CORRECTIVE SIGHT FOR FIREARMS

Abstract

A method for assisting a firearm user with a vision condition includes: (a) fitting a housing on the firearm, the housing at least partially enclosing an aiming indicia including (1) a rear sight having two spaced apart sight elements defining a rear sight gap and (2) a front sight configured to be aligned with the rear sight gap, wherein the rear sight sight elements and the front sight each include a transparent optical lens disposed on a rear side, and wherein each optical lens has a positive optical power configured to provide substantially clear vision of the aiming indicia when viewed through the optical lens; and (b) assisting the firearm user with a vision condition by aiming the firearm at a target to bring into focus the rear sight and the front sight at the rear sight gap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, generally, to the field of firearm sights. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to corrective firearm sights and corrective firearm sight systems.

BACKGROUND

Aiming a firearm at a target can be especially challenging for a user with a vision condition, such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism. Myopia, or nearsightedness, describes difficulty viewing objects beyond a certain distance. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, describes difficulty viewing nearby objects clearly due to the lens of the user's eye focusing light beyond the retina. Presbyopia describes difficulty viewing nearby objects due to the lens of the user's eye failing to focus light. Astigmatism describes blurred vision due to asymmetrical curvature of the cornea of the user's eye.

A user with myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism, may have difficulty viewing an aiming tool on the firearm clearly, such as a sight configured to assist the user in aiming the firearm at a target. The user may wear glasses to bring a target or the sight into focus on the user's eyes. However, the sights will be in focus but the target will be blurry and vice versa, if the user wears glasses to correct for the target then the standard gun sights will be blurry. Thus, improvements are needed.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for assisting a firearm user with a vision condition including: (a) fitting a housing on the firearm, the housing at least partially enclosing an aiming indicia including (1) a rear sight having two spaced apart sight elements defining a rear sight gap and (2) a front sight configured to be aligned with the rear sight gap, wherein the rear sight sight elements and the front sight each include a transparent optical lens disposed on a rear side, and wherein each optical lens has a positive optical power configured to provide substantially clear vision of the aiming indicia when viewed through the optical lens; and (b) assisting the firearm user with a vision condition by aiming the firearm at a target to bring into focus the rear sight and the front sight at the rear sight gap.

The corrective sights of the present disclosure may be integrated with conventional sights or may be formed to replace conventional sights. As an example, a conventional sight may comprise two rear dot sights defining a sight gap and a front dot sight configured to be aligned with the gap in the rear sight. In accordance with the present disclosure, one or more optical elements such as a lens or holographic device may be integrated with the rear sight and/or the front sight to allow the sights to be brought into focus for a user. As a further example, the optical elements may be integrated with replacement sights to be installed and used instead of the conventional sights. As yet a further example, the optical elements may be holographic in nature and may be used in conjunction with eyewear or other devices to generate a holographic image of the sights for a user.

A corrective sight may generally be used with a firearm. The corrective sight may be used to aim the firearm. The corrective sight may be used to view the target clearly, while aiming the firearm. In addition or in the alternative, the corrective sight may be used to view an aiming tool clearly. The aiming tool may be integrated with the corrective sight. For example, the aiming tool may comprise a reticle lens of the corrective sight. The reticle lens may comprise an indicator assist a user in aiming the firearm at the target. The indicia may comprise, for example, a graphic image, a holographic image, or a reflected image. The aiming tool is internal and integrated with the corrective sight. For example, the aiming tool may comprise a rear sight or a front sight of the firearm and in most cases both.

The corrective sight may comprise an optical lens. The optical lens may comprise a flat surface. The optical lens may comprise a curved surface, such as a convex surface. The optical lens may have an optical power. The optical power may be positive. The optical power may be adjustable. The optical power may be configured to provide substantially clear view of the aiming tool. Alternatively or additionally, the optical power may be configured to work with the user's glasses.

The optical lens may comprise a plurality of optical lenses. The optical lens may comprise one or more regions on the optical lens. One of the regions may have an optical power different than an optical power of another region. The optical lens may have an adjustable position configured to allow the user to view the aiming tool or the target through one of the regions on the optical lens.

