U.S. patent application number 16/247738 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for ifs-r (integrated flip-up sight-rear) system, ar-15/10 and m16/m4 variants and others.
This patent application is currently assigned to WM C Anderson INC DBA Anderson Manufacturing. The applicant listed for this patent is WM C Anderson INC DBA Anderson Manufacturing. Invention is credited to David Edmon Wheeler.
Application Number | 20190226802 16/247738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67299862 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190226802 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wheeler; David Edmon |
July 25, 2019 |
IFS-R (INTEGRATED FLIP-UP SIGHT-REAR) SYSTEM, AR-15/10 AND M16/M4
VARIANTS AND OTHERS
Abstract
A firearm sight system is provided having a mounting rail with
an upper surface. The mounting rail defines a pocket below the
upper surface. A sight arm is pivotally connected to the rail and
movable between an elevated position angularly offset from the
upper surface of the rail and a stowed position in which the sight
arm occupies the pocket and does not protrude above the upper
surface of the rail.
Inventors: |
Wheeler; David Edmon;
(Florence, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WM C Anderson INC DBA Anderson Manufacturing |
Hebron |
KY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WM C Anderson INC DBA Anderson
Manufacturing
Hebron
KY
|
Family ID: |
67299862 |
Appl. No.: |
16/247738 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62619855 |
Jan 21, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/08 20130101; F41G
1/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/16 20060101
F41G001/16 |
Claims
1. A firearm sight system comprising: a mounting rail having an
upper surface; the mounting rail defining a pocket below the upper
surface; a sight arm pivotally connected to the rail and movable
between an elevated position angularly offset from the upper
surface of the rail and a stowed position in which the sight arm
occupies the pocket and does not protrude above the upper surface
of the rail.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/619,855 filed on Jan. 21, 2018, entitled
"IFS-R (Integrated Flip-Up Sight-Rear) System, AR-15/10 and M16/M4
Variant and Others", which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an integrated flip-up
sight-rear system, and more particularly, to AR-15/10 and M16/M4
variants and others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The modern AR-15 style rifle platform is primarily comprised
of MIL-SPEC (Military Specification) components originally derived
from the M16A1/A2, M4A1 and M16A4 variants. Platforms include
semi-automatic, burst and full-automatic fire control versions, as
well as a multitude of caliber configurations. Most modern AR-15
components have retained either MIL-SPEC adherence and/or a close
resemblance to the original 1956 Eugene Stoner and L. James
Sullivan Armalite AR-15 design. All M16A1/A2, M4A1 and M16A4
variants retain absolute adherence to MIL-SPEC requirements, as
these platforms are intended for applications in standardized
military service.
[0004] The MIL-SPEC design utilizes an integrated Rear Sight,
commonly referred to as an "Iron Sight" (see FIG. 1). Although the
M4 variant is an exception, as it provides a Picatinny rail
(MIL-STD-1913) for the mounting of its sight/optical aid (see FIG.
2). This type of configuration is commonly referred to as "Optic
Ready", inferring that a sight or optical device must first be
installed on the firearm for accurate target acquisition. With the
advent of the M4 configuration and further popularization of Upper
Receiver designs without an integrated rear sight, a typical
approach to provide sighting capabilities followed suit with the M4
application by utilizing Picatinny rail-mounted devices (see FIG.
3). Consequently, there are now a multitude of sight/optical aid
devices available; several of which mimic the original carrying
handle with integrated sight style (see FIG. 4).
[0005] The most common and relatively economical solution to an
Optic Ready firearm is the flip-up style sight (see FIG. 5).
However, this design is rather impractical, as it often requires
the use of a special tool, such as a hex driver, screw driver,
Torx.RTM. driver, etc., to mount, adjust or uninstall on the
Picatinny rail. Furthermore, many of these devices are captivated
to the Picatinny rail by a single fastener, screw or bolt, and are
consequently susceptible to loosening during use and the subsequent
loss of sight calibration or zero; thus, creating the added burden
of always having to carry a special tool for this purpose, which
could prove to be especially burdensome in a tactical
environment.
[0006] Moreover, the deviation of reliance upon Iron Sights to an
electronic optical device, which can illuminate reticles, provide
electronic magnification and/or thermal imaging, tends to produce
an undesired dependence, thus effecting a considerable tactical
disadvantage as these optics require a constant, replenishing
source of power (i.e. batteries, power cells, etc.). However, once
a source of power is no longer readily available, the device would
be rendered inoperable, causing conditions to rapidly
deteriorate.
[0007] Additionally, while many configurations of the flip-up type
utilize a locking mechanism, which must be pressed or released to
permit folding, they are typically not impact resistant once
positioned into the flip-up orientation, making them susceptible to
strike or impact damage.
[0008] Another problematic condition of flip-up style sights is a
deviation from the original MIL-SPEC sight centerline to the bore
centerline. As most rear flip-up style sights do not provide
elevation adjustment or compensation, this condition can exceed the
vertical adjustment travel (+/-) of the front sight post. As such,
optics that are installed between flip-up sights can further
compound this condition when original MIL-SPEC centerlines are not
maintained (see FIG. 6).
[0009] The limitations of the prior art are addressed by providing
a firearm sight system having a mounting rail with an upper
surface. The mounting rail defines a pocket below the upper
surface. A sight arm is pivotally connected to the rail and movable
between an elevated position angularly offset from the upper
surface of the rail and a stowed position in which the sight arm
occupies the pocket and does not protrude above the upper surface
of the rail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a MIL-SPEC Integrated Rear Sight with Lower
Receiver and Barrel Assembly removed for clarity.
[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B show an Upper Receiver with MIL-STD-1913
Picatinny Rail.
[0012] FIG. 3A to 3D show examples of Picatinny Rail-Mounted
Sight/Optical Aid Devices.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a Picatinny Rail-Mounted Carrying Handle with
Iron Sight.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a Flip-Up Style Sight Mounted on Upper Receiver
Picatinny Rail.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates Centerline Deviations.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of an IFS-R Upper Receiver
Assembly.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of the IFS-R Folded into Upper
Receiver.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates IFS-R Major Components.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a Rear Sight Assembly.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a Spring Block Assembly.
[0021] FIG. 12 shows a Traverse Screw Adjustment.
[0022] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of Positional Points on Traverse
Screw.
[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a rear sight Ghost Ring and
Front Sight Post.
[0024] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate Aperture Sizes.
[0025] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate Magnetic Inserts.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a Plain View-Top-Sight Down.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a Plain View-Top-Sight Up.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a Side Sectional View, Mid-Plane-Sight Down.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a Side Sectional View, Mid-Plane-Sight Up.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
[0030] The IFS-R (INTEGRATED FLIP-UP SIGHT-REAR) SYSTEM provides
increased functionality to the Optic Ready-style Upper Receiver
with a built-in, adjustable, flip-up rear sight (see FIG. 7). The
top rear section of the Upper Receiver is machined with a profiled
pocket in which the rear sight is designed to fold down within the
Picatinny rail when not in use (see FIG. 8).
[0031] The IFS-R is comprised of the following major components
(see FIG. 9): [0032] IFS-R Upper Receiver [0033] Rear Sight
Assembly (see FIG. 10) [0034] Spring Block Assembly
[0035] The folding and unfolding of the IFS-R is guided and
supported by two spring-loaded ball bearing detents within the
Spring Block Assembly (see FIG. 11). These detents orientate/lock
the sight in the upright position and hold the device down in the
folded position. Sight travel is limited to 90 degrees on the Pivot
Pin axis by inherent design. The spring-loaded captivation of the
IFS-R also serves to mitigate impact or strike upon the device by
simply folding to prevent sight damage.
[0036] Traverse adjustment of the IFS-R is performed by clockwise
or counterclockwise rotation of the Traverse Screw, resulting in
left or right movement of the Rear Sight Post (see FIG. 12). Screw
rotational setting is maintained by 16 individual positional points
around the screw axis (see FIG. 13). A spring-loaded Ball Bearing
assembled within the Rear Sight Post Base engages the appropriate
positional point on the Traverse Screw as it is rotated during
sight adjustment. This function also serves to provide constant
spring pressure upon the Traverse Screw to ensure sight setting
integrity upon strike or impact. Under spring protection, the body
of the Traverse Screw can be used to elevate the IFS-R into the
upright position. Folding of the IFS-R is simply performed by
rotating the device rearward upon the Pivot Pin axis.
[0037] A Rear Sight Aperture is assembled into the Rear Sight Post,
providing a typical ghost ring, center-hold sight picture (see FIG.
14). Two aperture sizes are provided in accordance with MIL-SPEC
standards (see FIG. 15): [0038] Long-range, >300 meters (small
hole) [0039] Short-range, <300 meters (large hole)
[0040] Aperture selection is made by rotating the Rear Sight
Aperture about the pivot axis. Milled steps are provided on each
side of the Rear Sight Post to aid in lifting the aperture from
either available position. The short-range ghost ring is by default
integrated into the Rear Sight Post. As the Rear Sight Aperture is
orientated within the Rear Sight Post it is automatically
captivated by magnetic force. Two Magnetic Inserts are assembled
into the Rear Sight Post to generate said force (see FIG. 16). To
select the long-range aperture, simply rotate the Rear Sight
Aperture into the upright position. To select the short-range
aperture, likewise, rotate the Rear Sight Aperture into the
downward position.
[0041] This application is applicable to additional firearm
platforms and should not be construed as limited to AR15/10 and/or
M16/M4 platforms alone.
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