Patent Application
20240255254
The present invention relates to novel weapon devices and methods of their use. In particular, the present invention relates to compatible mirror devices that are removably attached to weapons which allow for observation in fields of operation other than the forward filed of observation.
In stealth operations such as battle, police actions and other stealth situations, observing targets or adversaries is especially important. More importantly is to observe the targets or adversaries without them observing the observer (combatant). Additionally, in other situations such as hunting, it is important not to alert the target of the observer's presence. As such, observing, while remaining unobserved, is the holy grail of any stealth-like operation. In particular, during a stealth operation, the focus of the observer is generally riveted to the forward field of observation with little regard to what is behind the observer, or to the 90-degree field to the left or right of the observer. If the observer does check peripherally or behind, a significant amount of movement is required, such as movement of the observer's head, right and/or left, and especially if the observer is required to turn his/her head 180 degrees. These actions could readily alert an adversary to a position of the observer putting the observer in immediate danger.
The current disclosure provides for mirrored devices and methods for using the mirrored devices to observe peripheral fields of operation as well as fields of operation behind an observer without the need for extraneous, disclosing movements thus allowing the observer to be as unobserved as possible.
Almost all inventions and literature relating to rifle sighting are focused on improved target sighting, including improved alignment devices, periscopic devices, magnification devices and the like, while there is a paucity of attention paid to improving the safety of the observer (combatant) during tactical situations. Thus, there is an unmet need to improve the safety of combatants during tactical engagements.
In a first embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein is a compactible mirror device for stealth operations, comprising a mirror component situated in a hinged holder bracket, a picatinny rail system situated on the hinged holder bracket configured to removably attach the mirror device to a weapon, a mechanism for locking the mirror component within the hinged holding bracket when in a closed position, and a hinge configured to allow the mirror to be folded and locked in a closed position when not in use.
In a second embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein is the compactible mirror device of the above embodiment wherein the mirror is flat, convex or concave as desired.
In a third embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein are the compactible mirror devices of the above embodiments, wherein the mechanism for locking the mirror component is a magnet.
In a fourth embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein are the compactible mirror devices of the above embodiments wherein the mirror is further configured to pivot along the vertical and horizontal axes of the weapon.
In a fifth embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein are the compactible mirror devices of the above embodiments, wherein the rail system is configured such that the mirror device can be removably attached to the bottom of the weapon and, when in use, the hinged holder bracket is configured to be opened from the bottom and the mirror is opened on the bottom of the weapon.
In a sixth embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein are methods for using the compactible mirror device of the above embodiments comprising the steps of attaching the compactible mirror device to a rifle using a picatinny rail system, opening the mirror device, and positioning the mirror using the pivoting mechanism, the hinging mechanism or both.
In a seventh embodiment, disclosed and claimed herein are rifles comprising a picatinny rail system with the compactible mirror device of the above embodiments removably attached.
In other embodiments, disclosure and claimed herein devices of the above embodiments are removably attached to a rifle, bazooka, missile launcher, and the like.
As used herein, the conjunction “and” is intended to be inclusive and the conjunction “or” is not intended to be inclusive unless otherwise indicated. For example, the phrase “or, alternatively” is intended to be exclusive.
As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising”, and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of state elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
As used herein the term “picatinny rail” refers to a rail integration system that provides a mounting platform for firearm accessories, such as for mounting scopes, sights, lights, laser aiming devices, night vision devices, and the like. The systems can be on top of the firearm (weapon) or on the bottom depending on the device being attached.
As uses herein the term “compactible” refers to the ability of a device to be closed into a more compact position than when the device is in use.
The present disclosure is a compactible mirror device for stealth operations. The device is comprised of a mirror which is situated, or positioned, a hinged holder bracket. The mirror may be any mirror type, such as, for example, a silver coated glass mirror, a reflective metal mirror, such as, for example, an aluminum mirror or other components that act as light reflective surfaces. The holder bracket is configured to be two section of the same size and is hinged in the middle between the two section that allow the bracket to be closed, or as use herein, collapsed. The mirror component fits into one interior section of the holder bracket while the other interior section of the holder bracket functions as a protective cover to protect the mirror when in a closed position. In a further embodiment the section of the bracket may be connected by a pivotal device allowing the mirror to pivot and rotate relative to the weapon to which it is attached. See
The holder bracket of the current disclosure into which the mirror is fitted may be plastic, metal or a combination and is made of materials, or coated with materials, which do not allow reflections of their own, such as matte finishes or even light absorbing material, such absorbed light being visible or infrared, such absorbed infrared being the type used for night vision or FUR applications. Additionally, the device may be made of material that has a minimal thermal conductivity quotient so that the transfer of heat from the body is minimized so as to further prevent detection using heat sensing devices. The device may be made of a durable material that is resistant to damage and can withstand the rigors of military operations.
