ROTARY-RING FIREARM SCOPE
An optical sighting system comprises an adjustable optical system and an adjustment member. The adjustable optical system comprises at least one optical adjustment, and an optical pathway that extends along a longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system. The adjustment member is coupled to the at least one optical adjustment, such that the adjustment member comprises an axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates to actuate the at least one optical adjustment. The axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system. The at least one optical adjustment comprises a vertical optical adjustment and/or a horizontal optical adjustment, and depending on the embodiment, the axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system or is different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
The present patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/362,897, filed Jul. 9, 2010, entitled “Rotary Ring Firearm Scope Adjustment,” and invented by Bernard T. Windauer, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUNDMilitary and tactical operations require the utmost in accuracy and diligence on the part of an operator (or shooter or marksman) to remain focused on their task. Focusing on the task at hand requires concentration on a target that is in view through a rifle scope. Accordingly, a minimal amount of movement is necessary (i.e., to adjust sight settings) while in a shooting position (i.e., prone, sitting, kneeling, or standing) in order to remain looking through the rifle scope at the target. The ability to make sight adjustments with the hand/arm that is not being used to fire the rifle, that is, the hand/arm that is not on the trigger (i.e., the non-shooting hand), is extremely advantageous. The subject matter disclosed herein allows an operator (shooter/marksman) to make major sight adjustments (windage and elevation adjustment) and minor adjustment (parallax adjustment) with the non-shooting hand independent of whether the shooter is right or left handed. Additionally, the repeatability of a rifle scope is dependent on the number, quality, and close machining tolerances of the internal parts. Therefore, the fewer number of parts used by the subject matter disclosed herein equates to tighter overall tolerances of the total assembly, greater repeatability, and overall lower cost of the total scope.
The subject matter disclosed herein is illustrated by way of example and not by limitation in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
It should be understood that the word “exemplary,” as used herein, means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not to be construed as necessarily preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Additionally, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, in some figures only one or two of a plurality of similar components or items may be indicated by reference characters for clarity of the figure.
RRS 100 comprises a scope body 201, an elevation adjustment ring 202, an elevation adjustment plunger 203, a windage adjustment ring 204, a windage adjustment plunger 205, and an ocular-lens end 215. The interior construction of RRS 100 (
The front 207 of erector tube assembly 206 (into which the aiming point (dot or cross hair, not shown) is mounted) is physically moved vertically (i.e., the elevation adjustment) and horizontally (i.e., windage adjustment) to provide adjustment of the internal aiming point of RRS 100. Erector tube assembly 206 is positioned in a vertical direction by pivoting around spherically shaped rear-end section 208 based on movement of elevation adjustment plunger 203 and spring-pressure counter force via erector tube reaction spring(s) (not shown) in opposition to movement of elevation adjustment plunger 203. That is, as elevation adjustment ring 202 is rotated around an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with longitudinal axis 210, elevation adjustment plunger 203 is extended (or retracted) based on contact of its rounded end within a variable-depth groove 402 (
Erector tube assembly 206 is positioned in a horizontal direction by pivoting around spherically shaped rear end section 208 based on movement of windage adjustment plunger 205 and spring-pressure counter force in opposition to movement of windage adjustment plunger 205. That is, as windage adjustment ring 204 is rotated around an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with longitudinal axis 210, windage adjustment plunger 205 is extended (or retracted) based on contact of its rounded end within a variable-depth groove. Erector tube assembly 206 is selectably positioned in a horizontal direction as horizontal adjustment ring 204 is rotated around its axis of rotation, thereby shifting the internal aiming point to the left or right. It should be understood that the exact mechanical configuration of windage adjustment plunger 205 and variable-depth groove 402 (
It should be understood that the rotary-ring configurations for the various adjustments for the exemplary embodiment of the RRS 100 depicted in the Figures could be adapted for use with an optical adjustment mechanism for an automatic optical sighting system, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0266892 A1 to Windauer et al., Ser. No. 11/720,426, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,331 B2 to Windauer et al. Moreover, while the exemplary embodiments of a RRS depicted in the Figures comprise an optical pathway that extends along a single longitudinal axis, it should be understood that an exemplary embodiment of an RRS could comprise an optical pathway that extends along one or more axes, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0266892 A1 to Windauer et al., Ser. No. 11/720,426, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,331 B2 to Windauer et al., the disclosure of which being incorporated by reference herein.
The front 507 of erector tube assembly 506 (into which the aiming point (dot or cross hair, not shown) is mounted) is physically moved vertically (i.e., the elevation adjustment) and horizontally (i.e., windage adjustment) to provide adjustment of the internal aiming point of RRS 500. Erector tube assembly 506 is positioned in a horizontal direction by pivoting around spherically shaped rear-end section 508 based on movement of windage adjustment plunger 505 and spring-pressure counter force via erector tube reaction spring(s) (not shown) in opposition to movement of windage adjustment plunger 505. That is, as windage adjustment actuator 504 is rotated around an axis of rotation 513 (
As depicted in
Parallax adjustment and illuminated-reticle control can be accomplished by the addition of a third and fourth (respectively) ring (not shown) or with knobs in a well-known manner.
