U.S. patent application number 15/821328 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for firearm scope alignment method and tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dead Square LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Dead Square LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew W. Goddard.
Application Number | 20180274886 15/821328 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63582371 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180274886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goddard; Matthew W. |
September 27, 2018 |
FIREARM SCOPE ALIGNMENT METHOD AND TOOL
Abstract
A firearm scope alignment tool and method of use. An alignment
tool may have a guide component, which may be located at the
buttstock end of a firearm, may have a light source component,
which may be positioned on the distal side of a scope and oriented
into the scope, and may have a lens component, which may be
positioned on the proximal side of the scope. The lens and light
source may magnify and project the reticle of the scope onto the
guide component, which may allow the scope to be adjusted in order
to position the reticle such that the vertical line of the reticle
is parallel to the bisecting plane of the firearm, as indicated by
the guide component.
Inventors: |
Goddard; Matthew W.; (Jones,
OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dead Square LLC |
Jones |
OK |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dead Square LLC
Jones
OK
|
Family ID: |
63582371 |
Appl. No.: |
15/821328 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62477018 |
Mar 27, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/545 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/54 20060101
F41G001/54 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for a firearm scope alignment comprising: a guide
component having a guide line on a projection surface of the guide
component and being detachably mounted on a backside of a buttstock
of a rifle; a light source projecting a light through a scope of
the rifle in a direction to projection surface of the guide
component; and a lens being provided to an eyepiece area of the
scope and adjusting the light and a reticle of the scope to be
visible on the projection surface, wherein the scope is aligned by
adjusting a position of the reticle to match with the guide line on
the projection surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide component is a
single piece and has a slot which is mounted between the buttstock
and a buttstock plate.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide component is divided
into two pieces of projection posts which are mounted between the
buttstock and a buttstock plate.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide component is a
single piece and has two brackets between which the buttstock is
mounted.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source is mounted on
at least one of a barrel and a stock of the rifle by at least one
clamp.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source is mounted on
a rail of a firearm ahead of the scope.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source is a
freestanding device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lens is detachably coupled
to the eyepiece area of the scope.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lens is a stand-alone
device.
10. A method for a firearm scope alignment comprising: mounting,
detachably, a guide component that has a guide line on a projection
surface of the guide component on a backside of a buttstock of a
rifle; projecting, by a light source, a light through a scope of
the rifle in a direction to projection surface of the guide
component; providing a lens to an eyepiece area of the scope to
adjust the light and a reticle of the scope to be visible on the
projection surface; and aligning the scope by adjusting a position
of the reticle to match with the guide line on the projection
surface.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the guide component is a single
piece and has a slot which is mounted between the buttstock and a
buttstock plate.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the guide component is divided
into two pieces of projection posts which are mounted between the
buttstock and a buttstock plate.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the guide component is a single
piece and has two brackets between which the buttstock is
mounted.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the light source is mounted on
at least one of a barrel and a stock of the rifle by at least one
clamp.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the light source is mounted on
a rail of a firearm ahead of the scope.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the light source is a
freestanding device.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the lens is detachably coupled
to the eyepiece area of the scope.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the lens is a stand-alone
device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/477,018, filed Mar. 27, 2017, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When using a rifle or other firearm with a scope, the scope
must be properly aligned such that it is square with the rifle in
order to allow a user to accurately target the rifle. Specifically,
the vertical part of the crosshairs or reticle should be placed so
that it is perfectly parallel to a bisecting plane of the rifle,
and such that the horizontal line is placed normal to the bisecting
plane.
[0003] Certain tools for alignment of a firearm scope exist. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,745,914, for a "Telescopic Sight Ring
Mounts Alignment Tool," discloses a scope eye-piece mounted
alignment tool which a user can make use of by setting it in front
of the scope, aligning it with the vertical reticle, and attaching
it with an elastic band. The tool will have a pointer on the
bottom. Then, the user may rotate the scope within the ring mounts,
until the pointer points to the center line of the bore (or the
center of the rifle, as the case may be).
