U.S. patent application number 15/254463 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for scope turret.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics, Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics. The applicant listed for this patent is Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics, Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics. Invention is credited to Samuel J. Hamilton.
Application Number | 20170363388 15/254463 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49378791 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170363388 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Hamilton; Samuel J. |
December 21, 2017 |
Scope Turret
Abstract
Rifle scope turrets with spiral cam mechanisms include a scope
body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed
by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected
to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response
to rotation of the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism
engaged thereto. The turret defines first and second stop surfaces
positioned for engagement by the spiral cam to limit rotation of
the turn The first stop surface defines a zero position of the
screw and the movable optical element. The second stop surface
defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the
moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may be defined by a
spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret. The groove
may overlap itself at least partially. The turret may be an
elevation turret or a windage turret.
Inventors: |
Hamilton; Samuel J.; (Mount
Horeb, WI) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics |
Middleton |
WI |
US |
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Assignee: |
Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex
Optics
Middleton
WI
|
Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160370146 A1 |
December 22, 2016 |
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|
Family ID: |
49378791 |
Appl. No.: |
15/254463 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14537506 |
Nov 10, 2014 |
9435609 |
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15254463 |
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13450005 |
Apr 18, 2012 |
8919026 |
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14537506 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 23/14 20130101;
G02B 7/023 20130101; F41G 1/38 20130101; G02B 23/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/38 20060101
F41G001/38; G02B 23/14 20060101 G02B023/14; G02B 23/16 20060101
G02B023/16 |
Claims
1. A rifle scope comprising: a scope body; a movable optical
element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body; a
turret having a screw defining a screw axis and operably connected
to the optical element for changing the optical axis in response to
rotation of the screw; a stop element connected to the screw; the
stop element defining a guide surface wrapping about the screw axis
and terminating at first and second ends; a cam follower element
connected to the scope body and operable to engage the guide
surface, and to engage the first and second ends, the engagement of
the first and second ends defining rotational limits of the turret;
wherein each of the first and the second ends are at different
radial distances from the screw axis; and wherein the cam follower
is moved radially in relation to the screw axis and prevented from
rotating.
2. The rifle scope of claim 1 wherein the guide surface is defined
by a channel.
3. The rifle scope of claim 2 wherein the stop element has a planar
surface perpendicular to the screw axis, and the channel is defined
in the planar surface.
4. The rifle scope of claim 1 wherein the guide surface includes a
plurality of concentric arcs each centered on the screw axis and
substantially encompassing the screw axis, the guide surface
including a transition segment connecting an end of a first one of
the plurality of concentric arcs to an end of a second one of the
plurality of concentric arcs, such that a stepped spiral is
formed.
5. A rifle scope with spiral cam mechanism comprising: a scope
body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected
to the scope body; a turret having a screw operably connected to
the movable optical element for adjusting the optical axis in
response to rotation of the screw; the spiral cam mechanism having
a stop element engaged thereto; the spiral cam mechanism defining a
first stop surface positioned for engagement by the stop element to
limit rotation of the turret, such that the position at which the
stop element engages the first stop surface defines a zero position
of the screw and the movable optical element; the spiral cam
mechanism defining a second stop surface positioned for engagement
by the stop element to limit rotation of the turret, such that the
position at which the stop element engages the second stop surface
defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the
moveable optical element; wherein the first stop surface and second
stop surface are connected by a channel; wherein the channel
comprises a stepped spiral; and the turret having an indexing
portion frictionally engaged with the first stop surface and second
stop surface.
6. The rifle scope of claim 5: wherein the indexing portion of the
turret comprises a rotating element; wherein the first stop surface
and second stop surface are recessed portions of the spiral cam
mechanism; wherein rotation of the indexing portion in a first
direction causes the first stop surface and second stop surface to
move in the first direction; and wherein responsive to the stop
element encountering the first stop surface, further rotation of
the indexing portion in the first direction is prevented.
7. The rifle scope of claim 6: wherein rotation of the indexing
portion in a second direction causes the first stop surface and
second stop surface to move in the second direction; and wherein
responsive to the stop element encountering the second stop
surface, further rotation of the indexing portion in the second
direction is prevented.
8. The rifle scope of claim 5 wherein the stop element is a cam
pin.
9. The rifle scope of claim 8 further comprising an elevation
indicator connected to the cam pin, wherein the elevation indicator
moves outwards from the turret each time the turret is rotated
between the first stop surface and the second stop surface.
10. A rifle scope with spiral cam turret mechanism: a scope body; a
movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the
scope body; an elevation turret having a screw operably connected
to the movable optical element for adjusting the optical axis in
response to rotation of the screw; the elevation turret having a
knob operably connected to the screw to adjust the position of the
screw; the elevation turret having an indexing portion engaged to
the knob; the elevation turret having a stop element; the indexing
portion of the elevation turret defining a first stop surface
positioned for engagement by the stop element to limit rotation of
the elevation turret, such that the position at which the stop
element engages the first stop surface defines a first limiting
position of the screw and the movable optical element; the indexing
portion of the elevation turret defining a second stop surface
positioned for engagement by the stop element to limit rotation of
the elevation turret, such that the position at which the stop
element engages the second stop surface defines a second limiting
position of the screw and the moveable optical element; wherein the
first and second stop surfaces rotate in response to operation of
the knob; and wherein rotation of the screw causes the screw to
move generally perpendicular to the optical axis.
11. The rifle scope of claim 10: wherein the indexing portion of
the elevation turret comprises a rotating element; wherein the
elevation turret has a base that comprises a fixed element; wherein
the first stop surface and second stop surface are defined by a
groove in the indexing portion of the elevation turret; wherein
rotation of the indexing portion in a first direction causes the
first stop surface and second stop surface to move in the first
direction; and wherein responsive to the stop element encountering
the first stop surface, further rotation of the indexing portion in
the first direction is prevented.