The corrective sight may comprise an optical polarization region. Such polarization may be used alone or in conjunction with eyewear. As an example, polarized eyewear may be configured with the optical polarization region to allow a user to view the corrective sight and the target with clear vision.

The corrective sight may comprise a retaining body. The retaining body may be configured to encase at least a portion of the periphery of the corrective sight. The retaining body may encase the aiming tool and the optical lens. The retaining body may comprise a frame or a housing, for example. The corrective sight may comprise a mounting element. The mounting element may be coupled to the corrective sight. The mounting element may be coupled to the retaining body. The new sights may replace the existing ones and connect to gun in a similar manner as the original sights. The mounting element may be configured to engage the firearm. The mounting element may comprise a rail, a ring, a base, arms, a platform, a harness, or a clamp, for example. The corrective sight may comprise the firearm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows an example sight system.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a portion of the sight system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows an example sight system.

FIG. 2B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the sight system of FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows an example sight system 100. The example sight system 100 may comprise one or more corrective sights 1. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, a plurality of corrective sights 1 may be used, such as a pair of rear sights and a single front sight. It should be understood that where a single corrective sight is shown, more than one corrective sight in accordance with the present disclosure may be used.

The corrective sight 1 may be configured to be coupled to a firearm 2. The corrective sight 1 may be configured to replace a conventional sight system or may be integrated with a conventional sight system. Although, the firearm 2 is depicted as a handgun in FIG. 1A, the firearm 2 may comprise a rifle, or another type of firearm. The firearm 2 may comprise a barrel 3. A length of the barrel 3 or a direction of elongation of the barrel 3 may define a longitudinal axis “y.” The corrective sight 1 may be disposed adjacent to the barrel 3. The barrel 3 may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end may comprise a distal end 3a of the firearm 2 and the second end may comprise a proximal end 3b of the firearm 2. The proximal end 3b may be closer to an eye 11 of a user of the firearm 2 than the distal end 3a during normal use of the firearm 2. The firearm 2 may comprise a muzzle 4 and the distal end 3a may be closer to the muzzle 4 than the proximal end 3b. The corrective sight 1 may be disposed adjacent the proximal end 103b and/or the distal end 3a, and may be dependent on the type of sight system being used. As shown in FIG. 1A-1B, the corrective sight(s) 1 may be disposed in a configuration of a conventional sight system with two rear corrective sights 1 (e.g., proximal) and a front corrective sight 1 (distal).

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the corrective sight 1 may comprise (or be disposed adjacent to) an aiming tool 5. The aiming tool 5 may be used to aim the firearm 2 at the target. For example, the user may aim the firearm 2 by positioning the firearm 2 such that the aiming tool 5 overlays an image of the target, as viewed through the corrective sight 1. The aiming tool 5 may be integrated with the corrective sight 1. The aiming tool 5 may be disposed at a distance from an optical lens 6 of the corrective sight 1. The aiming tool 5 may be disposed at a distance from the optical lens 6 along the longitudinal axis “y.” The distance may be based on an optical power of the optical lens 6, for example. The distance may be based on a focal length “fl” of the optical lens 6. The distance may be based on a proximity or distance of an eye 11 of a user from the optical lens 6 or the corrective sight 1 when the firearm 2 or the corrective sight 1 is in normal use. The distance may enable substantially clear vision of the aiming tool 5 when viewed through the corrective sight 1 or the optical lens 6. The optical lens 6 may be integrated in the aiming tool and may have a fixed or adjustable optical power such as to enable substantially clear vision of the aiming tool 5 when viewed through the optical lens 6. Substantially clear vision may be defined as the optical lens 6 bringing an image of the aiming tool 5 or of an indicia on the aiming tool in focus at a retina 12 of the eye 11 of the user of the firearm 2, when the user views the aiming tool 5 through the corrective sight 1. Substantially clear vision may be defined as a view of an image of the aiming tool 5 or of the indicia of the aiming tool through the corrective sight 1 as a user with 20/20 vision would view, without assistance, the aiming tool 5 or the indicia of the aiming tool. As such, a user who normally needs corrective optics for near vision will not need to wear near correction, as the corrective optics may be built into the aiming tool to allow the user to see the needed aspects of the aiming tool to effect aiming.

In the various aspects and figures described herein, it is understood that similarly defined components may incorporate features described in reference to one or more of the respective components. For example, features of aiming tool 5 may be incorporated or used with features of the aiming tool 205 (FIG. 2A) and vice versa.

FIG. 2A shows an example sight system 200. The example sight system 200 may comprise a corrective sight 201. The corrective sight 201 may be configured to be coupled to a firearm 202 to provide an optical power for clear vision of one or more components of an aiming tool 205, such as a conventional sight aiming tool. Although, the firearm 202 is depicted as a handgun in FIG. 2A, the firearm 202 may comprise a rifle, or another type of firearm. The firearm 202 may comprise a barrel 203. A length of the barrel 203 or a direction of elongation of the barrel 203 may define a longitudinal axis “y.” The corrective sight 201 may be disposed adjacent to the barrel 203. The barrel 203 may comprise a first end and a second end. The first end may comprise a distal end 203a of the firearm 202 and the second end may comprise a proximal end 203b of the firearm 202. The proximal end 203b may be closer to an eye 211 of a user of the firearm 202 than the distal end 103a during normal use of the firearm 102. The firearm 202 may comprise a muzzle 204 and the distal end 203a may be closer to the muzzle 204 than the proximal end 203b. The corrective sight 201 may be disposed adjacent the proximal end 203b and/or the distal end 203a and may be configured based on a distance (or focal length fl) to provide clear vision such as positioning a focal point 210 at the retina 212 of the user. Such corrective sights 201 (e.g., lenses 206) may be coupled to existing sight components to provide optical power in order to bring the sight components into clear vision for a user. Thus, it is understood that the optical configuration of the lenses 206 may be configured based on a distance from the lenses 206 to the portion of the aiming tool 205 that is desired to be brought into focus or clear vision.

Alternatively or in addition, the sight system may comprise both an aiming tool external to the corrective sight (e.g., the aiming tool 205 in FIG. 2A) and an aiming tool integrated with the corrective sight (e.g., the aiming tool 105 in FIG. 1A). The user may aim the firearm by positioning the firearm such that the integrated aiming tool overlays an image of the external aiming tool, as viewed through the corrective sight. As an example, the external aiming tool may comprise a front sight and the integrated aiming tool may comprise a rear sight.

The integrated aiming tool or the external aiming tool may comprise an alignment marker. The alignment marker may comprise a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape or figure. The shape or figure may comprise, for example, a box a frame, a bar, or a notch. The shape of the alignment marker may correspond to a shape or figure of another aiming tool of the sight system. The alignment marker may have dimensions, such as a diameter or a circumference. The corrective sight or another aiming tool on the firearm may have a shape or dimensions that correspond to the shape or dimensions of the alignment marker. For example, the shape or dimensions of the corrective sight or the other aiming tool may be proportional or congruent to the shape of the alignment marker. As another example, the shape of the corrective sight or the other aiming tool may be concentric with the circumference of the alignment marker, such as when the corrective sight and the alignment marker are aligned. The corrective lens may comprise an aperture that corresponds to the shape or dimension of the alignment marker.

The aiming tool may comprise a graphical image, such as relative to the reticle lens, the corrective sight, or another component of the sight system, may be adjusted.

The corrective sigh 1, 201 may comprise a reticle lens. The reticle lens may comprise a holographic sight. The holographic sight may comprise a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image. The holographic sight may comprise a laser, such as a laser diode. The holographic sight may use the laser to illuminate the image. The holographic sight may collimate light from the laser. For example, the holographic sight may comprise a diffraction grating, such as between the laser and the image. The diffraction grating may be tilted or pivoted to adjust the range of the image as viewed through a lens of the holographic sight. The image may be viewed through the lens superimposed on a field of view in the distance, such as in the focal plane of the target. The holographic sight may comprise a power source for the laser. The holographic sight may comprise an achromatizer configured to reduce shifts in position of the image, such as due to variations in wavelength of the light from the laser. The achromatizer may comprise a diffraction grating, a lens, or a prism, for example. The holographic sight may comprise a brightness adjustment mechanism configured to enable the user to adjust the brightness of the laser. The brightness adjustment mechanism may comprise a polarizer, a sensor, a pulse width modulator, or a liquid crystal lens or panel. The holographic sight may comprise a power source for the liquid crystal lens or panel. The holographic sight may comprise a uniform illumination mechanism configured to make the illumination of the image uniform. The uniform illumination mechanism may comprise a diffraction grating, for example.

The holographic sight may comprise a computer control, such as a microprocessor to control the laser. The computer control may control the brightness of the laser, such as to adjust for low or bright ambient environmental lighting. The computer control may monitor battery power of the laser. The computer control may be programmed for shutdown of the laser. The computer control may be configured to enable a night vision compatible setting. The night vision compatible setting may comprise illuminating the image with light in a spectrum that is below the spectrum of light viewable by the naked eye. The holographic sight may comprise a power source for the computer control.

The reticle lens may comprise a reflector sight. The reflector sight may comprise a laser emitting diode (LED) and a mirror. The mirror may comprise a coating to reflect only light in a limited spectrum, such as light in a spectrum that is emitted by the LED. The mirror may reflect light emitted from the LED. The reflected light may pass through an aperture hole. The aperture hole may control the size and shape of a reflected reticle. The reflected reticle may comprise a dot shape, a crosshair shape, or a concentric circle shape, for example. The reflector sight may comprise an optical collimator to set the focus of the reflected reticle at a finite distance. The reflector sight may comprise a corrective element to account for spherical aberration, a change in the apparent position of the reflected reticle with a change in eye position. The reflected reticle may comprise a plurality of reflected reticles. One or more mirrors and apertures may direct light to different locations, such that a reflected reticle may appear at the different locations. The reflector sight may comprise a power source for the LED. The reflector sight may comprise a diffraction grating or a reflection grating configured to reduce variations in wavelength of the LED light.

Optical Lens

The corrective sight (e.g., the corrective sight 1 in FIG. 1A or the corrective sight 201 in FIG. 2A) may comprise one or more optical lenses. The optical lens 6, 206 may comprise one or more surfaces. The optical lens may comprise one or more sides disposed between the surfaces. The optical lens may comprise a principal axis. The principal axis may pass through the center of the optical lens 6, 206. Light passing through the optical lens 6, 206 may bend along the principal axis. Light passing through the optical lens 6, 206 may meet at a focal point on the principal axis. The optical lens 6, 206 may comprise a thickness along the principal axis.

The corrective sight (e.g., the corrective sight 201 in FIG. 2A or the corrective sight 1 in FIG. 1A) may comprise nesting segments. The nesting segments may be stacked. One or more of the nesting segments may be deployed or unsheathed, such as over the surface of the optical lens. The nesting segments may be curved. The curvature of the nesting segments may be the similar to or the same as the curvature of the surface of the optical lens. One or more of the nesting segments may be sheathed, such as in a stack. Each of the nesting segments may comprise a thickness. The corrective sight may have a total lens thickness defined by a sum of the thickness of the optical lens and the thickness of one or more deployed sheaths.

The optical power may be adjusted by changing the index of refraction of the optical lens 6, 206. For example, the optical lens may comprise a thermotropic material, such as a thermotropic liquid crystal material. The refractive index of the thermotropic material may depend on the temperature of the thermotropic material. The corrective sight may comprise a heat source or a cooling mechanism to adjust the temperature of the thermotropic material. The optical lens may comprise a material with a refractive index dependent that may be adjusted by applying an electric field or a magnetic field. The material may comprise an electroactive material. The corrective sight may comprise an electric field source or a magnetic field source. The electric field source or the magnetic field source may be used to apply an electric field or a magnetic field to the material to adjust the refractive index of the material.

The optical power may be adjusted by the user. For example, the user may look through the corrective sight and adjust the optical power until the user has a substantially clear view of the front sight. The optical power may be automatically adjusted. For example, the corrective sight may comprise a processor, such as a microprocessor. The corrective sight may comprise one or more sensors, such as an optical sensor. The processor may be in communication with the sensor. The processor may receive information from the sensor and may use the information received from the sensor to determine a distance or direction from the corrective sight to the aiming tool. For example, the information may comprise a time for waves, such as light rays, reflected off the aiming tool or the target to reach the sensor or the corrective sight. The corrective sight may comprise a source of waves, such as infrared light waves or sound waves. The processor may adjust the optical power based on the distance from the corrective sight to the aiming tool or the target. The processor may receive information from the sensor and may use the information received from the sensor to determine a distance or direction from the eye of the user to the corrective sight or the optical lens. The processor may adjust the optical power based on the distance from the eye of the user to the corrective sight or the optical lens. The processor may adjust the optical power based on the vision of the user, such as based on an optical prescription of the user.

The corrective sight may comprise an optical polarization region (partial or whole lens). Such polarization may be used alone or in conjunction with eyewear. As an example, polarized eyewear may be configured with the optical polarization region to allow a user to view the corrective sight and the target with clear vision.

The optical lens may comprise an anti-reflective coating. The anti-reflective coating may be configured to reduce glare. The corrective sight may comprise a filter. The filter may comprise a layer of the optical lens. The filter may exclude or reduce non-polarized light from entering the optical lens. The filter may polarize non-polarized light entering the optical lens, such as by refraction, reflection, or scattering of the light. The corrective sight may comprise a material configured to reduce chromatic aberration. The chromatic aberration-reducing material may comprise a layer of the optical lens. The chromatic aberration-reducing material may comprise a material different than the material of the optical lens. Chromatic aberration may occur when light of shorter wavelengths is refracted at angles greater than angels at which light of longer wavelengths is refracted.

Firearm

The corrective sight may comprise the firearm, such as the firearm 202 in FIG. 2A or the firearm 2 in FIG. 1A. The firearm may comprise a handgun. The handgun may comprise a pistol or a revolver, for example. The firearm may comprise a rifle. The firearm may comprise a shotgun. The firearm may comprise a machine gun. The firearm may comprise a training gun or an entertainment gun. The training gun or the entertainment may comprise an air gun, an airsoft gun, a BB gun, a paintball gun, a water gun, for example. The firearm may comprise an automatic firearm, a semi-automatic firearm, a non-automatic firearm.

Claims

1. A method for assisting a firearm user with a vision condition, comprising: fitting a housing on the firearm, the housing at least partially enclosing an aiming indicia comprising (1) a rear sight having two spaced apart sight elements defining a rear sight gap and (2) a front sight configured to be aligned with the rear sight gap, wherein the rear sight sight elements and the front sight each include a transparent optical lens disposed on a rear side, and wherein each optical lens has a positive optical power configured to provide substantially clear vision of the aiming indicia when viewed through the optical lens; andassisting the firearm user with a vision condition by aiming the firearm at a target to bring into focus the rear sight and the front sight at the rear sight gap.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising retrofitting the housing onto the firearm.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical lens comprises a polarization region.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising providing polarized eyewear to the firearm user, wherein the polarized eyewear cooperates with the polarization region of the optical lens to provide substantially clear vision to the firearm user.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the positive optical power brings an image of the aiming indicia in focus at a retina of an eye of a user of the firearm when the user views the aiming indicia through the optical lens, thereby assisting the firearm user with the vision condition.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical lens comprises one or more of a convex lens, a plano-convex lens, or a converging lens.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical lens comprises a first region and a second region, the first region having the positive optical power and the second region having an optical power less than the positive optical power of the first region and greater than or equal to zero.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first region comprises a lower region of the optical lens relative to the firearm and the second region comprises an upper region of the optical lens relative to the firearm.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the first region comprises a first material and the second region comprises a second material different than the first material.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the positive optical power is from greater than 0 diopters to 10 diopters.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the optical power to assist the firearm user with the vision condition.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the vision condition comprises one or more of myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sight element comprises an alignment indicator comprising a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape or figure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the shape or figure comprises a box, a frame, a bar, or a notch.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the sight element comprises a graphical image.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the sight element comprises a reticle lens.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the reticle lens comprises a holographic sight.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the holographic sight comprises a laser.