[0004] However, there may be problems with using this tool and
method. In particular, if the reticle is not in the center of the
scope when the user adjusts it, the user will end up adjusting the
scope so that the reticle is no longer square (i.e. such that the
vertical line of the reticle is no longer parallel to the bisecting
plane) by using such a method. This will cause further difficulties
for the user.
[0005] Another example of an alignment tool is the WHEELER
ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL RETICLE LEVELING SYSTEM. This system
includes two machined aluminum level housings calibrated to their
integrated levels. To make use of the system, the user attaches the
first level, the "barrel clamp level," to the barrel of a firearm,
and attaches the second, smaller "reference level" to a flat
surface perpendicular to the vertical axis of the gun (such as the
scope base, the bottom half of the ring, or another flat surface).
The user then rotates the gun until the reference level is aligned.
The user then adjusts a tuning adjustment knob on the barrel clamp
level until its level is centered to match the reference level. At
this point, the barrel clamp level is calibrated to the axis of the
firearm. The scope is then installed loosely, with the reference
level placed on top of the scope's turret cap, and the scope is
rotated until the reference level is aligned with the barrel clamp
level. The scope is then secured in place.
[0006] There are also problems with using this tool and its
associated method. Specifically, because this tool makes use of
bubble levels (one for the scope, and one for the firearm), use of
this tool can be highly susceptible to human error. The user will
have to accurately read the bubbles in the bubble levels (which can
often be imprecise) and will have to hold both the rifle and the
scope steady. In this case, human error can compound on itself,
because both the rifle and the scope will have their own
independent levels which are aligned against one another.
[0007] Another example of an alignment tool is the EXD ENGINEERING
VERTICAL RETICLE instrument. This instrument incorporates a spirit
level that may be used to center the scope of a firearm over the
bore, and may show the "off vertical" position of a vertical
crosshair.
[0008] To make use of the system, a user may first choose a
vertical reference line which may be easily and clearly viewed
through the scope (such as a door frame, or an object that has been
deliberately set up as a reference such as a weight hanging from a
vertical string). The user may then use the instrument to ensure
that the firearm is held in a level position on sandbags or in a
gun rest. The user may then loosen the screws of the scope rings so
that the scope may be rotated within the rings, and loosen the
thumb screw on the instrument slightly so that the barrel V-block
and the scope V-block position settings of the instrument can be
adjusted. The user may then place the instrument onto the barrel of
the firearm aligned with the scope, such that the flat portion of
the instrument (with the slot in the center) covers the eyepiece of
the scope. The user may then slowly tilt the firearm slightly from
side to side until the bubble is centered exactly between the
calibration marks of the level vial of the instrument. The user may
then view the vertical reference line they have chosen through the
scope of the firearm, and in that way determine if the scope has
been correctly aligned or if the scope needs to again be
adjusted.
[0009] The problem with using this tool is that it relies on
sighting a distant standard in order to properly align the scope of
the firearm. If the user chooses an incorrect standard, or a
standard that they think is correctly aligned but which is not
correctly aligned, the user may improperly sight the firearm. (For
example, suppose that the user hangs a small weight from a vertical
string from the ceiling of their house in order to create a
standard from which they can align their scope. Suppose also that
there is an air vent provided in a location where exit air from a
heater or air conditioner can push on the vertical string. The
vertical string may be skewed to one side while the air vent is
active, skewing the alignment of the scope.) The tool also requires
the user to keep the gun level, which may be impractical in some
instances.
[0010] Another example of a scope alignment tool is the ARISAKA
DEFENSE OPTIC LEVELER. This tool is formed from a small rectangular
base plate having a grooved section that extends from one side of
the plate to the other, and an angular wedge that is configured to
fit within the grooved section of the plate. The angular wedge is
formed at a shallow angle (specifically around 11 degrees). The
grooved section of the base plate is formed such that one end is
located at a higher elevation than the other, with the difference
between the two ends of the groove being such that the groove has a
steeper angle than the angular wedge in the vertical direction.
[0011] To use the tool, the base plate is placed under the scope of
a rifle, on the Picatinny rail (or, if possible, on the one-piece
mount) of the rifle, such that the base plate sits just below the
turret cluster of the scope, and such that the groove faces to the
side of the plate. The wedge then is inserted into the groove from
the side of the base plate, on the side of the groove having a
lower depth. As the wedge engages the base plate, the top of the
wedge rises upwards, contacting the turret cluster of the scope and
automatically leveling it.