12. The rifle scope of claim 11: wherein rotation of the indexing
portion in a second direction causes the first stop surface and
second stop surface to move in the second direction; and wherein
responsive to the stop element encountering the second stop
surface, further rotation of the indexing portion in the second
direction is prevented.
13. The rifle scope of claim 11: wherein the indexing portion of
the elevation turret comprises a clicker; wherein the elevation
turret comprises a toothed surface; and wherein the clicker engages
with the toothed surface to produce a click stop indexing
action.
14. The rifle scope of claim 13, further comprising indicia on the
knob, wherein each of the indicia corresponds to a click stop
position.
15. The rifle scope of claim 11, wherein the groove overlaps itself
at least partially.
16. The rifle scope of claim 11, wherein the groove comprises
multiple circular arc segments concentric on a central axis,
wherein each of the circular arc segments are joined by angular
transition segments.
17. The rifle scope of claim 16, wherein the stop element is a cam
pin received by the groove.
18. The rifle scope of claim 17, further comprising an elevation
indicator connected to the cam pin, wherein the elevation indicator
moves outwards from the elevation turret each time the cam pin
passes through an angular transition segment.
19. The rifle scope of claim 5, wherein the turret is a windage
turret.
20. The rifle scope of claim 19, further comprising a second
windage turret.
21. A rifle scope with spiral cam mechanism comprising: a scope
body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected
to the scope body; a turret having a screw operably connected to
the movable optical element for adjusting the optical axis in
response to rotation of the screw; an outer knob operably connected
to a first set of teeth and to the turret such that the outer knob
is movable between a locked position wherein the turret cannot be
rotated and an unlocked position wherein the turret can be rotated;
the spiral cam mechanism having a stop element engaged thereto and
is operably connected to a second set of teeth; the spiral cam
mechanism defining a first stop surface positioned for engagement
by the stop element to limit rotation of the turret, such that the
position at which the stop element engages the first stop surface
defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical
element; the spiral cam mechanism defining a second stop surface
positioned for engagement by the stop element to limit rotation of
the turret, such that the position at which the stop element
engages the second stop surface defines a maximum point of
displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element; wherein
the first stop surface and second stop surface are connected by a
channel; wherein the channel overlaps itself at least partially;
and wherein the outer knob is in a locked position when the first
set of teeth are engaged with the second set of teeth and the outer
knob is in an unlocked position when the first set of teeth are
disengaged from the second set of teeth.
22. The rifle scope of claim 21 wherein the stop element is a cam
pin.
23. The rifle scope of claim 22 further comprising a rotation
indicator connected to the cam pin, wherein the rotation indicator
moves outwards perpendicular to the outer knob from the turret each
time the turret is rotated between the first stop surface and the
second stop surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation patent application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/537,506 filed Nov. 10, 2014,
which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/450,005 filed Apr. 18, 2012, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,919,026; the disclosure of the above recited applications is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
optic sighting devices. More particularly, the present invention
relates to devices and methods for conveniently adjusting such
optics.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A turret is one of two controls on the outside center part
of a rifle scope body. Turrets are marked in increments and are
used to adjust elevation and windage for points of impact change.
Conventional turrets have markings on them that indicate how many
clicks of adjustment have been dialed in on the turret, or an
angular deviation, or a distance compensation for a given
cartridge. A click is one tactile adjustment increment on the
windage or elevation turret of a scope.
[0004] In order to achieve accurate sighting of objects at greater
distances, the downward acceleration on the projectile imparted by
gravity is of significance. The effect of gravity on a projectile
in flight is often referred to as bullet drop because it causes the
bullet to drop from the shooter's line of sight. For accuracy at
longer distances, the sighting components of a gun must compensate
for the effect of bullet drop. An adjustment to the angular
position of the rifle scope relative to the rifle barrel is made
using the elevation turret to compensate for bullet drop.
[0005] Similarly, any horizontal forces imparted on the projectile,
such as wind, is of significance. The effect of wind on a
projectile in flight is often referred to as drift because it
causes the bullet to drift right or left from the shooter's line of
sight. For accuracy at longer distances, the sighting components of
a gun must compensate for the effect of drift. An adjustment to the
angular position of the rifle scope relative to the axis of the
rifle barrel is made using the windage turret to compensate for
drift.
[0006] Conventional turrets allow for multiple rotations in order
to enable the scope to compensate for longer-range targets or
environmental conditions such as wind. Unfortunately, conventional
turrets typically omit at least one of the following functions:
adjustment stops that prevent adjustment of the elevation and
windage turrets beyond preset amounts, rotation indicator/counter,
or turret locking. As a result, users of conventional turrets may
lose track of how many rotations are dialed in if they do not
carefully count the number of rotations both while dialing away
from the zero point and when dialing towards the zero point even
when the turret's markings are visible. Furthermore, turrets can be
easily bumped, and in dark conditions where it may be difficult to
see the turret markings, the user may not realize the turrets have
been inadvertently adjusted if the turret lacks a locking
mechanism.
[0007] Another difficulty with existing rifle scopes is that
certain operating conditions require the user to remember both how
many clicks and the direction of rotation needed to return the
elevation turret to its zero point from a different setting. When
light conditions are poor, such as at twilight, night, or in
darkened rooms of buildings, or if it is difficult for the user to
hear or feel the clicks, it is very easy for the user to lose track
of what adjustment is needed to return to the zero point. Under
such conditions, the markings may not be sufficiently visible and
the absence of a tactile rotation indicator is keenly felt. This is
particularly significant for police and military users of firearms,
who in the course of their duties may very likely be confronted
with a threat under poor lighting conditions. In addition, hunters
may hunt at twilight or in deep shade.
