of the sectors formed by the primary vertical and horizontal
cross-hairs, or may be on the primary vertical or horizontal
cross-hairs, or on the secondary vertical or horizontal
cross-hairs. In some embodiments, the primary or secondary
cross-hairs themselves are used as range-finder markings.
[0009] In still further embodiments, the reticle is optionally
illuminated for day use, for twilight use, for night use, for use
in low or absent ambient light, or for use with or without night
vision. In yet a further embodiment, illuminated dots at, for
example, even or odd Mil Radian spacing are separately illuminated
in the shooter's field of vision.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, reticles of the present
disclosure are constructed from an optically transparent wafer or
electronically generated disc having an optical center that
coincides with a center of a field of vision when the wafer is
mounted in a scope. In one embodiment, a primary vertical
cross-hair having a predetermined thickness bisects the disc,
intersecting the optical center of the disc, or intersecting at a
point offset from the optical center of the disc. In another
embodiment, a primary horizontal cross-hair having a predetermined
thickness intersects the primary vertical cross-hair, above the
optical center of the disc, to form an upper right sector (e.g.,
quadrant), an upper left sector, a lower right sector, and a lower
left sector. Two or more secondary horizontal cross-hairs having
predetermined thickness are spaced along the primary vertical
cross-hair. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least some
of these secondary horizontal cross-hairs are identified with a
unique identifier, to aid the shooter in calibrating the horizontal
cross-hairs by range, and in locating the appropriate horizontal
cross-hair to use in selecting an aiming point and to communicate
with, for example, a spotter. A plurality of secondary vertical
cross-hairs having predetermined thickness and configurations are
spaced along at least some of said secondary horizontal cross-hairs
to aid in making accurate windage adjustments. In a further
embodiment separate range-finding means are positioned on the
reticle to aid the shooter in determining the range to target. In a
still further embodiment, the shooter uses the distance subtended
by the vertical or horizontal lines to calculate the range to the
target.
[0011] The reticles of the present disclosure may be made of any
suitable material. The reticles may have any suitable markings that
permit use as described above and elsewhere herein. The markings
may be generated by any means, including, but not limited to,
engravings, etchings, projections, wires, digital or analog
imaging, raised surfaces (e.g., made of any desired material), etc.
The reticles may be used in any type of device where there is use
for secondary or multiple aiming points. The reticles may be used
in conjunction with one or more additional components that
facilitate or expand use (e.g., ballistic calculators, devices that
measure exterior factors, meteorological instruments, azimuth
indicators, compasses, chronographs, distance ranging devices,
etc.).
[0012] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an
improved target acquisition device using the reticles of the
present disclosure. In some embodiments, the target acquisition
device has one or more of a housing, a means for mounting a housing
in a fixed, predetermined position relative to a gun barrel, an
objective lens mounted in one end of the housing, and an ocular
lens mounted in the opposite end of the housing. In some
embodiments, the target acquisition device is a fixed power
telescopic gunsight, or a variable power telescopic gunsight. When
optics are mounted in the housing to permit the power to be varied
along a predetermined range, the reticle is mounted between the
objective lens and the variable power optics, although all
configurations are contemplated by the present disclosure. The
reticle may be configured in a target acquisition device in any
desired focal plane (e.g., first focal plane, second focal plane,
or a combination of both), or incorporated into a fixed power
telescopic gunsight. In a further embodiment, the reticles of the
present disclosure are incorporated for use in, for example,
electronic target acquisition and aiming devices.
[0013] While the reticles of the present disclosure find use in
long-range target acquisition devices they can be used with equal
effectiveness at close and medium ranges. In one embodiment, the
reticles of the present disclosure are adapted for use in a
mid-range telescopic gunsight, or close range telescopic gunsight,
or other device. A mid-range reticle, similar to the long-range
reticle described above, is constructed in accordance with this
disclosure. Since the mid-range reticle requires less field area,
in some embodiments, the primary horizontal cross-hair can be
conventionally positioned at the optical center of the reticle. The
mid-range reticle can then be calibrated and used in the same
manner as a long-range reticle.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, a portion of the primary vertical
cross-hair or the primary horizontal cross-hair, or both, is
provided with rangefinder markings to eliminate the need for a
separate rangefinder means in one of the sectors formed by the
intersection of the primary vertical and horizontal
cross-hairs.
[0015] In one embodiment, the reticle markings are assigned range
and distance values, for example, by using a computing device
containing a ballistics calculator program which receives
information regarding external/environmental field conditions
(e.g., date, time, temperature, relative humidity, target image
resolution, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction,
hemisphere, latitude, longitude, altitude), firearm information
(e.g., rate and direction of barrel twist, internal barrel
diameter, internal barrel caliber, and barrel length), projectile
information (e.g., projectile weight, projectile diameter,
projectile caliber, projectile cross-sectional density, one or more
projectile ballistic coefficients (as used herein, "ballistic
coefficient" is as exemplified by William Davis, American Rifleman,
March, 1989, incorporated herein by reference), projectile
configuration, propellant type, propellant amount, propellant
potential force, primer, and muzzle velocity of the cartridge),
target acquisition device and reticle information (e.g., type of
reticle, power of magnification, first, second or fixed plane of
function, distance between the target acquisition device and the
barrel, the positional relation between the target acquisition
device and the barrel, the range at which the telescopic gunsight
was zeroed using a specific firearm and cartridge), information
regarding the shooter (e.g., the shooter's visual acuity, visual
idiosyncrasies, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, blood
oxygen saturation, muscle activity, brain wave activity, and number
and positional coordinates of spotters assisting the shooter), and
the relation between the shooter and target (e.g., the distance
between the shooter and target, the speed and direction of movement
of the target relative to the shooter, or shooter relative to the
target (e.g., where the shooter is in a moving vehicle), and
direction from true North), and the angle of the rifle barrel with
respect to a line drawn perpendicularly to the force of
gravity).
[0016] In one embodiment, the output of a ballistics program is
selected to produce aiming point information for a specific target
at a known range, or multiple targets at known or estimable ranges.
In a further embodiment, the target acquisition device is a
conventional telescopic gunsight comprising a reticle of the
present disclosure in which the scope is adjusted to hit a target
at range by rotating horizontal and vertical adjustment knobs a
calculated number of "clicks". In a further embodiment, the
telescopic gunsights include all varying designs of telescopic
gunsights apparent to one skilled in the art, for example,
telescopic gunsights manufactured and marketed by Leupold,
Schmidt-Bender, Swarovski, Burris, Bushnell, Zeiss, Nikon, Kahles
Optik, and Nightforce. In a preferred embodiment, the telescopic
gunsight contains a reticle of the present disclosure in which the
specific aiming point for the target is identified by reference to
the calibrated secondary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs. In
some preferred embodiments, the calculator comprises means for unit
conversion for any desired measurement.
[0017] In one embodiment, the reticle of the present disclosure
comprises a plurality of primary cross-hairs separated by
predetermined distances, a plurality of secondary cross-hairs at
predetermined distances along said plurality of primary
cross-hairs, and a plurality of lead markings indicating rate of
movement of the target along at least one said cross-hair. In one
embodiment, the plurality of primary-cross-hairs comprises vertical
cross-hairs. In another embodiment, the plurality of primary
cross-hairs comprises horizontal cross-hairs. In yet another
embodiment, the plurality of primary cross-hairs comprises both
vertical and horizontal cross-hairs. In a further embodiment, the
plurality of secondary cross-hairs comprises vertical cross-hairs.
In still further embodiment, the plurality of secondary cross-hairs
comprises horizontal cross-hairs. In a preferred embodiment, the
plurality of secondary cross-hairs comprises both vertical and
horizontal cross-hairs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
plurality of secondary cross-hairs comprises at least three
secondary cross-hairs.
[0018] In one embodiment, lead markings are placed along at least
one of the primary cross-hairs. In another embodiment, the lead
markings are placed along at least one of the secondary
cross-hairs. In yet another embodiment, the lead markings are
placed along at least one primary cross-hair, and at least one
secondary cross-hair. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of
lead markings comprises at least three lead markings. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the lead markings are secondary
cross-hairs.
[0019] In one embodiment, the reticle comprises rangefinder
markings. In another embodiment, the reticle comprises markings for
identification of one or more of the cross-hairs. In an additional
embodiment, the reticle comprises markings for identification of
one or more of the lead markings. In still another embodiment, the
reticle comprises an aiming dot.
[0020] In one embodiment, the reticle is configured for use in day
light illumination. In some embodiments the reticle is configured
for use in low light illumination.
[0021] In one embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a method
for shooting a target comprising a target acquisition device,
comprising a housing, a means for mounting said housing in a fixed,
predetermined position relative to a firearm, an objective lens
mounted in one end of said housing, an ocular lens mounted in the
opposite end of said housing; a reticle comprising a plurality of
primary cross-hairs separated by predetermined distances, a
plurality of secondary cross-hairs at predetermined distances along
said plurality of primary cross-hairs, and a plurality of lead
markings indicating rate of movement of the target along at least
one said cross-hair; selecting an aiming point on said target
acquisition device that accounts for the relation of the shooter to
the target, and using said aiming point to aim said firearm so as
to hit said target.
[0022] In one embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a method
for shooting a target comprising a target acquisition device
comprising a housing, a means for mounting the housing in a fixed,
predetermined position relative to a firearm, an objective lens
mounted in one end of said housing, and an ocular lens mounted in
the opposite end of said housing; a reticle comprising a plurality
of primary cross-hairs separated by predetermined distances, a
plurality of secondary cross-hairs at predetermined distances along
said plurality of primary cross-hairs, and a plurality of lead
markings indicating rate of movement of the target along at least
one said cross-hair; a ballistics calculator system for computing
targeting information to hit a target comprising a processor
comprising a ballistics computer program embodied in a
computer-readable medium for analyzing information needed to
accurately aim a firearm at a target using a target acquisition
device with a reticle, with the program using information regarding
one or more of external conditions, the firearm being used, the
projectile being used, the target acquisition device and reticle
being used, the shooter, the relation of the shooter wherein said
target can be greater than 1000 yards from the shooter, and the
ballistics drag model and retardation coefficient being used, and
selecting an aiming point on the target acquisition device that
accounts for the relation of the shooter to the target, and using
the targeting information displayed by the ballistics calculator
system to aim the firearm so as to hit the target. In a preferred
embodiment, the target is hit by holding the aiming point on the
target. In a further embodiment the ballistics calculator system
projects a reticle specific for information regarding one or more
of the firearm being used, the projectile being used, and the
target acquisition device being used.
[0023] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
comprise a primary horizontal cross-hair, a primary vertical
cross-hair that intersects said primary horizontal cross-hair, two
or more mil lines of graduated length on said primary horizontal
cross-hair, two or more mil lines of graduated length on said
primary vertical cross-hair, two or more offset mil lines
subtending the gap between the third and the fourth mil lines on
the primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross
hair to the left, to the right, and above the intersection of the
primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross-hair,
two or more range markings along the primary vertical cross-hair
below the intersection of the primary horizontal cross-hair and the
primary vertical cross-hair, two or more wind markings to the left
and to the right of the primary vertical cross-hair below the
intersection of the primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary
vertical cross-hair, two or more simultaneously visible secondary
horizontal cross-hairs at predetermined distances on said primary
vertical cross-hair, and two or more simultaneously visible
secondary vertical cross-hairs at predetermined distances on said
simultaneously visible secondary horizontal cross-hairs, wherein an
intersection of at least one of said two or more simultaneously
visible secondary vertical cross-hairs and at least one of said two
or more simultaneously visible secondary horizontal cross-hairs
provides an aiming point.
[0024] In some embodiments, the two or more mil lines of graduated
length on the primary horizontal cross-hair and the two or more mil
lines of graduated length on the primary vertical cross-hair are
graduated in length in a replicated pattern. In further
embodiments, the two or more mil lines of graduated length on the
primary horizontal cross-hair and the two or more mil lines of
graduated length on the primary vertical cross-hair are
successively 0.5 mils, 0.6 mils, 0.7 mils, 0.8 mils and 0.9 mils in
length in a pattern that is replicated thereafter along the primary
horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross-hair.