[0012] While this tool is small and quite simple, it can often be
inadequate. For example, the tool essentially requires that the
mount of the rifle extend for the entire length of the scope;
optimally, this mount should be a Weaver-type or Picatinny-type
rail. While the tool is advertised as being usable with some
one-piece mounts, it may not be usable with all such mounts. The
tool also requires that the reticle be at a perfect level inside
the scope in order for the user to make use of the tool to properly
position the scope; sometimes, this is not the case, meaning that
in such instances (which may not be immediately clear) the tool may
be of limited use.
[0013] Another example of a scope alignment tool is the BADGER
ORDNANCE DEAD LEVEL reticle leveling device. The DEAD LEVEL tool is
a small platform on which a section of Picatinny rail is mounted.
The tool includes several adjustable thumb screws for leveling the
device, and an integrated precision bubble level that the user can
use to check the orientation of the platform.
[0014] To use the platform, a user must remove their scope from the
rifle, with the scope mounts still attached (but with the scope
loose in the mounts), and attach the scope mounts to the platform.
The user may then check the level of the platform, and make the
appropriate adjustments by using the precision thumbscrews. At that
point, the user may look through the scope at a level surface, such
as the top of a building, and tighten down their ring caps.
[0015] This platform has numerous problems similar to those
discussed above. For example, as previously discussed, the platform
has all the problems of imprecision that come from using a bubble
level. The platform also, as discussed above, requires the reticle
to be perfectly level in the scope (which, again, is not always the
case) in order for the user to be able to use it to properly align
the scope. However, this platform introduces an additional
complication--namely, that the user must remove the scope from the
platform and put it back on the rifle without misaligning it in any
way--which can also be a source of error.
[0016] Lastly, there have been some attempts to develop a
light-based scope alignment tool, mostly from hobbyists making use
of improvised prototypes. One such example of this is the method
for leveling a reticle described by Tony Kahn of KAHNTROL SOLUTIONS
in a Feb. 8, 2015 posting,
https://kahntrol.com/leveling-a-reticle/, archived at
http://web.archive.org/web/20160318093947/https://kahntrol.com/leveling-a-
-reticle/.
[0017] In particular, Mr. Kahn describes hanging a piece of poster
board with a plumb line (i.e. a hanging string) hanging in front of
it. Mr. Kahn recommends making use of a fine plumb line. The rifle
is then set in front of the poster board, in a cleaning rest or on
bipods, such that the buttstock of the rifle is located next to the
plumb line but does not touch it. The user then should use a
standard hardware level to get the rifle as level as possible.
[0018] Mr. Kahn then recommends finding the brightest light
possible and shining it into the objective end of the scope. The
user should then focus the scope until a clear projected image is
shown on the poster board. This then provides a clear view of what
adjustments need to be made and allows the user to have both hands
free to make them.
[0019] This idea also has certain downsides. For example, it
requires the user to place their rifle on a level surface in order
to check it against the plumb line; if the surface is not level,
then the method will produce a flawed adjustment of the scope, as
there is no guarantee that the user will be able to adjust the
vertical part of the reticle such that it is placed parallel to a
bisecting plane of the rifle and such that the horizontal line is
placed normal to the bisecting plane if the user is adjusting their
scope based entirely on something independent from the rifle. The
method also requires adjusting the focus of the lens until a
projected image appears, which may require significant adjustments
to the scope that will then have to be reversed.
SUMMARY
[0020] Exemplary embodiments described herein generally relate to a
scope alignment apparatus and a method, and, more specifically, to
the scope alignment apparatus and a method which uses a light
source, a guide surface which may be mounted on or to the buttstock
of the rifle, and a magnifier for the alignment.
[0021] Such a scope alignment apparatus may include: a guide
component having a guide line on a projection surface of the guide
component and being detachably mounted on a backside of a buttstock
of a rifle; a light source projecting a light through a scope of
the rifle in a direction to projection surface of the guide
component; and a lens being provided to an eyepiece area of the
scope and adjusting the light and a reticle of the scope to be
visible on the projection surface, wherein the scope is aligned by
adjusting a position of the reticle to match with the guide line on
the projection surface.