It is common practice in the firearms optics industry to have index/calibration marks on the elevation and windage adjustments and a fixed index mark on the scope body to give the user a point of reference for rotational adjustment movements. It is also normal practice for the user to “zero” the scope prior to normal use. To “zero” a scope, the user chooses a distance where the bullet point of impact will coincide with the point of aim. This practice is accomplished by shooting the firearm at the chosen distance and measuring the distance of separation of both points. The scope aiming point adjustment mechanisms (windage and/or elevation) are adjusted a specific amount to make both points coincide. The firearm is again fired to verify that the adjustment of the scope aiming point adjustments was adequate to have both points coincide. The physical contact surfaces of the adjustments are then loosened from the internal mechanical assembly to align the “zero” index mark on the rotating adjustment surfaces with the fixed index mark on the scope body. Based on the aligning of the two marks, the scope can be adjusted during use and returned to the “zero” or base setting where the point of aim and point of bullet impact are aligned with one another. Separation of the physical contact surfaces of the rotary adjustment rings from the internal ring (housing the variable depth groove) of the RRS can be accomplished using nested rings (not shown) and set screws or spring-loaded pins in a well-known manner. Datum (bottom stop) positions can also be provided in a well-known manner (not shown) to allow alignment of the “zero” digit of the index scale to the fixed “datum” mark on the RRS.
There are times during use when the index marks on the outside of the scope are not readily visible, for example, at night. There are other times when the operator (or shooter or marksman) does not want to lose sight of the target through the scope by looking at the index marks. The subject matter disclosed herein provides an internal adjustable scale that can be aligned with the “cross hair,” “dot,” or another type of reticle to give the “zeroed” position of the reticle without having to check the index marks on the outside of the scope. The subject matter disclosed herein provides an operator an advantage of making or verifying sight changes without dismounting the rifle to look at the external index marks on the rotating knob and fixed index mark. In one exemplary embodiment, separate adjustable optical markers are added to indicate the correct sight settings or direct movement of the erector tube assembly 206 for specific user designated distances. In a second exemplary embodiment the rotational movement of the adjustment rings or the direct movement of the erector tube assembly 206 is indicated by electronic or digital numerals in the field of view within the optical firearms scope.
It should be understood that one exemplary embodiment of the reticle with internal adjustment readings provides variable illumination in a well-known manner. Additionally, it should be understood that the internal adjustment reading reticles depicted in
Although the foregoing disclosed subject matter has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced that are within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the subject matter disclosed herein is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An optical sighting system, comprising:
- an adjustable optical system comprising at least one optical adjustment, the adjustable optical system comprising an optical pathway extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system; and
- an adjustment member coupled to at least one optical adjustment, the adjustment member comprising an axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates to actuate at least one optical adjustment, the axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
2. The optical sighting system according to claim 1, wherein at least one optical adjustment comprises a vertical optical adjustment or a horizontal optical adjustment.
3. The optical sighting system according to claim 2, wherein the axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
4. The optical sighting system according to claim 2, wherein the axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates is different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
5. The optical sighting system according to claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one second optical adjustment; and
- a second adjustment member coupled to at least one second optical adjustment, the second adjustment member comprising an axis of rotation about which the second adjustment member rotates to actuate at least one second optical adjustment, the axis of rotation about which the second adjustment member rotates being substantially parallel the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
6. The optical sighting system according to claim 5, wherein one optical adjustment of at least one optical adjustment and at least one second optical adjustment comprises a vertical optical adjustment or a horizontal optical adjustment.
7. The optical sighting system according to claim 6, wherein the axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
8. The optical sighting system according to claim 6, wherein the axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates is different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
9. The optical sighting system according to claim 5, wherein at least one adjustment member comprises a groove comprising a variable depth, the depth at a selected location along the groove corresponding to a selected optical adjustment of the optical adjustment.
10. The optical sighting system according to claim 9, wherein the groove comprises a length, and
- wherein the depth of the groove varies linearly along at least a portion of the length of the groove.
11. The optical sighting system according to claim 9, wherein the groove comprises a length, and
- wherein the depth of the groove varies nonlinearly along at least a portion of the length of the groove.
12. The optical sighting system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment member comprises a groove comprising a variable depth, the depth at a selected location along the groove corresponding to a selected optical adjustment of the optical adjustment.
13. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the groove comprises a length, and
- wherein the depth of the groove varies linearly along at least a portion of the length of the groove.
14. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the groove comprises a length, and
- wherein the depth of the groove varies nonlinearly along at least a portion of the length of the groove.
15. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the groove is located on an internal surface of the adjustment member.
16. The optical sighting system according to claim 12, wherein the groove is located on an external surface of the adjustment member.
17. An optical sighting system, comprising:
- an adjustable optical system comprising a first optical adjustment and a second optical adjustment, the adjustable optical system comprising an optical pathway extending along a longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system;
- a first adjustment member coupled to the first optical adjustment, the first adjustment member comprising an axis of rotation about which the adjustment member rotates to actuate the first optical adjustment, the axis of rotation about which the first adjustment member rotates being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system; and
- a second adjustment member coupled to the second optical adjustment, the second adjustment member comprising an axis of rotation about which the second adjustment member rotates to actuate the second optical adjustment, the axis of rotation about which the second adjustment member rotates being substantially parallel the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
18. The optical sighting system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one of the first and second optical adjustments comprises a vertical optical adjustment or a horizontal optical adjustment.
19. The optical sighting system according to claim 18, wherein the axis of rotation about which at least one adjustment member rotates substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
20. The optical sighting system according to claim 18, wherein the axis of rotation about which at least one adjustment member rotates is different from the longitudinal axis of the optical sighting system.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 11, 2011
Publication Date: Feb 9, 2012
Inventor: Bernard T. Windauer (Kalispell, MT)
Application Number: 13/180,430