Optical sight with side focus adjustment
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. A side focus assembly is positioned along the tubular body. The side focus assembly is used to vary the position of optics within the scope to adjust the overall focus of the scope.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/994,491, entitled “Scope With Improved Windage/Elevation System” filed Nov. 22, 2004; this application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/647,201 entitled “Optical Sight with Side Focus Adjustment” filed on Jan. 26, 2005 (MIC.052A) as well as to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/647,686 entitled “Adjustable Optical Sighting Apparatus and Methods” filed on Jan. 27, 2005 (MIC.055A). The entire disclosure of the above-noted patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.
BACKGROUND1. 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 side focus 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.
The scope may also include a focusing system. In particular, the scope may be designed such that one or more optical lens elements in the scope can be longitudinally displaced so as to bring an image into focus.
SUMMARYOne 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. In one variation, the fixed portion of the flexible erector tube comprises a mounting flange. In one variation, the flexible erector tube comprises a flexible portion that is less rigid to permit flexure of the flexible erector tube. The flexible portion of the flexible erector tube comprises openings in the flexible erector tube to permit flexure of the flexible erector tube. In some variations, the movable portion is disposed off-center in the main tube toward the at least one actuator so as to provide the bias. The flexible erector tube is bent such that the movable portion is laterally displaced with respect to the fixed portion. The flexible erector tube is tilted so as to provide the biasing. The at least one actuator comprises a threaded screw.
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.
A variety of scope designs with different features are described below. For example, various embodiments of the invention comprise a side-mounted focus adjustment assembly. In one embodiment, the side focus assembly includes a rotatable knob arranged generally to the side of the central tube portion of the scope. This rotatable knob may, in particular embodiments, be arranged generally at the same axially location along the center tube portion as elevation and/or windage adjustment assemblies. The focus assembly may be radially displaced from these other adjustment assemblies. The side-mounted focus assembly includes a mechanism such that by rotating the knob, a focus lens assembly internal to the scope is induced to move axially within the scope so as to adjust the focus of an image viewed by a user of the scope as seen from the ocular or eyepiece end. The side-mount focus assembly can be advantageously utilized with a unitary main scope tube which is materially continuous from the objective or distal end to the ocular or proximal end and thus does not include the threaded joints of many known scopes. Thus, the side mount focus assembly can provide a desirably focus adjustment to a scope having a unitary main tube and thus with the strength, weight, and bulk advantages desired by users of the scope. In different embodiments, the side focus can also optionally be used with a flexible erector that may optionally be biased and springless to provide reliable windage and elevation adjustments.
The diameters of the central tube holding optical components may have a generally standardized at diameters of either one (1) inch or thirty (30) millimeters. The focus may be accomplished with a rotating knob which moves an internally arranged focus lens assembly axially along the main axis of the scope to provide the desired focus adjustment. To convert the rotation motion to axial motion of a lens does not need multiple large profile moving components or layers inside the central body that occupy additional space inside the central body and interfere with the scopes normal operation and reduce optical performance of the scope.
In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the scope comprises a plurality of lenses, a scope body of standard 1 inch or 30 mm dimension holding the plurality of lenses and a side-mounted focus assembly disposed to a side of the scope body so as to be displaced laterally from the central axis and wherein the focus assembly translates user actuation into translational movement of at least one of the lenses so as to adjust focus of the scope.
In another embodiment of the invention, a scope comprises an elongate tube, an objective lens assembly arranged in a distal end of the tube, an eyepiece lens assembly arranged in an opposite proximal end of the tube. The scope further comprises a focus assembly arranged intermediate the objective and eyepiece lens assemblies and along a first side of the tube. This focus assembly is adapted to adjust an image focus as seen by a viewer.
Yet another embodiment is a scope comprising a housing extending along a first axis, a plurality of lenses secured by and positioned within the housing so as to provide an image to a viewer. This scope further comprises a focus assembly laterally offset and off-center from the side of the non-symmetric housing. The focus assembly rotates about a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis so as to vary the position of at least one of the lenses so as to adjust an overall focus of the plurality of lenses. In certain embodiments, the scope may further comprise windage and elevation controls and zoom controls.
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 one 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. In certain embodiments, the dimensions and/or form factor of the central tube region 110 is manufactured in accordance with industry standards and thus in preferred embodiments will have an outer diameter (OD) of either one (1) inch or thirty (30) millimeters. Of course in certain embodiments, either or both of the objective 104 and eyepiece 106 regions are of similar or smaller dimensions than the central region 110.
Optionally, positioning structures can be disposed on an inner surface 154 of the eyepiece end 118 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 114 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 118 and the objective end 114. Optionally, the central tubular body portion 130 is permanently connected to both the eyepiece end 118 and the objective end 114. In some embodiments, however, the central tubular portion 130 of the main body may be temporarily coupled to either or both the objective end 114 and the eyepiece end 118.
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 118 and the objective end 114 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 118 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 flexible portion 544 than the elongate portion 542. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible 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 flexible 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 flexible 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 542 and the flexible 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 of the flexible portion 544 and affixed therein. Alternatively the flexible portion can be received into the elongate portion. Any suitable method can be used to secure the elongate portion 542 to the flexible portion 544. For example, the elongate portion 542 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 the central longitudinal axis 575 of the main body 10. The distal end 546 may be off-center within the main tube 10 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 towards the positioning system 120 in comparison with the proximal end 560 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540.
The flexible portion 544 of the erector tube 540 can have a variety of configurations that provide the appropriate flexibility without appreciable plastic deformation during operation. As illustrated in
When the erector tube 540 is initially installed in the scope 500, the erector tube 540 may be placed in the central tubular body 130 at an installation bias angle. The installation bias angle can be defined between the longitudinal axis of the erector tube 540 (as measured, for example, at the distal end of the erector tube) and the longitudinal axis 575 of the scope 500, if the central tubular body 130 does not restrain the erector tube 540. In other words, the erector tube 540 is preloaded such that it applies a pressure to the wall of the main tube 110. In a variety of embodiments, the bias angle is less than 20°, 15°, 10° or 5°. In some embodiments, the installation bias angle is 4°. In other embodiments, the installation bias angle is 2°. In yet other embodiments, the installation bias angle is 1°. In certain embodiments, the installation bias angle can be at or less than about 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, and ranges encompassing such angles. However, the erector tube 540 can also be installed at other installation bias angles.
Once the erector tube 540 is installed within the scope 500, the erector tube 540 may be accurately positioned within the central tubular body 130 by applying one or more forces on the distal end 546 by utilizing at least one of the windage and elevation dials 300, 304. When these dials 300, 304 are used to apply a force to the erector tube 540, the flexible portion 544 flexes as the erector tube 540 moves within the scope 500. As the dials 300, 304 are turned to compensate for windage and elevation, the flexible portion 544 flexes as the erector tube 540 is transversely displaced. The erector tube 540 and the flexible portion 544 can be designed such that flexible portion 544 experiences more flexure than the erector tube 540. The laterally displaced erector tube 540 can continuously apply a biasing force to the positioning system 120.
In the illustrated embodiment, the bellows 580 each comprise three local flex points 590, 592, and 594. Each of the local flex points 590, 592, 594 can provide localized flexure. Each of the bellows 580 of
The flexible portion 544 may thus be arranged with one or more connecting portions wherein the connecting portions may form a variety of shapes. The flexible portion 544 may also be somewhat shaped like the letter “N” when viewed from the side. Another embodiment may have a connecting portion roughly shaped like the letter “W.” In yet other embodiments, the connecting portion can be generally shaped like the letter “U” or “S.” There are many other designs and shapes that may be used to provide an adequate number of biasing members.
The reticle 344 can be positioned near the pivot point of the erector tube 540. The mechanical characteristics (e.g., the local pivot points) may determine the location of the pivot point of the erector tube 540. Locating the reticle 344 near or at the pivot point can reduce or substantially eliminate angular error in sighting through the scope that may otherwise be introduced if the reticle 344 is placed at a point in the erector tube 540 that is not near or at the pivot point. For example, placing the reticle 0.5 inches from a pivot point will result in a 15.7 arc second error when the erector tube 544 is flexed 0.5°. The distance between the reticle 344 and the pivot point of the flexible portion 544 can be reduced to lower the angular error. Certain embodiments may require less angular error and, thus, require that the reticle 344 be placed near or at the pivot point. Other embodiments, however, may allow more error and thus may allow the reticle 344 to be placed further from the pivot point. The reticle 344 of
In various embodiments, the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540 may comprise metals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, steel, aluminum-magnesium-titanium alloy, copper, combinations thereof, etc.), plastics, composite materials, or the like. The elongate portion 542 may also be made of one or more materials. For example, the elongate portion 542 can be bimetallic. In order to decrease deformation of the elongate portion 542 as the windage and elevation dials 300, 304 displace the tube 540, the flexible portion 544 can be made of a material that permits greater flexure of the flexible portion 544 as compared to the elongate portion 542. In such an embodiment, the flexible portion 544 will flex to accommodate the applied force from the dials 300, 304 rather than the elongate portion 542 which houses the erector optics. The design of the flexible portion 544 and the number of biasing members can depend on material properties (e.g., elasticity of the material, the yield strength, axial strength, toughness) and/or the installation angle. For example, the flexible portion 544 can be constructed of spring steel (or high carbon steel), bronze, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, brass, combinations thereof, and the like. In one embodiment, the elongate portion 542 comprises aluminum and the flexible portion 544 comprises copper beryllium. In another embodiment, the elongate portion 542 comprises aluminum and the flexible portion 544 comprises spring steel (e.g., comprising about 1% manganese). Other combinations, configurations, and designs are possible.
With reference to
In some embodiments, springs disposed between the erector tube 540 and the main tube 110 are used to bias erectors toward 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, reduces wear on the adjustments, and reduces production costs.
In certain embodiments, however, springs, mechanical actuators, biasing mechanisms, or other suitable devices can bias the erector tube 540 towards 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 forces 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 use 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.
As described above, certain embodiments of the scope also include a zoom adjustment assembly which provides a variable magnification or zoom capability to the scope. The zoom assembly can comprise one or more lenses arranged within the interior of the main body tube 110 which are axially movable along the scope's major axis 121 such that a user may adjust the power or zoom setting of the scope to a desired setting for their intended use. It will be understood however that the zoom adjustment assembly is not a required aspect and that certain embodiments of the scope may lack a zoom adjustment assembly and thus offer a fixed magnification or power.
In one particular embodiment, the side-mounted focus assembly 624 also comprises an engagement pin or structure 636 which is received within a receptacle 638 within the side-mounted focus assembly 624. The engagement pin 636 is moveable within the receptacle 638 along a lateral axis 654, which is generally orthogonal with respect to the generally longitudinal arrangement of the scope's major axis 121; however, the lateral axis 654 need not be strictly perpendicular or intersecting with the major axis 121.
A pre-loader 640 is arranged to bear upon the engagement pin 636 in a resilient compressive manner so as to urge the engagement pin 636 generally laterally inward towards the major axis 121. The pre-loader 640 is interposed between the receptacle 638 and the engagement pin 636. The lateral axis 654 is offset as indicated by the arrows 656 of
The side-mounted focus assembly 624 also comprises a generally axially movable focus lens holder 642 which receives and secures one or more focus lenses within the interior of the main body tube 110. When the side-mounted focus assembly 624 rotates about the axis 652, the movable focus lens holder 642 and associated focus lenses are axially displaced until the viewed image is properly focused. In certain embodiments, the focus lens holder 642 has a relatively thin wall thickness, in particular embodiments less than 1 mm wall thickness. In certain embodiments, the focus lens holder 642 cooperates with or forms part of an erector assembly which comprises one or more additional lenses arranged to provide an erect/non-inverted image to a user. Thus, in certain embodiments, the focus lens holder 642 is also included in the erector tube 322 (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of
Thus, as shown in
The engagement pin 636 and circumferential slot 663 are further configured such that the engagement pin 636 is a relatively close fit in the longitudinal direction or along the major axis 121. As the focus actuator 630 is rotatably engaged with the side focus base 632 but otherwise restrained against translation with respect to the main body tube 110, the axial component of the movement of the engagement pin 636 along the arc 661 within the circumferential slot 663 moves the focus lens holder 642 axially along the major axis 121. Thus, rotational movement of the focus actuator 630 is translated to an axial movement component to urge the focus lens holder 642 forwards or backwards along the major axis 121. In this manner, the focus lens holder 642 can be moved in the longitudinal direction to adjust the relative axial position of the focus lens(es) secured therein. As can be seen in
This capability is provided with a relatively simple construction and can be provided to the scope 600 comprising a main body tube 110 which is unitary or materially continuous providing the aforementioned advantages with respect to strength, weight, and/or sealing against contaminants. The capability is also provided with reduced obstruction of the optical path within the interior of the main body tube 110 as the operative components of the side-mounted focus assembly 624 are substantially maintained exterior to the internally arranged optical path. A desirably large range of windage and elevation adjustments is also maintained as the side-mounted focus assembly 624 is largely positioned outside the tube 110. Substantial reduction in the range of windage and elevations adjustments can therefore be avoided.
Variation in the configuration and design is possible. For example, the side focus may or may not be included with the flexible erector (either with or without bias). Similarly, the side focus may or may not be included with the unitary main tube.
Moreover, the apparatus which are described and illustrated herein are not limited to the exact arrangement of components described, nor is it necessarily limited to the practice of all of the components set forth. Some of the components may be excluded and others may be added. Likewise, 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 comprising:
- a plurality of lenses;
- a scope body of standard 1 inch dimension holding the plurality of lenses and defining a central scope axis; and
- a side-mounted focus assembly disposed to one side of the scope body so as to be offset laterally with respect to the central axis and wherein the focus assembly translates user actuation into translational movement of at least one of the lenses so as to adjust focus of the scope.
2. (canceled)
3. The scope of claim 1, wherein the side-mounted focus assembly comprises an actuator that rotates with respect to the scope body.
4. The scope of claim 3, wherein the actuator is configured for hand manipulation.
5. The scope of claim 3, further comprising an engagement structure which defines an operating portion which is offset from a rotational axis of the actuator.
6. The scope of claim 5, wherein the engagement structure comprises an engagement pin.
7. The scope of claim 5, wherein the engagement structure is offset from the rotational axis of the actuator.
8. The scope of claim 5, further comprising a focus lens holder securing at least one of the plurality of lenses.
9. The scope of claim 8, wherein the operating portion of the engagement structure is resiliently engaged with the focus lens holder so as to maintain engagement with the holder throughout transverse movement of the holder.
10. The scope of claim 9, further comprising a spring disposed to resiliently engage the engagement structure with the focus lens holder.
11. The scope of claim 9, wherein transverse movement comprises both vertical and horizontal movement.
12. The scope of claim 9, further comprising a coupling through which the engagement structure passes, the coupling being attached to the focus lens holder such that longitudinal movement of the engagement structure causes longitudinal movement of the focus lens holder.
13. The scope of claim 12, wherein the coupling comprises plastic.
14. The scope of claim 12, wherein the engagement structure is movable within the coupling in directions orthogonal to the central scope axis.
15. The scope of claim 12, wherein the coupling defines an elongated opening.
16. The scope of claim 1, further comprising a distally arranged objective lens assembly and a proximally arranged ocular lens assembly, and wherein the focus assembly is arranged intermediate the objective and ocular lens assemblies.
17. The scope of claim 16, wherein at least one of the objective and ocular lens assemblies are of different dimension than the standard 1 inch dimension.
18.-30. (canceled)
31. The scope of claim 16, further comprising:
- a flexible erector tube in said scope body between said objective lens assembly and said ocular lens assembly, said flexible erector tube having distal and proximal ends; and
- at least positioning member passing through an opening in said scope body, said positioning member having a position wherein said positioning member applies pressure from a first side of said scope body thereby inducing flexure of said flexible erector tube, wherein said flexible erector tube is biased toward said positioning member and away from a second opposite side of said scope body opposite said opening in said scope body.
32. The scope of claim 31, wherein said at least one positioning member comprises a windage screw disposed in said scope body for adjusting windage.
33. The scope of claim 31, wherein said at least one positioning member comprises an elevation screw disposed in said scope body for adjusting elevation.
34. The scope of claim 31, wherein said flexible erector tube has sidewalls that include slots therein to provide flexure of said flexible erector tube.
35. The scope of claim 34, wherein said sidewalls of said flexible erector tube comprise metal.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 10, 2005
Publication Date: Nov 16, 2006
Inventors: Mark Thomas (Sisters, OR), Mitchell Thomas (Klamath Falls, OR), Forrest Babcock (Sisters, OR)
Application Number: 11/271,487
International Classification: F41G 1/38 (20060101);