[0022] Another exemplary embodiment can describe a method for the
scope alignment. The method may include: mounting, detachably, a
guide component that has a guide line on a projection surface of
the guide component on a backside of a buttstock of a rifle;
projecting, by a light source, a light through a scope of the rifle
in a direction to projection surface of the guide component;
providing a lens to an eyepiece area of the scope to adjust the
light and a reticle of the scope to be visible on the projection
surface; and aligning the scope by adjusting a position of the
reticle to match with the guide line on the projection surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0023] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
indicate like elements, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1A is an exemplary embodiment of components and tools
that may be used to implement a scope alignment tool.
[0025] FIG. 1B is an exemplary embodiment of a single piece of a
guide component that may be used to implement a scope alignment
tool.
[0026] FIG. 2A is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
guide component.
[0027] FIG. 2B is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
guide component.
[0028] FIG. 2C is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
guide component.
[0029] FIG. 2D is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
light component.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
with the light component activated.
[0031] FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
lens component.
[0032] FIG. 4B is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
lens component.
[0033] FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
with the light component activated and the lens component in the
proper configuration.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
after the scope has been adjusted into a correct position.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment
tool.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment
tool.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
with the light component activated.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
with the light component activated and the lens component in the
proper configuration.
[0039] FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool
after the scope has been adjusted into a correct position.
[0040] FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of a flowchart depicting
a method of using the scope alignment tool.
[0041] FIG. 13 is another exemplary embodiment of a single piece of
a guide component that may be used to implement a scope alignment
tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0043] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, and referring
generally to the Figures, various exemplary implementations of an
alignment tool for a firearm scope or sight may be disclosed.
[0045] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 1A, FIG. 1A displays an
exemplary embodiment of components and tools that may be used to
implement a scope alignment tool 100. This may include, for
example, a scope guide component 102, a screwdriver or other tool
104 configured to remove or loosen the buttstock plate screws of a
rifle or other firearm, a lens component 106, and a light component
108.
[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, a scope guide component 102
may be formed from one or more guides. In one exemplary embodiment,
a scope guide component 102 may be constructed from two projection
posts, each being formed (with a desired degree of precision) so as
to be straight, and each being formed from a material that resists
deformation, such as aluminum or another metal. Projection posts
may be sized to fit between the buttstock of the rifle and the
buttstock plate; for example, according to an exemplary embodiment,
projection posts may be approximately 3/8 of an inch thick and
approximately one inch wide, though projection posts may also be
sized to have other dimensions.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, in order to install the
projection posts, a user may loosen one or more screws on the
buttstock plate of the rifle (or other firearm), so as to add an
amount of space between the buttstock and the buttstock plate. The
user may then place the projection posts between the buttstock and
the buttstock plate, within that space. In some embodiments,
wherein the screws have been accurately aligned along the center
line of the rifle, the user may be able to use the screws as guides
to determine how the projection posts should be placed; in other
embodiments, when the screws have not been accurately aligned, the
user may adjust the projection posts from this position. The user
may then tighten the screws of the buttstock plate in order to
clamp the projection posts between the buttstock and the buttstock
plate.
[0048] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a user may remove the
buttstock plate entirely. In such an embodiment, the projection
posts may be mounted on the end of the buttstock in such a manner
as to not obstruct the screws of the buttstock plate. Once the
projection posts have been placed, the user may replace the
buttstock plate by screwing the screws back in.
[0049] Referring exemplary FIG. 1B, in another exemplary
embodiment, the guide may be a single piece. According to an
exemplary embodiment, in order to install the guide, the user may
remove the buttstock plate entirely, add the single-piece guide
over the buttstock, and replace the buttstock plate and buttstock
screws. In some exemplary embodiments, a single-piece guide may
have one or more screw holes through which the screws of the
buttstock plate may be disposed, which may aid in keeping the
single-piece guide fixed in place. Alternatively, in an exemplary
embodiment, the single-piece guide may have a plurality of openings
in one side that are designed to fit over the screws, such that the
portion of the guide that mounts to the buttstock has an "E-shape"
or "3-shape." As shown in FIG. 1B, in an exemplary embodiment, the
single piece guide 118 may have a slot 120 which is mounted between
the buttstock and a buttstock plate. The slot 120 of the guide may
be designed to fit over the screws between the buttstock and a
buttstock plate so that the guide may be mounted easily.
