U.S. patent application number 16/749925 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-23 for reflex sight having modular hood.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sig Sauer, Inc.. Invention is credited to Drew Essig, Andrew W. York.
Application Number | 20200232759 16/749925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71609743 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-23 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200232759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
York; Andrew W. ; et
al. |
July 23, 2020 |
REFLEX SIGHT HAVING MODULAR HOOD
Abstract
A target sight system includes a base portion with a
gun-mounting interface allowing the sight to be firmly fastened to
a shooting device. The base also includes a power supply, a target
light generator, and a light-passing surface through which the
target light passes between the target light generator and a
target. The sight system also includes a cover that is detachably
removable from the base portion. The cover includes an accessory,
which may be a sunshade, optic, filter, or a cover that at least
partially covers the base portion.
Inventors: |
York; Andrew W.; (Portland,
OR) ; Essig; Drew; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sig Sauer, Inc. |
Newington |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
71609743 |
Appl. No.: |
16/749925 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62796022 |
Jan 23, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/30 20060101
F41G001/30 |
Claims
1. A target sight system, comprising: a base portion having a
gun-mounting interface, the base also including a power supply, a
target light generator, and a light-passing surface through which
the target light passes between the target light generator and a
target; and a cover detachably removable from the base portion, the
cover including an accessory.
2. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the
accessory is a sunshade.
3. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the
accessory comprises an optic.
4. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the
accessory comprises a filter.
5. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the
accessory comprises a cover that at least partially covers the base
portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application No. 62/796,022, filed Jan. 23, 2019, entitled REFLEX
SIGHT HAVING MODULAR HOOD, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Reflex type gun sights provide a shooter a quick and easy
way to sight a target compared to conventional iron sights. Reflex
sights can be open-type, which typically include only a single
lens, or closed type, which typically include at least two lenses
enclosed by a tube. Generally, shooters may prefer an open reflex
sight when targeting in low light conditions, and a closed reflex
sight when in brighter conditions, although various shooters may
prefer either type in various situations. It is relatively
difficult, however, to change from one reflex type to the other, as
changing reflex sights generally requires removing the installed
sight from the gun and re-installing the other type. Further,
reflex sights are generally battery powered, but changing batteries
requires a tool, such as a screwdriver, which are not always
available in the field. Sometimes shooters leave reflex sights in
the powered state, even when not in use, which increases the speed
at which the batteries are depleted.
[0003] Embodiments of the invention address these and other
limitations of the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective line diagram that illustrates
an example of an open reflex sight including a battery drawer that
needs no tools to open, according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective line diagram of the open reflex
sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the battery drawer in a closed
position.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective line diagram of the open reflex
sight of FIG. 1, including a partial cutaway section illustrating
components of the open reflex sight that allow the battery drawer
to be accessed without tools.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 1 and also illustrating a compact shroud ready
to be mounted to the sight.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the compact shroud in a
partially mounted position.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the compact shroud in a fully
mounted position.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating a separate rear window that is
mountable to the sight.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the separate rear window in a
mounted position.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 9 illustrating a full sized shroud in a
partially mounted position.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a front perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 9 illustrating the full sized shroud in a
fully mounted position.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective line diagram of the open
reflex sight of FIG. 11 in which the full sized shroud is fully
mounted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 are rear perspective line diagram that
illustrates an example of an open reflex sight including a battery
drawer that needs no tools to open, in an open and closed position,
respectively. Unlike typical sights that require tools to open a
battery compartment, embodiments of the invention include a
manually operated push button mechanism, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
Pressing the button on the mechanism releases a catch in the
battery drawer, which may include a spring to urge the drawer
opening. In operation, the shooter presses the button on the
mechanism, which causes a slot in the button shaft to align with a
retaining pin on the battery drawer. When the retaining pin aligns
with the slot, the spring force causes the battery drawer to
open.
[0017] In some embodiments, the battery drawer may be a molded
polymer, and includes an integrated metal retaining pin. The
retaining pin may be press-fit or otherwise mounted to the drawer.
