Patent Grant
12196530
A rifle or other weapon is typically provided with a day sight. A day sight is an optical device which operates in the visible wavelength band. It allows a user to accurately view a target and align the rifle with the target. A day sight is typically used during day light conditions.
In conditions of low light or darkness it is necessary to use a night vision device (NVD), also called a night vision element or a night sight. A night vision device may use an image intensifier, a digital image sensor (such as an image sensor which operates in the near infra red (NIR) wavelength band) or some other technology to assist vision. A night vision device may be mounted on a rifle in front of the day sight. The night vision device provides an output image which is viewed by the day sight. This type of night vision device can be called a night vision front attachment (NVD FA). An advantage of providing the night vision device as a front attachment is that the user can continue to use their main day sight in all lighting conditions. During low light conditions, the NVD FA enhances the view through the day sight.
One known way of attaching the night vision device to the rifle is by attaching the night vision device to the front end of the day sight. The night vision device has a socket which fits around the front end of the day sight and a clamp to secure the night vision device. Another known way of attaching the night vision device to the rifle is by attaching the night vision device to a body of the rifle, in front of the day sight. This has an advantage that the night vision device is supported directly by the rifle.
The day sight is typically a telescopic device with a narrow field of view. When fitting a night vision device in front of a day sight, there can be an unwanted offset between an image output by the night vision device and an optical field of view of the day sight.
There is provided a mounting apparatus for supporting a night vision device, the mounting apparatus comprising:
An advantage of at least one example or embodiment is allowing adjustment of a position of a night vision device relative to a day sight. This can allow an image output by the night vision device to be aligned centrally within a field of view of the day sight. This provides the user with a clear view of the entire image output by the night vision device.
The insert may be secured solely by inward radial pressure applied by an inner surface of the clamp around the insert, by a combination of inward radial pressure applied by the clamp around the insert and additional inward radial pressure provided by one or more fastenings which act on the outer surface of the insert, or by inward radial pressure provided by one or more fastenings which act on the outer surface of the insert.
Optionally, the clamp has a radial bore for receiving a fastening to secure the insert in a selected position. The fastening may act directly on the outer surface of the insert, or the insert may have a recess for receiving a distal end of the fastening.
Optionally, the recess is defined by radial walls of the insert, and wherein the recess has a dimension which is greater than a width of the distal end of the fastening to allow adjustment of adjustment of a position of the insert relative to the clamp. The radial walls acts as stops to limit movement of the insert relative to the clamp.
Optionally, the recess extends around the outer surface of the insert to permit rotational adjustment of a position of the insert relative to the clamp.
Optionally, there is a plurality of fastenings spaced around the clamp.
Optionally, there is a pair of fastenings at diametrically opposite positions on the clamp.
Optionally, the insert comprises a circular element with a continuous inner surface. Alternatively, the insert may comprise a plurality of arcuate segments which are spaced apart around a perimeter of the opening.
Optionally, the clamp is configured to apply a radially inwardly directed retaining force on the insert, wherein the retaining force is applied via the inner surface of the clamp.
Optionally, the clamp comprises a first C-shaped element and a second C-shaped element which together define the opening, and a fastening mechanism which is configured to tighten the first C-shaped element and the second C-shaped element together.
Optionally, each of the first C-shaped element and the second C-shaped element has a radially extending portion at each end, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to apply a retaining force between a respective radially extending portion of the first C-shaped element and the second C-shaped element.
Optionally, each of the radially extending portions has a bore for receiving a fastening.
Optionally, the clamp is provided at a forward end of the mounting apparatus, the mounting apparatus having a rearward end and a through passage between the forward end and the rearward end, the through passage including the opening.
Optionally, the mounting apparatus is configured to one of: connect to a body of a rifle; connect to a day sight.
Optionally, the clamp is provided at a forward end of the mounting apparatus, the mounting apparatus having a fitting at a rearward end for fitting to a day sight.
Optionally, the fitting comprises a clamp which defines an opening for receiving an end portion of the day sight device.
Optionally, the mounting apparatus is configured to connect to a body of a rifle, the mounting apparatus comprising a fitting for fitting to a housing of the rifle. For example, the mounting apparatus may be configured to connect to a rail on an upper face of the body of a rifle.
Optionally, the insert is removable from the clamp.
