U.S. patent application number 16/952157 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-03 for illuminated sight for a firearm.
The applicant listed for this patent is Centre Firearms Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Juan D. CABRERA, Steven GENNA, Richard Ryder WASHBURN, III.
Application Number | 20210164759 16/952157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005405132 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210164759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GENNA; Steven ; et
al. |
June 3, 2021 |
ILLUMINATED SIGHT FOR A FIREARM
Abstract
An illuminated sight of a firearm includes a base that mounts
the sight to the firearm; a post assembly mounted to the base; and
a light source in the post assembly and visible when aligning the
sight with a target. The post assembly can be folded for storage.
The light source can be filtered.
Inventors: |
GENNA; Steven; (Ridgewood,
NY) ; CABRERA; Juan D.; (Ridgewood, NY) ;
WASHBURN, III; Richard Ryder; (Ridgewood, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Centre Firearms Co., Inc. |
Ridgewood |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005405132 |
Appl. No.: |
16/952157 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62942788 |
Dec 3, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/345 20130101;
F41G 1/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/34 20060101
F41G001/34; F41G 1/02 20060101 F41G001/02 |
Claims
1. An illuminated sight of a firearm, the illuminated sight
comprising: a base that mounts the sight to the firearm; a post
assembly mounted to the base; and a light source in the post
assembly and visible when aligning the sight with a target.
2. The illuminated sight of claim 1, wherein the post assembly
includes a cavity that houses the light source.
3. The illuminated sight of claim 1, wherein the post assembly
includes a diffuser that diffuses light from the light source.
4. The illuminated sight of claim 1, further comprising an ambient
light sensor that detects ambient light, wherein light output from
the light source is adjusted based on an amount of the ambient
light detected by the light sensor.
5. The illuminated sight of claim 1, wherein the light source is
filtered to reduce infrared output.
6. The illuminated sight of claim 1, wherein the light source is
filtered to emit only an infrared output.
7. The illuminated sight of claim 1, further comprising a power
supply to power the light source.
8. The illuminated sight of claim 1, further comprising a switch to
turn on and off power to the light source.
9. The illuminated sight of claim 1, wherein the post assembly is
foldable to store the illuminated sight.
10. The illuminated sight of claim 1, wherein the illuminated sight
is mountable between a muzzle of a barrel of the firearm and a rear
sight.
11. A firearm including the illuminated sight according to claim 1.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/942,788, filed Dec. 3, 2019, which is
incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an illuminated sight of a
firearm that includes a light source and a mechanism used to mount
the sight to the firearm.
Discussion of the Related Art
[0003] Sighting systems can be mounted on small arms to assist the
user in aiming and firing a projectile towards a target. Small arms
may include a machine gun, rifle, shotgun, handgun, pistol,
paint-ball gun, air gun, bow, crossbow, and the like. The term
firearm is used throughout to denote any gun or small arm,
including but not limited to those just described, that can benefit
from the inclusion of a sight used to increase shooting
accuracy.
[0004] Well-known, mechanical or iron sights typically include two
components mounted and fixed at different locations on the firearm
that are visually aligned with the line of sight of the shooter and
the target. As shown on the firearm 100 in FIG. 1, mechanical
sights can include a front sight 110 and a rear sight 120. The
front sight 110 is closest to the barrel or front end of the
firearm, away from the shooter, and the rear sight 120 is closest
to the shooter. In use, the shooter visually lines up his eye, a
feature on the rear sight 120, a feature on the front sight 110,
and the intended target. Features on the front sight 110 and the
rear sight 120 used in target alignment can include a metal blade,
a ring, a notch, a post, a bead, a groove, and a crosshair reticle,
or the like. Many sighting systems are adjustable to improve
accuracy.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows an example of a front sight 210 side-by-side
with a rear sight 220 of a mechanical sighting system. As shown in
FIG. 2, the front sight 210 includes a post 212 and a protective
shroud 214 around the post 212. The rear sight 220 includes a ring
222 used as a peephole to line up the post 212 of the front sight
220 with the target. Both the front sight 210 and the rear sight
220 include features used to mount the sights to the firearm. For
example, mounting features can include a notch or dove tail 230 to
mount to a rail on the firearm. FIG. 3 is a view from a shooter's
perspective through a ring of a rear sight aligned with a post of a
front sight.
[0006] It is also well known that mechanical sighting systems have
inherent problems. Target acquisition and alignment time can be
lengthy depending on the sight system, target distance, lighting
conditions, and shooter's visibility. Glare from the front sight
can increase the apparent brightness of the post or bead on one
side of the sight causing alignment errors. While target shooters
generally prefer that sights have a matte black finish to reduce
the chance of glare and to increase the contrast between the sight
system features, matte black sights do not offer good visibility
with dark targets or in low light conditions, such as those often
encountered in hunting, military, or self-defense situations. A
variety of different contrast enhancements techniques has been
developed to address alignment and target acquisition problems. The
contrast of the front sight should be somewhat higher compared to
the contrast of the rear sight from the shooter's perspective to
enhance the sight picture.