[0050] Turning now to exemplary FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIGS. 2A and 2B
may show an exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool guide
component 102. In an exemplary embodiment, such a guide component
may be disposed between the buttstock of a rifle 110 and the
buttstock plate 112 of a rifle. The buttstock plate 112 may then be
tightened to secure the guide component 102 as shown in FIG.
2B.
[0051] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 2C, an alternative view of a
scope alignment tool guide component 102 may be shown.
[0052] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 2D, an exemplary embodiment of
a scope alignment tool light component 108 may be shown. According
to an exemplary embodiment, a scope alignment tool 100 may be
provided with a separate light component 108, which may be disposed
such that it projects light through the scope in the direction of
the guide component 102. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
light component may be, for example, a flashlight, or may be any
other light source, as may be desired.
[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, a light component 108
may be fitted or fittable to a scope, for example by one or more
fittings disposed on the portion of the light source facing the
scope (such as the rim of the flashlight). In an exemplary
embodiment, a light component 108 may be fittable to the barrel or
stock of a rifle, for example with one or more clamps. In an
exemplary embodiment, a light component 108 may be fittable to a
rail of a firearm ahead of the scope. In an exemplary embodiment, a
light component 108 may be a freestanding device, or may be coupled
to a stand or other freestanding device on which the rifle is
rested or mounted.
[0054] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows an exemplary
embodiment of a guide component 102 having an illuminated area 114
projected thereon by the light component 108. The light component
108 may project light through the scope and onto the guide
component 102 in an area large enough to be visible to a user. It
should be noted that, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the
reticle of the scope is not visible in the illuminated area
114.
[0055] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A shows an exemplary
embodiment of a scope alignment tool lens component 106. In an
exemplary embodiment, a scope alignment tool lens component 106 may
be provided in front of the eyepiece of the scope of the rifle in
order to magnify the light passing through the scope, which may
have the effect of improving the visibility of the scope
reticle.
[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the scope alignment
tool lens component 106 may be a positive lens. In some
embodiments, any type of positive lens may be used; for example, in
an exemplary embodiment, the scope alignment tool lens component
106 may be a Fresnel lens. In some embodiments, any type of lens
material may be used; for example, in an exemplary embodiment, a
scope alignment tool lens component 106 may be constructed from a
plastic, a glass, or any other kind of transparent material.
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the scope alignment tool lens
component 106 may be fitted to a scope or may be fittable to a
scope; for example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the scope
alignment tool lens component 106 may be disposed on the scope so
that it can be quickly added or removed from the eyepiece area of
the scope, or may be formed within a housing that may be coupled to
the eyepiece area of the scope. In another exemplary embodiment,
the scope alignment tool lens component 106 may be housed within a
housing, which may be fittable to the eyepiece area of the scope.
In an exemplary embodiment, the scope alignment tool lens component
106 may be housed within a stand-alone device, or may be a separate
component; for example, in an exemplary embodiment, a scope
alignment tool lens component 106 may be a handheld large-aperture
lens.
[0058] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool lens component 106,
which may be used by holding the scope alignment tool lens
component 106 in front of the eyepiece of the scope. When
projecting light through the scope, the scope alignment tool lens
component 106 may magnify the light emanating from the eyepiece of
the scope and project the light onto the guide component 102, which
may also serve to magnify the reticle of the scope and make it
visible on the projection surface.
[0059] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 5, FIG. 5 displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 100 having the light
component 108 activated and the lens component 106 in the proper
configuration. The reticle 116 may be magnified and projected onto
the guide component 102. This may allow for alignment of the
scope.
