WO2009058721A1

WO2009058721A1 - A reflective sighting apparatus for firearms

Info

Publication number: WO2009058721A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/081293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary G. Makowski
Original assignee: Makowski Gary G
Priority date: 2007-11-02
Filing date: 2008-10-27
Publication date: 2009-05-07

Abstract

A sight apparatus for firearms comprises a shroud mounted on top of the barrel of a firearm proximal to the nose thereof. The shroud defines a hollow with an opening rearward. A reflector is mounted within the hollow and is oriented to reflect an image toward the rear of the firearm. A rear sight object is mounted on top of the barrel of the firearm distal from the nose and is symmetrically positioned on top of the centerline of the firearm bore such that when the firearm is oriented so that an image of said rear sight object is perceivable in substantially the center of the reflector, the firearm bore is oriented to a desired position in the horizontal plane with respect to a target.

Description

REFLECTIVE SIGHTING APPARATUS FOR FIREARMS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

Figure 1 illustrates a technique for sighting a firearm in the prior art;

Figure 2 illustrates a technique for sighting a firearm in the prior art;

Figure 3 illustrates a technique for sighting a firearm in the prior art;

Figure 4 depicts an exemplary handgun adapted to include one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates the technique for sighting that is enabled by the present invention;

Figures 6A and 6B show a perspective view and a front elevational view of a shroud according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a shroud with a reflector within it according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is another illustration of the sighting technique enabled by the present invention;

Figure 9 depicts a handgun configured with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 illustrates the technique for sighting enabled by the embodiment of Figure 9;

Figure 11 depicts a handgun configured with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 illustrates a technique for sighting a gun enabled by the embodiment of Figure 11 ;

Figure 13 shows a front view of a shroud with a reflector apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows an exemplary rear sight picture that may be viewed using the embodiment of Figure 11 ; Figure 15 depicts a handgun with a still further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 illustrates a technique for sighting a gun enabled by the embodiment of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a sight picture that may be perceived when using the embodiment of Figure 15;

Figure 18 illustrates a sighting technique and apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention using prisms;

Figure 19 shows the sight picture perceived using the embodiment illustrated in Figure 18;

Figure 20 illustrates a sighting technique and apparatus of a further embodiment of the present invention using prisms;

Figure 21 shows the sight picture perceived using the embodiment of Figure 20;

Figure 22 depicts an assault rifle-type firearm configured with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a top plan view of the rear sight member used in the embodiment of Figure 22;

Figure 24 shows an exemplary front sight picture perceivable using the embodiment of Figures 22, and 23;

Figure 25 depicts an assault rifle-type firearm configured with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 depicts an assault rifle-type firearm configured with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 illustrates one possible rear sight member for use in embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 28 illustrates one possible rear sight member for use in embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 29 illustrates exemplary means for adjusting lateral position of rear sight member;

Figure 30 is a top plan view of the adjusting means of Figure 29;

Figure 31 is a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 32 is a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33 is a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 34 is a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 35 is a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 36 is a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 37 is a pivotally mounted reflector for vertical plane adjustment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to Figures 1 through 37 of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

The drawings represent and illustrate examples of the various embodiments of the invention, and not a limitation thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as described herein. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be included in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Moreover, variations in selection of materials and/or characteristics may be practiced to satisfy particular desired user criteria. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications as come within the scope of the features and their equivalents.

Furthermore, reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "various embodiments," or any variant thereof means that a particular feature or aspect of the invention described in conjunction with the particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," or variations thereof in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to its respective embodiment.

Figures 1 through 3 illustrate a conventional manner to sight and aim a firearm 1. In general, the firearm 1 includes a front sight 2, and a rear sight 3. The rear sight includes a notch 4 or recess that is located on top of the blade and configured so that it is symmetrically disposed about a line parallel to the gun bore. To aim the gun, the shooter must line up the front sight 2 so that it is visible within the notch 4 of the rear sight, and then line this picture on the intended target 5. Since aiming is essentially positioning the barrel of the gun at the correct elevation and azimuth, the shooter must line the front sight centrally within the notch 4 to aim in the horizontal plane and, usually, the top of the front sight 2 with the top of the rear sight 3 to aim in the vertical plane. The problem this aiming technique creates is that the shooter must constantly adjust focus at three different ranges: the rear sight, the front sight and the target.

An improvement over the conventional technique is shown in one exemplary embodiment in Figures 4 through 8. Gun 40 includes a rear sight component 41 mounted to the top of the rear portion of the gun barrel, the rear sight component 41 having a sighting object 44, which, in this embodiment, is an aiming line, visible thereon. Aiming line 44 is oriented to be in the same vertical plane as the gun's bore axis. A front reflector 43 is mounted toward the forward end of the gun barrel. Optionally, though preferably, a shroud 42 is mounted over the reflector 43 so that the reflector is housed within it. The shroud 42 prevents extraneous reflections from being observed by the shooter. To aim, the shooter need only look at the front reflector 43 to observe the reflected image 52 of the aiming line. Then, positioning this image 52 so that it is generally in the same vertical plane as the target correctly aims the gun barrel in the horizontal, or azimuthal plane.

Aiming in the vertical plane (elevation) is achieved by using vertical references 61a, b, which are best seen in Figures 6A, B, and 7. Vertical references 61 in this embodiment are inward extensions of the shroud 42 opening. They are preferably of identical dimensions and located in the same horizontal plane (indicated by the dashed line in Figure 7). To aim in the vertical plane as well as the horizontal plane, the shooter positions the gun barrel such that the reflected image 52 is in the same vertical plane as the target, and the reflected image is in a desired vertical relationship with respect to the horizontal plane defined by the vertical references 61. This desired vertical relationship between the reflected image 52 and the vertical references 61 will depend upon the elevation at which the shooter desires to position the gun barrel. At short ranges, where the shooter may position the gun barrel in the same horizontal plane as the target to achieve the desired accuracy, the desired vertical relationship may be found by locating the vertical references on the shroud at a height that is at the same level as the top of the rear sight component as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, wherein the dashed line showing the co-planar relationship of the vertical references and is not intended to indicate or illustrate a structural component. Figure 8 displays a profile view of the gun with the exemplary sighting apparatus.

In another embodiment, discussed with reference to Figure 9, rear sight component 91 is a wedge, configured such that its upper surface, which displays the aiming line 94, is angled with respect to the gun bore axis, the rearward portion of the wedge component 91 being thicker than its forward portion. Reflector 43 is housed within shroud 42 and mounted toward the forward portion of the barrel. Figure 10 illustrates sighting using this embodiment.

Figure 10 also shows another possible implementation of the front reflector where the front reflector 1001 is angled in the gun's longitudinal plane (defined by the gun bore). It is well-known that accuracy in the elevation plane is a function of the range of the target from the shooter. A projectile fired from a gun travels in a parabolic arc. In many cases, at longer range the gun barrel must be positioned with a slightly greater elevation in order to hit the target. In an embodiment employing vertical references on the shroud, angling the front reflector 1001 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the gun allows the shooter to sight the gun higher to prevent the fired projectile from hitting low or short of the target. Reflector may be, therefore, mounted to the top of the gun barrel in such a manner as to allow the shooter to adjust the angle of the reflector in the longitudinal plane, either by manually moving the reflector or through mechanical means. Figure 37 depicts one possible way to achieve a reflector 43 that is adjustable in the vertical plane. The front, non-reflecting surface of reflector 43 is mounted to a pin 3701 which is pivotally mounted in shroud 42. Rotation of pin 3701 pivots reflector 43 in the vertical plane. The mirror may then be adjustable in the vertical plane by either rotating an exposed end of the pin 3701 or pushing the top of the bottom of the reflector 43 within the shroud 42. This configuration is of particular advantage when vertical references are imprinted or displayed on the surface of reflector 42 as described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 31- 36.

A further embodiment is shown in Figures 11 through 14. in this version, rear sight components comprise two sighting objects 1101 a, b mounted to the top of the gun and angled laterally from the gun bore axis plane 1104. Front reflector 1143 is a bifurcated reflector having two reflecting portions (1143a, b) abutting each other on the gun bore axis plane 1104 and angled toward each other. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the manner in which this embodiment is sighted. As the shooter looks into the bifurcated reflector, an image 1152a, b of each of rear sight members will be perceivable. The reflecting portions 1143a, b of bifurcated reflector are angled so that the reflected image 1152b of the right sighting object 1101 b appears in the left reflecting portion 1143a, and the reflected image 1152a of the left sighting object1101a appears in the right reflecting portion 1143b. Proper sighting alignment, i.e., the gun barrel properly aimed, when the two reflected images 1152a, b appear to form a "chevron," or the like, an exemplary illustration appears in Figure 13.

A further exemplary embodiment appears Figures 15 through 17. Rear sight member 1501 is a wedge affixed to the top rear portion of the gun. Perceivable on rear sight member 1501 is a "sighting object" which in this embodiment is an ova!, or ellipse 1504. In this embodiment front reflector 1543 is a partial reflector, meaning that it is transparent to some light impingent thereon from the target. Front reflector 1543 is angled with respect to the longitudinal plane, and may include a shroud 1542 having lateral and top walls, but where the reflector constitutes the wall on the target, or down-range side. To aim the gun, the shooter looks into the reflector 1543 and positions the gun barrel until the reflected image 1552 of the ellipse appears to be a circle (best shown in Figure 17) and is superimposed over the target 1505 which is perceivable as a result of the reflector 1543 being a partial reflector. The shooter moving the gun barrel and achieving this sight picture in the reflector positions the gun barrel properly with respect to both azimuth and elevation.