[0025] In some embodiments, the two or more offset mil lines
subtending the gap between the third and the fourth mil lines on
the primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross
hair to the left, to the right and above the intersection of the
primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross-hair
are offset in a V-shape. In other embodiments, the two or more
offset mil lines subtending the gap between the third and the
fourth mil lines on the primary horizontal cross-hair and the
primary vertical cross hair to the left, to the right and above the
intersection of the primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary
vertical cross-hair are successively spaced at 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8
and 3.9 mils.
[0026] In some embodiments, the two or more range markings along
the primary vertical cross-hair below the intersection of the
primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross-hair
comprise a gap. In other embodiments, the gap corresponds to a
predetermined dimension of a target at a predetermined range. In
further embodiments, the two or more range markings along the
primary vertical cross-hair below the intersection of the primary
horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross-hair comprise
an oval. In still further embodiments, the longest diameter of the
oval corresponds to a predetermined dimension of a target at a
predetermined range.
[0027] In some embodiments, the two or more wind markings to the
left and to the right of the primary vertical cross-hair below the
intersection of the primary horizontal cross-hair and the primary
vertical cross-hair are selected from a group consisting of a dot,
a cross, an uninterrupted line, an interrupted line, a number and a
line comprising two or more numbers. In other embodiments, the two
or more wind markings to the left and to the right of the primary
vertical cross-hair below the intersection of the primary
horizontal cross-hair and the primary vertical cross-hair are
calibrated for the velocity of a target, properties of a
projectile, properties of a firearm, or properties of the
environment. In further embodiments, the properties of the
environment comprise density altitude, wind speed, wind direction,
and wind angle. Further embodiments comprise
velocity-of-a-target-markings above or below the primary horizontal
cross-hair. In some embodiments, the wind markings to the left and
to the right of the primary vertical cross hair are arranged in
vertically curvilinear lines.
[0028] In some embodiments, the primary horizontal cross-hair is a
line. In other embodiments, the line is a straight line. In still
other embodiments, the straight line is an uninterrupted straight
line. In further embodiments, the primary horizontal cross-hair has
a predetermined thickness. In some embodiments the predetermined
thickness is a single thickness along the primary horizontal
cross-hair. In other embodiments, the primary vertical cross-hair
is a line. In some embodiments the line is a straight line. In
further embodiments the straight line is an uninterrupted straight
line. In some embodiments, the primary vertical cross-hair has a
predetermined thickness. In further embodiments, the predetermined
thickness is a single thickness along the primary vertical
cross-hair. In preferred embodiments, the primary horizontal
cross-hair and said primary vertical cross-hair physically cross at
an intersection point. In certain embodiments, at least one of the
two or more secondary horizontal cross-hairs is an uninterrupted
straight line. In other embodiments, at least one of the two or
more secondary horizontal cross-hairs is a predetermined thickness.
In some embodiments, the predetermined thickness is a single
thickness along the at least one of the two or more secondary
horizontal cross-hairs. In other embodiments, the at least one of
the two or more secondary horizontal cross-hairs is shorter in
length than the primary horizontal cross-hair. In still other
embodiments, the at least one of the two or more secondary vertical
cross-hairs is an uninterrupted straight line. In some embodiments,
at least one of the two or more secondary vertical cross-hairs is a
predetermined thickness. In some embodiments, the predetermined
thickness is single thickness along the at least one of the two or
more secondary vertical cross-hairs. In other embodiments, at least
one of the two or more secondary vertical cross-hairs is shorter in
length than the primary vertical cross-hair. In some embodiments, a
plurality of the two or more secondary vertical cross-hairs are
evenly spaced. In certain embodiments, the two or more wind
markings are evenly spaced on at least one of said two or more
simultaneously visible secondary horizontal cross-hairs. In other
embodiments, the two or more wind markings are evenly spaced at
intervals that differ between at least two of said two or more
simultaneously visible secondary horizontal cross-hairs. In still
further embodiments, the rangefinder markings and the wind markings
are identified by numbers. Some embodiments comprise a zero aiming
point at the intersection of the primary vertical cross-hair and
the primary horizontal cross-hair. Other embodiments comprise at
least one simultaneously visible straight line secondary horizontal
cross-hair on the primary vertical cross-hair above the primary
horizontal cross-hair.
[0029] Other embodiments will be evident from a consideration of
the drawings taken together with the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] A better understanding of the disclosure and its advantages
will be apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the optical components of a
telescopic gunsight of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a front view of a reticle of the present
disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at high power, the spacing of the markings
based upon a "shooter's minute of angle" or inch of angle"
(IOA.TM.) scale;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a front view of a reticle of the present
disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at low power;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of an example of a firearm
showing a telescopic gunsight mounted on the barrel;
[0035] FIG. 5 is an example of a reticle of the present disclosure
based upon a "centimeter of angle" (COA.TM.) scale;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a front view of an example of a mid-range reticle
of the present disclosure. The spacing of the markings are based
upon an "inch of angle" (IOA.TM.) scale;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a front view of a reticle of the present
disclosure in which the upper portion of the primary vertical
cross-hair and the primary horizontal cross-hair have been provided
with rangefinder markings of a United States Marine Corps mil
Radians scale, (where a circle equals 6,283 mils/circle); or it may
be calibrated in United States Army mil scale (6,400 mils/circle),
or other mil scale (e.g. 6000 mil/circle, 9000 mil/circle), or
European, Russian, or other variations of the mil scale.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a front view of a reticle of the present
disclosure in which the upper portion of the primary vertical
cross-hair and the primary horizontal cross-hair have been provided
with rangefinder markings of an "inches of angle" (IOA.TM.)
scale;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a front view of a reticle of an embodiment of the
present disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at intermediate power with rangefinder markings
between at least one pair of secondary horizontal cross-hairs on a
primary vertical cross-hair and between at least one pair secondary
vertical cross-hairs on a primary horizontal cross-hair, with
secondary horizontal and secondary vertical cross-hairs of
predetermined incremental lengths along a primary horizontal and
primary vertical cross-hair respectively, with one or more
secondary vertical cross-hairs along one or more secondary
horizontal cross-hairs, with gaps along a primary vertical
cross-hair that correspond to a predetermined dimension of a target
(e.g., 12 inches) at varying ranges, with lead markings for
correction for wind and motion of a target provided by wind dots
and a vertical alignment of ordered numbers suitable for use, for
example, in tactical, military, police and sporting
applications.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a front view of a reticle of an embodiment of the
present disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at intermediate power with rangefinder markings
between at least one pair of secondary horizontal cross-hairs on a
primary vertical cross-hair and between at least one pair secondary
vertical cross-hairs on a primary horizontal cross-hair, with one
or more secondary vertical cross-hairs along one or more secondary
horizontal cross-hairs, with secondary horizontal and secondary
vertical cross-hairs of predetermined incremental lengths, with
gaps along a primary vertical cross-hair that correspond to a
predetermined dimension of a target (e.g., 12 inches) at varying
ranges, with lead markings for correction for wind and motion of a
target provided by wind dots and a vertical alignment of ordered
numbers, and secondary vertical cross-hairs along secondary
horizontal cross hairs numbered from 10 to 38 suitable for use, for
example, in tactical, military, police and sporting
applications.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a front view of a reticle of an embodiment of the
present disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at high power with rangefinder markings between
at least one pair of secondary horizontal cross-hairs on a primary
vertical cross-hair and between at least one pair secondary
vertical cross-hairs on a primary horizontal cross-hair, with one
or more secondary vertical cross-hairs along one or more secondary
horizontal cross-hairs, with secondary horizontal and secondary
vertical cross-hairs of predetermined incremental lengths, with
gaps along a primary vertical cross-hair that correspond to a
predetermined dimension of a target (e.g., 12 inches) at varying
ranges, with lead markings for correction for wind and motion of a
target provided by wind dots and a vertical alignment of ordered
numbers, and secondary vertical cross-hairs along secondary
horizontal cross hairs numbered from 10 to 20 suitable for use, for
example, in tactical, military, police and sporting
applications.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a front view of a reticle of an embodiment of the
present disclosure showing the markings as view through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at high power with one or more secondary
vertical cross-hairs along one or more secondary horizontal
cross-hairs, with ovals along a primary vertical cross-hair that
correspond to a predetermined dimension of a target (e.g., 12
inches) at varying ranges, with lead markings for correction for
wind and motion of a target provided by markings (e.g., crosses)
and angled oblique lines, and with numbers above a primary
horizontal cross-hair that correspond to a constant rate of motion
of a target suitable for use, for example, in tactical, military,
police and sporting applications.
[0043] FIG. 13a illustrates a representative target for use of the
reticle of the present disclosure for a second shot correction of a
missed first shot;
[0044] FIG. 13b illustrates a range call for using line #8 for drop
compensation. For the first shot the target is placed on line #8
and the shot taken;
[0045] FIG. 13c illustrates that the shot taken in FIG. 13b misses
the bull's eye with an impact high and to the right of the
target;
[0046] FIG. 13d illustrates that when the reticle of the target
acquisition device is aligned so that the bull's eye and original
aiming point are aligned (at the central cross-hair of line #8),
the actual bullet impact is at line #7, 2 hack-marks to the
right;
[0047] FIG. 13e illustrates that line #7 2 hack-marks (i.e.,
secondary vertical cross-hairs) to the right is used for the main
targeting cross-hair aligned with the bull's eye for the second
shot;
[0048] FIG. 13f illustrates that the second shot impacts the bull's
eye using the impact point of the first shot on the reticle as the
aiming point for the second shot;
[0049] FIG. 14a is a front view of reticle markings of the present
disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at high power.
[0050] FIG. 14b is a front view of reticle markings of the present
disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at high power.
[0051] FIG. 14c is a front view of reticle markings of the present
disclosure, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom
telescopic gunsight at high power.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a front view of a reticle of the present
disclosure showing mil markers, speed shooting wind dots, speed
shooting drop finder markings, moving target hold markings, and
hold over cross markings.
[0053] FIG. 16 shows chevron clusters on the primary horizontal and
vertical cross-hairs of reticles of the present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 17 shows a pattern of lengthening measuring markers
embedded into the primary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs of
the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 18 shows a repeating pattern of hash marks (i.e., hack
marks, or secondary vertical cross-hairs) along primary horizontal
cross-hair and vertical cross-hairs of reticles of the present
disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 19 shows 3 lengths of mil markers within an aiming grid
of reticles of the present disclosure.
[0057] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary 12'' target.
[0058] FIG. 21 shows five drop finder markings of reticles of the
present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 22A shows an exemplary location of a target upon a
secondary horizontal cross-hair.
[0060] FIG. 22b shows an exemplary location of a target upon a
secondary horizontal cross-hair.
[0061] FIG. 22C shows repositioning to center a target directly
upon a secondary horizontal cross-hair.
[0062] FIG. 23A shows an adjustment needed using an XM2010 weapon
system and a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0063] FIG. 23B shows an adjustment needed using an XM2010 weapon
system and a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 24A shows an adjustment needed using an SPR weapon
system and a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0065] FIG. 24B shows an adjustment needed using an SPR weapon
system and a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0066] FIG. 25A shows an adjustment needed using an M110 weapon
system and a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 25B shows that no adjustment is needed using an XM2010
weapon system and a reticle of the present disclosure compared to
FIG. 25A.
[0068] FIG. 26 shows miles per hour (mph) values for the 8-mil
secondary horizontal cross-hair (drop line) in a reticle of the
present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 27 shows the 20 mph wind-speed holds for an M110 weapon
system using a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0070] FIG. 28 shows an exemplary elevation hold using the 5.sup.th
wind speed marker of a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0071] FIG. 29 shows a 4.sup.th wind-speed marker in each series
designated by a cross rather than a dot in a reticle of the present
disclosure.
[0072] FIG. 30 shows a target positioned on the 5.0 mil secondary
horizontal cross-hair for a target moving at 4 mph from the left on
a reticle of the present disclosure.
[0073] FIG. 31 shows crosses to proved hold points in 1.0 mil
increments beyond an aiming grid.
[0074] FIG. 32 shows a reticle of the present disclosure with an
aiming grip and target placed for an adjustment of 13.5 mils down
and 2.5 mils right.