The button may likewise be made of polymer and, as illustrated in
FIG. 3, includes a button shaft, which may be metal. The metal
shaft may be held into the button with a steel spring pin. The
button and shaft are installed into the housing and held in place
by a steel cross pin. The area of the shaft where the cross pin
holds it into the housing is elongated so the button can be
depressed and advance the shaft. Also as illustrated in FIG. 3, a
compression spring is placed at the distal end of the shaft and
applies an outward force to the button. In the resting position the
battery drawer is held in place. Further, since the shaft is held
in place by the cross pin, the button assembly cannot come out of
the housing. The button shaft may also include a slot cut into it
that retains the battery drawer, such as by retaining the drawer
retaining pin. When the user depresses the button and overcomes the
force of the compression spring, the retaining portion of the slot
in the shaft advances to an opening. When the opening in the shaft
aligns with the retaining pin of the drawer, the drawer is no
longer retained by its pin, and therefore the drawer opens to
reveal the battery.
[0018] Closing the drawer may include the user depressing the
button while the drawer is manually pressed closed, after which the
button is released, thus retaining the drawer. In other
embodiments, the battery drawer or other component may include an
angled or sloped surface or projection that automatically retracts
the button as the user manually closes the drawer.
[0019] Embodiments of the invention may also include one or more
modular shrouds, which may be installed and removed by the
shooter.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a compact shroud ready to be mounted to
the sight. The compact shroud includes a bar that is sized and
shaped to engage with a slot or groove located on a lower part of
the sight. First, the user aligns the bar with the slot as
illustrated in FIG. 6. Then the user rotates the free end of the
compact shroud toward the firearm to the closed position, as
illustrated in FIG. 7. The compact shroud may be then secured with
one or more fasteners, such as a screw or pin to retain the shroud
in place. In other embodiments the shroud may be somewhat flexible
and include one or more projections that align with one or more
recesses in the sight mount. As the user rotates the compact shroud
into position, the projections snap into place, held by the
rigidity of the shroud material. Once mounted, the compact shroud
is in position to partially cover the reflex sight, providing
mechanical protection as well as blocking some of the light from
entering the sight.
[0021] In other embodiments the reflex sight according to
embodiments of the invention include an installable rear window,
effectively converting the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 into a
closed reflex sight.
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a separate rear window that is mountable
to the sight, that, when mounted, converts the open reflex sight of
FIG. 1 into a closed reflex sight. In this embodiment the rear
window has an overmolded gasket. When installed, the gasket seals
the back of the open sight, turning it into an enclosed reflex
sight. As described above, some shooters prefer closed sights to
open ones. After the rear window has been installed, as illustrated
in FIG. 9, a full sized shroud may be installed to cover the
enclosed reflex sight, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. The full
sized shroud installs in the same manner as the compact shroud
described above.
[0023] As described above, one problem with conventional reflex
sights is that their batteries deplete, especially when the reflex
sight is unintentionally illuminated. For example, if the reflex
sight includes a sliding on/off switch, and the shooter leaves the
switch in the ON position while the firearm is stored, the battery
may deplete unnecessarily. Embodiments of the invention may include
either a Hall Effects sensor, or a reed switch, either of which may
change states while in the presence of a magnetic field. So, when a
reflex sight including such a sensor or switch is placed in a
magnetic field, the switch automatically turns the reflex sight
OFF, thus conserving battery power. The reflex sight may be stored
in a box having magnets mounted therein, thus providing the
magnetic field. In such a manner, when the reflex sight is stored
in the box, the Hall Effects sensor or reed switch automatically
turns the reflex sight OFF. In other embodiments, a magnet or
magnetic mesh may be incorporated into a holster. In this manner,
when the firearm including the reflex sight is within the holster,
the reflex sight is powered down. Conversely, when the firearm
including the reflex sight is removed from the holster, the Hall
Effects sensor or reed switch is removed from the magnetic field
and power to the reflex sight is automatically restored.
[0024] This written description makes reference to particular
features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this
specification includes all possible combinations of those
particular features. For example, where a particular feature is
disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, that feature can
also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other
aspects.
[0025] Although specific aspects of the disclosure have been
illustrated and described for purposes of illustration, it will be
understood that various modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *