FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to an optical firearm or air rifle sight that compensates for bullet drop for targets at different distances.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A traditional refractory red-dot optic utilizes a collimating lens to focus and reflect selected colors of light from a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) back to a user, creating an adjustable “red dot” that can be utilized as a targeting aid for firearms and other precision projectiles. The types and variations of the basic concept vary significantly across the market space, but only provide for customization of a reticle's shape and color. All calibration of the optic must be done at one verified range, and then estimated using the static single reticle for range, environmental conditions, and weapon/ammunition configurations.
Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved optical firearm sight that dynamically compensates for bullet drop for targets at different distances without changing the original zero. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, the optical firearm sight according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of compensating for bullet drop for targets at different distances.
The present invention provides an improved optical firearm sight, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an improved optical firearm sight that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned above.
To attain this, the preferred embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a frame having a base configured for attachment to a firearm, an optical element configured to transmit a view of a target located forward of the sight to a viewer located rearward of the sight, an illuminated element connected to the frame rearward of the optical element, the optical element being configured to reflect an image of the illuminated element to the viewer in an apparent location associated with the target, the illuminated element having a plurality of illumination states, a first state displaying a first aiming point at a first position associated with the target, and a second aiming point at a different second position associated with the target, a second state displaying the first aiming point at the first position associated with the target, and a third aiming point at a third position associated with the target and different from the first position and the second position. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the current embodiment of an optical firearm sight constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top enlarged view of movable carrier of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of sample images of the illuminated element of the optical firearm sight of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the optical firearm sight.
FIG. 5 is a top isometric enlarged view of the illuminated element of the alternative embodiment of the optical firearm sight of FIG. 4.
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
An embodiment of the optical firearm sight of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
FIG. 1 illustrates the improved optical firearm sight 10 of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an improved illuminated element 12 of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates sample images of first, second, and third aiming points 24, 26, 30 of the present invention. More particularly, the optical firearm sight has a frame 16 having a base 18 configured for attachment to a firearm. In the current embodiment, the base is configured for use with a picatinny rail located on the firearm. An optical element 20, which is a lens in the current embodiment, is configured to transmit a view of a target (not shown) located forward of the sight to a viewer located rearward of the sight. The illuminated element is connected to the frame rearward of the optical element. The optical element is configured to reflect an image of the illuminated element to the viewer in an apparent location associated with the target. The illuminated element 12 has a plurality of illumination states in the current embodiment, examples of which are shown in FIG. 3. A first state 22 displays a first aiming point 24 at a first position associated with the target, and a second aiming point 26 at a different second position associated with the target. A second state 28 displays the first aiming point at the first position associated with the target, and a third aiming point 30 at a third position associated with the target and different from the first position and the second position.
As is shown in FIG. 3, the second and third aiming points 26, 30 can be displaced from the first aiming point 24 by different amounts. The second and third aiming points can be vertically displaced from the first aiming point. The second and third aiming points can be displaced below the first aiming point. There can be a third state 32 displaying the first aiming point at the first position associated with the target, and a fourth aiming point 34 at a fourth position associated with the target and different from the first position, the second position, and the third position. The first aiming point can be associated with a target at a limited distance at a selected threshold, and the second and third aiming points can be positioned to compensate for bullet drop for targets at different distances greater than the selected threshold. The fourth aiming point can also be positioned to compensate for bullet drop for targets at a different distance greater than the selected threshold.
As is shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, the illuminated element 12 is a movable carrier 14 rotatably mounted to the frame 16 that has a different position in each of the first and second states 22, 28. The movable carrier can preferably rotate 360°. Each position locates the associated aiming points 24, 26, 30 at a focal location of the optical element. The movable carrier can have any desired quantity of positions that can fit on the movable carrier, with a range of four to more than twenty-four positions being possible. The greater the number of positions, the more known distances are available to the shooter for engaging targets without having to guess at the amount of holdover to compensate for bullet drop. The movable carrier defines a plurality of apertures 36, 38, 40, each associated with an aiming point. A light source 42 is located behind the movable carrier and fixed to the frame. The light source can be configurable using a light intensity control 44 to emit light at varying intensities and in one or more selected colors, with red and green being preferred. Detents (not visible) on the underside of the movable carrier ensure proper alignment of a selected position with the light source. A reflector mirror 46 directs light that has passed through the selected apertures in the movable carrier towards the optical element 20.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the improved optical firearm sight 100 of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the improved illuminated element 112 of the present invention. More particularly, unlike the illuminated element 12, the illuminated element 112 is fixed to a frame 114 in the alternative embodiment. The illuminated element has a plurality of illuminable elements 116, 118, 120, one associated with each of the first, second, and third aiming points 24, 26, 30 shown in FIG. 3. The first aiming point can be associated with a target at a limited distance at a selected threshold, and the second and third aiming points can be positioned to compensate for bullet drop for targets at different distances greater than the selected threshold. The illuminated element is operable to display a pair of aiming points displaced from each other by a selectable spacing. The spacing can be determined to compensate for bullet drop for targets at a different distance greater than the selected threshold. The optical firearm sight 100 includes a controller 126 operable to establish the spacing. In the current embodiment, the illuminated element is a monolithic chip having a plurality of individually addressable segments. A reflector mirror is omitted from the alternative embodiment because the illuminated element is fixed to the frame such that light emitted by the illuminable elements is aimed at the optical element 122. The frame has a base 124 configured for attachment to a firearm. In the current embodiment, the base is configured for use with a picatinny rail located on the firearm.
In the context of the specification, the terms “rear” and “rearward,” and “front” and “forward,” have the following definitions: “rear” or “rearward” means in the direction away from the muzzle of the firearm while “front” or “forward” means it is in the direction towards the muzzle of the firearm.
While a current embodiment of an optical firearm sight has 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. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20240027164