[0008] Because of the need for compact rifle scope components,
markings are necessarily small, making them difficult to read under
borderline conditions. While this may be a concern when making fine
adjustments, it is of greater concern when a user must make large
changes involving several revolutions of a knob, which may lead to
an error in the number of revolutions made.
[0009] Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved rifle scope
with adjustment stops that prevents adjustment of the elevation and
windage turrets beyond preset amounts. There is also a need for
visual and tactile indication of how many rotations have been
dialed in on a turret. Finally, there is a need for a turret
locking mechanism so the user can be assured that the turret is
still in its last used position. In this regard, the various
embodiments substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In
this respect, the spiral cam mechanism according to the present
invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and
designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus
primarily developed for the purpose of preventing adjustment of a
turret beyond a preset amount, giving the user an indication of how
many rotations have been dialed on the turret, and giving the user
the ability to lock the turret.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides an improved
rifle scope with adjustment stops, rotation indicator, and locking
mechanism, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and
drawbacks of the prior art.
[0011] To attain this, one embodiment of the present invention
essentially comprises a scope body, a movable optical element
defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret
having a screw operably connected to the optical element for
adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw.
The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. The turret
defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagement by
the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turret. The first stop
surface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable
optical element. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of
displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element. The
stop surfaces may be defined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing
portion of the turret. The spiral cam groove may overlap itself at
least partially. The turret may be an elevation turret or a windage
turret.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated.
[0013] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one
or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives,
while one or more other aspects can lead to certain other
objectives. Other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent in this summary and descriptions
of the disclosed embodiment, and will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages
will be apparent from the above as taken in conjunction with the
accompanying figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn
therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the rifle scope
with adjustment stops.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top perspective exploded view of an elevation
turret screw subassembly.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top perspective exploded view of the elevation
turret screw subassembly and turret housing.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an elevation turret
chassis and elevation indicator.
[0018] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an elevation cam
disc.
[0019] FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the elevation cam
disc.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of the elevation cam disc inserted into
the elevation turret chassis with the elevation cam disc rendered
partially transparent.
[0021] FIG. 7A is a top perspective exploded view of the elevation
turret chassis subassembly.
[0022] FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the elevation turret
chassis subassembly of FIG. 8A taken along the line 7B-7B.
[0023] FIG. 8A is a top perspective exploded view of the elevation
turret chassis subassembly, elevation turret screw subassembly, and
turret housing.
[0024] FIG. 8B is a side sectional view of the elevation turret
chassis subassembly, elevation turret screw subassembly, and turret
housing.
[0025] FIG. 9A is a top perspective exploded view of an elevation
micro adjuster and elevation outer knob.
[0026] FIG. 9B is a side sectional view of the elevation micro
adjuster, elevation outer knob, elevation turret chassis
subassembly, and elevation turret screw subassembly of FIG. 1 taken
along the line 9B-9B.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a windage turret
chassis.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the windage cam disc
of FIG. 10.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the windage turret of
FIG. 3 taken along the line 12-12.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the rifle scope with
adjustment stops of FIG. 1 taken along the line 13-13.
[0031] FIG. 14A is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment
stops of FIG. 1 with the elevation turret in the locked
position.
[0032] FIG. 14B is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment
stops of FIG. 1 with the elevation turret in the unlocked
position.
[0033] FIG. 15A is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment
stops of FIG. 1 with the elevation turret having made one
rotation.
[0034] FIG. 15B is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment
stops of FIG. 1 with the elevation turret having made two
rotations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] An embodiment of the rifle scope with spiral cam mechanism
is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an improved sighting
device, such as a rifle scope with spiral cam mechanism 10. More
particularly, the rifle scope or a sighting device 10 has a body
12, in the embodiment shown, a scope body, that encloses a movable
optical element 248 (shown in FIG. 13), which is an erector tube.
The scope body is an elongate tube having a larger opening at its
front 14 and a smaller opening at its rear 16. An eyepiece 18 is
attached to the rear of the scope body, and an objective lens 20 is
attached to the front of the scope body. The center axis of the
movable optical element defines the optical axis 506 of the rifle
scope.
[0037] An elevation turret 22 and a windage turret 24 are two dials
on the outside center part of the scope body 12. They are marked in
increments by indicia 34 on their perimeters 30 and 32 and are used
to adjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element
248 for points of impact change. These turrets protrude from the
turret housing 36. The turrets are arranged so that the elevation
turret rotation axis 26 is perpendicular to the windage turret
rotation axis 28. Indicia typically include tick marks, each
corresponding to a click, and larger tick marks at selected
intervals, as well as numerals indicating angle of adjustment or
distance for bullet drop compensation.
[0038] The movable optical element 248 is adjusted by rotating the
turrets one or more clicks. A click is one tactile adjustment
increment on the windage or elevation turret of the rifle scope,
each of which corresponds to one of the indicia 34. In one
embodiment, one click changes the scope's point of impact by 0.1
mrad.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates the improved turret screw subassembly 88.
More particularly, the turret screw subassembly consists of a
turret screw 38, a turret screw base 60, a friction pad 86, and
various fasteners. The turret screw is a cylindrical body made of
brass in one embodiment. The top 40 of the turret screw defines a
slot 48, and two opposing cam slots 46 run from the top part way
down the side 44. Two 0-ring grooves 50 and 52 are on the side
located below the cam slots. The bottom 42 of the turret screw has
a reduced radius portion 56 that defines a ring slot 54. The ring
slot 54 receives a retaining ring 84, and a bore 304 in the bottom
42 receives the shaft 306 of the friction pad 86. The side of the
turret screw immediately below the 0-ring groove 52 and above the
ring slot 54 is a threaded portion 58. In one embodiment, the slot
48 is shaped to receive a straight blade screwdriver, but could be
shaped to receive a hex key or any other suitable type of
driver.