[0060] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the reticle 116
may be displayed in a position that indicates that the scope is
misaligned. The user may be able to adjust the scope to bring the
reticle 116 into a position that indicates that the scope is
properly aligned; this position may be a position such that the
vertical line of the reticle 116 is collinear (or approximately
collinear) with the edge of the guide component 102.
[0061] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 6, FIG. 6 displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 100 after the scope
has been adjusted into a correct position. As shown in FIG. 6, the
vertical part of the reticle 116 is provided along the edge of the
guide component 102, indicating that the vertical part of the
reticle 116 is properly aligned, parallel to the bisecting plane of
the rifle.
[0062] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 7, FIG. 7 displays an
alternative exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 200
having a different shape to that of the scope alignment tool 100.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a scope alignment tool 200
may, instead of fitting between the buttstock and buttstock plate
of a rifle 110, permit the buttstock of the rifle 110 to be
positioned on or in the scope alignment tool 200. For example,
according to an exemplary embodiment, a scope alignment tool 200
may have an upper bracket 206 and a lower bracket 204 between which
the buttstock of the rifle 110 may be mounted. Alternatively, the
scope alignment tool 200 may have, for example, a recessed portion
in which the buttstock of the rifle 110 may rest, or may
alternatively be coupled to the rifle 110, as may be desired.
[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the scope alignment
tool 200 may additionally have a stand 202, which may allow the
scope alignment tool 200 to stand free. scope alignment tool 200
may additionally have a guide component 208, which may be, for
example, a guide line or a guide grid, or may be, for example, one
or more vertically-disposed projection posts which may be similar
to projection posts 102.
[0064] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 8, FIG. 8 displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 200. According to an
exemplary embodiment, a scope alignment tool 200 may have a guide
component 208 that may be a guide grid with one or more guide lines
212 disposed in a position such that at least one of the guide
lines 212 may be (and may be indicated to be) disposed along the
center line of the rifle 110.
[0065] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 9, FIG. 9 displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 200 after a light
component has been activated. An illuminated area 210 may be
projected onto the guide component 208 from the eyepiece area.
[0066] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 10, FIG. 10 displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 200 after a light
component has been activated and after a lens component has been
properly positioned. The reticle 214 of the scope may be projected
onto the guide component 208, allowing the scope to be adjusted to
a position in which the reticle 214 is aligned in the proper
position on the guide component 208.
[0067] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 11, FIG. 11 displays an
exemplary embodiment of a scope alignment tool 200 after the scope
has been adjusted into a correct position. The reticle 214 may be
projected in a position such that it overlaps with the guide line
212, indicating that the reticle 214 is properly positioned.
[0068] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 12, FIG. 12 displays an
exemplary flowchart of a method of using a scope alignment tool
300. In a first step 302, a user may configure the guide component
of the scope alignment tool such that the guide component of the
scope alignment tool supports the buttstock (whether by being
coupled between the buttstock and buttstock plate, supporting the
buttstock in a bracket, or any other such configuration, as may be
desired). In a next step 304, a user may position a light source on
the distal part of the scope such that the light source projects
light through the scope in the direction of the guide component. In
a next step 306, a user may position a lens or other magnifying
implement on the proximal side of the scope, such that it magnifies
and projects the reticle onto the guide component. In a next step
308, a user may align the reticle with a guide on the guide
component.
[0069] Turning now to exemplary FIG. 13, FIG. 13 may show another
exemplary embodiment of a single piece of a guide component.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the single piece guide 118
may have a slot 120 which is mounted between the buttstock and a
buttstock plate as described above in FIG. 1B. Also, in an
exemplary embodiment, the dotted lines 216 may serve as a simple
proof that the inside edges of the opening are parallel to the
scribed center line 218 for the test of whether the scope alignment
tool is manufactured accurately. Further, in an exemplary
embodiment, the hash marks 212 on the cross lines may serve as a
way to align the reticle parallel to the scribed center line 218 or
dotted lines 216, and as marks for measuring deflection when the
scope ring is tightened down after alignment.
[0070] The foregoing description and accompanying figures
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art (for example,
features associated with certain configurations of the invention
may instead be associated with any other configurations of the
invention, as desired).
[0071] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *
References