The device is constructed of light weight material which does not noticeably interfere with the user's mobility, or energy usage.
The device may be thin enough to not be bulky or interfere with the user's ability to move normally or in supine positions when stealthily moving about.
Submitted with the disclosure is a number of sketches and photos which particularly point out the construction of the device.
The bracket may be constructed of a any number of materials, such as, for example, metal, plastic, a combination of metal and plastic as well as other materials known in the art to be suitable for weapon attachments. The holder bracket is configured to be rea1ily closed and secured using a number of mechanisms known the art such as, for example, a magnet, a clasp, a hook, or other securing mechanisms.
The mirror of the current disclosure can be flat (plane), convex or concave as desired. In applications where it s critical to see in a wide, panorama-type view behind the combatant, a convex mirror might be appropriate.
The picatinny rail system useful for the current disclosure may be on top of the weapon, bottom or the weapon, or on either side. The mirror device of the current disclosure is configured to be removably attached to the any of the rail systems regardless of the position of the rail system, In one embodiment the rail system is configured such that the mirror device can be removably attached to the bottom of the weapon and, when in use, the hinged holder bracket is configured to be opened, and pivoted as desired, from the bottom and the mirror is opened on the bottom of the weapon.
The mirror can be used to peer around corners, stairwells, and other obstacles while maintaining a low profile, allowing users to assess potential threats and make informed decisions without exposing themselves to danger.
One embodiment of the current disclosure is a device that is removably attached to a boot, shoe or other type of footwear, such as, for example using the footwear laces to attach the device to the upper portion of the footwear. Other attachment methods may be snaps, loops, elastic band or other methods know in the art to attach an object to footwear.
The devices are configured to be integral to the user's uniform or apparel, that is, the user wears the device as part of his uniform or apparel so that the user does not need a separate piece of equipment, such as, for example, a mirror on the end of a stick to look around corners which is an additional piece of equipment the user needs to carry and contend with. With the device integral to the user's uniform or apparel, the user can operate the device without the need to extra work.
The device is comprised of a mirror situated in a holding bracket, such bracket configured to be removably attached and configured to be capable of folding into an open position when in use and into a closed position when not in use. The mirror is connected by a hinging mechanism to a fitted section essentially of the same dimension. In the closed position the mirror is enclosed face first into a fitted section configured to accept the mirror when folded and protect the mirror from breakage, scratches or other damage. In use the mirror is unfolded allowing the mirror to reveal objects to the user. The mirror is also configured to rotate around an axis so that there is a 45 to 135 degree angle of viewable content. In another embodiment the device of the current disclosure is configures to fold open and swivel to the desired viewing angle and folds down to lock closed using magnets, which makes it easy to store and transport when not in use and ensures that it remains secure during transport. The mirror can be used to peer around corners, stairwells, and other obstacles while maintaining a low profile, allowing users to assess potential threats and make informed decisions without exposing themselves to danger. As an example of one method of use of the current disclosure, the device is attached to the boot user using bootlaces to secure the device. The user opens the mirror, positions the mirror to allow optimum observability of the target or adversary. The now opened device is positioned around a corner or end of the object that is concealing the user and allowing the user to remain unseen. Adjusting the position of the boot will bring an image from the other side of the concealing object to the user thus allowing observation while remaining unseen.
In another example of the method of use of the current disclosure, the device is attached to a piece of equipment that the use ordinarily would have when performing the specific stealth operation, such as, for example, a rifle. The device would be attached to an area of the rifle which would not interfere with the sighting of the rifle when using the rifle, such as, for example, extending along the left side of the rifle. Again, the user opens the mirror, positions the mirror to allow optimum observability of the target or adversary, and extends the rifle out from the concealment to obtain an observation. The now opened device is positioned around a corner or end of the object that is concealing the user and allowing the user to remain unseen. Adjusting the rifle or piece of equipment will bring an image from the other side of the concealing object to the user thus allowing observation while remaining unseen.
The device of the current disclosure is configured to be attached to equipment that would ordinarily be used for the stealth operation such a boot, shoe, rifle, gun, backpack, or other clothing or equipment.