[0040] The turret screw base 60 is a disc-shaped body made of brass
in one embodiment. A cylindrical collar 66 rises from the center of
the top 62 of the turret screw base. The collar has a turret screw
bore 68 with threads 70. The exterior of the collar defines a set
screw V-groove 78 above the top of the turret screw base, an 0-ring
groove 76 above the set screw V-groove, an 0-ring groove 74 above
the 0-ring groove 76, and a ring slot 72 above the 0-ring groove
74. The turret screw base has three mount holes 82 with smooth
sides and a shoulder that receive screws 80.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates the improved turret screw subassembly 88
and turret housing 36. More particularly, the turret screw
subassembly 88 is shown assembled and in the process of being
mounted on the turret housing 36. The top 92 of the turret housing
defines a recess 94. Three mount holes 96 with threads 98 and a
smooth central bore 508 are defined in the top of the turret
housing within the recess.
[0042] The threads 70 of the turret screw bore 68 are fine such
that the turret screw bore may receive the threads 58 on the turret
screw 38. The retaining ring 84 limits upward travel of the turret
screw so that the turret screw cannot be inadvertently removed from
the turret screw bore.
[0043] When the turret screw subassembly 88 is mounted on the
turret housing 36, screws 80 are inserted into the mount holes 82
and protrude from the bottom 64 of the turret screw base 60. The
screws are then screwed into the mount holes 96 in the turret
housing to mount the turret screw base to the turret housing.
Subsequently, the turret screw base remains in a fixed position
with respect to the scope body 12 when the elevation turret 22 is
rotated. This essentially makes the turret screw base functionally
unitary with the scope body, and the turret screw base is not
intended to be removed or adjusted by the user. The smooth central
bore 508 in the top of the turret housing permits passage of the
friction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the turret screw into the
scope body.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates the improved elevation turret chassis
100. More particularly, the top 110 of the elevation turret chassis
has an interior perimeter 102 with a relief cut 240 adjacent to the
floor 264, a toothed surface 108 above the relief cut, a lower
click groove 106 above the toothed surface, and an upper click
groove 104 above the lower click groove. The relief cut is for the
tool that cuts the toothed surface. The floor defines a smooth
central bore 120 and a slot 122. The smooth central bore permits
passage of the friction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the turret
screw through the turret chassis.
[0045] The exterior perimeter 112 of the turret chassis 100 defines
an 0-ring groove 244. Near the bottom 116 of the turret chassis,
the exterior perimeter widens to define a shoulder 114. Three holes
118 with threads 158 communicate from the exterior perimeter
through the turret chassis to the smooth bore 120. In one
embodiment, the turret chassis is made of steel.
[0046] The slot 122 in the floor 264 of the turret chassis 100
communicates with a hole 124 in the exterior perimeter 112 of the
turret chassis. The hole 124 receives a rotation indicator, which
in this embodiment is an elevation indicator 136. The rear 140 of
the elevation indicator defines a cam pin hole 154. The front 138
of the elevation indicator has two stripes 148 and 150 and an
0-ring groove 152. The stripe 148 divides a first position 142 from
a second position 144. The stripe 150 divides a second position 144
from a third position 146. In one embodiment, the elevation
indicator is made of painted black steel, and the stripes are white
lines that do not glow, but which could be luminous in an
alternative embodiment.
[0047] The cam pin hole 154 receives the bottom 134 of a cam pin
126. In one embodiment, the cam pin is a cylindrical body made of
steel. The top 128 of the cam pin has a reduced radius portion 130
that defines a shoulder 132. The reduced radius portion of the cam
pin protrudes upward through the slot 122 above the floor 264 of
the turret chassis 100.
[0048] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an improved elevation cam disc
160. More particularly, the elevation cam disc is made of steel
with a top face 162 and a bottom face 164. The top has a reduced
radius portion 166 that defines a shoulder 168 around the exterior
perimeter 170 of the elevation cam disc. The top also defines three
mount holes 180 with threads 182. A reduced radius central portion
176 defines a shoulder 172 and a smooth central bore 178. The
smooth central bore permits passage of the turret screw subassembly
through the elevation cam disc.
[0049] A radial clicker channel 186 in the top 162 of the exterior
perimeter 170 receives a clicker 188 that reciprocates in the
channel, and is biased radially outward. The front, free end 190 of
the clicker protrudes from the exterior perimeter. In one
embodiment, the clicker has a wedge shape with a vertical vertex
parallel to the axis of rotation of the turret and is made of
steel.
[0050] The bottom 164 of the elevation cam disc 160 is a planar
surface perpendicular to the elevation turret rotation axis 26 that
defines a recessed spiral channel 184. The spiral channel
terminates in a zero stop surface 198 when traveled in a clockwise
direction and terminates in an end of travel stop surface 200 when
traveled in a counterclockwise direction. When traveled in a
counterclockwise direction, the spiral channel defines a first
transition 194 and a second transition 196 when the spiral channel
begins to overlap itself for the first time and second time,
respectively. The spiral channel is adapted to receive the reduced
radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The spiral channel and the
stop surfaces are integral to the elevation cam disc and are not
adjustable.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates an improved elevation cam disc 160 and
improved turret chassis 100. More particularly, the elevation cam
disc is shown installed in the turret chassis. The spiral channel
184 receives the reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The
clicker 188 protrudes from the clicker channel 186 in the exterior
perimeter 170 of the elevation cam disc. A spring 202 at the rear
192 of the clicker outwardly biases the clicker such that the
clicker is biased to engage with the toothed surface 108 on the
interior perimeter 102 of the turret chassis. When the elevation
cam disc rotates as the elevation turret 22 is rotated when
changing elevation settings, the clicker travels over the toothed
surface, thereby providing a rotational, resistant force and making
a characteristic clicking sound.
