Jackrabbit Quick Attach II - Day/Night Rifle Scope Night Vision Adapter

Abstract

An accessory that is fitted to a Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD) rendering the user with the ability to attach said MNVD to a standard telescopic firearm sighting device. The particular invention is completely universal in that it allows users to attach the MNVD to any telescopic sighting device with a rear objective no smaller than 1.5 inches nor larger than 2.0 inches in diameter. The design of the apparatus allows it to function effectively on all firearm actions including automatics, bolt actions, lever actions, break-opens, and drop-blocks. This apparatus when fitted to a MNVD allows the user to use the MNVD as a monocular for spotting targets of interest. Once targets of interest are identified, this particular invention allows the user to quickly attach said MNVD to the telescopic sighting device for engagement and executing the shot with precision. The attachment/detachment process takes less than 3 seconds to effectuate. A primary advantage of this invention allows the user to continue using their daylight telescopic sighting device during daylight hours without having to re-zero their firearm.

Description

BENEFIT CLAIMS TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS UNDER 35 U.S.C. §§119(e)

This application for new Non-provisional patent is a continuation of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/681,604, filed on Aug. 9, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of invention generally relates to an accessory that is fitted to a Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD) rendering the user with the ability to attach said MNVD to a standard telescopic firearm sighting device. The purpose for doing so allows the user to discharge a firearm (bearing the standard telescopic sighting device to which the MNVD is attached using this invention) with the same precision in total darkness that can be achieved with the firearm during completely daylight hours. The particular invention is completely universal in that it allows users to attach the MNVD to any telescopic sighting device with a rear objective no smaller than 1.5 inches nor larger than 2.0 inches in diameter. The thin spring steel wrap around design of the embodiment of the apparatus allows it to function effectively on all firearm actions including automatics, bolt actions, lever actions, break-opens, and drop-blocks. This apparatus when fitted to a MNVD allows the user to use the MNVD as a monocular for spotting targets of interest. Once targets of interest are identified, this particular invention allows the user to quickly attach said MNVD to the telescopic sighting device for engagement and executing the shot with precision. The attachment/detachment process takes less than 3 seconds to effectuate. A primary advantage of this invention allows the user to continue using their daylight telescopic sighting device during daylight hours without having to re-zero their firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many MNVD's are multifunctional devices capable of being weapons mounted (as in this non-provisional application for patent) fitted to hands free goggles, fitted to a still shot camera, or fitted to a video camera. Fitting such MNVD to any of the above devices effectively renders the user with the ability to operate said device in complete darkness. For example, with respect to a still camera, the user would thus be able to take standard still pictures in complete darkness. There are other companies that manufacture accessories to effectively fit MNVD's to standard telescopic firearm sighting devices. All of these manufacturer's apparatuses require significant modification for them to function effectively on bolt actions or they cannot be modified at all to effectively work on bolt actions. Many of these manufacturer's accessories do not fit properly on the rear objective of the telescopic firearm sighting device, thereby forcing the user to significantly modify said accessory to allow for proper fitting upon the telescopic firearm sighting device. Many companies manufacture night vision telescopic sighting devices for use on firearms which render the marksman with the capability of shooting with precision during complete darkness. However, this effectively limits the firearm for use only during night time hours since night vision telescopic sighting devices cannot be utilized for daytime missions. Should the marksman wish to utilize the same firearm for daylight missions he (she) would be required to replace the night vision telescopic sighting device with a day time telescopic sighting device and then re-zero the day time sighting device. Said marksman would be required to reverse the above procedures to effectively change the day time sighting device to a night vision telescopic sighting device.

In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need to easily and without modification attach a MNVD to a telescopic firearm sighting device to any bolt action, lever action, automatic, break-open, or drop-block action firearm. It is apparent that there exists a significant advantage or need for hunting, for sporting, or military purposes to be able to discharge a firearm in complete darkness with the same precision available to said marksman during daylight missions. It is apparent that there exists a need and economic incentive to be able to utilize the same MNVD for surveillance purposes then quickly convert the same MNVD to a night vision telescopic sighting device for use in shooting with precision during complete darkness. There exists the need as well as an economic incentive to utilize the same telescopic sighting device for use during both daytime missions as well as night time missions. There exists the need and economic incentive to utilize the same firearm for daytime missions as well as night time missions without the need to re-zero the telescopic sighting device or replacing the daytime telescopic sighting device with a night vision telescopic sighting device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In satisfying the above needs of the related art, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus to successfully, and without any modifications whatsoever, attach the MNVD to any standard day time telescopic sighting device. This allows the user to discharge a firearm (bearing the standard telescopic sighting device to which the MNVD is attached using this invention) with the same precision in total darkness that can be achieved with the firearm during completely daylight hours. The apparatus is completely universal in that it allows users to attach the MNVD to any telescopic sighting device with a rear objective no smaller than 1.5 inches nor larger than 2.0 inches in diameter. This dimension will fit a substantial majority of all telescopic sighting devices currently manufactured in the US and abroad. The wafer thin spring steel wraparound design of this invention allows it to function effectively on all firearm actions including automatics, bolt actions, lever actions, break-opens, and drop-blocks. Many companies that currently manufacture this accessory cannot properly fit their designs to a standard bolt action firearm.

This apparatus when fitted to a MNVD allows the user to use the MNVD as a monocular for spotting targets of interest. Once targets of interest are identified, this particular invention allows the user to quickly attach said MNVD to the telescopic sighting device for engagement and executing the shot with precision. A user utilizing a night vision telescopic sighting device would be required to purchase a separate MNVD for surveillance purposes thereby requiring the purchase of two night vision units, an economic disadvantage. Another primary economic advantage of this invention allows the user to continue using the same daylight telescopic sighting device during daylight as well as night time use. An economic advantage is again claimed here as the marksman would be required to purchase both a night vision telescopic sighting device as well as a daylight telescopic sighting device to achieve the same versatility as is demonstrated in the embodiment of the current invention that utilizes only a single MNVD to achieve the same results.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of the following description, with reference to the drawings, photos, and claims that are appended to and from a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

With respect to the following descriptions please refer to the specimen pages entitled “FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14”. With respect to all of the following descriptions, (1-1) means FIG. 1, ARROW 1, (5-6) means FIG. 5, ARROW 6, (4-3) means FIG. 4, ARROW 3, and so on and so forth.

FIG. 1—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional bottom and left view cross section of the embodiment of the apparatus in the connection mode according to the present invention:

1-1 points to the hex key pocket (when key is inserted and rotated clockwise constricts the minor constriction band (1-5) around the major wafer thin spring steel constriction band (1-6) which constricts around the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope).
1-2 points to the MNVD attachment hole to which is inserted a ¼×⅞ inch flat head bolt used to attach the apparatus to the MNVD;
1-3 points to the constriction housing tightening barrel;
1-4 points to the plunger actuating knob which is a spring loaded pin used to attach and release the apparatus arm (1-7) from the pocket housing (1-8);
1-5 points to the minor spring steel constriction band;
1-5 points to tightening key which when inserted into the key slot (2-2) and rotated in a clockwise fashion constricts the wafer thin spring steel band (2-3) around the rifle scope rear objective (4-3);
1-6 points to the wafer thin spring steel major constriction housing;
1-7 points to the apparatus arm assembly; and,
1-8 points to the pocket housing.

FIG. 2—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional Top view cross section of the embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention with the apparatus arm (2-4) in the connection mode to the pocket housing (2-6).

2-1 points to the plunger activation knob;
2-2 points to the tightening key barrel;
2-3 points to the combination weaver style base which is used to attach an external infrared (“IR”) device to the apparatus;
2-4 points to the apparatus arm assembly;
2-5 points to the IR ¼ inch threaded post base used to attach an external IR device to the apparatus;
2-6 points to the pocket housing;
2-7 points to the minor constriction band;
2-8 points to the major wafer thin spring steel constriction band; and,
2-9 points to the MNVD attachment hole.

FIG. 3—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional right side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention in its connection mode:

3-1 points to the pocket housing;
3-2 points to the apparatus arm assembly;
3-3 points to the plunger activation knob;
3-4 points to the wafer thin major spring steel constriction band; and
3-5 points to the minor constriction band.

FIG. 4—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional left/bottom side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus (in disconnection mode) according to the present invention. The pocket housing cone (4-4) is affixed to the apparatus arm assembly (4-5) by a screw (4-6). When the pocket housing cone (4-4) is inserted into the cone pocket (4-10) of the pocket housing (4-8), the plunger connect actuator (4-9) pushes the plunger activation knob (4-1) outward until the spring loaded plunger post (4.2) engages into the plunger post engagement hole (4-3) thereby locking the apparatus arm assembly (4-5) to the pocket housing. The apparatus arm assembly (4-5) is released from the pocket housing (4-8) by pulling outward on the plunger activation knob (4-1):

4-1 points to the plunger activation knob;
4-2 points to the spring loaded plunger post;
4-3 points to the plunger post engagement hole;
4-4 points to the pocket housing cone;
4-5 points to the apparatus arm;
4-6 points to the pocket housing cone attachment screw;
4-7 points to the wafer thin major spring steel constriction band;
4-8 points to the pocket housing;
4-9 points to the plunger connect actuator; and,
4-10 points to the cone pocket.

FIG. 5—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional top cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus (in disconnect mode) according to the present invention. The purpose of FIG. 5 is to demonstrate how the pocket cone (5-1) is properly affixed to the apparatus arm assembly (5.2) and is adjustable to compensate for the many sizes of rear objectives on telescopic riflescopes manufactured in the USA and abroad. With the pocket cone attachment screw (5-3) in the loose position, the pocket cone (5-1) can be positioned in and infinite number of positions along a vertical axis equal to the length (0.5625 inches) of the slotted cutout (5-5) on the apparatus arm assembly. FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 show the pocket cone (5-1) positioned in the mid, upper extreme, and lower extreme positions, respectively. This range of adjustment allows the apparatus arm assembly (5-2) to be positioned as such to properly align the MNVD to the center of the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope as long as said objective measures no less that 1.5 inches or no more than 2 inches in diameter.

5-1 points to the pocket cone;
5-2 points to the apparatus arm assembly;
5-3 points to the pocket cone attachment screw;
5-4 points to a standard hex key tool (not part of the invention); and,
5-5 points to the slotted cutout on the apparatus arm assembly.

FIG. 6—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional left side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus arm assembly (6-3) properly affixed to a PVS-14 MNVD (6-2). The purpose of this specimen page is to demonstrate the pocket cone (6-1) in the mid position of the apparatus arm assembly (6-3). See FIG. 5 for an explanation of how the adjustment is accomplished.

6-1 points to the pocket cone;
6-2 points to a monocular night vision device (MNVD);
6-3 points to the apparatus arm assembly; and,
6-4 points to the hex key tool (not part of the invention).

FIG. 7—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional left side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus arm assembly (7-3) properly affixed to a PVS-14 MNVD (7-2). The purpose of this specimen page is to demonstrate the pocket cone (7-1) in the upward most extreme position of the apparatus arm assembly (7-3). See FIG. 5 for an explanation of how the adjustment is accomplished.

7-1 points to the pocket cone;
7-2 points to a monocular night vision device (MNVD);
7-3 points to the apparatus arm assembly; and,
7-4 points to the hex key tool (not part of the invention).

FIG. 8—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional left side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus arm assembly (8-3) properly affixed to a PVS-14 MNVD (8-2). The purpose of this specimen page is to demonstrate the pocket cone (8-1) in the downward most extreme position of the apparatus arm assembly (8-3). See FIG. 5 for an explanation of how the adjustment is accomplished.

7-1 points to the pocket cone;
7-2 points to a monocular night vision device (MNVD);
7-3 points to the apparatus arm assembly; and,
7-4 points to the hex key tool (not part of the invention).

FIG. 9—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional rearward cross sectional close-up view of the rear objective lens (9-1) of a telescopic riflescope attached to a firearm (9-3). The purpose of this specimen page is to demonstrate the purpose and usage of the rubberized sleeves (9-2) within the embodiment of the invention. The rubberized sleeves (9-2) are installed over and around the rear objective housing of a telescope riflescope for two purposes. First, the rubberized sleeves (9-2) act as a barrier between the thin spring steel major constriction housing (1-6, 2-8) and the rear objective housing of the telescopic riflescope to prevent damage to the riflescope. Second the rubberized sleeves (9-2) absorb recoil energy from the firearm (9-3) to prevent damage to the MNVD (6-2, 7-2, 8-2). Up to three (3) rubberized sleeves (9-2) can be installed as additional shock absorbing material to prevent damage that may be caused to the MNVD (6-2, 7-2, 8-2) from the recoil and shock of larger caliber firearms.

9-1 points to the rear objective lens of a telescopic rifle scope;
9-2 points to the rubberized sleeves; and,
9-3 points to a firearm.

FIG. 10—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional left side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus (in disconnect mode) according to the present invention properly attached to the rear objective (10-1) of a rifle scope properly fitted on a firearm (10-10). The purpose of FIG. 10 is to demonstrate how the pocket housing assembly is properly affixed to the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope. Following proper installation of the rubberized sleeve (s) as noted in FIG. 9, the pocket housing assembly is installed on the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope as noted below:

10-1 points to the rear objective of the rifle scope;
10-2 points to the pocket housing assembly;
10-3 points to the plunger activation knob;
10-5 points to the wafer thin major spring steel band;
10-6 points to the tightening key which when inserted into the key slot (10-7) and rotated in a clockwise fashion constricts the minor steel band (10-9) around the outside of the wafer thin major spring steel band (10-5) which constricts around the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope;
10-7 points to the key slot;
10-8 points to the constriction housing tightening barrel;
10-9 points to the minor steel band; and,
10-10 points to the firearm.

FIG. 11—This specimen figure is a 3 dimensional left side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus properly attached to a MNVD (11-4) and in the connection mode properly attached to a telescopic riflescope:

11-1 points to the plunger activation knob;
11-2 points to the pocket housing assembly;
11-3 points to the apparatus arm;
11-4 points to the MNVD;
11-5 points to the firearm; and,
11-6 points to the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope.

FIG. 12—This specimen figure is a 3 dimensional direct left side view of the embodiment of the invention properly attached to a MNVD (12-4) and in the connection mode properly attached to a telescopic riflescope:

12-1 points to the plunger activation knob;
12-2 points to the pocket housing assembly;
12-3 points to the apparatus arm;
12-4 points to the MNVD;
12-5 points to the firearm; and,
12-6 points to the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope.

FIG. 13—This specimen figure is a 3 dimensional direct right side view of the embodiment of the invention properly attached to a MNVD (13-4) and in the connection mode properly attached to a telescopic riflescope:

13-1 points to the plunger activation knob;
13-2 points to the pocket housing assembly;
13-3 points to the apparatus arm;
13-4 points to the MNVD;
13-5 points to the firearm; and,
13-6 points to the rear objective of the telescopic riflescope.

FIG. 14—This specimen page is a 3 dimensional right side cross sectional view of the embodiment of the apparatus (in connection mode) according to the present invention. The purpose of FIG. 14 is to show the sufficient clearance available when the bolt (14-2) is open on a standard bolt action firearm (14-5):

14-1 points to the pocket housing assembly;
14-2 points to the open bolt on the bolt action rifle;
14-3 points to the rear objective of the daytime rifle scope to which the apparatus is properly affixed to;
14-4 points to the MNVD properly attached to the apparatus arm;
14-5 points to the bolt action firearm;
14-6 points to the apparatus arm assembly;
14-7 points to the wafer thin major spring steel constriction band;
14-8 points to the minor steel constriction band; and,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above FIGS. 1 through 14 inclusive display the apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention and its use as displayed in its current function as a device to quickly attach a MNVD (6-2, 7-2, 8-2, 11-4, 12-4, 13-4, 14-4) to a standard daytime telescopic firearm sighting device. Attachment of the invention to the MNVD is completed using a single provided ¼×20×⅜″ (not shown) flat head screw inserted properly into the attachment hole (1-2, 2-9). Once the invention is properly fitted to the MNVD the user may attach an external IR device using the weaver style base (2-3) or the ¼ inch post base (2-5). The pocket housing assembly (10-2) as displayed in FIG. 10 is attached to the rear objective (10-1) of the rifle scope by inserting the tightening key (10-6) into the key slot (10-7) and rotated in a clockwise fashion thereby constricting the minor steel band (10-9) which constricts the wafer thin major spring steel band (10-5) around the rear objective (10-1) of the telescopic riflescope.

At this point with the apparatus arm assembly appropriately fitted to the MNVD and in the disconnect mode (FIGS. 6, 7, 8 11, 12, 13, and 14), the user has a MNVD that can be used as a surveillance MNVD to properly navigate across the landscape in complete darkness and/or to survey the landscape for specific targets or other items of interest. In complete darkness, the user may switch on an attached IR device (not shown) which basically emits an IR light beam that can be seen with the MNVD but is virtually invisible to the naked eye. This invention does not in any way block the MNVD's use as a surveillance device since the front objective lens of the MNVD is clear of the pocket cone (4-4, 5-1, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1) of the apparatus arm assembly (1-7, 2-4, 3-2, 3-5, 4-5, 5-2, 6-3, 7-3, 8-3, 11-3, 12-3, 13-3, 14-6) when the invention is properly attached to the MNVD.

Once the user spots the target of interest using the MNVD in disconnect mode, he (she) can quickly convert the MNVD to a night vision rifle scope by inserting the front cone of the apparatus arm into the pocket housing assembly at which time of full insertion activates the plunger post (4-2) to fully engage into the plunger post hole (4-3), thereby locking the apparatus arm assembly to the pocket housing assembly. Once attached, the user only needs to locate the target within the telescopic sighting device, properly engage the cross hairs, and discharge the firearm projectile. This can be accomplished with the same precision that can be achieved using the same firearm and telescopic sighting device as is used during daytime missions. To properly disengage the apparatus arm from the pocket housing, the user simply pulls outward on the plunger activation knob (1-4, 2-1, 3-3, 4-1, 10-3, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1) until the plunger post (4-2) disengages from the plunger post hole (4-3).

As any person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the above description is meant as an illustration of implementation of the principles of this invention. The description is not intended to limit the scope or application of this invention in that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change, without departing from the spirit of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a MNVD that allows the user to use the MNVD as a monocular for surveillance purposes, navigational purposes, and/or for the detection of targets of interest with the invention affixed to the MNVD in its disconnect mode;

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein once targets of interest are identified, the MNVD can be quickly affixed to a standard daytime telescopic firearm sighting device thereby allowing the marksman to deliver the firearm projectile with precision to the target of interest in complete darkness;

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the unique wafer thin spring steel constriction band allows the invention to be successfully attached to the telescopic sighting device of a standard bolt action firearm, and all other firearm actions leaving room to actuate the bolt and all other firearm actions as necessary to discharge the spent cartridge and engage a live cartridge;

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user can affix an IR device using either a standard ¼ inch post base or a standard weaver base attachment device;

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein specific components of the device are manufactured from T6 aluminum, a material that is both light weight and extremely durable;

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wafer thin spring steel constriction band allows the user to affix said invention to any rear objective lens of any standard day time telescopic sighting device infinitely between the dimensions of 1.5 inches and 2 inches and of which material is extremely durable, provides maximum clearance, and allows for maximum gripping strength to ensure the pocket housing is firmly connected to the rear objective lens of the standard day time telescopic sighting;

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket cone can be adjusted upward or downward to specifically and fully compensate for rear objective riflescope lens housings of no less than 1.5 inches or no greater than 2.0 inches.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rubberized sleeves are utilized in a dual capacity to prevent damage to the rear objective riflescope lens housing and to absorb the recoil and shock from the discharge of a firearm.