DUAL TYPE SIGHT DEVICE

Abstract

Provided is an optical sight with a non-optical rear sight element. The optical sight has a housing, an optical screen element, a light source that projects a sighting reticle image onto a surface of the screen element. A non-optical rear sight element is positioned on the housing forward of the screen element. The non-optical rear sight element may be selectively removable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to optical sights for firearms, such as handguns, that also includes a non-optical rear sight element.

BACKGROUND

Firearms (including air guns, crossbows, etc.) conventionally incorporate a sight to aid in aligning a trajectory of the firearm with a target. Non-optical sights (sometimes referred to as “open” or “iron sights”) include longitudinally spaced apart front and rear sight elements so that, when visually aligned, the user can aim the firearm. Optical sights for firearms, such as “red dot” sights (which include various reticle styles of various color), allow quick target acquisition and easy sighting. A sighting reticle is projected (usually by a light emitting diode or LED array) onto a surface of an “optical element” (a substantially transparent lens or screen) so it is visible to the shooter. Many find these devices easier to use than non-optical sights. However, these devices typically depend on a source of electrical power (e.g., battery) to operate the light source. In the event the battery or circuitry fails, or if the viewing screen is damaged, they may become inoperable.

When these devices are mounted on a handgun slide, the rear non-optical sighting element is often removed or obscured, making the iron sights unusable for back-up use. Some optical sights have been known to include an integral non-optical rear sight element on or as part of the housing rearward of the reticle viewing screen. These are of limited utility because of their position and often cannot be aligned with the forward (front) non-optical sight element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a non-optical rear sight element integrated with an optical sight device forward of the optical viewing screen element.

According to another embodiment, the non-optical rear sight element is removable.

Other aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to a person of skill in the art from the detailed description of various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, all of which comprise part of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a first isometric view of a red-dot optical firearm sight with a removable non-optical rear sight element installed;

FIG. 2 is a similar exploded view with the non-optical rear sight element removed;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view with the non-optical rear sight element installed taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a rear view looking forward through the screen of the optical sight through which the non-optical rear sight element can be seen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawing figures, this section describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. Throughout the specification, reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, or the like. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments. “Forward” will indicate the direction of the muzzle and the direction in which projectiles are fired, while “rearward” will indicate the opposite direction. “Lateral” or “transverse” indicates a side-to-side direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the barrel. Although firearms may be used in any orientation, “left” and “right” will generally indicate the sides according to the user's orientation, “top” or “up” will be the upward direction when the firearm is gripped in the ordinary manner. As used herein, “optical sight” refers to a “red-dot” (regardless of color or reticle style) reflex or holographic, non-magnifying sight in which an aiming reticle visible to the user is projected onto a lens.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, therein is shown an optical red-dot reflex sight 10 of typical configuration that includes a housing 12, a light source 14, and a lens or screen 16 onto a surface 17 of which the light source 12 projects an image of a reticle 18 (shown in FIG. 4). The housing 12 is mountable to a firearm, such as a handgun, or other weapon to secure the device 10. According to an aspect of the invention, a non-optical rear sight 20 element is provided forward of the screen 16 so that it is viewable through the screen 16, whether or not the projected reticle image 18 is viewable. The non-optical rear sight element 20 can be situated on or integrated with the housing 12 or base in front of the screen 16. If needed, a shelf or extension 22 of the housing 12 or base can be provided below and forward of the screen 16 where the non-optical rear sight element 20 is situated. By positioning the non-optical rear sight element 20 forward of the screen 16, the shape and configuration of a housing aft of the screen does not need to accommodate a non-optical rear sight element and a clear line of sight to make it useful.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rear sight element 20 can be selectively removable. For example, it can be removably secured with threaded fasteners 24 that engage threaded openings 26 on the housing 12, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. This is easily installed or removed by the end-user of the product. Alternately, it could attach by way of a dovetail groove (not shown). The sight pattern of the non-optical rear sight element 20 can be any desired style to operably interact and align with a non-optical front sight element (not shown). Also, if desired, the non-optical rear sight element 20 can be adjustable (such as for windage and/or elevation) and/or could be illuminated by any desired means.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included and considered to fall within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claim or claims.

Claims

1. An optical sight with a non-optical rear sight element, comprising: an optical sight having a housing, an optical screen element, a light source that projects a sighting reticle image onto a surface of the screen element; anda non-optical rear sight element positioned on the housing forward of the screen element.

2. The sight of claim 1, wherein the non-optical rear sight element is selectively removable.