[0075] FIG. 33 shows mil markers represented by thin vertical hash
marks spaced in 1.0 mil increment through secondary horizontal
cross-hairs 1 through 9 of a reticle of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0076] The present disclosure relates to target acquisition and
related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and
associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for
example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at
stationary and moving targets. Certain preferred and illustrative
embodiments of the disclosure are described below. The present
disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.
[0077] As used herein, the term "firearm" refers to any device that
propels an object or projectile, for example, in a controllable
flat fire, line of sight, or line of departure, for example,
handguns, pistols, rifles, shotgun slug guns, muzzleloader rifles,
single shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic
rifles of any caliber direction through any media. As used herein,
the term "firearm" also refers to a remote, servo-controlled
firearm wherein the firearm has auto-sensing of both position and
directional barrel orientation. The shooter is able to position the
firearm in one location, and move to a second location for target
image acquisition and aiming. As used herein, the term "firearm"
also refers to chain guns, belt-feed guns, machine guns, and
Gatling guns. As used herein, the term firearm also refers to high
elevation, and over-the-horizon, projectile propulsion devices, for
example, artillery, mortars, canons, tank canons or rail guns of
any caliber.
[0078] As used herein, the term "internal barrel caliber" refers to
the diameter measured across the lands inside the bore, or the
diameter of the projectile. As used herein, the term "internal
barrel diameter" refers to a straight line passing through the
center of a circle, sphere, etc. from one side to the other and the
length of the line used in ballistics to describe the bore of the
barrel.
[0079] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers, for example, to
a projectile comprising a primer, explosive propellant, a casing
and a bullet, or, for example, to a hybrid projectile lacking a
casing, or, for example, to a muzzle-loaded projectile, compressed
gas or air-powered projectile, or magnetic attraction or repulsion
projectile, etc. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
projectile travels at subsonic speed. In a further embodiment of
the present disclosure, the projectile travels at supersonic speed.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the shooter is
able to shift between subsonic and supersonic projectiles without
recalibration of the scope, with reference to range cards specific
to the subsonic or supersonic projectile.
[0080] As used herein, the term "target acquisition device" refers
to an apparatus used by the shooter to select, identify or monitor
a target. The target acquisition device may rely on visual
observation of the target, or, for example, on infrared (IR),
ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging,
radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particle
radiation, night vision, vibrational receptors including
ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic
resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including
radio-wave, television and cellular receptors, or other image of
the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the
target acquisition device may be unaltered, or it may be enhanced,
for example, by magnification, amplification, subtraction,
superimposition, filtration, stabilization, template matching, or
other means finding use in the present disclosure. In some
embodiments, the target image presented to the shooter by the
target acquisition device is compared to a database of images
stored, for example, on a medium that is readable by the ballistics
calculator system of the present disclosure. In this fashion, the
ballistics calculator system performs a match or no-match analysis
of the target or targets. The target selected, identified or
monitored by the target acquisition device may be within the line
of sight of the shooter, or tangential to the sight of the shooter
or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target
acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the
shooter. The image of the target acquired by the target acquisition
device may be, for example, analog or digital, and shared, stored,
archived, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters
and spotters by, for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR,
radio wave, cellular connections, laser pulse, optical, 802.11b or
other wireless transmission using, for example, protocols such as
html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth.TM., Serial, USB or
other suitable image distribution method.
[0081] As exemplified in FIG. 4, a target acquisition telescopic
gunsight 10 (also referred to herein as a "scope") includes a
housing 36 which can be mounted in fixed relationship with a gun
barrel 38. Housing 36 is constructed from steel or aluminum, but
can be constructed from virtually any durable, substantially rigid
material that is useful for constructing optical equipment. Mounted
in housing 36 at one end is an objective lens or lens assembly 12.
Mounted in housing 38 at the opposite end is an ocular lens or lens
assembly 14.
[0082] As used herein, the term "lens" refers to an object by means
of which light rays, thermal, sonar, infrared, ultraviolet,
microwave or radiation of other wavelength is focused or otherwise
projected to form an image. It is well known in the art to make
lenses from either a single piece of glass or other optical
material (such as transparent plastic) which has been
conventionally ground and polished to focus light, or from two or
more pieces of such material mounted together, for example, with
optically transparent adhesive and the like to focus light.
Accordingly, the term "lens" as used herein is intended to cover a
lens constructed from a single piece of optical glass or other
material, or multiple pieces of optical glass or other material
(for example, an achromatic lens), or from more than one piece
mounted together to focus light, or from other material capable of
focusing light. Any lens technology now known or later developed
finds use with the present disclosure. For example, any lens based
on digital, hydrostatic, ionic, electronic, magnetic energy fields,
component, composite, plasma, adoptive lens, or other related
technologies may be used. Additionally, moveable or adjustable
lenses may be used. As will be understood by one having skill in
the art, when the scope 10 is mounted to, for example, a gun, rifle
or weapon 38, the objective lens (that is, the lens furthest from
the shooter's eye) 12 faces the target, and the ocular lens (that
is, the lens closest to the shooter's eye) 14 faces the shooter's
eye.
[0083] Other optical components that may be included in housing 36
include variable power optical components 16 for a variable power
scope. Such components 16 typically include magnifiers and
erectors. Such a variable power scope permits the user to select a
desired power within a predetermined range of powers. For example,
with a 3-12.times.50 scope, the user can select a lower power
(e.g., 3.times.50) or a high power (e.g., 12.times.50) or any power
along the continuous spectrum in between.
[0084] Reticles of the present disclosure are typically (but not
necessarily) constructed using optical material, such as optical
glass or plastic, or similar transparent material, and takes the
form of a disc or wafer with substantially parallel sides. The
reticle may, for example, be constructed from wire, spider web,
nano-wires, an etching, or may be analog or digitally printed, or
may be projected (for example, on a surface) by, for example, a
mirror, video, holographic projection, or other suitable means on
one or more wafers of material. In one embodiment, illuminated
reticles are etched, with the etching filled in with a reflective
material, for example, titanium oxide, that illuminates when a
light or diode powered by, for example, a battery, chemical or
photovoltaic source, is rheostatically switched on compensating for
increasing (+) or decreasing (-) light intensity. In a further
embodiment, the illuminated reticle is composed of two or more
wafers, each with a different image, for example, one image for
daylight viewing (that is, a primary reticle), and one image for
night viewing (that is, a secondary reticle). In a still further
embodiment, if the shooter finds it undesirable to illuminate an
entire reticle, since it might compromise optical night vision, the
secondary reticle illuminates a reduced number of dots or lines. In
yet another embodiment, the illuminated primary and secondary
reticles are provided in any color. In a preferred embodiment, the
illuminated reticle of the shooter's aiming device is identical to
one or more spotter target acquisition devices such that the
spotting device independently illuminates one or both of the
reticles.
[0085] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illuminated
reticles of the present disclosure are used in, for example, low
light or no light environments using rheostat-equipped,
stereoscopic adaptive binoculars. With one eye, the shooter looks
through a target acquisition device equipped with an aiming reticle
of the present disclosure. With the opposite eye, the shooter
observes the target using a night vision device, for example, the
PVS 14 device. When the reticle and night vision device of the
binocular are rheostatically illuminated, and the binocular images
are properly aligned, the reticle of the target acquisition device
is superimposed within the shooter's field of vision upon the
shooter's image of the target, such that accurate shot placement
can be made at any range in low light or no light surroundings.
[0086] In one embodiment, the reticle of the present disclosure is
electronically projected on a viewing screen comprising the
shooter's image of the target. As used herein, the term "image"
refers to data representation of a physical object or space. In
another embodiment, an electronic image receptor receives an image
from lenses made of, for example, plastic, glass or other clear
material. In a further embodiment, the electronic image receptor is
permanently affixed to the target acquisition device. In a
preferred embodiment, two or more electronic image receptors are
simultaneously or sequentially available to the shooter for
acquisition of different spectral images including, for example,
IR, thermal, visible light, ultra-violet light (UV), radiation
including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation,
microwave, night vision, radar, vibrational receptors including
ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic
resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including
radio wave, television and cellular receptors, etc. In an
additional embodiment, the electronic image receptor is a
replaceable component of the target acquisition device. In some
embodiments, the reticle of the present disclosure is a thick or
thin line-weight reticle.
[0087] In one embodiment, the electronic image is projected from
the shooter's target image acquisition device to a ballistics
calculator processing unit by, for example, physical cable, IR,
Bluetooth.TM., radio wave, cellular connections, laser pulse,
optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using, for example,
protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., and may be
encrypted for security. The processing unit may be any sort of
computer, for example, ready-built or custom-built, running an
operating system. In preferred embodiments, manual data is input to
the processing unit through voice recognition, touch screen,
keyboard, buttons, knobs, mouse, pointer, joystick, or analog or
digital devices. In a further embodiment, the reticle of the
present disclosure is electronically projected on a viewing screen
comprising one or more spotter's image of the target. In a still
further embodiment, the electronic image of the spotter's target
image acquisition device is projected to the ballistics calculator
by, for example, cable, IR, Bluetooth.TM., or other wireless
transmission. In a particularly preferred embodiment, viewing
screens of the ballistics calculator system comprising, for
example, aiming dots, ghost rings and targeting data are projected
on one or more shooter's and one or more spotter's viewing screens.
In some embodiments the visual display includes LCD, CRT,
holographic images, direct corneal projection, large screen
monitors, heads up display, and ocular brain stimulus. In other
embodiments, the display is mounted, for example, on the scope, in
portable head gear, on glasses, goggles, eye wear, mounted on the
firearm, or in a portable display standing apart from the
firearm.
[0088] In some embodiments, the shooter is able to use the
processing unit of the ballistics calculator system to
electronically select the color of the reticle or image, and,
through electronic enhancement of the target image, for example, to
defeat mirage, to increase or decrease the brightness and contrast
of the reticle, to increase or decrease the brightness and contrast
resolution of the target image, to stabilize the image, to match
the image with an electronic library of stored images, to
electronically amplify the target image through pixel replication
or any other form of interpolation, to sharpen edge detection of
the image, and to filter specific spectral elements of the image.
In other embodiments, image types can be combined by the processing
unit of a ballistic calculating system to assist in resolving
images, for example, performing digital combinations of visible
spectrum with thermal imaging, overlapping ultraviolet images with
X-ray images, or combining images from an IR scope with night
optics. The processing unit gathers all data on, for example,
target size, angles and locations of spotters and shooters, and
constructs an accurate position of the target in relation to the
shooter. In a further embodiment, the ballistics calculator
displays the electronic image observed by the shooter's or
spotter's target image acquisition devices. In a preferred
embodiment, after the firearm is discharged the targeting grid of
the electronic target image acquisition device and ballistics
calculator system is adjusted so that the point of impact is
matched to the targeting grid, thereby establishing a rapid zero
aiming point. In yet another embodiment, firearm and telescopic
aiming device are zeroed electronically.
[0089] In one embodiment, the target acquisition device is not
mounted on a firearm. An advantage of not having the target
acquisition device image receptor be mounted on the scope or
firearm is that much larger, more powerful and more sensitive
imaging components can be deployed, making it easier to acquire
better images without burdening the shooter with additional bulk
and weight. In addition, a stand-apart image receptor is not
exposed to recoil from the firearm. In the stand-apart ballistics
calculating system shooters, spotters and other interested parties
view the target via a target image acquisition device, for example,
a thermal imaging device, that projects an image on a video monitor
or glasses, goggles, an eye-piece, a contact lens, a headset, or on
the retina of the viewer. In some embodiments, the image receptor
is in a spotting scope beside the firearm. In another embodiment,
the image receptor is mounted on a nearby firearm. In a preferred
embodiment, the image receptor is at a separate location, or remote
site. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the image receptor is
in an airborne vehicle, drone, or satellite. In a further
embodiment, the image is available as previously stored
information. In another embodiment, the one or more shooters use
multiple or composite image receptors.
[0090] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reticle is
projected on glasses, goggles, an eye-piece, a contact lens, a
headset, or on the retina of the shooter. In another embodiment,
the reticle is superimposed on any suitable image of the target,
for example an optical image, a thermal image, an ultrasonic image,
a sonar image, a radar image, a night vision image, a magnetic
image, an infrared image, an enhanced image of any kind, or a
holographic projected electronic image. In still further
embodiment, the reticle is superimposed on the intended target and
the aiming point is illuminated by a laser. Where the markings on a
reticle are generated or moveable, in some embodiments, the
markings may be modified to account for changes in the environment
and/or desired function. For example, the position, size, spacing
of cross-hairs, etc. may be automatically or manually adjusted to
improve function.
[0091] In an additional embodiment, the reticle is provided with a
circumscribing ring visible through the target acquisition device,
to aid in centering the eye relative to the target acquisition
device. This ring helps reduce shooting inaccuracy caused by the
misalignment of the shooter's line of sight through the target
acquisition device. The ring assures a repeatable check weld to the
firearm that is beneficial to repeatable shooting. By providing a
visual means to align the reticle within the target acquisition
device, the shooter is able to produce more accurate and more
repeatable results. In one embodiment, the reticle of the present
disclosure further comprises a substantially transparent disc
having an optical center and an edge for mounting said disc, and a
ring positioned optically between said optical center and said
edge, said ring spaced from said edge and circumscribing said
optical center and one or more aiming points, whereby said ring can
be visually centered in a field of view for aligning a line of
sight through the target acquisition device. In some embodiments,
the ring-equipped reticle allows the shooter to rapidly
discriminate the ring in the target acquisition device's field of
view. The shooter thereby naturally and subconsciously focuses on
the center of the ring. In further embodiments, a central dot is
used for finer or more precise targeting as time allows. As used
herein, a "central dot" refers to any geometric shape, for example,
a circle, a square, a cross, or a diamond. In some embodiments, the
central dot is solid. In other embodiments, the central dot is
hollow. In further embodiments, the central dot is indicated by
interrupted lines. In some embodiments, the reticles of the present
disclosure comprise two or more rings. In further embodiments, at
least one ring is within another ring. In still further
embodiments, a circumscribing ring is differentially illuminated
from at least one component of the reticle. In some embodiments,
the ring diameter is suitable for use at a near, an intermediate or
a distant target. More accurate results can be achieved if a
shooter centers the reticle while looking through the target
acquisition device. However, aligning the user's eye with the
optical center of the target acquisition device is not always easy.
The present disclosure can also be provided with a "ghost ring".
The ghost ring is a visible ring which has as its center the
optical center of the scope, and which circumscribes the markings
on the reticle. The ghost ring aids shooters by helping them align
their sight with respect to the target acquisition device and
reticle. By insuring that the ghost ring is centered within the
field of view of the target acquisition device, the reticle will
likewise be centered. In additional embodiments, the ring-equipped
reticle gives the shooter the ability to rapidly acquire and engage
targets at very close distances to plus or minus 300 yards. When a
target is spotted, and time is of the essence, the central ring
that encases all or part of the reticle gives the shooter the
ability to quickly discriminate the object to be targeted. When
speed is an essential factor, the reticle of the present disclosure
gives the shooter a safety factor equated in time. The
ring-equipped reticle of the present disclosure allows the shooter
to strike the target first, thereby dramatically increasing odds of
survival. In some embodiments, for extended range targets up to
1000 yards and beyond, the shooter uses the reticle of the present
disclosure contained wholly or partially within all or part of the
ring. In some embodiments the ring is designed with a thick line,
for example a line that subtends, or covers, 5 MOA at 100 yards. In
other embodiments, a thinner line is employed compatible with, for
example, specific target acquisition devices, preferred
magnification powers, weapons of choice, or assigned missions. In
some embodiments, the area subtended by the ring is selected
depending on targeting and weapon requirements. In preferred
embodiments, the area of the ring on an electronic reticle is
selected by programming the ballistics calculator system.
[0092] In some embodiments, the ring is partitioned into 4 equal
quadrants by horizontal and vertical cross-hairs. In other
embodiments, the quadrants bounded by horizontal and vertical
cross-hairs are unequal in area. In another embodiment, the ring is
a geometric shape, for example an oval or diamond, positioned at
the center of the optical field of view. In other embodiments, the
ring is a geometric shape, for example an oval or a diamond,
located at the point that the horizontal and vertical cross-hairs
physically intersect. In specific embodiments, the ring may take
any geometric shape for example, a circle, a rhombus, a diamond, a
triangle, and the like. In still other embodiments, the ring is a
geometric shape, for example an oval or a diamond, located at the
point that interrupted horizontal and vertical cross-hairs
intersect if linearly projected. In some embodiments, the geometric
shape of the ring subtends 5 MOA at exactly 100 yards. In one
embodiment, the geometric shape of the ring is continuous. In
another embodiment, the geometric shape of the ring is interrupted.
In yet further embodiments, the size and shape of the ring is
selected depending on the mission, weapon and type of
ammunition.
[0093] An aiming dot can, for example, be included as an aid for
rapid acquisition of moving targets, and for centering the
shooter's eye in the field of view of the scope. The dot can be any
diameter, but in some embodiments it is about 5 inches of angle in
diameter, and is superimposed over the optical center of the
reticle. A dot is most preferably circular, but it may also be
other shapes such as square, rectangular, oval, and the like. The
aiming dot can be a predetermined size that covers a predetermined
area of the target at a given range according to a scaling of the
reticle, such as inches of angle, centimeters of angle, or
conventional scaling means as mentioned previously. The preferred
arrangement of a ghost ring in combination with aiming dot enhances
the eye's natural tendency to center the ring in the center of the
field of view of the target acquisition device. By looking directly
along the target acquisition device, the shooter is more likely to
have accurate and repeatable shooting. The ghost ring and dot can
be part of the reticle. In some embodiments, the ring and the dot
are etched onto one side of the disc. However, the ring and the dot
can, for example, also be provided using other conventional methods
such as, for example, printing, etching, or applying hairs or wires
to the transparent disc, or to other optical components of the
target acquisition device. In one embodiment, the etched rings and
dots are filled with luminescent material such that the rings and
dots may be illuminated if desired. In one embodiment, rings and
aiming dots are etched onto one side of the disc, but can also be
provided using other conventional methods such as, for example,
printing or applying hairs or wires to the disc or to other optical
components of the scope. In a further embodiment, the ghost ring is
projected and mobile on the reticle, thereby preserving rapid
aiming properties while not fixed only to the center of the
reticle.
[0094] In a fixed power scope, in preferred embodiments, the
reticle is mounted anywhere between the ocular lens 14 and the
objective lens 12 of FIG. 1. In a variable power scope, in some
embodiments, the reticle is mounted between the objective lens 12
and the optical components 16. In this position, the apparent size
of the reticle when viewed through the ocular lens will vary with
the power. The reticle of the present disclosure may be mounted in
a variable power target acquisition device, for example a variable
power telescopic gunsight such as those manufactured by Schmidt
& Bender GmbH & Co. KG of Biebertal, Germany, or U.S.
Optics because of their excellent optics. The variable power scope
may magnify over any suitable range and objective lens diameter,
for example a 3-12.times.50, a 4-16.times.50, a 1.8-10.times.40,
3.2-17.times.44, 4-22.times.58 telescopic gunsight, etc.
[0095] When the reticle is mounted between the objective lens and
the variable power optical components 16, the selected aiming point
(as described in more detail below) on the reticle of the present
disclosure does not vary as the shooter zooms the scope in and out
to find the most desirable power for a particular shot. The reticle
of the present disclosure is thus in the first focal plane so that
the reticle markings scales are proportional to the image when
viewed through the scope. Thus, a unit of measure is consistent no
matter the magnification. In one embodiment, since magnification is
proportional on a linear scale through the power range, when the
reticle is in the second plane (that is, the markings stay the same
size visually against a growing or shrinking image when the power
changes (i.e., because the relationship is linear), and when the
power to which the scope is set is known, the scale value against
the image at a known distance when seen through the scope is
calculated. In a further embodiment, a "click" stop at fixed
intervals on the power ring assists the user's ability to set the
power at a known stop. In a preferred embodiment, these
calculations are performed by the ballistics calculator.
[0096] For example, taking as input: [0097] 1. the power (P.sub.z)
that the reticle pattern is "true" (i.e. 10.times.) [0098] 2. the
value worth (V.sub.z) of the reticle pattern marks when "true" (i.e
1 Mil, or 10 cm at 100 meters) [0099] 3. the distance for the zero
value (D.sub.z) (100 meters) [0100] 4. the current power (P.sub.c)
setting (e.g., 14) [0101] 5. the current distance (D.sub.t) of the
object being viewed (let's say 600 yards)
Expressed as:
[0102]
(V.sub.z).times.(D.sub.t/D.sub.z).times.(P.sub.z/P.sub.c)=current
drop
or, for example
(10 cm).times.(600 m/100 m).times.(10/14)=42.86 cm drop
The same calculation can be applied to range finding as well.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 2, a reticle 18 of the present disclosure
is formed from a substantially flat disc or wafer 19 formed from
substantially transparent optical glass or other material suitable
for manufacturing optical lenses. Disc 19 has two, substantially
parallel, sides. A primary vertical cross-hair 20 is provided on
one side of said disc 19 using conventional methods such as, for
example, etching, printing, engraved by machine or burned by laser,
or applying hairs or wires of known diameter. Etching is preferred.
Primary vertical cross-hair 20 bisects the disc 19 and intersects
the optical center 21 of reticle 18. A primary horizontal
cross-hair 22 is also provided, and intersects the primary vertical
cross-hair at a position well above the optical center 21.
Positioning the primary horizontal cross-hair in this way provides
the necessary additional field of view necessary to shoot
accurately at long ranges without reducing the magnifying power of
the scope. Thus, the primary vertical cross-hair and the primary
horizontal cross-hair form four sectors: an upper right sector
(e.g., quadrant), an upper left sector, a lower left sector, and a
lower right sector, when viewed through a scope properly mounted to
a gun barrel as shown in FIG. 4.
[0104] A plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairs 24 are
provided along the primary vertical cross-hair 20, both above and
below the primary horizontal cross-hair 22 to aid in range
adjustments and for locating an appropriate aiming point on the
reticle with respect to the distance to the target. In one
embodiment, the secondary, horizontal cross-hairs are evenly
spaced. Some of these secondary, horizontal cross-hairs are
provided with unique symbols 28 which are useful in quickly
locating a particular horizontal cross-hair. Symbols 28 can be
numbers, as shown in FIG. 2, letters or other symbols. In one
embodiment the at least some of the secondary, horizontal
cross-hairs are evenly spaced. In a further embodiment, at least
some of the secondary horizontal cross-hairs are unevenly
spaced.
[0105] A plurality of secondary vertical cross-hairs or
"hash-marks/hack-marks" 26 are provided on at least some of the
secondary horizontal cross-hairs 24, to aid the shooter in making
adjustments for windage and for locating an appropriate aiming
point on the reticle with respect to both windage and range. In one
embodiment the at least some of the secondary, vertical cross-hairs
are evenly spaced. In a further embodiment, the at least some of
the secondary, vertical cross-hairs are unevenly spaced.
[0106] Also provided on the reticle is a means for determining
range. As shown in FIG. 2, the rangefinder 30 can be provided in
one of the sectors formed by the primary vertical and horizontal
cross-hairs and can include a vertical arm 32 and an intersecting
horizontal arm 34. Vertical arm 32 is provided with a plurality of
evenly-spaced horizontal cross-hairs which intersect vertical arm
32; horizontal arm 34 is provided with a plurality of
evenly-spaced, downwardly extending cross-hairs. At least some of
the range-finding cross-hairs are marked to correspond to a scale
useful for determining range.
[0107] The spacing between the range-finding cross-hairs can be
based upon a scale, which can be referred to as the "inches of
angle" (IOA.TM.) scale. An "inch of angle" is defined as the angle
made (or the distance on the reticle) which covers, bounds, or
subtends, exactly one inch at 100 yards--which is referred to as a
"shooter's minute of angle" (SMOA.TM.). On the reticle shown in
FIG. 2, an inch of angle is the distance between any two adjacent
rangefinder cross-hairs. That is, the space between any two
adjacent rangefinder cross-hairs will cover or exactly contain a
one-inch target at 100 yards. A similar scale for metric shooters,
which is called a "centimeters of angle" (COA.TM.) scale, can also
be used, with a centimeter of angle being the distance on the
reticle that covers exactly one centimeter at 100 meters.
Conventional scales, such as the "minute of angle" scale (true
minute/angle) or mil Radian scale (6,283 mils/circle, 6,400
mils/circle, or any other mils/circle system), can also be used . .
. .
[0108] In one embodiment, the spacings between secondary
cross-hairs on the primary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs are
also determined with reference to the scale used for a rangefinder.
In a further embodiment, the spacings between secondary cross-hairs
on the primary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs are independent
with reference to the scale used for the rangefinder. In a
preferred embodiment, the spacings between secondary cross-hairs on
the primary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs are in USMC mils,
and the rangefinder is in IOA.TM.. For the reticle as shown in FIG.
2, it can be seen by reference to the rangefinder that the spacing
between the secondary horizontal cross-hairs labeled 5 and 6 is 5
inches of angle. A shorter secondary horizontal cross-hair appears
between horizontal cross-hairs 5 and 6, at a position 2.5 inches of
angle from either secondary horizontal cross-hair 5 or 6. The
secondary vertical cross-hairs 26, as shown in FIG. 2, are spaced
apart by 5 inches of angle.
[0109] The thicknesses of the lines may be determined with
reference to the range-finding scale used. Line thickness may vary
with intended use with a variety of thicknesses selected in accord
with use. For example, in long-range varmint scopes line thickness
may subtend only 0.1'' at 100 yards. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, the thickness of the primary vertical cross-hair 20 and
primary horizontal cross-hair 22 is 0.5 inches of angle and the
thickness of the secondary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs are
0.25 inches of angle. The rangefinder arms 32, 34 and the marked
(5, 10, 15) rangefinder cross-hairs are 0.25 inches of angle thick,
and the intermediate range-finding cross-hairs are 0.1 inches of
angle thick. Line thicknesses may vary between reticles. In one
embodiment, a single reticle may have a variety of line
thicknesses.
[0110] To use a target acquisition device and reticle of the
present disclosure, it is preferred that the shooter becomes
familiar with the characteristics of the firearm, projectile and
ammunition to be used. The target acquisition device and reticle
can be calibrated to work with almost any type of firearm, for
example, handguns, pistols, rifles, shotgun slug guns, muzzleloader
rifles, single shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles and fully
automatic rifles of any caliber, air rifles, air pistols, chain
guns, belt-feed guns, machine guns, and Gatling guns, to high
elevation or over the horizon projectile devices, artillery,
mortars, or canons or rail guns of any caliber. The target
acquisition device and reticle can be calibrated to work with any
type of ammunition, for example, a projectile comprising a primer,
powder, a casing and a bullet, a hybrid projectile lacking a
casing, a muzzle-loaded projectile, gas or air-powered projectile,
or magnetic projectile.
Calibration of the Target Acquisition Device and Reticle
[0111] To calibrate the target acquisition device and reticle, in
some preferred embodiments, the shooter first determines the
ballistics based upon the characteristics of the weapon and
ammunition to be used. Calibration for range and distance to target
can follow many methods. For example, manual methods of calibration
require no computer, involve trial and error by the shooter, and
provide back up when higher technology-based methods fail or are
not available. Computer-based calibration of the target acquisition
device and reticle may be performed, for example, on desktop,
laptop, and handheld personal computing systems.
[0112] The target acquisition devices and reticles of the present
disclosure may also be calibrated using second shot methods without
the shooter taking his or her eye off the target, or the rifle from
the shoulder. For example, if the shooter misses on the first shot
due to misjudgment of windage effect, range-to-target or other
factors, the shooter may use the reticle for second-shot correction
to fire a quick second shot, putting the bullet on target without
calculations, and without adjustment of the target acquisition
device's windage or elevation knobs. Using this method, on taking
the second shot the shooter repeats the first shot exactly with
reference to shooting position, sight picture, and trigger control.
The only difference will be the point of targeting on the reticle.
After the first shot, the shooter must remember the elevation
marker line employed for the first shot, the site held on the
target for the first shot, and the point where the first bullet
impacted in relation to the target on the first shot. Looking
through the scope, the shooter then puts the cross-hairs on the
original aiming point, and notes where the bullet impacted in
reference to the grid. That point of impact on the grid becomes the
new targeting point for a quick and accurate second shot.
[0113] For example, as shown in FIGS. 13a-f, a shooter is aiming at
a long-range target, using dead center of Line 8 on the reticle of
the present disclosure for drop compensation. After firing, and
missing the bull's eye, the shooter notes where the bullet struck
the target. Looking through the scope, the shooter then puts the
dead center of Line 8 on the target. Without moving off the target,
the shooter notes on the grid where the bullet struck. Suppose, for
example, the bullet struck on Line 7, and 2 hack-marks to the right
of center. Line 7, 2 hack-marks to the right then becomes the new
aiming point (cross-hair) for the second shot. Placing the target
on Line 7, 2 hack-marks to the right, the shooter squeezes the
trigger and hits the aiming point.
[0114] After a range table is generated for a set of conditions,
and a shot is taken based on the solution at a given distance at,
for example, 5 horizontal marks down and 2 vertical marks to the
right at 800 yards, but the shot misses two more marks down and one
more mark right, instead of back tracking to find which input
parameter may be in error, the shooter rapidly inputs this
additional adjustment into the ballistics calculator, and the
calculator will make the appropriate corrections across the entire
range table based on the input.
[0115] In additional embodiments, reticles of the present
disclosure comprise lead markings. In some embodiments, lead
markings on the reticle are used to aid the shooter in determining
the direction and rate of movement of the target in relation to the
shooter in order to target a moving object. As used herein, "rate
of movement" refer to a unit of distance traveled per unit time.
Any unit of distance and any unit of time are suitable for
indicating rate of movement. In some embodiments, units of distance
include, for example, inches, feet, yards, miles, centimeters,
meters, or kilometers. In some embodiments, units of time include,
for example, milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks,
months or years. Lead markings may occupy any position in relation
to primary and secondary vertical or horizontal cross-hairs. In
some embodiments, lead markings occupy positions, for example,
above a cross-hair, below a cross-hair, upon a cross-hair, between
cross-hairs, or at the end of a cross-hair.
[0116] In one embodiment, lead markings are evenly spaced. In other
embodiments, lead markings are unevenly spaced. In further
embodiments, lead markings are spaced according to average rates of
movement. In some embodiments, lead markings are projected on the
reticle by a ballistics calculator system. In other embodiments,
projected lead markings are spaced on the reticle by a ballistics
calculator system to account, for example, for the target's
distance from the shooter, the target's direction of movement, the
target's velocity of movement, the target's rate of acceleration,
the reaction time of the shooter, or the lock time of the
firearm.
[0117] As used herein, "lead markings" may take any shape or
configuration. In some embodiments, lead markings may be, for
example, triangles, circles, squares, straight lines, curved lines,
arcs, dots, numbers, letters, crosses, stars, solid shapes, or
shapes in silhouette. Lead markings may be any color, in some
embodiments, for example, black, white, red or blue in color. In
other embodiments lead markings serve more than one purpose
serving, for example, as identification markings or range-finding
markings as well as lead markings. In one embodiment, the lead
markings are along at least one of the primary cross-hairs. In
another embodiment, the lead markings are along at least one of the
secondary cross-hairs. In yet another embodiment, the lead markings
are along at least one primary cross-hair, and at least one
secondary cross-hair. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of
lead markings comprises at least three lead markings. In
particularly preferred embodiments, the lead markings are secondary
vertical cross-hairs on a primary and secondary horizontal
cross-hair. In one embodiment, lead markings are arcs along a
primary and secondary horizontal cross-hair. In another embodiment,
lead markings are solid circles along a primary and secondary
horizontal cross-hair. In still another embodiment, lead markings
are solid triangles along a primary and secondary horizontal
cross-hair. In yet another embodiment, lead markings are located
along a primary and secondary horizontal cross-hair in a reticle
equipped with a circle as a ring for aiding users in aligning line
of sight. In a further embodiment, lead markings are located along
a primary and secondary horizontal cross-hair in a reticle equipped
with a diamond as a ring for aiding users in aligning line of
sight.
[0118] In one embodiment, reticles of the present disclosure
comprise secondary horizontal cross-hairs along secondary vertical
cross-hairs, with markings for identification purposes, of use, for
example, in targeting a moving object. In one embodiment, the
secondary horizontal cross-hairs are evenly spaced. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the secondary vertical
cross-hairs are angled from the primary vertical cross-hair. In
some embodiments, the angled secondary vertical cross-hairs are
evenly spaced. In further embodiments, the angled secondary
vertical cross-hairs are unevenly spaced. In still further
embodiments, spacing between secondary vertical cross-hairs varies
along the length of the secondary vertical cross-hairs.
[0119] Reticles of the present disclosure, whether etched on glass,
projected, or generated by computer over time in response to
learned behavior by the shooter, or selected preferences of the
shooter, may have a diversity of markings and features. FIGS. 14a
and 14b demonstrate some exemplary features, any one or more of
which can be applied to a given reticle. As exemplified in FIG.
14a, in one embodiment, reticles of the present disclosure comprise
cross-hairs that are, for example, lines, straight lines,
uninterrupted lines and interrupted lines. In other embodiments,
cross-hairs that are interrupted lines are interrupted, for
example, by spaces of equal length, by spaces of unequal length, or
by lines of shorter length. The present disclosure is not limited
by the nature of the cross-hairs. Numerous cross-hairs are known in
the art, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,587 to Rubbed, U.S. Pat.
No. 1,190,121 to Critchett, U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,733 to Leatherwood,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,421 to Shepherd, U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,719 to
Murdoch, herein incorporated by reference. In some embodiments,
cross-hairs are interrupted at least once. In further embodiments,
interrupted cross-hairs would intersect if segments of the
interrupted cross-hairs were linearly connected along their
lengths. In still further embodiments, the intersection is located,
for example, at the optical center of the reticle, above the
optical center of the reticle, below the optical center of the
reticle, at the optical periphery of the reticle, or both the
optical center and the optical periphery of the reticle.
[0120] As exemplified in FIG. 14a, in some embodiments, reticles of
the present disclosure comprise cross-hairs that are of a
predetermined thickness, for example a single thickness, a
thickness increasing along the length of the cross-hair, or a
thickness decreasing along the length of the cross-hair. As shown
in FIG. 14b, in some embodiments, a reticle of the present
disclosure comprises cross-hairs of single unequal thicknesses. In
other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14b, a reticle of the present
disclosure comprises cross-hairs that vary in thickness along their
length in steps. As shown in FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b, in still other
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise solid
cross-hairs of varying thickness. In further embodiments, as shown
in FIG. 14, in some embodiments reticles of the present disclosure
comprise hollow cross-hairs of varying thickness.
[0121] As exemplified in FIGS. 14a, 14b and 14c, in some
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise
cross-hairs that are evenly spaced. In other embodiments, reticles
of the present disclosure comprise cross-hairs that are unevenly
spaced.
[0122] In one embodiment, the reticle of the present disclosure
comprises rangefinder markings. In another embodiment, the reticle
comprises markings for identification of one or more of the
cross-hairs. As used herein, "markings for identification" refers
to, for example, numbers, letters, symbols, words, geometric
shapes, hollow shapes, or solid shapes, located, for example on a
cross-hair, above a cross-hair, below a cross-hair, at end of a
cross-hair, or upon a cross-hair. In some embodiments, markings for
identification vary along the same cross-hair. As shown in FIG.
14a, in some embodiments, identification markings are, for example,
above a cross-hair, at the end of a cross-hair or superimposed upon
a cross-hair. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14b, reticles
of the present disclosure comprise identification markings between
cross-hairs. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14a,
identification markings are numbers. In other embodiments, as
exemplified by FIG. 14c, identification markings are, for example,
a letter, a word or a symbol. As shown in FIG. 14a, identification
markings in some embodiments comprise solid dots. As shown in FIG.
14b, identification markings in other embodiments comprising solid
dots vary in size. In other embodiments as shown in FIG. 14c,
identification markings comprise hollow dots located, for example,
at the end of at least one cross-hair.
