The present invention relates to zeroing or sighting in a riflescope using a turret display.
Rifles, handguns, and crossbows have been used for sport, hunting, and military.
Balls and/or bullets are typically shot from a rifle or gun using the arms to aim and sight by aligning the riflescope reticle with the target.
An arrow may be shot from a crossbow having a crossbow scope similar to a riflescope.
Bullets, balls and arrows, when fired, follow a ballistic trajectory. Such projectiles, which are not self-propelled, move through air according to a generally parabolic (ballistic) curve due primarily to the effects of gravity and air drag.
Riflescopes 302 are shown in
Riflescopes conventionally have been fitted with reticles of different forms. Some have horizontal and vertical scope cross hairs 290. Others reticles such as mil-dot add evenly spaced dots for elevation and windage along the scope cross hairs 290. Various reticles, such as SR; Multi Aim Point (MAP); and Dot are provided. These reticles are fixed in that the display does not change based on range information. Also, these reticles indicate the approximate holdover position in that they are positioned under the center of the scope, i.e. below where the scope cross hairs 290 intersect. The holdover positions are not necessarily precise, for example, for a specific rifle and ammunition, but are approximated for the general case.
Hunters and other firearm and crossbow users commonly utilize handheld rangefinders (see e.g. device 10 in
In reference to
The range information is superimposed over the image that is seen through the optics.
With convention rangefinder and a rifle there is no correlation between the display of the rangefinder and the user's individual riflescope. To make an effective shot requires several steps. All of the movement and time taken during these steps will likely be noticed by the target and allow the target an opportunity to move resulting in having to repeat the process or miss the shot altogether.
Further in order to show an accurate aiming point a riflescope needs to be calibrated to a specific rifle, crossbow, or other firearm; the characteristics of the specific projectile or ammunition; and the environmental conditions such as wind, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature. Riflescope calibration is performed by shooting the rifle 302 with specific ammunition, in specific environmental conditions, and adjusting the center of the scope, i.e. where the scope cross hairs 290 appear relative to the optical image coming through the riflescope 302. Elevation (up and down) is adjusted with an elevation turret 274 (see
Once a riflescope is calibrated to all these factors, most users are hesitant to make any changes to the positions of the turrets in the fields. Instead they leave the scope turrets alone and try to make adjustments in their mind based on differences in the various conditions and characteristics that have changed. A small number of advanced users, such as high-end hunters, and military snipers, are comfortable making changes to the scope calibration to adjust for changes in altitude, wind, or distance. Doing so requires complex calculations and accurate data. This allows them to recalibrate in the field so that the scope cross hairs are accurate for use as an aiming point centered on the target.
What is needed are systems and methods of rapidly calibrating a riflescope in the field wherein the user is shown the position of the riflescope turrets and how they should be adjusted, so the user can use the scope cross hairs as centered on the target.
The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of riflescope calibration and use. More particularly, the invention provides a display that shows the user where the riflescope cross hairs are positioned relative to where they need to be moved, using the turrets, in order to use the scope cross hair centered on the target so that the use can simply and clearly visualize where to aim. Such information facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm use.
In multiple embodiments, a turret display device indicates the position of the riflescope cross hairs by displaying turret display cross hairs.
In multiple embodiments, a turret display device provides dynamic indication of the movement of the riflescope cross hairs, as the turrets turn, so that the user can rapidly center the riflescope cross hairs.
In multiple embodiments, a turret display device provides dynamic indication of how to move the riflescope cross hairs in order to calibrate the riflescope to the specific characteristics of the rifle, ammunition, and environments conditions.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, the riflescope is calibrated using a relative target.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, the riflescope is calibrated using a relative target icon in the turret display to provide the indication of movement of the riflescope cross hairs, as the turrets turn.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, the riflescope is calibrated using a relative target icon in the turret display to provide the indication of when the riflescope cross hairs are centered.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, a reference image shows the position and movement of the riflescope cross hairs.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, the reference image is a user selectable image.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, the reference image is a specific game target.
In some embodiments of a turret display device, the reference image is a deer.
In an embodiment, the turret display device is integrated with the housing of a riflescope and is electrically connected to the turret position signals.
In multiple embodiments, the turret display device communicates wirelessly to receive the turret position signals.
In an embodiment, the turret display device is attached to the housing of a riflescope.
In an embodiment, the turret display device is attached to the housing of a handheld rangefinder device.
In an embodiment, the turret display device is integrated with the handheld rangefinder device that communicates wirelessly to receive the turret position signals.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide devices and methods of rapidly calibrating a riflescope in the field wherein the user is shown the position of the riflescope turrets and how they should be adjusted, so the user can use the scope cross hairs as centered on the target.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
Accordingly, the present invention includes the following advantages:
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.
The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
In improved riflescopes 302, shown in
Some embodiments of improved riflescopes 302 (as shown in
Generally a rangefinder device 10 generally includes a range sensor 12 for determining a first range to a target T, a tilt sensor 14 for determining an angle to the target T, a computing element 16 coupled with the range sensor 12 and the tilt sensor 14 for determining ballistic information relating to the target T based on the first range and the determined angle, a memory 18 for storing data such as ballistic information and a computer program to control the functionality of the device 10, and a portable handheld housing 20 for housing the range sensor 12, the tilt sensor 14, the computing element 16, the memory 18, and other components.
A computer program preferably controls input and operation of the turret display device 400. The computer program includes at least one code segment stored in or on a computer-readable medium residing on or accessible by the turret display device 400 for instructing the computing element 16, display 30, and any other related components to operate in the manner described herein. The computer program is preferably stored within the memory 18 and comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions in the turret display device 400. However, the computer program may comprise programs and methods for implementing functions in the turret display device 400 which are not an ordered listing, such as hard-wired electronic components, programmable logic such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits, conventional methods for controlling the operation of electrical or other computing devices, etc.
Similarly, the computer program may be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, and execute the instructions.
The turret display device 400 and computer programs described herein are merely examples of a device and programs that may be used to implement the present invention and may be replaced with other devices and programs without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Turret displays 30 may be embodied in various devices, such as an improved rangefinder (as shown in
The operation of the turret display device 400 and its display 30 will be discussed below.
Operation of the Turret Display Device in Conjunction with the Rapid Zero Riflescope
Regardless of the embodiment, i.e. an improved rangefinder (as shown in
A novel feature of this invention is that as the respective turrets are manually turned, their respective positions are communicated via their respective turret position signals to the turret display device 400 so that the turret display cross hairs 490 move in sync with any movement of either turret. This allows the user to rapidly zero the scope at anytime using the turret display device 400.
Another novel feature of this invention is that the adjustment made to the windage turret provides an indication of the wind. For example, if the rifle were zeroed for 100 yards with no wind, and then calibrated at 100 yards with the current wind, the adjustment would provide an indication of the wind speed, or an indication of how far the current wind moved the projectile over the 100 yards. This wind indication can then be used to calculate a wind speed, for example by the smart phone or tablet 11 or a handheld rangefinder.
If the user has time, they may rapidly zero the scope for the new distance, in this case 332 yards, by turning the respective turrets, elevation turret 274 and windage turret 276, until the turret display cross hairs 490 are centered on the relative target icon 1120 as shown in
A novel features of this invention is that as the respective turrets are manually turned, their respective positions are communicated via their respective turret position signals to the turret display device 400 so that the turret display cross hairs 490 move in sync with any movement of either turret. This allows the user to rapidly zero the scope at anytime to any distance using the turret display device 400. This has the advantage of giving the user greater confidence and accuracy by being about to rapidly adjust the turrets so that the scope cross hairs 290 can always be centered on the target to aim the shot.
In this embodiment, the distance can be communicated via wires or via wireless communications from the rangefinder's computing element to the turret display device 400.
The user would range the target and then look at the turret display device 400 to zero the riflescope 302 by turning the elevation turret 274 until the display cross hairs 490 are centered.
Using the Rapid Zero Riflescope with a Relative Aiming Point Rangefinder
If the user has time, they may rapidly zero the scope for the new distance, in this case 362 yards, by turning the respective turrets, elevation turret 274 and windage turret 276, until the turret display cross hairs 490 are centered on the relative target icon 1120 as shown in
In an embodiment of an improved Relative Aiming Point Rangefinder, the rangefinder also receives turret position signals and adjusts the relative aiming point 1000 (
The rapid zero technology provides the user with visual indications that do not require mathematical calculations in order to make adjustments to an improved riflescope's turrets. The user immediate sees an image in the turret display device, which is then replicated with the scope on the firing device. In other words, the user stays “right brained” allowing for rapid and accurate action.
The rapid zero technology provides an accurate aiming point zeroed to a predetermined sight in distance.
Further, the user can rapidly zero the scope cross hairs based on any ranged distance.
The rapid zero technology provides an accurate aiming point that can the user can intuitively match.
The rapid zero technology gives the user confidence that their aiming point is accurate.
The rapid zero technology gives the user confidence that the target will be hit.
This increased confidence will improve the user's performance and satisfaction.
The embodiments of these devices can be adjusted to be consistent with an individual user and associated firing device, for example the specific ammunition and scopes.
The enhanced features of the rapid zero technology do not add weight to the convention device.
Devices containing the rapid zero technology are easy to transport and use.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
Accordingly, the reader will see that the novel turret display devices, improved riflescopes, and improved rangefinder devices, and methods provide greater accuracy, effectiveness, and safety.
While the above descriptions contain several specifics these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the display can be manufactured in different ways and/or in different shapes to increase precision, reduce material, or simplify manufacturing. Further communications could be wired or wireless with various short range wireless communications technologies. The variations could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the novel features of the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/868,738 filed on 19 Jul. 2022, now U.S. Patent ______, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/222,850 filed on 17 Dec. 2018, U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/391,545.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17868738 | Jul 2022 | US |
Child | 18212164 | US | |
Parent | 16222850 | Dec 2018 | US |
Child | 17868738 | US |