[0052] In one embodiment, the toothed surface 108 has 100 teeth,
which enables 100 clicks per rotation of the elevation turret 22.
The spiral channel 184 is formed of a several arcs of constant
radius that are centered on the disc center, and extend nearly to a
full circle, and whose ends are joined by transition portions of
the channel, so that one end of the inner arc is connected to the
end of the next arc, and so on to effectively form a stepped
spiral. This provides for the indicator to remain in one position
for most of the rotation, and to transition only in a limited
portion of turret rotation when a full turret rotation has been
substantially completed. In another embodiment, the spiral may be a
true spiral with the channel increasing in its radial position in
proportion to its rotational position. In the most basic
embodiment, the channel has its ends at different radial positions,
with the channel extending more than 360 degrees, the ends being
radially separated by material, and allowing a full 360 degree
circle of rotation with the stop provided at each channel end.
[0053] The elevation turret 22 is positioned at the indicium 34
corresponding to 0.degree. of adjustment when the cam pin 126 is
flush with the zero stop surface 198. In one embodiment, the spiral
channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment at a
constant distance from the rotation axis 26 until the elevation
turret has rotated 9 mrad (324.degree.). The first transition 194
occurs as the elevation turret rotates counterclockwise from 9 mrad
(324.degree.) to 10 mrad (360.degree.). During the first
transition, the spiral channel shifts the cam pin 126 towards the
exterior perimeter 170 so the spiral channel can begin overlapping
itself. As the elevation turret continues its counterclockwise
rotation, the spiral channel holds the cam pin 126 in a circular
arc segment at a constant further distance from the rotation axis
26 until the elevation turret has rotated 19 mrad (684.degree.).
The second transition 196 occurs as the elevation turret rotates
counterclockwise from 19 mrad (684.degree.) to 20 mrad
(7200.degree.). During the second transition, the spiral channel
shifts the cam pin 126 even further towards the exterior perimeter
170 so the spiral channel can overlap itself a second time. As the
elevation turret continues its counterclockwise rotation, the
spiral channel holds the cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment at a
constant even further distance from the central bore 178 until the
elevation turret has rotated 28.5 mrad (1026.degree.). At that
time, the cam pin is flush with the end of travel stop surface 200,
and further counterclockwise rotation of the elevation turret and
elevation adjustment are prevented. In one embodiment, the first
and second transitions are angled at about 36.degree. (10% of the
rotation) to enable adequate wall thickness between the concentric
circular arc segments about the rotation axis 26 of the spiral
channel. The cam pin diameter determines the overall diameter of
the turret. Because there are three rotations, any increase in
diameter will be multiplied by three in how it affects the overall
turret diameter. In the preferred embodiment, a cam pin diameter of
1.5 mm provides adequate strength while remaining small enough to
keep the overall diameter of the turret from becoming too
large.
[0054] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an elevation turret chassis
subassembly 230. More particularly, the turret chassis subassembly
is assembled by inserting a locking gear 206 into the turret
chassis 100 on top of the elevation cam disc 160. The elevation
turret chassis subassembly is shown in the locked position in FIG.
7B.
[0055] The locking gear 206 has a top 208 and a bottom 210. The top
208 defines three mount holes 216 with threads 218. The locking
gear also defines three smooth mount holes 220 and a central smooth
bore 222. The bottom 210 of the locking gear defines a toothed
surface 214. The toothed surface 214 extends downward below the
bottom 210 of the locking gear to encircle the reduced radius
portion 166 of the top 162 of the elevation cam disc 160 when the
turret chassis subassembly is assembled. In one embodiment, the
toothed surface 214 has 100 teeth to mesh precisely with the 100
teeth of the toothed surface 108 on the interior perimeter 102 of
the turret chassis 100 when the elevation turret 22 is locked.
[0056] Four ball bearings 226 protrude outwards from bores 232 in
the exterior perimeter 212 located between the toothed surface and
the top. Springs 400 behind the ball bearings outwardly bias the
ball bearings such that the ball bearings are biased to engage with
the upper click groove 104 and lower click groove 106 on the
interior perimeter 102 of the turret chassis 100. When the locking
gear rises and lowers as the elevation turret 22 is unlocked and
locked, the ball bearings travel between the lower and upper click
grooves, thereby providing a vertical, resistant force and making a
characteristic clicking sound.
[0057] When the turret chassis subassembly 230 is assembled, screws
224 are inserted into the mount holes 220 and protrude from the
bottom 210 of the locking gear 206. The screws are then screwed
into the mount holes 180 in the top 162 of the elevation cam disc
160 to mount the locking gear to the elevation cam disc.
Subsequently, the locking gear 206 remains in a fixed rotational
position with respect to the elevation cam disc when the elevation
turret 22 is unlocked and rotated. The heads 234 of the screws 224
are much thinner than the depth of the mount holes 220 from the top
208 of the locking gear to the shoulders 236. The screws 224 have
shoulders 228 that contact the top 162 of the elevation cam disc
160 when the screws are secured. As a result, the locking gear 206
is free to be raised until the heads of the screws contact the
shoulders 236 and to be lowered until the bottom of the locking
gear contacts the top of the elevation cam disc. This vertical
movement is sufficient for the toothed surface 214 of the locking
gear to be raised above the toothed surface 108 of the turret
chassis 100, thereby enabling the elevation turret to be unlocked
and free to rotate.
