Patent Application
20170299332
The present invention relates generally to firearm accessories, and more specifically relates to a firearm sight adjustment and installation tool configured to facilitate and expedite firearm sight installations and adjustments.
Semi-Automatic handguns usually feature two sighting elements, a front sight and a rear sight. The proper alignment of these in regards of the barrel ensures that the shots strike where the shooter intends. The fore-mentioned alignment can become incorrect if the sights move on the slide due to continued battering which sights are prone to suffer during use. Firearm sights may also be inaccurate when they have been exchanged for new sights, losing the setting of the previously installed sights.
Iron sights are optical-mechanical elements normally attached at the top of the slide of semi-automatic handguns. Sights are usually mechanically secured in the desired position by the use of a dovetail, and are held by friction. Iron sights are usually changed due to the personal preference of the user of the handgun. It is not uncommon for a model of handgun to have many types of different sight designs available in the market, thus allowing the user of a handgun to configure his gun to his liking. Once the sights are changed, the alignment of these in respect of the slide is lost, and therefore re-aligned by test firing the gun, a process called sighting-in. Sighting-in is usually done at a gun range, were the gun is shot and the point of impact observed. If the point of impact if different than where the gun was aimed, the sights require adjustment. This is achieved by moving the front or rear sight.
The proper alignment of sights can traditionally only be achieved by test firing the handgun at a firing range, and then making the proper adjustments on-site. All current devices that do this task require the disassembly of the slide from the frame, which is conventionally a very inconvenient thing to do at the shooting range. Furthermore, these devices are bulky and a hassle to carry in a range bag or case. The proposed invention tackles these two major issues.
In short, sight alignment devices that exist on the market today are not catered to use on the firing range, and are therefore not easily portable. Additionally, many of the tools are ill-equipped to allow an individual to install or entirely remove a sight from a firearm while at the range.
Thus, there is a need for an apparatus such as a portable sight adjustment and installation device that enables an individual to adjust and/or install the front sight and the rear sight of a firearm without the need to remove the slide, whereby the adjustment of the firearm sights may be facilitated and expedited while at the range. Such a device is preferably smaller than traditional adjustment tools, and therefore more portable. Additionally, such a device may preferably equipped with a spacer block to provide the room necessary to remove and/or install a firearm sight to the slide of the firearm easily using the same tool used for sight adjustment.
The present invention described herein differentiates from the prior art by having a design that allows it to be configured for sight installations as well as sight adjustments. The present invention comprises a portable solution, making it easy to transport to the firing range, and allowing the adjustment of rear sights without requiring disassembly of the handgun that needs sighting-in.
The present invention is a device for the adjustment and/or installation of sights of handguns comprising of: a plate, the plate preferably having a square shape with rounded corners and having three holes; a plate with nuts that is of a similar square shape with rounded corners, featuring three holes and three welded nuts; a quick reference which is preferably comprised of a square with a notch that resembles a rear sight, a triangle that represents the direction the sight is pushed towards, an arrow that represents the consequence action, an irregular circle that represents the point of impact, and an arrow that represents the displacement of the point of impact. Additionally, two tightening screws are preferably included, each having a shaft with a threaded portion with a step and a knob; a drift screw being this comprised of a shaft with a threaded portion, a threaded hole and knob; an interchangeable pushing element comprised of a threaded shaft, unthreaded portion, and (in some embodiments) a domed face. In some embodiments, the domed face may one of many interchangeable pushing elements having one of a variety of shapes and/or material compositions. The plate and plate with nuts are preferably independent components, connected together by two tightening screws, creating a space that allows the present invention to clamp to the slide of a handgun. The interchangeable pushing element pushes the sight that needs adjustment by the means of the axial advancing movement provided by the drift screw.
The present invention also relates to the methods for using a device for the adjustment or installation of sights of handguns, this method comprising the steps of: a handgun requiring sight adjustment or installation. Then the user assembles an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the user checks the quick reference disposed on the plate with nuts for the orientation of the assembly of the embodiment in regards to the slide of the handgun. Then, the user locks the slide of the handgun back. Then, the user installs adapters according to the make and/or model of the handgun to be sighted. Masking tape may alternatively be applied to the slide in the event that adapters are not included, or are not needed for the handgun. If a sight installation or removal is being performed, a spacer block is disposed between the plate and the adapter disposed opposite of the plate with nuts. The spacer block is preferably held in position via a magnet against the plate or plate with nuts. Then, the slide is placed between the adapters, disposed between the plates of the present invention, and the user positions the sight of the handgun within reach of the interchangeable pushing element. Next, the user tightens the tightening screws, causing the adapters to compress against the slide of the firearm. Then, the user adjusts the sight of the firearm by tightening the drift screw, compressing the interchangeable pushing element into the sight on the slide of the handgun. Finally, the user disassembles the device of the present invention, removing it from the slide of the handgun. The user then test fires the handgun, checking for increased or decreased accuracy to determine the success of the sight adjustment or installation.