[0007] Some contrast enhancement techniques include painting or
inserting a high-visibility dot in a portion of the front sight.
Optionally, a brass or gold bead can be used in the front sight.
Optionally, a light pipe that collects and directs ambient light
can be used in the front sight. Inserting a self-luminous tritium
material into sight features has been found to provide contrast
enhancement and to increase sight visibility in extremely low light
situations where normal sights would be degraded or even useless.
However, the glow from tritium is not noticeable or is minimally
noticeable in bright conditions and diminishes over time.
SUMMARY
[0008] In view of the problems of target acquisition time and
accuracy of mechanical sighting systems described above, preferred
embodiments of the present invention provide illuminated front
sights each with light output that can be adjusted to reduce target
acquisition time and improve accuracy over a wide range of ambient
light conditions.
[0009] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention provide
illuminated front sights each of which is foldable and low profile
in the closed configuration so that it is less susceptible to
damage when stored.
[0010] Additional preferred embodiments of the present invention
provide collapsible reflective sights each capable of optical
enhancement where the light source is easily filtered, made secure
by reducing its infrared signature, or made compatible with
night-vision optics.
[0011] An illuminated sight of a firearm, the illuminated sight can
include a base that mounts the sight to the firearm; a post
assembly mounted to the base; and a light source in the post
assembly and visible when aligning the sight with a target.
[0012] The post assembly can be folded for storage and the light
source can be filtered.
[0013] The above and other elements, features, steps,
characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a mechanical sight system on a firearm
according to the related art.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view of front and rear sights according to the
related art.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a shooter's perspective through a mechanical
sighting system.
[0017] FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of an illuminated front sight of a
firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of an illuminated front sight of a
firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of an illuminated front sight of a
firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention with a post assembly separated from a base.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a
post assembly separated from a base.
[0021] FIG. 9 is rear view of a post assembly of the illuminated
front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is front view of a post assembly of the illuminated
front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is side view of a post assembly of the illuminated
front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is rear view of a base of the illuminated front
sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 is top view of a base of the illuminated front sight
of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of an illuminated front sight of a
firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention with a post assembly separated from a base.
[0027] FIG. 15 is view of a light-emitting diode of the illuminated
front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 16 is view of a battery of the illuminated front sight
of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
The descriptions herein are not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention.
[0031] Illuminated sights, in accordance with exemplary preferred
embodiments as disclosed herein, are mountable to a firearm and
capable of being activated to illuminate a portion of the sight.
The intensity of the illumination can be adjusted. The illuminated
sight is capable of being rotated or folded in a collapsed
configuration, which is also referred to as a closed or stored
configuration, in which sight components are folded together into a
low profile where the components are protected, and the sight is
not usable.
[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of an exemplary illuminated front
sight 400 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the illuminated front sight 400
mounted at a forward position on a rail 490 of a firearm, although
any suitable mounting technique and position is possible.
Optionally, the illuminated front sight 400 can be mounted in a
position as a back-up sight in case a primary optical sight became
inoperable. For example, the front sight 400 can be mounted in a
position offset from the 12 o'clock position on the firearm.
Optionally, the illuminated sight 400 can be mounted as a rear
sight. Optionally, the illuminated sight 400 can be mounted and
used for sighting a target in conjunction with a second illuminated
sight either of the same or a different configuration. For example,
the illuminated sight 400 can be mounted as a front sight and the
rear sight can be illuminated with dots or rings. FIGS. 4 and 5
also show a location of the illumination dot 450.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a side view of an illuminated front sight 400
mounted to a firearm 1700 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention with the post assembly folded down into the
collapsed position.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of an illuminated front sight 600 of a
firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 shows a post assembly 610 mounted to a base 620.
Also shown in FIG. 6 is a fastener 660 used in the mounting
mechanism used to mount the illuminated front sight 600 to the rail
on the firearm. FIG. 6 also shows a fastener 670 used to mount the
post assembly 610 to the base 620. Optionally, a separate fastener
can additionally be used on the side opposite to that shown to
mount the post assembly 610 to the base 620. For storage, it is
possible to rotate, fold, or collapse the post assembly 610 with
respect to the base 620 so that the post assembly 610 is even with
or below a top surface of the base 620 to protect the post assembly
610 from damage due to mechanical impact or shock when not in
use.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side view of an illuminated front sight 700
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with
the post assembly 710 separated from the base 720. As shown in FIG.
7, the fasteners have been removed to show the mounting holes 765
and 775 in the base 720 and the mounting hole 777 in the post
assembly 710. Mounting hole 765 is used to accept a fastener to
mount the illuminated front sight 700 to the firearm and can be a
smooth bore, a counter bore, or include threads. Mounting hole 775
is used to accept a fastener to mount the post assembly 710 to the
base 720 and can be a smooth bore, a counter bore, or include
threads. FIG. 7 also shows wiring 785 that transmits power from a
power supply or battery located in the base 720 to a light source
located in the post assembly 710.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a view of an illuminated front sight 800 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the post
assembly 810 separated from a base 820. FIG. 8 also shows wiring
885 from a battery, which is hidden from view within potting 887
and which has been removed from the base 820, to a light source
located in the post assembly 810.