[0123] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure are
configured for the shooter who must engage a target in the shortest
possible elapsed time necessary to observe the target, range the
target, and engage the target using reticle markings to correct,
for example, for bullet drop or gravitational influence. In other
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure are used for short
to medium range engagements. In additional embodiments, reticles of
the present disclosure may be configured in a target acquisition
device in any desired focal plane (e.g., first focal plane, second
focal plane, or a combination of both), or incorporated into a
fixed power telescopic gunsight. In other embodiments, reticles of
the present disclosure are configured for use in a variable power
scope with a low magnification range, for example, 1.5.times.7.5
with extended lead markings and large miles per hour numerical
markings. In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
are configured for use without a priori knowledge of the range to
the target to 600 meters. In some embodiments, reticles of the
present disclosure are used to target stationary objects. In other
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure are used to target
moving objects. In some embodiments, trainees using reticles of the
present disclosure are taught to rapidly master and accurately hit
moving targets at ranges in excess of 600 yards. A rifleman using
an AR-15 style weapon mounted with a scope with a conventional
MIL-DOT or similar reticle design often requires a range, or
"holdover" card. The range card shows the values of leads for
moving targets and the drop of the bullet due to gravity. To make a
shot on a moving target at, for example, 500 yards the rifleman
consults a range card and, if necessary, must adjust the turrets on
his riflescope. Or the rifleman might opt for an educated guess
regarding where to place the target in the field of view of the
riflescope based on the information obtained from the range
card.
[0124] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 in some embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure comprise "mil lines" that are
different in length. For example, a first mil line to the left or
right of the intersection of a primary horizontal cross-hair and a
primary vertical cross-hair may be 0.5 mils in length with
successive "major mil lines" (i.e., graduated longer mil lines
preceded and followed by interposed shorter lines of consistent
length) thereafter 0.1 mil longer until the 5.sup.th mil line which
is 0.9 mils long. The 6.sup.th mil line resumes at 0.5 mils in
length and graduates repetitively as above. This pattern of
graduated mil lines permits a shooter to use the lines in "mil-ing"
the target i.e., for range estimation to the 1/10.sup.th mil). With
a target of known size, and measuring target size with the mil
lines of reticles embodied herein, it is possible to estimate the
range of the target. Using reticles embodied herein it is possible
to measure 0.1 miles. If the target size is just over, or just
under, the 0.1 mil subtension (i.e., 0.1 mil marking) the target
size may be estimated within 0.03 mils. For example, if a 12''
target is measured (i.e., is "milled") at 0.4 mils, the target is a
762 meters. If the target is measured at 0.43 mils using reticles
herein the target range is close to 710 meters, and a missed shot
may be avoided. Graduated mil lines over 5 mils, and then
reiterating the length back to 0.5 mils, in length repetitively
enables the shooter to rapidly orient the reticle by reference to
the size of the mil lines.
[0125] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure comprise a V-shaped, or chevron,
configuration of a mil lines pattern between, for example the
3.sup.rd and 4.sup.th mil lines above, and to the left and right of
the intersection of the primary horizontal cross-hair and primary
vertical cross-hair. In some embodiments, the spacing of the offset
mil lines is 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 mils to the 4.sup.th mil line.
These markings enable the shooter to mil within a 1/10.sup.th of a
mil. If a shooter is able to identify a 1/10.sup.th of a mil
separation, a 0.05 mil can then be extrapolated, thereby providing
high resolution in measuring the image size of a target in mils for
range estimation.
[0126] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure comprise a gap, for example,
between the 1.2 and 1.5 mil lines. In some embodiments, the gap is
present to the 5.sup.th mil along the primary vertical cross hair
beneath the intersection of the primary vertical cross-hair and the
primary horizontal cross-hair, thereby enabling a "speed shooting
formula" to be used. A shooter using a 5.56 or .308 caliber, or any
weapon with similar ballistics, at a target that is 12'' in size
(for example, the distance between the top of the head and the
shoulder of a human, of a coyote from the knee to the back, or of a
deer from the back to the elbow joint), may use this portion of the
reticle. For example, a hunter in a deer stand observes a javilina
at the edge of a farm. The hunter doesn't know the exact range to
the target. He places the 3.sup.rd secondary horizontal mil line
below the cross-hair on the belly of the pig. He then measures up
to the two separated horizontal lines in the gap that indicates the
speed mil-ing portion of the reticle. He sees that the back of the
pig touches the two separated lines that indicate the speed portion
of the reticle. The hunter need not perform any math, or even know
the distance to the animal. The size of the target in mils has been
placed at the correct position in the reticle for the shooter to
take the shot. The shooter then places the 3.sup.rd secondary
horizontal mil line at the aiming point where he desires the bullet
to strike the target. This process may be used for each of the
areas in the reticle that have a gap between the 0.5 and 0.8 mil
secondary horizontal cross hairs below the primary horizontal
cross-hair (also referred to as "stadia"). A 12'' target of any
origin or source may be targeted using this method with reticles of
the present disclosure.
[0127] If the shooter uses a different caliber of firearm, for
example a 300 Winchester Magnum, she would then mover her aiming
point up and use the mil line above the gap where the target fits
in size to the "speed portion" of the reticle. For example, a
hunter with a 300 Winchester Magnum, lays prone on an outcropping
of a mountain. She observes a deer at a distance, but doesn't know
the range. She places her reticle on the target and moves it
through the speed mil-ing portion of the scope. She finds that by
placing the 4.sup.th mil line at the elbow of the deer, the back of
the deer touches the two horizontal lines that are 0.1 above the
3.5 mil mark in the scope indicating that the target "mils" 0.6 in
size at that range. Instead of calculating 12''/0.6.times.25.4 to
identify the number of meters the target is distant from her
position, she places the 3.sup.rd mil line on the target where she
desires the bullet to strike. If she were to use a .308 or 5.56
caliber, she would have held the 4.sup.th mil line on the target.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the reticles and methods of the
present disclosure enable the use of the "speed formula" for range
estimation in a mil association method.
[0128] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure comprise time-of-flight-based
wind deflection dots upon, for example, a mil-based reticle. This
enables the rapidity of use of a ballistic reticle for wind
correction, while preserving the capacity of the reticle to be used
with any caliber rifle. Many targets are missed because of wind.
Many wind correction formulas are not corrected for Density
Altitude (Da). In some embodiments, wind correction formulas
require use of a calculator. By placing wind directly within the
reticles of the present disclosure, the shooter determines the
strength of the wind and holds the correct wind value dot on the
target without need for the calculation of wind formulas, thereby
providing rapidity and accuracy of wind correction estimates. Wind
dots of the reticles of the present disclosure may be calibrated
for Da (density altitude), for example, with the use of a ballistic
computer or Kestrel/Horus system, which will correct the value of
the dot based on the ballistic coefficient of the bullet (Bc),
muzzle velocity (Mv) and Density Altitude (Da). In preferred
embodiments, dots are positioned for wind deflection based on the
time of flight of a projectile, and are placed on mil lines.
[0129] For example, using a .308 or 300 Winchester Magnum, each
wind dot is designated 4 mph. Conversely, a shooter using a 5.56
caliber rifle would use 3 mph for every dot. For example, a
competition shooter determines that he needs to hold 7.5 mils of
elevation for the target he wishes to shoot. With the use of a
Kestrel handheld weather station, and by looking at mirage in his
spotting scope, he determines that the wind speed is 12 mph. He now
places the 7.5 mil elevation hold on the target, holds the
cross-hair into the wind, and places the third dot on the target
and pulls the trigger. For example, a hunter wishes to shoot a deer
at 660 meters. His hold is 6 mils. He decides to dial up 5 mils on
the elevation turret of his riflescope, and then hold 1 mil on the
target. By dialing 5 mils on the elevation turret, he has now made
the value of each wind dot half of what it was. The wind is blowing
8 mph and normally he would hold the 2.sup.nd dot, but now, since
he has made each dot worth 2 mph by dial the elevation turret up 5
mils, he hold the 4.sup.th wind mark on the target at the elevation
of the 1.sup.st mil and takes his deer. The reticles and methods of
the present disclosure enable a shooter improved appreciation of
the value of the wind on the target's aiming point. The shooter is
able to observe, for example, if the wind is blowing from 6 to 8
mph, how the wind brackets on the target, and how it may be
corrected for in mph.
[0130] As exemplified in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, reticles of
the present disclosure comprise ovals on a primary vertical cross
hair that correspond to a target that is 12'' in size (for example,
the distance between the top of the head and the shoulder of a
human, of a coyote from the knee to the back, or of a deer from the
back to the elbow joint) at varying ranges. For example, on arrival
in theater a soldier is issued an Armalite AR 10 rifle using a
7.62.times.51 (.308 Winchester) cartridge, with a Harris bipod and
non-sloped Picatinney rail. The soldier adds a 3.2-17.times.44
first focal plane scope fitted with a reticle as shown in FIG. 12
and a PVS-22 night vision device. At the range, using 175 grain
ammunition, the soldier achieves a 100 meter zero of the rifle. The
soldier engages numerous combatants simultaneously and sequentially
in combat. Taking a prone position, the soldier identifies a target
behind a vehicle, and fits the top of the head to the shoulder of
the target to the oval of the reticle providing a best fit, aims
and shoots. Additional combatants are ranged and targeted using
ovals provided. The soldier identifies a further target moving from
the left to the right of the soldier at 4 miles per hour across an
open field. Using the ovals to best fit the target establishes the
correct range and bullet drop. The soldier moves his aiming point
to the left of the secondary horizontal cross-hair comprising the
chosen oval until it intersects the 4 miles per hour lead line, and
uses the intersection as the aiming point. The soldier identifies
another target with a 10 mile per hour wind gusting to 19 miles per
hour from 270 degrees left to right from the soldier's position.
The soldier selects the preferred oval as above, and uses the
secondary horizontal cross-hair upon which it is found to move his
aiming point to the right until it intersects with the interrupted
oblique 10 miles per hour wind line of, for example, the reticle of
FIG. 12. When the gust calms to 10 miles per hour the target is
engaged. A further target comprises a vehicle moving right to left
at 15 miles per hour 90 degrees to the soldier's position. The
soldier uses the primary horizontal cross-hair of the reticle of
FIG. 12, and places the 15 miles per hour marker on the right side
of the primary vertical cross-hair upon the target in the vehicle
and engages the target.
[0131] A second soldier employs an M-24 sniper rifle in .308
caliber equipped with a 4-20.times.50 riflescope in the first focal
plane comprising a reticle as shown, for example, in FIG. 12. The
rifle is sighted in at 100 meters. To engage one or more targets
from the low angle of fire at which he is positioned and at 700
meters distance, the soldier does not require the ballistic ovals,
wind markings or lead markings of the reticle of FIG. 12. The
soldier identifies a target at 868 meters using a Vectronix PLFR 10
at an angle slope of 32 degrees of fire. The soldier enters this
data into a ballistics calculator, for example a Trimble Recon, and
is provided a solution of 6.84 mils elevation to engage the target
at the estimated distance, correcting for the Density Altitude (Da)
and ballistic parameters of the rifle.
[0132] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments
lead markings comprise secondary vertical cross-hairs upon a
primary horizontal cross-hair used to aid the shooter in
determining the direction and rate of movement of a target in
relation to a shooter. In some embodiments, lead markings are both
evenly and unevenly spaced. In further embodiments, lead markings
are spaced according to average rates of movement of an object. In
some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise
numbers for identification of lead markings. In preferred
embodiments, numbers for identification of lead markings correspond
to average rates of movement of an object. Any unit of distance and
any unit of time are suitable for numerically indicating rate of
movement. In some embodiments, units of distance include, for
example, inches, feet, yards, miles, centimeters, meters, or
kilometers. In some embodiments, units of time include, for
example, milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months
or years. In some embodiments, lead markings are evenly spaced. In
other
[0133] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure may be used to target an object
12'' in size i.e., the average height of a man's head above his
shoulders. For a target 12'' in size, a specific mil size of the
image corresponds to a preferred mil hold:
TABLE-US-00001 Target image (Mils) Hold 1.2 Mils 1 mil hold 1.0 Mil
between 1 and 2 Mils hold 0.8 Mils 2 mil hold 0.7 Mils 3 mil hold
0.6 Mils 4 mil hold 0.5 Mils 5 mil hold
In other embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure may be
used to target objects of multiple sizes. For example, an elk
measures 24'' from top of its back to the bottom of its belly i.e.,
12''.times.2=24''. If the mil image of the elk is 1.6 mils, the
hunter divides 1.6 mils by 2 to arrive at an image size of a 0.8
(i.e., for the image size of a 12'' target). 10-8 (i.e., 0.8 free
of the decimal) provides a mil hold of 2 for the elk target, and
the shooter uses secondary horizontal cross-hair #2 to hold 2 mils
for elevation. For a coyote 9'' from the top of its back to the
bottom of its belly, if a hunter fits the image of the coyote to
0.6 (i.e., the target's 9'' back to belly distance best fits the
distance between the horizontal line rangefinder marking and the
primary horizontal cross-hair at secondary vertical cross-hair upon
the primary horizontal cross-hair #8), the hunter then determines
that a 12'' measurement at that distance would fit the rangefinder
marking a mil 0.8, and again would use a 2 mil hold for the coyote
i.e., secondary horizontal cross-hair #2.