[0058] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an elevation turret chassis
subassembly 230, turret screw subassembly 88, and turret housing
36. More particularly, the turret chassis subassembly is shown
assembled and in the process of being mounted on the turret screw
subassembly in FIG. 8A and mounted on the turret screw subassembly
in FIG. 8B.
[0059] When the elevation turret chassis subassembly 230 is mounted
on the turret screw subassembly 88, the top 40 of the turret screw
38 and the collar 66 of the turret screw base 60 pass upwards
through the smooth central bore 120 of the turret chassis 100, the
smooth central bore 178 of the elevation cam disc 160, and the
central smooth bore 222 of the locking gear 206. A retaining ring
246 is received by the ring slot 72 in the collar to prevent the
elevation turret chassis subassembly from being lifted off of the
turret screw subassembly. Three recesses 245 in the bottom 116 of
the turret chassis receive the heads of the screws 80 that protrude
from the top 62 of the turret screw base 60 so the bottom 116 of
the turret chassis can sit flush against the top 92 of the turret
housing 36.
[0060] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an improved elevation turret 22
with the top cap 308 removed. More particularly, the outer knob 268
is inserted over the top 110 of the turret chassis 100 so that the
bottom 272 of the outer knob rests against the shoulder 114 of the
turret chassis. The top 270 of the outer knob defines a recess 274
with threads 276. The top of the outer knob also defines three
mount holes 280 and a smooth central bore 284. Each of the mount
holes 280 receives a screw 282. The screws 282 are screwed into
mount holes 216 in the top 208 of the locking gear 206. The
perimeter 30 of the outer knob has three holes 300 in the knurled
portion 310. The holes 300 communicate with the central bore
284.
[0061] The recess 274 of the outer knob 268 receives an elevation
micro adjuster 266 when the elevation turret 22 is assembled. The
micro adjuster is a disc with a smooth central bore 292 and a
downward facing central shaft 286. The shaft defines an 0-ring
groove 296 immediately below the disc-shaped portion of the micro
adjuster. The shaft defines a V-groove 294 immediately below the
0-ring groove, and two cam pin holes 288 immediately below the
V-groove. Each of the cam pin holes receives a cam pin 290. When
the elevation turret 22 is assembled, the shaft 286 is received by
the bore 284 in the outer knob 268 and by the bore 222 in the
locking gear. The cam pins are received by the cam slots 46 in the
turret screw 38.
[0062] The micro adjuster 266 is used to provide infinite
adjustability of the point of aim instead of limiting the point of
aim to coincide with turret click positions. The micro adjuster
rotates such that the indicia 291 indicate how much adjustment is
being made. A flat blade screwdriver is inserted into the slot 48
on the top 40 of the turret screw 38 to make the adjustment once
the outer knob is disengaged from the V-groove 294 in the micro
adjuster.
[0063] 0-rings 298, 256, 252, 260, 262, 258, and 254 seal the
elevation turret 22 to protect its components from the
elements.
[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates an improved windage turret chassis 338.
More particularly, the top 344 of the windage turret chassis has an
interior perimeter 340 with a relief cut 362 adjacent to the floor
364, a toothed surface 342 above the relief cut, a lower click
groove 360 above the toothed surface, and an upper click groove 358
above the lower click groove. The floor defines a smooth central
bore 366 and a slot 368. The smooth central bore permits passage of
the friction pad 478 and the bottom 468 of the turret screw 446
through the turret chassis.
[0065] The exterior perimeter 346 of the turret chassis 338 defines
0-ring groove 352. Near the bottom 350 of the turret chassis, the
exterior perimeter widens to define a shoulder 348. Three holes 354
with threads 356 communicate from the exterior perimeter through
the turret chassis to the smooth bore 366. In one embodiment, the
turret chassis is made of steel.
[0066] The slot 368 in the floor 364 of the turret chassis 338
receives the bottom 372 of a cam pin 370. In one embodiment, the
cam pin is a cylindrical body made of steel. The top 376 of the cam
pin has a reduced radius portion 378 that defines a shoulder 374.
The reduced radius portion of the cam pin protrudes upward through
the slot 368 above the floor 364 of the turret chassis 338.
[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates an improved windage cam disc 322. More
particularly, the windage cam disc is made of steel with a top 510
and a bottom 326. The top has a reduced radius portion 514 that
defines a shoulder 516 around the exterior perimeter 518 of the
windage cam disc. The top also defines three mount holes 522 with
threads 524. A reduced radius central portion 502 defines a
shoulder 526 and a smooth central bore 328. The smooth central bore
permits passage of the friction pad 478 and the bottom 468 of the
turret screw 446 through the windage cam disc.
[0068] A clicker channel 512 in the top 510 of the exterior
perimeter 518 receives a clicker 334. The front 336 of the clicker
protrudes from the exterior perimeter. In one embodiment, the
clicker is made of steel.
[0069] The bottom 326 of the windage cam disc 322 is a planar
surface perpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 28 that
defines a recessed spiral channel 324. The spiral channel
terminates in an end of travel stop surface 330 when traveled in a
clockwise direction and terminates in an end of travel stop surface
332 when traveled in a counterclockwise direction. When traveled in
a counterclockwise direction, the spiral channel gradually moves
outwards from the bore 328 so the spiral channel can slightly
overlap itself. The spiral channel is adapted to receive the
reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The spiral channel
and the stop surfaces are integral to the windage cam disc and are
not adjustable. To provide a full 360.degree. of rotation, the
center points of the semi-circular ends of the channel are at the
same rotational position on the disc, at different radial distances
from the center of the disc. More than 360.degree. of rotation
could also be provided as described with respect to the elevation
cam disc 160 above.