[0037] FIG. 9 is rear view of a post assembly 910 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although other
shapes are possible, FIG. 9 shows that the post assembly 910
includes a substantially cubic body 912 with a mounting hole 977
from one side to an opposite side at a lower portion of the body
912 and with a recessed portion 918. As shown, the sides of the
body 912 are flat and transition to two rounded portions 914
defining a shroud. The two rounded portions 914 are circularly
arced and do not come together, but optionally can join to define
in a complete circle. A centrally located post 916 projects from an
upper portion of the body 912 to be in the middle of and protected
by the two round portions 914 of the shroud. An optically
transmissive diffuser that defines the illumination dot 950 can be
located in a recess at a central upper portion of the post 916.
FIG. 9 also shows wiring 985 between the body 912 and the potting
987.
[0038] The body 912 with rounded portions 914 and the post 916 can
be fabricated from metal, alloy, ceramic, composite, plastic, or
any other suitable material. Optionally, the body 912, the rounded
portions 914, and the post 916 can be made as one piece.
Optionally, the body 912, the rounded portions 914, and the post
916 can be made by a 3-D printing technique into a monolithic
one-piece structure.
[0039] FIG. 10 is front view of the post assembly 1010 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the
post assembly 1010 including the body 1012, the two rounded
portions 1014, and the post 1016. FIG. 10 also shows that the body
1012 includes a groove 1090 that has been defined in the body 1012
to create space for the wiring 1085 and the potting 1087 when the
post assembly 1010 is attached to a base. FIG. 10 also shows an
opening 1095 to a cavity inside the body 1012 in which the light
source (not visible) is inserted. The light source and wiring 1085
can be pressed or force fit into the cavity so that they can be
easily repaired or replaced in case of a failure. Optionally, the
light source and wiring 1085 can be retained within the cavity with
an adhesive, silicone, or other suitable material to harden the
light source and wiring 1085 to shock, vibration, moisture, and
other detrimental environmental effects.
[0040] FIG. 11 is side view of the post assembly 1110 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the
body 1112, the mounting hole 1177, the groove 1190, and the opening
1195.
[0041] FIG. 12 is rear view of a base 1220 of the illuminated front
sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. As shown, the base 1220 can be monolithic and
can be block shaped with a cavity 1290 in which to accept a post
assembly. The cavity 1290 can include a recess, cavity, or pocket
1295 that is a space for the power supply or battery for the light
source. Optionally, the base 1220 can include a switch used to turn
on and off the power supply and the light source.
[0042] Optionally, the base 1220 can include a switch or mechanism
that dims and/or brightens the light source. Such a device allows
the illuminated front sight to be suitably adjusted by a shooter to
increase contrast in a wide range of ambient light conditions.
Optionally, the base can retain an ambient light sensor used to
detect an amount of ambient light and a controller that
automatically adjusts the light intensity of the light source based
on the amount of ambient light detected by the ambient light
sensor. Optionally, the user can control the controller to override
the automatic adjustment and manually adjust the light intensity of
the light source.
[0043] The base 1220 can be fabricated from metal, alloy, ceramic,
composite, plastic, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the
base 1220 can be made by a 3-D printing technique into a monolithic
one-piece structure.
[0044] FIG. 13 is top view of a base 1320 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows the cavity 1390
and the recess 1395.
[0045] FIG. 14 is a top view of an illuminated front sight with a
post assembly 1410 separated from a base 1420. In FIG. 14, the
potting 1487 can be seen in the recess in the cavity of the base
1420.
[0046] FIG. 15 is view of a light source 1550 of the illuminated
front sight according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 15 shows that the light source 1150 can be a
light-emitting diode (LED) chip connected to wiring 1585, but the
light source can be a sub-miniature incandescent lamp, an LED
package, or any other suitable light source. The light source can
emit anywhere in the UV, visible, and infrared wavelength regions.
Optionally, the light source can emit only a portion of one of
those regions, for example, only infrared. The light source 1150
can fit through the opening in the cavity of the post assembly and
illuminates a diffuser, fiber, light guide, or the like that routes
light to the illuminating dot on the post. Optionally the light
from the light source 1150 can be filtered to change the color, to
reduce the infrared signature, to reduce the visible signature, or
to render the light compatible with night-vision optics or goggles.
As shown, the wiring 1585 includes two wires connected to the light
source 1550 that route power to the light source 1550 from a power
supply.
[0047] FIG. 16 is view of a battery 1697 of the illuminated front
sight according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The battery 1697 can be the power supply that powers the light
source. Optionally, the power supply can be a different suitable
battery or power source. Optionally, the battery can be
rechargeable. Optionally, the power supply can be solar powered.
Optionally, the illuminated front sight can include a switch to
turn on and off the power supply.
[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variation can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *