Scope with improved windage/elevation system
A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. An objective is disposed in the widened distal end portion of the tubular body and an ocular is disposed in the widened proximal end portion of the continuous tubular body. A zoom selector ring is located about a circumference of the narrow medial portion of the continuous tubular body. The zoom selector ring can be used to provide optical zoom. In one arrangement, the zoom selector ring includes a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially about the circumference of the narrow medial portion. A flexible erector assembly that includes erector optics may be included in the main tube. This flexible erector assembly may flex to adjust windage and elevation.
1. Field of the Invention
The present teachings relate to a scope for mounting on a firearm to provide a gun sight. Such a scope may have a zoom capability.
2. Description of the Related Art
Scopes are of interest for practical applications in various fields. Scopes are often used as aiming devices, for example, for firearms like rifles or handguns. Scopes can be mounted to the firearm so that the user can peer through the scope to view the target up close.
A scope, otherwise known as a terrestrial telescope or landscape telescope, comprises an objective lens and an ocular lens or eyepiece. The combination of the objective and the ocular alone create an inverted image of the target in the viewer's eye. Accordingly, scopes are customarily outfitted with erector systems between the objective and ocular for inverting the image such that the target appears erect as seen by the viewer. The objective, ocular, and erector are generally disposed in a body that protects the optics.
Conventional scopes that are mounted on a firearm typically have a rotatable zoom ring disposed on the outside of the scope. The zoom ring can be rotated to adjust optics within the scope that enlarge or reduce the apparent distance to the object viewed through the scope. Thus, when the user employs the scope to aim a firearm at a target, the user can rotate the zoom ring to adjust how close the object appears for easier observation of the target.
The scope may also include windage and elevation controls for adjusting windage and elevation. These controls may comprise dials that the user rotates to establish the desired windage or elevation setting. Preferably, the windage and elevation controls have sufficiently large range. The controls also preferably have a suitable feel for precise adjustment and user appeal. In contrast, many conventional system rely on forward spring designs with ball seats that have machined grooves that cause sticking and jumping when adjusting the windage or elevation. What is needed, therefore, are scope designs with improved performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the invention comprises a scope for mounting on a firearm to provide a sight. The scope is adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage. The scope comprises a main tube, an objective and an ocular, a flexible erector tube, and at least one actuator. The main tube has a hollow interior region defined by interior sidewall surfaces. The objective and ocular are disposed in the hollow interior region of the main tube. The flexible erector tube is disposed in the hollow interior region of the main tube between the objective and the ocular. The flexible erector tube has exterior sidewall surfaces. The flexible erector tube houses erector optics. The flexible erector tube includes a movable portion and a fixed portion. The fixed portion is secured to the main tube. The at least one actuator is for applying pressure to the movable portion of the flexible erector tube to displace the movable portion with respect to the main tube. The flexible erector tube is biased toward the at least one actuator without a biasing element between the interior sidewall surfaces of the main tube and the exterior sidewall surfaces of the erector tube.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a scope for a firearm. In this method, a hollow main tube is provided. A flexible erector tube having first and second end portions that can be flexed with respect to each other is inserted in the hollow main tube. Actuators are disposed with respect to the flexible erector tube to flex the first end of the erector tube with respect to the second end of the erector tube. The first end of the erector tube is biased toward the actuators without using one or more springs between the erector tube and the main tube to provide the bias.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a scope for mounting on a firearm to provide a sight. The scope is adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage. The scope comprises a main tube, an objective, an ocular, a flexible erector tube, and at least one threaded screw passing through an opening in said main tube. The objective and the ocular are disposed in the main tube. The flexible erector tube is disposed in the main tube between the objective and the ocular. The flexible erector tube has distal and proximal ends. The distal end is closer to the objective than to the proximal end. The flexible erector tube houses erecting optics. The threaded screw has a position wherein the threaded screw applies pressure from a first side of the main tube thereby inducing flexure of the flexible erector tube. The flexible erector tube is biased toward the threaded screw and away from a second opposite side of the main tube opposite the opening in the main tube. The second opposite side of the main tube is devoid of springs at the distal end of the erector tube that apply a force against pressure from the threaded screw.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a scope for a firearm. The scope is adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage. The scope comprises a main tube, an objective, an ocular, a flexible erector tube and at least one actuator. The objective is in a distal portion of the main tube. The ocular is in a proximal portion of the main tube. The flexible erector tube is in the main tube between the objective and the ocular. The flexible erector tube houses erecting optics. The at least one actuator is for applying pressure to the flexible erector tube such that the flexible erector tube flexes to adjust at least one of the elevation and windage. The scope further comprises means for biasing the erector tube against pressure from the actuator without using springs between the flexible erector and the main tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects, advantages, and features of the present teachings will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar elements have similar reference numerals. To assist the description of the scope and its components, the following coordinate terms are used. The terms proximal and distal, which are used to describe the disclosed embodiments, are used consistently with the description of the exemplary applications. The terms proximal and distal are used in reference to the head of the user looking through the scope. That is, proximal components are nearer to the user than distal components.
As shown in
The main body 110 is preferably a single continuous unitary body that protects the optics therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 110 surrounds and houses the optical train 126 to reduce introduction of contaminants into the scope 100. The one-piece main body 110 comprises the enlarged objective end 114, the enlarged eyepiece end 118, and a narrow medial or central tubular body 130 therebetween. In one embodiment, the main body 110 can extend uninterrupted from the widened objective end 114 through the narrow central tubular portion 130 to the widened eyepiece end 118. Preferably, both the objective end 114 and eyepiece end 118 house one or more lenses of the optical train 126, e.g., the objective and the ocular, respectively. Accordingly, in the once piece configuration, the unitary main body 110 preferably houses both the objective and eyepiece. The central tubular portion 130 of the main body 110 can house at least a portion of the optical train 126, such as erecting optics, that can ensure that the image viewed with the scope 100 is properly oriented. The one-piece design preferably reduces exposure of the optics to moisture, particulates, and other foreign matter that may degrade performance of the scope 100. The one-piece main body 110 is also likely to be more rugged and durable, offering resistance to the large forces and impacts created by firing a gun. In addition, the one-piece main body 110 weighs less than its multi-piece counterpart, thereby producing less recoil force.
Optionally, positioning structures can be disposed on an inner surface 154 of the eyepiece end 114 for securing the ocular 152 in place. The positioning structures can prevent relative movement between the ocular 152 and the eyepiece housing 118. Other methods of securing the ocular 152 within the eyepiece end 118 of the scope are also possible. Still in other embodiments, one or more lens elements in the ocular is moveable and may be used to focus the image in some cases.
In the illustrated embodiment, the eyepiece end 118 may further comprise a tapered portion 144. The tapered portion 144 extends from the proximal end 140 and tapers in the distal direction. For example, the tapered portion 144 can have a generally circular cross-sectional profile that is reduced in the distal direction towards the objective end 114. The tapered portion 144 of the eyepiece end 118 is preferably coupled to the central tubular portion 130 of the main body 110 as shown in
The narrow central tubular portion 130 has a proximal end 145 connected to the eyepiece end 118. Preferably, the central tubular portion 130 of the main body 110 is permanently connected to the eyepiece end 118. For example, the central tubular portion 130 may be fused to the eyepiece end 118 or the central tubular portion and the eyepiece end may be molded or otherwise integrated together. The eyepiece end 118 and the central tubular portion 130 may also be fabricated from the same piece of material.
As shown in
As also shown in
Optionally, mounting structures can be disposed on the inner surface 154 of the objective end 118 for securely holding the objective 180. The mounting structures can grip and prevent movement of the objective 180 relative to the objective end 118. Other methods of securing the objective 180 within the objective end 114 of the scope 100 are also possible. In other embodiments, however, the objective 180 may include one or more movable optical elements.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The tapered portion 182 of the objective end 114 is preferably permanently coupled to the distal end 184 and to the narrow tubular body 130 of the main body as shown in
Accordingly, in various preferred embodiments, the central tubular portion 130 of the main body 110 is permanently connected to at least one of the eyepiece end 114 and the objective end 118. Optionally, the central tubular body portion 130 is permanently connected to both the eyepiece end 114 and the objective end 118. In some embodiments, however, the central tubular portion 130 of the main body may be temporarily coupled to either or both the objective end 118 and the eyepiece end 114.
As shown in
As shown in
The slot 170 in the tubular body 130 defines a window between the interior and the exterior of the main body 110 so that an extension from the zoom selector ring 105 can pass through and into the interior of the main body 110 and engage a support structure supporting optics in the optics train 126 as discussed more fully below. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 170 has a generally constant width and continues along a portion of the circumference of the main body 110. In one embodiment, the arc spanned by the slot 170 ranges between about 0 and 120 degrees, e.g., about 120°, and is positioned along the proximal portion 164. In other embodiments, the length of the slot 170 is about 130° to about 190°, e.g. about 150° or 180°. In other embodiments, the length of the slot 170 is in the range of between about 0° to about 220°. The slot 170 can have other lengths suitable to achieve the desired range of travel of the zoom assembly 103. The slot can be also positioned elsewhere. For example, the slot 170 can alternatively be disposed in the middle body 166 or the distal portion 167.
With continued reference to
As shown in
As described above, the main body 110 is preferably formed out of a unitary piece of material. In one embodiment, a tube, preferably made of metal, is processed into an elongated substantially cylindrical body having a widened proximal and a widened distal end. As illustrated in
Optionally, the main body 110 can be formed through a one-step or multi-step process. For example, the eyepiece end 114 and the objective end 118 can be formed in a central tubular body. The slot 170 can then be formed in a portion of the body. It is contemplated that any portion of the main body 110 can be formed at any suitable time. For example, the slot 170 can be formed before the eyepiece end 114 is shaped. Additionally, the different portions of the main body 110 of the scope 100 may be formed separately and fused or bonded together, for example, by welding or other processing techniques. Preferably, however, the main tube end product comprises a single unitary piece of material. As described above, however, in various preferred embodiments, the main tube does not require bonding but comprises a single unitary piece that is processed to form the end product having the objective and eyepiece portions 114, 118 together with the central tubular portion 130. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate various processes can be employed to produce the main body 110.
The main body 110 preferably comprises a material that is suitable for housing optics and preferably has suitable corrosion resistant characteristics. For example, the main body 110 may comprise metal, plastic, composites, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the main body 110 comprises magnesium. In certain exemplary embodiments, the main body 110 comprises aluminum-magnesium-titanium alloy. The materials, however, should not be limited to those specifically recited herein as a variety of materials can be used alone or in combination to form the main body 110. The appropriate dimensions and the type of materials that form the main body 110 may be determined based on, e.g., the arrangement of the optical train 126 and the desired weight and structural properties of the main body 110.
As described above, the zoom selector ring 105 may be used as a control for controlling the optical train 126. In particular, the user can rotate the zoom selector ring 105 in certain preferred embodiments to adjust the size of the images viewed through the scope 100.
The zoom selector ring 105 may be multi-piece body configured to slidably engage the main body 110. In one embodiment, the zoom selector ring 105 is a segmented body that extends substantially around the unitary, uninterrupted main body 110.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment of
As illustrated in
As shown in the cross-sectional view depicted in
As shown in
As shown in
A seal 200 (see
In the illustrated embodiment, the zoom selector ring 105 has a generally uniform cross-sectional profile along its longitudinal axis. However, the zoom selector ring 105 can have a cross-sectional profile that varies along its longitudinal axis. The zoom selector ring 105, for example, may be ergonomically designed and have a dimple that comfortably fits the fingers of the user.
Additionally, the zoom selector ring 105 can optionally have an outer surface 204 (
Rotational movement of the zoom selector ring 105 causes movement of the one or more lenses in the optical train 126 to provide the desired zoom. In particular, rotation of the zoom selector ring 105 may cause the optics in the optics train 126 to be longitudinally displaced with respect to each other. A mechanism for shifting the optical elements in the optics train 126 is discussed more fully below. Additionally, the positioning system 120 can be employed to laterally displace one or more optical elements in the optics train 126 and adjust the windage and/or elevation. Such approach is also discussed below.
As shown in
As illustrated in
Additionally, the optics in the erector assembly 322 may be altered by manually operating the zoom selector ring 105 thereby causing the image to appear closer or farther. Preferably, at least a portion of the erector assembly 322 is axially movable relative to another portion of the optical train 126 to provide telescopic zoom capability of the scope 100. For example, the erector assembly housing 340 can be configured to engage at least a portion of the zoom selector ring 105 so that manual or automatic rotation of the zoom sector ring about a longitudinal axis 121 through the scope 100 causes movement or one of more erector lens elements 344, 346, 348 in the longitudinal direction.
As shown in
With continued reference to
As shown in
In various preferred embodiments, the inner tube 354 provides a guide for the carriages 353, 359 as the outer tube 350 is rotated.
In operation, the scope 100 can be mounted to a firearm. The firearm can have a mounting structure for receiving and holding the scope 100. A user can hold and position the firearm so that the scope 100 is located in a desired position. The optical train 126 of the scope 100 may include a reticle (e.g., cross-hair reticle 113 shown in
The user can operate the positioning system 120 to accommodate for windage and/or elevation. For example, if there is a cross wind, the windage may cause the projectile fired from to firearm to miss the desired target that is viewed through the scope 100. To ensure that the projectile impacts the desired target, the user can rotate the windage dial 300 which, in turn, rotates its corresponding screw that laterally shifts the optical train 126 to accommodate for the windage. In the illustrated embodiment, the windage dial 300 is used to position the distal end of the erector assembly 322. Once the erector assembly 322 is located in the proper position, the user can position the cross-hair reticle 113 of the scope 100 on the target and ignore the windage, which is already taken into account. To accommodate for elevation, the user can rotate the elevational dial 304, which causes rotation and vertical movement of the screw 306 (shown in
The user can operate the zoom selector ring 105 to obtain the desired zoom. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can rotate the zoom selector ring 105 to position one or more of the optical elements (e.g., one or more of the erector lenses 344, 346, 348) of the optical train 126 to adjust the amount of magnification of the scope 100. To move the zoom selector ring 105, the user can grip and twist the zoom selector ring 105 about the longitudinal axis 121 of the scope 100. To provide discrete amounts of longitudinal magnification, the zoom selector ring 105 may have a plurality of predetermined locations that correspond to a certain zoom/magnification settings. The zoom selector ring 105 may be biased to several angular positions. However, in some embodiments the zoom selector ring 105 may provide a continuous range of levels of zoom. It is contemplated that the zoom selector ring 105 can be operated before, during, and/or after operation of the positioning system 120.
In one embodiment, when the zoom selector ring 105 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis 121 from the perspective of the user, the outer tube 350 likewise rotates in the counter-clockwise direction and the carriages 353, 359 moves towards each other. When the zoom selector ring 105 is moved in the clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis 121 from the perspective of the user, the outer tube 350 likewise rotates in the clockwise direction and moves the carriages 353, 359 away from each other. The user can therefore rotate the zoom selector ring 105 to move the erector assembly 322 to obtain a desired amount of magnification. Other designs are possible.
As described above, in various preferred embodiments, the scope can be assembled by forming the continuous, uninterrupted unitary tubular main body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the unitary main body 110 includes the objective end 114 and the eyepiece end 118 that have a cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of a substantial portion of the narrow tubular body 130 of main body 110.
The zoom selector ring 105 can be separated or split apart into a plurality of components, and the components can be assembled together to form the zoom selector ring 105. In one embodiment, the zoom selector ring 105 can be positioned in the open position, as shown in
Once the selector ring 105 is in the closed position such that the segments 190, 194 are located about the main body 110 (
With respect to the illustrated embodiment of
As depicted in
In one embodiment, the scope 100 includes exterior and interior magnetic elements for magnetically coupling the zoom selector ring 105 to the optics of the optical train 126. In the embodiment illustrated in
The outer tube 350 can have a cut-out that holds the interior magnet 406. In certain embodiments, one of the segments 190, 194 of the selector ring 105 also has a recess 408 configured, e.g., shaped and sized, to hold the exterior magnet 402. The exterior magnet 402 can have an inner surface 410 that can cooperate with the segment 190 to form a surface 412 to engage the outer surface 195 of the main body 110.
The pair of magnets 402, 406 can couple the movement of the outer tube 350 and the selector ring 105 because the magnets 402, 406 generate a magnetic field that causes the magnets 402, 406 to be attracted towards each other. Thus, when the selector ring 105 is rotated, the outer tube 350 and selector ring 105 rotate substantially in unison. When the outer tube 354 rotates, the optics of the optical train 126 moves in the manner described above. The number, position, and type of the magnets associated with the zoom selector ring 105 and the erector assembly 322 may vary. For example, each of the selector ring 105 and the erector assembly 322 can have diametrically opposed magnets. The diametrically spaced pairs of magnets are preferably arranged to ensure that the selector ring 105 and the inner tube 354 move together. Optionally, the spacing between the magnets 402, 406 can vary to achieve the desired interaction between the magnets. For example, the thickness of the main body 110 between the selector ring 105 and the erector assembly 322 can be reduced to increase the force between the magnets 402, 406. In other embodiments, for example, where zoom is effectuated by translation of optics other than the erector optics, different configurations may be used.
Regardless of the type of connection between the zoom selector ring 105 and the optics train 126, the main body 110 preferably curtails the amount of foreign matter such as moisture, dust, dirt, and other contaminants that reaches the optics. Dirt and contamination on the optics may reduce the resolution and clarity of the images. Foreign matter may also cause malfunction of the moving parts in the scope. Contamination may hasten deterioration and may also interfere with the precise alignment of the aiming device.
Another advantageous feature that may be incorporated in the scope design is illustrated in
As shown in
Although not illustrated, the scope 500 may include other components such as for example a zoom assembly similar to the zoom assembly 103 described above. The erector tube 540 may for example have slots or cams (see the outer tube 340 illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The flexible portion 544 provides localized flexure such that the erector tube 540 operates like a cantilevered spring. In various preferred embodiments, the flexible portion 544 has sidewalls that are generally less rigid than the elongate portion 542, thereby permitting more flexure of the flex portion 544 than the elongate portion 542. In the illustrated embodiment, the flex portion 544 includes a mounting flange 566 as well as first and second cut-outs 568, 570. The mounting flange 566 is at the proximal end of the flexible portion 544. A cylindrical body 572 of the flexible portion 544 extends distally from the mounting flange 566 and defines the spaced apart cut-outs 568, 570. The cut-outs 568, 570 reduce the rigidity of the flex portion 544 to permit flexure induced by adjustment of the elevational dial 304 and/or the windage dial 300.
The pair of cut-outs 568, 570 may permit flexure of the flexible portion 544 in one or more directions. In the embodiment shown in
The flexible portion 544 is secured to the main body 110 with the mounting flange 566. In the embodiment shown in
The mounting flange 566 is configured to cooperate with the main body 110 of the scope 500. For example, the interior surface 111 of the main body 110 may include a recess or channel that is configured to receive at least a portion of the mounting flange 566. The mounting flange 566 can remain securely affixed to the main body 110 so that generally the mounting flange 566 does not move relative to the main body 110 during operation of the positioning system 120. It is contemplated that a wide variety of arrangements can be employed to couple the erector tube 540 and the main body 110. Pins, ridges, threads, mechanical fasteners (e.g., nut and bolt assemblies), as well as other arrangements can be used to secure the erector tube 540 to the main body 110.
One-piece construction of the elongate tube 540 wherein the elongate portion 542 is integrally formed with the flexible portion 544 may offer advantages such as durability and reduced wear. The erector tube 540 may for example comprise a continuous, unitary generally tubular body that includes the elongate and flexible portions 542, 544. In such embodiments, the elongate portion 542 and/or the flex portion 544 of the erector tube 540 may be formed by machining, including but not limited to, laser cutting or machining techniques. Alternatively, casting or molding may be employed. Other methods of fabrication may also be used. In other embodiments, for example, the elongate portion and the flex portion 544 may be bonded, welded, or fused together.
The erector tube 540 may also comprise two or more pieces corresponding to the elongate portion 542 and the flexible portion 544 that are mechanically joined together to form the erector tube 540. In certain embodiments, for example, the proximal end 560 of the elongate portion 542 can be received within the distal end 546 of the flex portion 544 and affixed therein. Any suitable method can be used to secure the erector tube 540 to the flexible portion 544. For example, the erector tube 540 can be press fit, threadably coupled, or otherwise affixed to the flexible portion 544. Connectors may be employed in certain embodiments. Other methods of forming the erector tube 540 are possible as well.
The erector tube 540 may be biased toward the actuators 300, 304 (e.g., the windage and elevation screws) of the positioning system 120. The distal end 546 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540 can be laterally or radially offset or skewed with respect to a central longitudinal axis 575 of the main body 110. The distal end 546 may be off-center within the main tube 110 and may be displaced toward the windage and elevation dials 300, 304 and away from a portion of the sidewalls 111 of the main tube 110 opposite the windage and elevation screws. In some embodiments, the erector tube 540 may be bent, tilted, or shaped such that the distal end 546 of the elongate portion 542 is displaced laterally within main tube 110. This distal end 546 is preferably laterally displaced toward the position system 120 in comparison with the proximal end 560 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540.
In some embodiments, springs disposed between the erector tube 540 and the main tube 110 are used to bias erectors towards screws of a windage/elevation system 120. These springs, however, limit the movement of the erector tube 540 because the springs occupy space within the inner region 131 of the main body 110 of the scope 500. The range of motion of the windage and elevation dials 300, 304 is thus limited by the presence of these springs, which can only be compressed to a finite extent.
In contrast, in the scope 500 illustrated in
The distance that the erector tube 540 can be displaced by the positioning system 120 toward the portions of the main tube 110 opposite the windage and elevation controls 300, 304 is increased by the absence of such springs. Similarly, the range of windage and elevation-adjustment can thereby be increased. The distal end 546 of the erector tube 540 may, for example, be movable throughout substantially the entire portion of the interior region 131 between the exterior sidewall surfaces 541 of the erector tube 540 and the interior sidewall surfaces 111 of the main tube 110.
Biasing the erector tube without the use of springs or other complicated devices or structures also provides less variation in loading force against the windage and elevation adjustments, which may yield improved user adjustment feel. Jumping and sticking can also be reduced. Additionally, in some embodiments, for example, the force applied to the positioning system 120 is less than the force applied by the windage and elevation screws in spring-type systems so that the wear between the erector tube 540 and the positioning system 120 and fatigue of the positioning system 120 is reduced. Less overall force improves the operational adjustment torque for operating the adjustments, reducing wear on the adjustments and reducing production costs.
In certain embodiments, however, springs, mechanical actuators, biasing mechanisms, or other suitable devices can bias the erector tube 540 toward the windage and elevation dials 300, 304. Such springs may be used in scopes 500 with or without flexible erector housings 525. In one embodiment, for example, a spring can be interposed between the distal end 546 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540 and the main body 110 to further enhance the bias of the erector tube. In various embodiments of the scope 500, however, the erector tube 540 is flexible and the region between the distal end 546 of the erector tube and the main tube 110 is devoid of springs that apply force toward the windage and elevation screws.
When utilizing such a scope 500, the user can adjust the positioning system 120 to move the erector tube 540 to a desired position. The user can rotate the windage dial 300 which, in turn rotates the corresponding windage screw and laterally shifts the distal end 546 of the erector tube 540. As described above, the flexible portion 544 biases the erector tube 540 against the screw of the dial 300 as the screw actuates the erector tube 540. In the state of the positioning system 120 illustrated in
Similarly, the user can rotate the elevational dial 304 which, in turn rotates the corresponding elevation screw and vertically shifts the distal end 546 of the erector tube 540. As described above, the flexible portion 544 biases the erector tube 540 against the screw of the dial 304 as the screw actuates the erector tube 540. In the state of the positioning system 120 illustrated in
Thus, as the screws of the dials 300, 304 are advanced through the main body 110, the screws can press upon the distal end 546 of the erector tube 540 to cause flexure of the flexible portion 544 of the erector tube 540. The optical train 126 is thereby moved to account for windage and/or elevation. Other methods of laterally translating the erector tube 540 and adjusting the optics train 126 are possible.
As described above, the erector tube 540 is preferably biased without the used of springs or other biasing elements between the exterior sidewall surfaces 541 of the erector tube 540 and the interior sidewall surfaces 111 of the main tube 110. The erector tube 540 can thus have an increased range of movement. This design may offer additional benefits as well. Other designs are also possible.
Moveover, the methods which are described and illustrated herein are not limited to the exact sequence of acts described, nor is it necessarily limited to the practice of all of the acts set forth. Other sequences of events or acts, or less than all of the events, or simultaneous occurrence of the events, may be utilized in practicing the embodiments of the invention. Additionally, although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein.
Claims
1. A scope for mounting on a firearm to provide a sight, said scope adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage, said scope comprising:
- a main tube having a hollow interior region defined by interior sidewall surfaces;
- an objective and an ocular disposed in said hollow interior region of said main tube;
- a flexible erector tube disposed in said hollow interior region of said main tube between said objective and said ocular, said flexible erector tube having exterior sidewall surfaces, said flexible erector tube for housing erector optics, said flexible erector tube including a movable portion and a fixed portion, said fixed portion secured to said main tube; and
- at least one actuator for applying pressure to said movable portion of said flexible erector tube to displace said movable portion with respect to said main tube,
- wherein said flexible erector tube is biased toward said at least one actuator without a biasing element between said interior sidewall surfaces of said main tube and said exterior sidewall surfaces of said erector tube.
2. The scope of claim 1, wherein said fixed portion of said flexible erector tube comprises a mounting flange.
3. The scope of claim 1, wherein said flexible erector tube comprises a flexible portion that is less rigid to permit flexure of said flexible erector tube.
4. The scope of claim 3, wherein said flexible portion of said flexible erector tube comprises openings in said flexible erector tube to permit flexure of said flexible erector tube.
5. The scope of claim 1, wherein said movable portion is disposed off-center in said main tube toward said at least one actuator so as to provide said bias.
6. The scope of claim 5, wherein said flexible erector tube is bent such that said movable portion is laterally displaced with respect to said fixed portion.
7. The scope of claim 1, wherein said flexible erector tube is tilted so as to provide said biasing.
8. The scope of claim 1, wherein said at least one actuator comprises a threaded screw.
9. A method of manufacturing a scope for a firearm, said method comprising:
- providing a hollow main tube;
- inserting a flexible erector tube having first and second end portions that can be flexed with respect to each other in said hollow main tube;
- disposing actuators with respect to said flexible erector tube to flex said first end of said flexible erector tube with respect to said second end of said flexible erector tube; and
- biasing said first end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators without using one or more springs between said flexible erector tube and said main tube to provide said bias.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising forming openings in said flexible erector tube to provide said flexure.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising orienting said first end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators to bias said first end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said orienting said first end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuator comprises tilting said flexible erector tube with respect to said main tube.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said orienting said first end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators comprises angling said first end with respect said second end of said flexible erector tube.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein orienting said first end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators comprises laterally displacing said first end with respect said second end of said flexible erector tube.
15. A scope for mounting on a firearm to provide a sight, said scope adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage, said scope comprising:
- a main tube;
- an objective;
- an ocular, said objective and said ocular disposed in said main tube;
- a flexible erector tube disposed in said main tube between said objective and said ocular, said flexible erector tube having distal and proximal ends, said distal end closer to said objective than to said proximal end, said flexible erector tube housing erecting optics; and
- at least one threaded screw passing through an opening in said main tube, said threaded screw having a position wherein said threaded screw applies pressure from a first side of said main tube thereby inducing flexure of said flexible erector tube,
- wherein said flexible erector tube is biased toward said threaded screw and away from a second opposite side of said main tube opposite said opening in said main tube, said second opposite side of said main tube devoid of springs at said distal end of said flexible erector tube that apply a force against pressure from said threaded screw.
16. The scope of claim 15, wherein said threaded screw comprises a windage screw disposed in said main tube for adjusting windage.
17. The scope of claim 16, wherein said threaded screw comprises an elevation screw disposed in said main tube for adjusting elevation.
18. The scope of claim 15, wherein said flexible erector tube has sidewalls that include slots therein to provide flexure of said flexible erector tube.
19. The scope of claim 18, wherein said sidewalls of said flexible erector tube comprise metal.
20. A scope for a firearm, said scope adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage, said scope comprising:
- a main tube;
- an objective in a distal portion of said main tube;
- an ocular in a proximal portion of said main tube;
- a flexible erector tube in said main tube between said objective and said ocular, said flexible erector tube housing erecting optics;
- at least one actuator for applying pressure to said flexible erector tube such that said flexible erector tube flexes to adjust at least one of said elevation and windage; and
- means for biasing said erector tube against pressure from said actuator without using springs between said flexible erector and said main tube.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 22, 2004
Publication Date: May 25, 2006
Inventors: Mark Thomas (Sisters, OR), Forrest Babcock (Sisters, OR)
Application Number: 10/994,491
International Classification: F41G 1/38 (20060101);