[0070] When the windage cam disc 322 is installed in the turret
chassis 338, the spiral channel 324 receives the reduced radius
portion 378 of the cam pin 370. The clicker 334 protrudes from the
clicker channel 512 in the exterior perimeter 518 of the windage
cam disc. A spring 412 at the rear 410 of the clicker outwardly
biases the clicker such that the clicker is biased to engage with
the toothed surface 342 on the interior perimeter 340 of the turret
chassis. When the windage cam disc rotates as the windage turret 24
is rotated when changing windage settings, the clicker travels over
the toothed surface, thereby providing a rotational, resistant
force and making a characteristic clicking sound.
[0071] In one embodiment, the toothed surface 342 has 100 teeth,
which enables 100 clicks per rotation of the windage turret 24. The
windage turret 24 is positioned at the indicium 90 corresponding to
0.degree. of adjustment when the cam pin 370 is located at the
midpoint 320 of the spiral channel 324. The spiral channel holds
the cam pin 126 in an arc segment at a constantly increasing
distance from the rotation axis 28. The spiral channel 324 permits
one-half of a revolution either clockwise or counterclockwise from
the zero point 320, which is 5 mrad in one embodiment. At that
time, the cam pin is flush with an end of travel stop surface, and
further rotation of the windage turret and windage adjustment are
prevented. The spiral channel 324 could be reconfigured to allow
various other mrads of travel from the zero point 320.
[0072] FIG. 12 illustrates an improved windage turret 24. More
particularly, the windage turret 24 is substantially identical in
construction to the elevation turret 22 except for changes to the
spiral cam disc and elimination of the elevation indicator.
Although the windage turret could similarly include a windage
indicator and spiral cam disc with more than one revolution, in
practice, one revolution of the turret has been sufficient to
adjust for lateral sighting adjustments.
[0073] The turret screw subassembly 528 consists of a turret screw
446, a turret screw base 490, a friction pad 478, and various
fasteners. The turret screw is a cylindrical body made of brass in
one embodiment. The top 442 of the turret screw defines a slot 444,
and two opposing cam slots run from the top part way down the side
530. Two 0-ring grooves 464 and 494 are on the side located below
the cam slots. The bottom 468 of the turret screw has a reduced
radius portion 470 that defines a ring slot 472. The ring slot 472
receives a retaining ring 476, and the bottom 468 receives the
shaft 480 of the friction pad 478 in a bore 474. The side of the
turret screw immediately below the 0-ring groove 494 and above the
ring slot 472 is a threaded portion 492. In one embodiment, the
slot 444 is shaped to receive a straight blade screwdriver.
[0074] The turret screw base 490 is a disc-shaped body made of
steel in one embodiment. A cylindrical collar 498 rises from the
center of the top 532 of the turret screw base. The collar has a
turret screw bore 533 with threads 534. The exterior of the collar
defines a set screw V-groove 458 above the top of the turret screw
base, an 0-ring groove 456 above the set screw V-groove, an 0-ring
groove 454 above the 0-ring groove 456, and a ring slot 452 above
the 0-ring groove 456. The turret screw base has three mount holes
536 with smooth sides and a shoulder that receive screws 486.
[0075] The threads 534 of the turret screw bore 533 are fine such
that the turret screw bore may receive the threads 492 on the
turret screw 446. The retaining ring 476 limits upward travel of
the turret screw so that the turret screw cannot be inadvertently
removed from the turret screw bore.
[0076] A locking gear 548 is inserted into the turret chassis 338
on top of the windage cam disc 322. The windage turret 24 is shown
in the locked position in FIG. 12. The locking gear has a top 402
and a bottom 326. The top 402 defines three mount holes 538 with
threads 540. The locking gear also defines three smooth mount holes
426 and a central smooth bore 500. The bottom 326 of the locking
gear defines a toothed surface 542. The toothed surface 542 extends
downward below the bottom 326 of the locking gear to encircle the
reduced radius portion 514 of the top 510 of the windage cam disc
322 when the turret chassis subassembly 544 is assembled. In one
embodiment, the toothed surface 542 has 100 teeth to mesh precisely
with the 100 teeth of the toothed surface 342 on the interior
perimeter 340 of the turret chassis 338 when the windage turret 24
is locked.
[0077] Four ball bearings 404 protrude outward from bores 408 in
the exterior perimeter 546 located between the toothed surface and
the top. Springs 406 behind the ball bearings outwardly bias the
ball bearings such that the ball bearings are biased to engage with
the upper click groove 358 and lower click groove 360 on the
interior perimeter 340 of the turret chassis 338. When the locking
gear rises and lowers as the windage turret 24 is unlocked and
locked, the ball bearings travel between the lower and upper click
grooves, thereby providing a perpendicular, resistant force with
respect to the optical axis 256 and making a characteristic
clicking sound.
[0078] When the turret chassis subassembly 544 is assembled, screws
422 are inserted into the mount holes 426 and protrude from the
bottom 326 of the locking gear 548. The screws are then screwed
into the mount holes 522 in the top 510 of the windage cam disc 322
to mount the locking gear to the windage cam disc. Subsequently,
the locking gear remains in a fixed rotational position with
respect to the windage cam disc when the windage turret 24 is
unlocked and rotated. The heads 424 of the screws 422 are much
thinner than the depth of the mount holes 426 from the top 402 of
the locking gear to the shoulders 550. The screws 422 have
shoulders 428 that contact the top 510 of the windage cam disc 322
when the screws are secured. As a result, the locking gear is free
to be raised until the heads of the screws contact the shoulders
550 and to be lowered until the bottom of the locking gear contacts
the top of the windage cam disc. This vertical movement is
sufficient for the toothed surface 542 of the locking gear to be
raised above the toothed surface 342 of the turret chassis 338,
thereby enabling the windage turret to be unlocked and free to
rotate.