[0134] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments
reticles of the present disclosure comprise multiple different
targeting solutions within a single reticle of use, for example, in
a single outing or mission. The value of ballistic dots of
conventional ballistic reticles may be limited because their
placement is determined for use with a specific caliber, muzzle
velocity, ballistic coefficient and density altitude. A change in
one or more of these factors may make the ballistic dots errant for
a given range. A shooter may adjust the elevation turret of a
riflescope to compensate for a change in density altitude, but that
may only correct the reticle for a specific range. Another
calculation and adjustment must often be made to engage a target
accurately at a different distance at that same density altitude,
thereby impairing the accuracy and speed of the conventional
ballistics reticle. As well, use of a conventional ballistics
reticle with weapons of another caliber is limited, since the
ballistic dots will not be shared with the ballistics of other
weapon systems.
[0135] In some embodiments reticles of the present disclosure are
configured for use of the reticle with an A-TRAG ballistic computer
thereby giving the marksman an exact firing solution which allows a
more accurate aiming point in all environments and shooting
situations. In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
comprise secondary horizontal cross-hair mil lines along a primary
vertical cross-hair above a primary horizontal cross-hair. In some
embodiments, the secondary cross-hair mil lines provide a measured
adjustment for a second shot correction. In other embodiments,
secondary horizontal cross-hair mil line provide 10 mph wind hold
lead markings at their outer ends.
[0136] As exemplified in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, in some embodiments,
reticles of embodiments of the present disclosure provide speed and
accuracy in determination of aiming points at near ranges (i.e.,
less than 600 meters) and long ranges extending to the effective
range of the weapon. In preferred embodiments, reticles of the
present disclosure provide speed and accuracy in determination of
aiming points without the requiring adjustment of riflescope
elevation and windage turret knobs, for example, to compensate for
changes in air density with changes in altitude. In some
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise aiming
dots of use, for example, with bullets of multiple muzzle
velocities. In other embodiments, reticles of the present
disclosure comprise lead markings of use in determination of aiming
points with moving targets.
[0137] In further embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
are configured to provide an accurate aiming point with weapons
having multiple bias values on a rail or on scope rings, thereby
providing the shooter with the option of zeroing on one of two
points on the reticle. For example, not all firearms have a rail
base to which scope rings may be attached. Some firearms, for
example, the Ruger M77 bolt action rifle, have attachment points
for scope rings milled into the rifle's action. In some
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure are configured for
use with firearms configured with scope ring attachment points that
are on a bias. In preferred embodiments, a shooter who has zeroed
his rifle and riflescope on the uppermost end of the primary
vertical cross-hair uses use the numerical values of the secondary
horizontal cross-hairs on the left side on the reticle below the
primary horizontal cross-hair. In other embodiments, a shooter who
has zeroed his rifle and riflescope on the intersection of the
primary vertical cross-hair and the primary horizontal cross-hair
uses use the numerical values of the secondary horizontal
cross-hairs on the right side of the reticle below the primary
horizontal cross-hair. In further embodiments, reticles of the
present disclosure offer shooters the ability to change zero at any
time to either of two or more zero points, and to have an accurate
aiming point to use with different measurements for each in a
single reticle.
[0138] In some embodiments reticles of the present disclosure
comprise improved ranging capabilities, improved second shot
accuracy, improved aiming points for high wind speeds and moving
targets, but without the need for riflescope turret adjustments for
long range shooting. As well, in some embodiments, reticles of the
present disclosure enable the marksman to use multiple bullet
weights and configurations with exact hold points on a single
reticle in multiple density altitudes. In some embodiments an upper
region of the reticle may be used alone for near range shooting, an
upper region may be used together with a lower right quadrant
region for near and long range shooting, and a lower left quadrant
region may be used alone for near and long range shooting together
with, for example, A-TRAG ballistics software.
[0139] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
provide ballistics aiming reference markings for multiple caliber
projectiles. Because magnum caliber ballistic trajectories are
close to one another at short ranges, one aiming reference marking
may be shared between calibers if it is limited to ranges, for
example, under 600 meters. Similarly, one aiming reference marking
may be shared between other calibers with similar trajectories to
other non-magnum calibers in ranges out to 500 meters, for example,
the .308 caliber. In preferred embodiments, reticles of the present
disclosure comprise two zero points with one, for example, at the
intersection of a primary vertical cross-hair and a primary
horizontal cross-hair, and a second zero point at the uppermost end
of the primary vertical cross-hair. Alternative zero points are
desired, for example, when a shooter determines the exact hold
needed and zeroes the scope and weapon at the primary cross-hair
intersection, but also wishes to retain exact holds in high winds
or with moving targets using a zero point at the end of the
vertical cross-hair. In other embodiments, reticles of the present
disclosure enable a marksman to use a scope mount with a bias, for
example of 30 minutes of angle or more, and also be able to shoot
weapons with a scope mount with a flat base, weapons with bias on
the scope rail, and weapons with a rail with no bias.
[0140] In some embodiments, the range at which the upper region of
reticles of the present disclosure enables the shooter to engage is
up to 500 meters with calibers that have similar ballistics to a
.308, or to 600 meters with magnum calibers. In other embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure may be configured for use with a
specific caliber of the rifleman's choice, for example a .223
caliber, a .308 Win caliber, a .300 Ultra Mag caliber, or a .338
Lapua Magnum caliber. As well, in some embodiments reticles of the
present disclosure provide winds holds for both ballistic
indicators depending on the ballistics of the specific caliber. In
some embodiments, beyond 500 to 600 meters for example, lower
portions of the reticle comprising secondary vertical cross-hairs
on secondary horizontal cross-hairs are used giving the shooter the
capability to use exact holds for the extent of these ranges. In
some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise ease
of use and speed in operation of value for use, for example, during
training and in stressful environments. In preferred embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure are mil-based reticles thereby
offering a marksman a facile transition from conventional MIL-DOT
reticles, and enabling a marksman to use aiming point holds instead
of dialing adjustments to the riflescope. In other embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure are true minute of angle based
reticles, shooter's minute of angle based reticles or, for example,
yards, meters, rods or other measure of distance reticles.
[0141] Reticles of the present disclosure provide the benefits of a
ballistic reticle together with improvements for use at ranges in
which errors occur due to density altitude changes. Accordingly, in
some embodiments reticles of the present disclosure provide new
advantages, for example, the use of two zero points, and the
ability to utilize any bias mount system. The addition of
rangefinder markings and lead markings for speed shooting provides
fast and accurate determination of aiming points without the need
for a priori knowledge of the range of the engagement. In turn,
extended wind dots offer precise lead markings for wind holds and
moving targets, without making the scope visually cluttered. Lead
markings numbered in miles per hour provide a clear indication of
exact holds, and providing these above lead markings on a primary
horizontal cross-hair offers more information to the shooter in a
less cluttered reticle.
[0142] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure may
be used in multiple environments, with multiple varieties of
ammunition. In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
are used with A-TRAG software to determine and assign values to
reticle markings, for example, lead markings. In other embodiments,
a region of the reticle above a primary horizontal cross-hair may
be used to engage targets to 500 meters without targeting software.
In some embodiments, the intersection of a primary vertical and
primary horizontal cross-hair comprises a zero point. In other
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise two zero
points, for example, at the intersection of the primary vertical
cross-hair and the primary horizontal cross-hair, and at the
uppermost end of a primary vertical cross-hair.
[0143] In some embodiments, secondary horizontal cross-hairs above
the intersection of a primary vertical and horizontal cross-hair
are evenly spaced. In preferred embodiments, secondary horizontal
cross-hairs along a primary vertical cross-hair above the
intersection of a primary vertical and primary horizontal
cross-hair are evenly spaced Mil cross-hairs. In other embodiments,
secondary horizontal cross-hairs above the intersection of a
primary vertical and horizontal cross-hair are unevenly spaced.
[0144] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
comprise lead markings used to aid a shooter in determining the
direction and rate of movement of a target in relation to a
shooter. In some embodiments, lead markings comprise secondary
vertical cross-hairs upon a primary horizontal cross-hair. In some
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure are configured to
provide a aiming points for multiple cartridges regardless of
bullet weight and construction (for example, a 40 grain .22 Long
Rifle, a 130 grain .270 Winchester, a 200 grain .30-378 Weatherby,
a 300 grain .338 Lapua Magnum), and are not confined to the use of
a single cartridge. In some embodiments, reticles of the present
disclosure are configured to provide aiming points with multiple
meteorologic and atmospheric conditions for example, from Death
Valley, Calif. at about 278 feet below sea level to the top of
Mount Everest at about 29,000 feet above sea level. In some
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure allow the targeting
range to be adjusted by the rifleman from a near point blank
position target range to 1000 meters, 1500 meters, 2000 meters,
2500 meters and beyond. In some embodiments, reticles of the
present disclosure provide aiming points in compensation for
changes in the ballistic coefficient caused by changes when a
bullet shifts from super-sonic flight, to trans-sonic flight, and
to sub-sonic flight.
[0145] In some embodiments reticles of the present disclosure,
comprise precision mil-marking clusters interspersed throughout the
reticle enable fast and accurate measurements at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and
1.0 mil increments. In other embodiments, reticles of the present
disclosure further provide embodiments of an Accuracy First Speed
Shooting Formula.TM. (aka: Accuracy First 12'' Drill) with features
for adjustments to a range of 600 meters and beyond. This system
reduces the need for calculations, ranging, or knowing distance to
target. In certain embodiments, peed-shooting markers are embedded
into the reticle's main vertical stadia (i.e., primary vertical
cross-hair) at the elevation holds, thereby enabling rapid bullet
drop adjustments wherein the act of sizing a target automatically
places it behind the correct bullet drop cross-hair. Similarly,
reticles of the present disclosure provide fast and easy windage
adjustments by embedding windage dots directly into drop hold
secondary cross-hairs. Accordingly, there is less need for the
shooter to sight in at one spot and then transpose downward for an
adjustment.
[0146] In addition to speed-shooting features, reticles of the
present disclosure provide the grid adjustments beyond 600 meters
in some embodiments. Additionally, reticles of the present
disclosure in further embodiments comprise unobtrusive dots for
wind and elevation guides. The dots extend hold markings beyond the
grid-based reticles, while allowing for a clear uncluttered
view.
[0147] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
comprise refined mil markers, speed-shooting features, moving
target holds, speed-shooting wind dots and holdover crosses. (FIG.
15) In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure provide
refined mil markings throughout the reticle for measuring targets
and milling distances. In further embodiments, these mil markers
are arranged in clusters throughout the reticle, thereby providing
fast intuitive measuring guides in 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mil
increments. For example, in some embodiments, the reticles of the
present disclosure provide clusters of refined mil-markers arranged
in bird-flock shaped chevron patterns. These bird-flock chevrons
allow refined milling of targets at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5
mils. In still further embodiments, such clusters are embedded
within the reticle's primary horizontal and primary vertical
cross-hair (stadia). (FIG. 16) In certain embodiments, three
bird-flock clusters of refined mil markers are embedded into
primary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs of the present
disclosure. Each cluster may be comprised of five 0.1 mil
increments, enabling rapid measuring from 0.1 to 0.5 mils. FIG. 16
shows a target measuring 0.3 mils.
[0148] In some embodiments, the reticle's primary horizontal and
vertical cross-hairs are intersected by hash marks (i.e., hack
marks or secondary vertical cross-hairs) at 1-mil increments. In
preferred embodiments, the lengths of the hash marks lengthens from
0.5 mils, to 0.6, to 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 mils in order. This pattern
then repeats itself. In particularly preferred embodiments, the
repeating pattern of expanding lengths provides a means for
precisely measuring targets along the reticle's two primary
cross-hairs, but does not appear along the portion of the reticle's
primary vertical cross hair contained within the aiming grid. FIG.
17 shows the pattern of lengthening markers aligned on a reticle's
primary vertical and horizontal cross-hair. At 0.9 mil, the pattern
begins again at 0.5 mil, as indicated. In some embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure comprise primary horizontal and
vertical cross-hairs that are incremented with repeating patterns
of hash marks. In further embodiments, the larger of the hash marks
are spaced at 1.0 mil increments. In certain embodiments, the 1.0
mil increments are subdivided by a repeating pattern of smaller
hash marks. The smaller repeating pattern provides fast milling at
0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 mil increments in a pattern that repeats
throughout the reticle's primary horizontal and vertical
cross-hairs above the 10.0 mil drop line. In some embodiments, the
pattern does not occur within the aiming grid. FIG. 18 shows an
exemplary embodiment of a repeating pattern of hash marks along the
primary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs that provides 0.2, 0.5,
0.8 and 1.0 mil measurements.
[0149] In some embodiments, the present disclosure comprises three
types of mil markers: small 0.2 mil hash mark, larger 1.0 mil hash
marks, and 0.5 mil dots. (FIG. 19) 0.2 mil hash marks within the
aiming grid indicate 0.2 mil increments. In other embodiments, hash
marks indicating 1.0 mil increments occur throughout the reticles
of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the 1.0 mil
markers have different appearances depending on where they occur
within the reticle. In further embodiments, 0.5 mil dots within the
aiming grid indicate 0.5 mil increments. In other embodiments,
reticles of the present disclosure comprise three distinct kinds of
mil markers within the aiming grid: small 0.2 mil hash, larger 1
mil hash, and 0.5 mil dots. Additional mil markers appear above the
aiming grid, including hash marks along the reticle's primary
horizontal and vertical cross-hairs (shown inside the dotted circle
of FIG. 19), in addition to smaller 1.0 mil hash marks which extend
the aiming grid upward throughout the Accuracy 1st Speed Shooting
pyramid. In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
comprise refined mil markers allow shooters to perform extremely
rapid elevation adjustments for targets out to 600 meters without
removing their eye from the target, make calculations, turn knobs
or even be able to recite distance to target. In further
embodiments, a Speed-Shooting Drop Finder quickly translates a 12''
target's milled height into a drop hold within seconds.
[0150] A first step, for example, is to locate a 12'' target, a
12'' portion of a target, or 12'' object near the target as is
commonly used in training and competition. (FIG. 20)
[0151] In a second step, the target is bracketed. In some
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure comprise a
speed-shooting drop finder consisting of five separate drop-finder
markers embedded into the reticle's primary horizontal and vertical
cross-hairs at drop lines 1 through 5. In certain embodiments, the
baseline of each marker perfectly aligns with its corresponding
drop line, and that the markers range in descending heights i.e.,
1.0 mil, 0.9 mil, 0.8 mil, 0.7 mil. 0.6 mil, and 0.5 mil. The
speed-shooting drop finder provides distance to a target that can
be estimated if a target's real-world dimensions and the number of
mils it subtends within a reticle at a given distance are known. In
some embodiments of the present disclosure, Accuracy First Speed
Shooting Formula's calculations for 12'' targets, appropriately
sized drop-finder markers are place at drop lines 1 through 5. To a
range 600 meters, this method provides improved accuracy compared
to traditionally-milled aiming point. FIG. 21 shows five
drop-finder markers in an exemplary reticle of the present claims.
The marker's mil height is indicated along with the corresponding
target distance. The 1.0 mil marker and 0.9 mil marker both
correspond to the 1.0 mil drop line. The 1.0 mil drop marker
extends from the 1.0 mil drop line upwards to the reticle's primary
horizontal cross-hair. The 0.9 mil drop line begins at the same 1.0
mil drop line, but only extends upward to the beginning of the
reticle's primary vertical cross-hair, and does not include the
0.1-mil blank space beneath the reticle's center aiming dot. To
determine which drop line to hold upon, the sized marker is
identified which most closely brackets the 12'' target. To do so,
the target's bottom edge is placed along a drop line. If the marker
is too tall for the target, the shooter move down to a lower drop
line for a smaller marker. On the other hand, if the target is too
tall for the marker, the shooter moves to a higher drop line for a
taller marker. The further away a 12'' target is located, the
smaller it appears within a reticle. In some embodiments, in
reticles of the present disclosure the drop-finder markings become
smaller as the drop lines progress downward, for example, the
drop-finder marker at drop-line 3 (i.e., secondary horizontal
cross-hair 3) is smaller than the marker at drop-line 2 (i.e.,
secondary horizontal cross-hair 2). Hence, targets farther away
which appear smaller within the reticle fit more snugly within the
smaller drop-finder markers at lower drop lines (i.e., secondary
horizontal cross-hairs). Conversely, larger targets fit more snugly
at higher drop lines (i.e., secondary horizontal cross-hairs). For
example we'll assume a target is best bracketed by the drop-finder
marker resting on the 4-mil drop line/secondary horizontal
cross-hair. FIG. 22 shows the process of locating a target's
correct drop line. In FIG. 22A, the round 12'' target is too short
to fit snugly beneath the selected marker. In FIG. 22B the shooter
moves downward, trying the marker at the next drop line, and finds
that it's a snug fit. Thus the shooter has located the correct
drop-hold line.
[0152] In a third step the target is centered. Having determined
which drop-finder marker best brackets a target of interest the
target is centered behind the drop line upon which the target was
resting. For our example: repositioning the target slightly, it is
centered behind the 4-mil drop line as shown in FIG. 22C. FIG. 22C
shows the slight repositioning required to center a target directly
behind the 4-mil drop line.
[0153] An exemplary fourth step provides a drop adjustment after
centering a target. For example, using an XM2010 weapon system, to
achieve a center mass hit, a 1 mil-line adjustment upward is needed
if a target is best bracketed along any drop line from 2 through 5.
In some embodiments, the only XM2010 drop hold not requiring
adjustment is for targets best bracketed on the 1-mil drop line. In
FIG. 23A a 12'' target is shown centered behind a 4-mil drop line.
In FIG. 23B a 1.0 mil upward adjustment required when using an
XM2010 weapon system is shown. In some embodiments this upward
adjustment is required for targets best bracketed on any drop line
2 through 5, but no adjustment is required for a target best
bracketed on the 1.0 mil drop line.
[0154] For example, using an SPR weapon system, adjustment is
needed only if a target is best bracketed along the 5-mil drop
line. In that case, a 0.7-mil downward adjustment is required for a
center mass hold. FIG. 24A shows a 12'' target centered behind the
5-mil drop line. FIG. 24B shows a 0.7-mil downward adjustment
required for targets best bracketed on the 5-mil drop line. No
other targets require adjustment with SPR.
[0155] For example, using an M110 weapons system, no adjustments
are required. FIG. 25A shows a 12'' target centered behind the 4.0
mil drop line. FIG. 25B shows that no change is required since the
Ml 10 weapon system requires no adjustments whatsoever.
[0156] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
provide rapid windage adjustments for targets to 600 meters. In
certain embodiments, speed-shooting wind markers are embedded into
secondary horizontal cross-hairs descending from the reticle's
primary horizontal cross-hair to the 10-mil drop line. A first step
is to determine the wind speed in, for example, miles per hour. For
our example, assume a 20-mph wind from the right. A second step is
to locate the corresponding wind marker. In preferred embodiments,
secondary horizontal cross-hairs (drop hold lines) 1 through 9 each
contain a series of 14 speed-shooting windage markers, seven for
right corrections, and seven for left corrections. For M110 and
XM2010 weapon systems, each marker represents a 4 mile-per-hour
increment. Hence, the first wind marker designates 4 mph, the
second 8 mph, the third 12 mph, the 4th 16 mph, and so on to the
7th marker which designates 28 mph. For SPR weapons systems, each
marker corresponds to 3 mph. For a M107 weapon system, each marker
corresponds to 5 mph. Due to changes in density altitude, it may be
necessary to re-calibrate wind-speed increments using, for example,
a Kestrel wind speed indicator to calibrate speed increments for
specific shooting settings. In some embodiments, wind-speed
correction dots are provided on and between drop-hold/secondary
horizontal cross-hairs lines 1-9. In FIG. 26, mph values for the
8-mil drop line are shown in the thick dashed box. Actual mph
values may vary depending on the chosen weapon system and shooting
conditions. As indicated by the dashed ovals, the same wind-speed
values are applied onto each drop hold line. For example with a
wind speed of 20 mph from the right, and a M1110 weapon system, the
5th windage marker to the right is selected. FIG. 27 shows the 20
mph wind-speed holds for a M110 weapons system.
[0157] A third step is to place the target at the correct hold on
the reticle. Assuming an elevation correction at the 8th secondary
horizontal cross-hair, the 5th wind-speed marker in the 8th drop
line is place over the target. (FIG. 28) In the present example, an
elevation hold at the 8th drop line is selected, and the 5th
wind-speed marker as determined in step 2 above is used. In some
embodiments, the 4th marker in a series is represented by a cross,
instead of a dot, to make counting faster and easier. In other
embodiments, series are provided between drop-lines, at 0.5 mil
vertical increments. FIG. 29 shows that the 4th wind-speed marker
in each series, circled in red, may in certain embodiments be
designated by a cross rather than a dot thereby providing fast and
intuitive counter marking. In other embodiments a series of smaller
wind markers appear half-way between each drop line (shown in
dashed rectangle), providing wind holds at 0.5 mil drop
increments.
[0158] In some embodiments, numbers used to designate secondary
horizontal cross-hairs 1 through 9 are compressed on top of mil
markers comprise hold points for targets moving at 4 mph. FIG. 30
shows a target positioned on the 5-mil secondary horizontal
cross-hair for a target moving at 4 mph from the left.
[0159] In some embodiments, holdover (elevation) crosses extend the
aiming grid in 1.0 mil increments, providing more hold markings
without obscuring the shooter's sight picture view. In other
embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure provide clear,
uncluttered crosses to as additional hold points in 1.0 mil
increments beyond the aiming grid as shown in FIG. 31. These
provide additional hold guides for both elevation and windage.
[0160] In some embodiments, reticles of the present disclosure
provide an aiming grid as shown, for example, in FIG. 32. In
certain embodiments, the aiming grid eliminates the need to adjust
windage or elevation knobs. The aiming grid may be used to mil
targets and place aiming points at any range. FIG. 32 shows an
aiming grid delineated by the dashed box. In this example, the
target is placed for an adjustment of 13.5 mils down and 2.5 mils
right.
[0161] In some embodiments, further mil markers are placed
throughout secondary horizontal cross-hairs 1 through 9. Similar to
holdover crosses described above, the mil markers extend the aiming
grid up to the reticle's primary horizontal cross-hair, without
obscuring the view. In further embodiments, the markers are 0.15
mils tall, and may be used for milling targets in addition to
placing holds. In preferred embodiments, mil markers are
represented by thin vertical hash marks spaced in 1.0 mil
increments throughout secondary horizontal cross-hairs 1 through 9.
FIG. 33 shows three exemplary markers within circles.
[0162] All publications and patents mentioned in the above
specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various
modifications and variations of the described compositions and
methods of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the
art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
One skilled in the art will recognize at once that it would be
possible to construct the present disclosure from a variety of
materials and in a variety of different ways. Although the
invention has been described in connection with specific preferred
embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not
be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. While the preferred
embodiments have been described in detail, and shown in the
accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further
modification are possible without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed, various
modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention
which are obvious to those skilled in marksmanship, computers or
related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following
claims.
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