There is also provided a combination of: a night vision device comprising an end portion; and the mounting apparatus. The insert may be provided on (e.g. integrated with) the end portion of the night vision device. Alternatively, the insert may be provided as a separate element to the clamp and the night vision device.
There is also provided a clamp for use in the mounting apparatus, the clamp having an opening for receiving an end portion of the night vision device, the clamp having a concave inner surface and a longitudinal axis, wherein the clamp is configured to receive an insert having a convex outer surface, wherein the convex outer surface of the insert is movable across the concave inner surface of the clamp to allow adjustment of a position of the insert relative to the clamp about an x axis and/or a y axis which are mutually perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the clamp is configured to secure the insert in a selected position.
In another aspect there is provided a method of supporting a night vision device, comprising:
In one aspect there is provided a method of supporting a night vision device, comprising providing a mounting apparatus according to a preceding aspect; and
In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting apparatus for supporting a device, optionally an optical device, further optionally a night vision device, the mounting apparatus comprising:
The clamping means may comprise a clamp.
In another aspect there is provided a method of supporting a device, optionally an optical device, further optionally a night vision device, comprising:
Embodiments of the invention may be understood with reference to the appended claims.
Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and in particular the individual features thereof, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be taken independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may be included within any other aspect of the invention, alone or in appropriate combination with one or more other features.
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
The night vision device 30 can take various forms. In broad terms, the night vision device 30 provides an output image under low light conditions. Examples of night vision devices are described in EP 2 843 354 A1 and WO 2019/162926 A1. The night vision device may have a forward optical assembly (e.g. one or more lenses) at the forward end of the imaging device and a rearward optical assembly (e.g. one or more lenses) at the rearward end of the imaging device. The night vision device may comprise an image intensifier device positioned between the forward optical assembly and the rearward optical assembly. Alternatively, the night vision device may comprise an image sensor and a display positioned between the forward optical assembly and the rearward optical assembly. The image sensor may operate in the near infra red (IR) wavelength band. Incoming light is detected by the image sensor, image data is read from the image sensor and processed by a processor or electronics in the digital domain, and an image is output by the display. The displayed image is viewed via the day sight 20. Alternatively, the night vision device may use some other technology to assist vision. The night vision device may comprise a power source (e.g. a battery).
An insert 70 is configured to locate within the opening of the clamp. In this example the insert 70 is a tubular or ring-shaped element. The insert 70 has a cylindrical inner surface 72 for locating against the neck of the night vision device. When the insert 70 is centrally located, the inner surface 72 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 54 of the mount 50. In use, the insert 70 is positioned between the clamp 60 and the neck of the night vision device 30. In use, the fastenings 66 can be tightened to cause the clamp elements 61, 62 to move towards one another, thereby tightening the clamp 60 and the insert 70 around the neck of the night vision device. In this example the insert 70 is a cylindrical-shaped element with a continuous inner surface 72. Other possible forms of the insert are described later.
In this example the mount 50 comprises a second fitting at the second (rearward) end 52 of the mount for fitting to the day sight device 20. In this example, the second fitting at the rearward end 52 of the mount comprises a clamp with a generally hoop-shaped element 56 which defines an opening for receiving a forward end of the day sight 20. The hoop-shaped element 56 has a pair of radially extending portions (ears) 57. There is a radially extending portion 57 at each end of the hoop-shaped element 59. The radially extending portions 57 each have a bore. The bores in adjacent ears 57 axially align with one another. A fastening 58 is fitted to the bores in the adjacent radially extending portions 57. The fastening is a bolt, a screw or any other suitable fastening. An adjustment lever 59 is provided to tighten or loosen the fastening 58. In use, the fastening 58 can be tightened to cause the ends (and ears) of the clamp 56 to move towards one another, thereby tightening the clamp and the day sight.
The insert 70 can be secured in a desired position with respect to the clamp 60. In this example, this is achieved by a combination of inward radial pressure applied by the clamp 60 around the insert 70 and by additional inward radial pressure provided by one or more fastenings 74 which act on the outer surface of the insert 70. A recess 73 is formed on the outer surface of the insert 70 at two diametrically opposite positions. These are positions adjacent to where adjustment fastenings 74 are located. The clamp elements 61, 62 each have a radial bore 65 to receive one of the fastenings 74. The radial bore 65 and the fastening 74 are threaded. The recesses 73 provide a region in which the insert 70 can be moved with respect to the fastenings 74. Each recess 73 has a radial wall 76 at a forward side and at a rearward side of the recess 73. The radial wall 76 functions as an end stop to limit movement of the insert 70 when it is rotated forward and backward about the x-axis. Although it is not visible in the cross-section, a radial wall 76 can also be provided on left and right sides of the recess, i.e. at positions which are circumferentially offset from the fastening 74 around the insert. Alternatively, the recess 73 can extend further around the insert 70. For example, the recess could be a continuous annular groove around the outer surface of the insert.