[0079] When the windage turret chassis subassembly 544 is mounted
on the turret screw subassembly 528, the top 442 of the turret
screw 446 and the collar 498 of the turret screw base 490 pass
upwards through the smooth central bore 366 of the turret chassis
338, the smooth central bore 328 of the windage cam disc 322, and
the smooth central bore 500 of the locking gear 548. A retaining
ring 450 is received by the ring slot 452 in the collar to prevent
the windage turret chassis subassembly from being lifted off of the
turret screw subassembly. Three recesses 552 in the bottom 414 of
the turret chassis receive the heads of the screws 486 that
protrude from the top 532 of the turret screw base 490 so the
bottom 414 of the turret chassis can sit flush against the top of
the turret housing 36. 0-rings 488 seal the screws 486 within mount
holes 536. An 0-ring groove 482 in the bottom 554 of the turret
screw base receives an 0-ring 484 to seal the bottom of the turret
screw base against the top of the turret housing 36.
[0080] The outer knob 380 is inserted over the top 344 of the
turret chassis 338 so that the bottom 556 of the outer knob rests
against the shoulder 348 of the turret chassis. The top 392 of the
outer knob defines a recess 558 with threads 382. The top of the
outer knob also defines three mount holes 560 and a smooth central
bore 562. Each of the mount holes 560 receives a screw 398. The
screws 398 are screwed into mount holes 538 in the top 402 of the
locking gear 548. The perimeter 32 of the outer knob has three
holes 384 in the knurled portion 312. The holes 384 communicate
with the central bore 562.
[0081] The recess 558 of the outer knob 380 receives an windage
micro adjuster 388 when the windage turret 24 is assembled. The
micro adjuster is a disc with a smooth central bore 390 and a
downward facing central shaft 448. The shaft defines an 0-ring
groove 394 immediately below the disc-shaped portion of the micro
adjuster. The shaft defines a V-groove 592 immediately below the
0-ring groove, and two cam pin holes, similar to the pin hole 288
seen in FIG. 9B, immediately below the V-groove. Each of the cam
pin holes receives a cam pin, similar to the cam pin 290 seen in
FIG. 9B. When the windage turret 24 is assembled, the shaft 448 is
received by the bore 562 in the outer knob 380 and by the bore 500
in the locking gear. The cam pins are received by the cam slots in
the turret screw 446.
[0082] The micro adjuster 388 is used to provide infinite
adjustability of the point of aim instead of limiting the point of
aim to coincide with turret click positions. Indicia on the micro
adjuster rotate to indicate how much adjustment is being made. A
flat blade screwdriver is inserted into the slot 444 on the top 442
of the turret screw 446 to make the adjustment once the outer knob
is disengaged from the V-groove 592 in the micro adjuster.
[0083] 0-rings 440, 396, 460, 462, 466, 436, 484 and 488 seal the
windage turret 24 to protect its components from the elements.
[0084] FIGS. 13-15B illustrate an improved rifle scope turret with
spiral cam mechanism 10. More particularly, the rifle scope 10 is
shown in use. FIGS. 14A and 14B show the elevation turret 22 in the
locked and unlocked positions, respectively. The elevation turret
is unlocked by raising it parallel to the rotation axis 26. This
upward motion disengages the toothed surface 214 of the locking
gear 206 from the toothed surface 108 of the turret chassis 100.
The elevation turret is then free to rotate to the extent permitted
by the spiral channel 184 in the elevation cam disc 160. Lowering
the elevation turret engages the toothed surface of the locking
gear 206 with the toothed surface 108 of the turret chassis. This
downward motion returns the elevation turret to the locked
position.
[0085] When "0" on the outer knob 268 is facing the user, the cam
pin 126 is resting against the zero stop surface 198, which
prevents any further downward adjustment of the turret screw 38.
Zero on the outer knob is the distance the rifle scope 10 is
sighted in at when no clicks have been dialed in on the elevation
turret and references the flight of the projectile. If the rifle
scope is sighted in at 200 yards, it is said to have a 200 yard
zero.
[0086] When the elevation turret 22 is unlocked, the user rotates
the elevation turret counterclockwise for longer range shots than
the sight-in distance of the rifle scope 10. Rotation of the turret
adjusts the amount of the turret screw 38 that extends from the
bottom of the turret. As is shown in FIG. 13, the turret applies a
downward force in the form of elevation pressure to the moveable
optical element 248 via the friction pad 86. The windage turret 24
applies a sideways force in the form of windage pressure to the
movable optical element via the friction pad 478. These forces are
balanced by a biasing spring pressure applied to the moveable
optical element by a biasing spring at an angle of about
135.degree. with respect to both the elevation pressure and the
windage pressure.
[0087] Once a full revolution is made on the elevation turret 22,
the elevation indicator 136 pops out from hole 124 in the exterior
perimeter 112 of the turret chassis 100. The position of the
elevation indicator after one revolution is shown in FIG. 15A, in
which the first position 142, stripe 148, and second position 144
are visible. After a second revolution is made on the elevation
turret, the elevation indicator extends further outwards radially
as shown in FIG. 15B, in which the stripe 150 and a portion of the
third position 146 are newly visible. When the user dials the
turret back down by rotating the turret clockwise, the indicator
retracts back into the turret chassis. As a result, the indicator
provides both visual and tactile indication to the user of which of
the nearly three revolutions the elevation turret is on.
[0088] The windage turret functions substantially identically to
the elevation turret except for lacking an elevation indicator.
Although the windage turret could similarly include a windage
indicator, in practice, one revolution of the turret has been
sufficient to adjust for lateral sighting adjustments.
[0089] While multiple embodiments of the rifle scope turret with
adjustment stops, rotation indicator, locking mechanism and/or
multiple knobs have been described in detail, it should be apparent
that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of
which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With
respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that
the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further,
since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to
those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and
accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *