REFLEX SIGHT HAVING MODULAR HOOD
A target sight system includes a base portion with a gun-mounting interface allowing the sight to be firmly fastened to a shooting device. The base also includes a power supply, a target light generator, and a light-passing surface through which the target light passes between the target light generator and a target. The sight system also includes a cover that is detachably removable from the base portion. The cover includes an accessory, which may be a sunshade, optic, filter, or a cover that at least partially covers the base portion.
This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/796,022, filed Jan. 23, 2019, entitled REFLEX SIGHT HAVING MODULAR HOOD, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDReflex type gun sights provide a shooter a quick and easy way to sight a target compared to conventional iron sights. Reflex sights can be open-type, which typically include only a single lens, or closed type, which typically include at least two lenses enclosed by a tube. Generally, shooters may prefer an open reflex sight when targeting in low light conditions, and a closed reflex sight when in brighter conditions, although various shooters may prefer either type in various situations. It is relatively difficult, however, to change from one reflex type to the other, as changing reflex sights generally requires removing the installed sight from the gun and re-installing the other type. Further, reflex sights are generally battery powered, but changing batteries requires a tool, such as a screwdriver, which are not always available in the field. Sometimes shooters leave reflex sights in the powered state, even when not in use, which increases the speed at which the batteries are depleted.
Embodiments of the invention address these and other limitations of the prior art.
In some embodiments, the battery drawer may be a molded polymer, and includes an integrated metal retaining pin. The retaining pin may be press-fit or otherwise mounted to the drawer. The button may likewise be made of polymer and, as illustrated in
Closing the drawer may include the user depressing the button while the drawer is manually pressed closed, after which the button is released, thus retaining the drawer. In other embodiments, the battery drawer or other component may include an angled or sloped surface or projection that automatically retracts the button as the user manually closes the drawer.
Embodiments of the invention may also include one or more modular shrouds, which may be installed and removed by the shooter.
In other embodiments the reflex sight according to embodiments of the invention include an installable rear window, effectively converting the open reflex sight of
As described above, one problem with conventional reflex sights is that their batteries deplete, especially when the reflex sight is unintentionally illuminated. For example, if the reflex sight includes a sliding on/off switch, and the shooter leaves the switch in the ON position while the firearm is stored, the battery may deplete unnecessarily. Embodiments of the invention may include either a Hall Effects sensor, or a reed switch, either of which may change states while in the presence of a magnetic field. So, when a reflex sight including such a sensor or switch is placed in a magnetic field, the switch automatically turns the reflex sight OFF, thus conserving battery power. The reflex sight may be stored in a box having magnets mounted therein, thus providing the magnetic field. In such a manner, when the reflex sight is stored in the box, the Hall Effects sensor or reed switch automatically turns the reflex sight OFF. In other embodiments, a magnet or magnetic mesh may be incorporated into a holster. In this manner, when the firearm including the reflex sight is within the holster, the reflex sight is powered down. Conversely, when the firearm including the reflex sight is removed from the holster, the Hall Effects sensor or reed switch is removed from the magnetic field and power to the reflex sight is automatically restored.
This written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects.
Although specific aspects of the disclosure have been illustrated and described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A target sight system, comprising:
- a base portion having a gun-mounting interface, the base also including a power supply, a target light generator, and a light-passing surface through which the target light passes between the target light generator and a target; and
- a cover detachably removable from the base portion, the cover including an accessory.
2. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory is a sunshade.
3. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory comprises an optic.
4. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory comprises a filter.
5. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory comprises a cover that at least partially covers the base portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 22, 2020
Publication Date: Jul 23, 2020
Inventors: Andrew W. York (Portland, OR), Drew Essig (Portland, OR)
Application Number: 16/749,925