When a fastening 74 is fitted to the clamp element 61, a distal end of the fastening 74 locates within the recess 73 of the insert. The insert 70 can move with respect to the clamp until the fastening 74 presses against the radial wall 76. This prevents further movement of the insert 70. In this example, the radial walls 76 and the convex outer surface 78 of the insert are symmetrical about a centre line half-way along the depth of the insert 70. Other configurations are possible. A distal (inner) end of the fastening 74 applies a force which is directed radially-inwardly on the insert 70.
In addition, rotation about the longitudinal axis 54 may be possible by rotating the night vision device 30 with respect to the insert 70. The amount of movement may be constrained by the tightness of the clamp 60 and fastenings 74. Rotation about the longitudinal axis 54 may be possible by rotating the insert 70 with respect to the clamp 60. The amount of rotational movement may be constrained by the shape of the recess 73. For example, the radial wall 76 of the recess 73 may only extend for a circumferential distance sufficient to accommodate the fastening 74.
An example of fitting the night vision device 30 to the mount 50 will now be described. In this example, the insert 70 is provided as part of the mount 50. Initially, the first C-shaped element 61 and the second C-shaped element 62 of the clamp 60 are loosely coupled together so that opening 53 is large enough to allow the neck of the night vision device 30 to be pushed into the opening. Then, the fastenings 66 are tightened (but not fully tightened) to cause the first C-shaped element 61 and the second C-shaped element 62 of the clamp 60 to close around the insert 70. This causes the clamp 60 and the insert 70 to loosely grip the neck of the night vision device 30. At this stage, the night vision device 30 can move relative to the insert 70. This can allow the user to rotate the night vision device 30 until a rectangular image from the display of the night vision device 30 is horizontally aligned within the field of view of the day sight 20. At this stage, the insert 70 can move relative to the clamp 60. This allows the user to adjust the position of the The degree of adjustment may be limited by the end stops (76,
It will be understood that the mount also allows movement of the night vision device 30 relative to the mount 50 about a y-axis, or a combination of x-axis and y-axis.
It is also possible to rotate the night vision device 30 about the longitudinal axis 34 of the night vision device 30. One possible way of performing rotational adjustment of the night vision device is by rotating the night vision device 30 within the insert 70, before the fastenings 74 and the clamp 60 are fully tightened. When the insert 70 has an annular grove on an outer surface of the insert, another possible way of performing rotational adjustment of the night vision device is by rotating the night vision device 30 and insert 70 within the clamp 60, before the fastenings 74 and the clamp 60 are fully tightened.
A neck of a night vision device 30 may have a diameter which differs between different manufacturers. Advantageously the opening of the clamp 50 has dimensions matched to a neck of a night vision device 30.
The mount 150 has a clamp 60 and insert 70 as described above with reference to
Alternative Forms of Insert
In the example shown in
The insert 70 shown above is a generally cylindrical-shaped element with a continuous inner surface 72.
Alternative Forms of Clamp
The clamp 60 shown above a pair of generally C-shaped, or semi-circular shaped, elements 61, 62. The clamp may have a different form.
Alternative Forms of Mount
The insert can be made from a range of possible materials. The insert may be made from a polymer material, metal or any other suitable material. The insert may be a rigid material.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012508 | Aug 2020 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/072426 | 8/11/2021 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2022/034155 | 2/17/2022 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6640481 | Williams | Nov 2003 | B1 |
| 20160377385 | Culp | Dec 2016 | A1 |
| 20190368840 | Banes | Dec 2019 | A1 |
| 20210025676 | Reis Green | Jan 2021 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2843354 | Mar 2015 | EP |
| 2019162926 | Aug 2019 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report for corresponding application PCT/EP2021/072426 filed Aug. 11, 2021; Mail date Nov. 15, 2021. |
| Written Opinion for corresponding application PCT/EP2021/072426 filed Aug. 11, 2021; Mail date Nov. 15, 2021. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230266101 A1 | Aug 2023 | US |