The main object of the device of the present invention is the non-requirement of handgun disassembly for rear sight adjustments. An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device that does not damage the sight or the slide during operation. A further object of the present invention is to provide a device that is easy to transport and to use on-site at the firing range. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used without any external or independent devices. A further object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used in a wide variety of models of firearms and firearm sights. As such, the present invention is preferably equipped with a variety of adapters configured to enable the device of the present invention to facilitate the adjustment of sights on a vast majority of handguns. A further object of the invention is to provide a device which has an interchangeable pushing element, which may be interchanged at the will of the user with an alternate pushing element fashioned of different materials and shapes. As such the user will select and install the appropriate pushing element according to the shape and fit of the sight that needs adjustment. This allows for safer and easier sight adjustment and installation which minimizes the risk of causing damage to the sight or the firearm itself.
The present invention is also preferably equipped with a quick reference guide disposed on a side of the device for the user to easily know how to use the device while the device is in-hand. A further object of the invention is to provide a device which can be used to adjust both the front and rear sights of a handgun.
The drift screw tip and the drift screw, despite being two separate parts, are permanently screwed together and are not meant for disassembly. The drift screw is screwed through the center nut of the plate with nuts. The interchangeable pushing element is inserted on the drift screw tip, and the guiding plate is inserted through the slots of the interchangeable pushing element. Due to the inner diameter of the drift screw tip being larger than that of the inner width of the legs of the guiding plate, this part snaps in place once the inner diameter portion gets to the cut present on the guiding plate legs.
A tightening screw is inserted through a hole of the plate, then through the guiding plate bushing and finally it is screwed in on to the top screw of the plate with nuts. Afterwards, the second tightening screw is inserted in the opposite hole of the plate and screwed into position at the bottom of the plate with nuts. Depending on the task, the long tightening screws will be used for sight installations (using the spacer block) or the short ones for sight adjustment. The short screws can also be used for sight installations on guns with very narrow slides such as sub-compact models.
Once the basic structure of the present invention is assembled, the spacer block and the adapters are attached to the tool. For sight removals, the spacer block is assembled on the plate, whereas for sight installations, the spacer block is assembled on the plate with nuts. For sight adjustments, only the adapters are assembled onto the tool, if required, omitting the spacer block for the sight adjustment only.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements in which:
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide through understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In other instances, well known processes, steps, and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
The schematic flow chart included is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the present method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.
Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connector may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method proceeds, may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
Starting in
The guiding plate 200 of the present invention can be seen in detail in
The adapters 220 of the present invention are unique in that they enable the device of the present invention to function with a wide variety of handgun makes and models comprising a wide assortment of sizes. Many handguns are equipped with mechanical or cosmetic protrusions at or near the sight, which would otherwise cause the slide of the handgun to be insufficiently held in position between the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 of the present invention. As such, adapters 220 are employed to provide additional spacing via an adapter accommodation 290, as seen in
The adapters 220 of the present invention not only allow for the ‘masking tape-free’ use of the present invention, but also enable use of the present invention on slides with steps (such as the slide found on the Springfield TM XD), tapers (such as those found on the Springfield TM XDM), slide-mounted safeties (such as those found on the Beretta 92), or other special cases, including the H&K TM VP9, which features a tapered slide and slide cocking protrusions. This is achieved by varying the shape of the surface of the adapter 220 that contacts the slide of the handgun, shown as the adapter accommodation 290 in
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate 10 further features a top hole 16, a center hole 17, and a bottom hole 18. The top hole 16 and the bottom hole 18 are meant for the tightening screws 12 to pass through. The center hole 17 allows the drift screw 13 to pass through when the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 are resting one on top of another. An added functionality of the center hole 17 is to weaken the plate 10 and make it more prone to bending. The at least one adapter 220 is preferably disposed between the plate 10 and the plate with nuts 11 to provide a correct fit for the firearm in need of sight adjustment, as well as to protect the slide of the firearm from damage during adjustment or installation. This allows the user of the embodiment to better control the tightening of the embodiment to the slide 36a, and be more aware of the force applied with the drift screw 13 to the interchangeable pushing element 14 such that it does not create an indentation in the rear sight 35a. Anyone skilled in the art would know that this feature can be calibrated by varying the thickness of the plate 10. In certain embodiments, the center hole 17 is omitted.
In certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of steel. In certain embodiments, plate 10 is made out of aluminum. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of brass. In other certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of plastic. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of a combination of materials mentioned thereof.
In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating. In other certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish such as Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating. In certain embodiments, the flat surface that contacts with the slide 20 of plate 10 has a plastic over-coating or molding.
Continuing in
The plate with nuts 11 further features a top hole 16, a center hole 17 and a bottom hole 18. The top hole 16 and the bottom hole 18 are meant for the tightening screws 12 to pass through. The center hole 17 allows the drift screw 13 to pass through. On the opposite side of the top hole 16, the top nut 24 is welded in place. The top nut 24 is coaxial to the top hole 16. On the opposite side of the center hole 17, the center nut 26 is welded in place. The center hexagonal nut is coaxial to the top hole 16. On the opposite side of the bottom hole 18, the bottom nut 27 is welded in place. The center nut 26 is coaxial to the center hole 17. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the center hole 17 and the center nut 26 are not coaxial. In certain embodiments, the center nut 26 is taller or not equal size or type to the top nut 24 and the bottom nut 27.
In certain embodiments, the top nut 24, the center nut 26 and the bottom nut 27 are integral part of the plate with nuts 11. The illustrated weld 28 is performed by the MAG method. In certain embodiments, the weld 28 is performed by the TIG method. In certain embodiments the weld 28 is performed by the resistance method. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 is made out of steel. In certain embodiments, plate with nuts 11 is made out of aluminum. In certain embodiments, the plate 11 is made out of brass. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 is made out of plastic. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 is made out of a combination of materials mentioned thereof In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like PVD. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating. In certain embodiments, the flat surface that contacts with the slide 20 of plate with nuts 11 has a plastic over molding.
As illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like PVD. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating.
As illustrated in
In certain embodiments of the present invention, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like PVD. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating.
Continuing in
The material choice of the interchangeable pushing element 14 can allow this embodiment to deform or bend to avoid indentations in the sight of the firearm. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is brass. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is soft steel. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is hardened steel. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is plastic. Anyone skilled in the art would know that by changing the shape of the unthreaded portion 48, the bending and mushing characteristics of the interchangeable pushing element 14 can be altered.
The quick reference 23 is composed of several shapes that represent part of the sight adjustment process. As seen in
In the preferred embodiment, the quick reference 23 is situated on the plate with nuts 11 between the center nut 26 and the bottom nut 27. In certain embodiments, the quick reference 23 is situated on the plate 10 between the center hole 17 and the bottom hole 18. In certain embodiments, the quick reference 23 is omitted. In certain embodiments the quick reference 23 is laser engraved. In certain embodiments the quick reference 23 is silk-screen printed. In certain embodiments the quick reference 23 is a sticker.
As represented on
Jumping to
Moving forward to
The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be stored in a package having the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 resting one on top of another. The accompanying tightening screws 12 and drift screw 13 with interchangeable pushing element 14 are situated in an interlacing manner next to the plates to minimize bulk. As known by anyone skilled in the art, the packaging 37 can be substituted for any different types of bags, varying in style and construction materials.
To conclude, the
In short, the method of use of the present invention is as follows:
For installing sights, the slide of the handgun should be disassembled from the frame of the firearm, and the barrel and recoil spring removed. For more convenient use of the present invention, securing the slide on a vice is recommended. The present invention is configured with an adapter 220 on the plate with nuts 11 and the spacer block 230 with (or without) an adapter 220 attached to the plate 10. Masking tape may alternatively be employed if adapters 220 are not present, or are not needed. The present invention is then clamped to the rear part of the slide of the firearm, and is then aligned using the interchangeable pushing element 14. Once the firearm is properly aligned, the drift screw 13 is tightened, and the sight can be removed from the slide by actuating the drift screw 13.
To install a sight, the present invention is detached from the slide. The adapter has to be popped off from the plate with nuts and the spacer block removed from the plate. After, the spacer block has to be attached to the plate with nuts, and the adapter has to be attached to the plate (if required).
To align the tool to the slide, the drift screw is extended as much as to clear the spacer block. Then the tool is attached to the slide, and the interchangeable pushing element 14 must touch the base of the dovetail 25 and be more or less centered on it. The new sight is rested on top the spacer block 230 and aligned by hand in position. Using the drift screw 13, the sight is inserted in slowly by tightening the drift screw 13.
For front sights, the process is very similar, but these additional steps must be taken:
a. The drift screw 13 may not be able to reach the front sight effectively, needing it to be assembled angled.
b. The spacer block 230 with the adapter 220 may need to be sided down as to allow the front sight to pass through.
c. The guiding plate 200 can be detached from the guiding plate bushing 210 and re-oriented as to the interchangeable pushing element 14 in order to achieve better contact with the sight if needed.
The process for adjusting (not removing or installing sights) is similar to the one used for sight installations, with the following differences:
1. For rear sight adjustments, there is no need to disassemble the slide from the gun.
2. The tool is assembled without the spacer block and using the short tightening screws.
3. Depending on the direction in which the point of impact (or center of the sight) needs to be moved, the tool can be assembled one way or the other.
It should be noted that the present invention may be equipped with a dial indicator 240 as shown in
Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
This application is a continuation application of continuation-in-part patent application Ser. No. 15/154,609, filed on May 13, 2016, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,464,870, which is a continuation of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/541,189, filed on Nov. 14, 2014, and priority is claimed thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15154609 | May 2016 | US |
| Child | 15290193 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14541189 | Nov 2014 | US |
| Child | 15154609 | US |