It should be noted that variations of the shape of the sighting object are permissible and the sighting object need not be an ellipse. Preferably, the sighting object should be elongated in the longitudinal plane so that when viewed in the partial reflector, the image becomes more equilateral. For example, if the sighting object is a rectangle, then the reflected image when the gun barrel is properly positioned will be a square. If the sighting object is an isosceles triangle, the resulting reflected image indicating proper aiming will be an equilateral triangle.

With reference now to Figures 18 and 19, a still further embodiment includes a rear sight member 1501 with a sighting object 1504, which in this case is again, an ellipse. In this case, front reflector 1843 is achieved with a beam-splitter prism apparatus, or combination of prisms 1844a, b, c. An exemplary beam-splitter comprises a lowermost prism 1844a is mounted to the gun barrel so that its hypotenuse is oriented about a 45 E angle to the gun bore axis, and, thus, light 1807 from sighting object 1504 is reflected at roughly a right angle away from the gun bore axis in the longitudinal plane. Intermediate prism1844b is affixed to lower prism 1844a such that their respective right angles are adjacent. The hypotenuse of the intermediate prism is now at a right angle to the lower prism's 1844a hypotenuse creating another perpendicular reflection. A third prism 1844c is secured to the intermediate prism 1844b by abutting the respective hypotenuses. While all of the prisms may be secured together with an adhesive, a semi-reflective coating is applied to either surface of the hypotenuses of the intermediate and third prisms 1844b, c. In the alternative, a pellicle, or membrane, may be insinuated between the abutting surfaces. Thus, whiie light from the sighting object is reflected back toward the rear of the gun, light 1808 from the target 1805 passes through the third prism and through the intermediate prism to render a sight picture that combines the reflected image 1852 and the target 1805. To aim, the shooter positions the gun barrel such that the reflected image 1852 is superimposed over the target 1805. Those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that a beam-splitter device may be implemented in a variety of ways, and therefore, should not be considered limited in any way to the structure disclosed herein. Additionally, skilled artisans will appreciate that the beam-splitter angle of orientation with respect to gun bore axis may be adjustable to position the reflected image properly in relation to the gun bore, i.e., "bore-sighting." In conjunction, the angle of the wedge is preferably adjustable as well, in order to maintain a proper sight picture as disclosed hereinabove.

Figures 20 and 21 disclose a further variant, this using a prism mechanism as a substantially total reflector 1943. In this case, there is no beam-splitting, and so, the target 1905 is not visible through the reflector 1943. The reflector 1843 is comprised of one or more prisms 1944a, b positioned so that light 1907 from the sighting object 1904 is reflected roughly perpendicularly off the interior of the lower 45E surface 1945a to the interior of the upper 45E surface 1945b which reflects it roughly perpendicularly back to the shooter. The sight picture that results is depicted in Figure 21 where reflected image 1952 appears. The shooter aims by positioning the gun barrel so that reflected image 1952 appears as the proper desired shape (i.e., circle, square, equilateral triangle, etc.).

Another embodiment, which may be employed with an assault rifle (shown in dashed outline) is shown in Figures 22 through 23. Rear sight member 2201 with sighting object 2204 is mounted to the carrying handle. In this embodiment, rear sight member 2201 may be a wedge or a flat piece mounted at an angle such that sighting object is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the weapon. Secured to the front sight is front reflector 2243, which is preferably housed within shroud 2242. Shroud 2242 and front reflector 2243 may be mounted to a stanchion, or retro-fitted to be mounted to front sights on assault rifie models now in the market. Reflector 2243 may be angled, as shown, or may be perpendicular with respect to the gun bore. Preferably, reflector 2243 angle is adjustable. Aiming is achieved as described previously with respect to the earlier-disclosed embodiments.

Another version of a vertical reference is shown in Figure 24 where shroud 2242 includes a single vertical reference 2461 that is a parallel member that spans the distance between the two lateral shroud walls. As described previously, aiming in elevation may be achieved by positioning the gun barrel so that the reflected image 2452 appears in a desired relationship with respect to the vertical reference.

With reference now to Figure 25, the sighting system is again adapted to be used with an assault rifle-type of weapon, again shown in dashed outline.. In this version, however, rear sight member 2601 is mounted to rifle carrying handle and extends relatively perpendicularly from roughly an point intermediate the front and the rear of the carrying handle. Shroud 2242 and reflector 2543 are mounted on a stanchion where the front sight would be in a conventional rifle. The reflector 2543 is shown mounted at an angle, but, as with other versions described in detail above, the reflector 2543 may also be perpendicular to gun bore. Figure 26 depicts an adaptation where the rear sight member 2601 is mounted to the rear portion of the carrying handle. Another variant is shown in Figures 29 and 30 where rear sight member 2901 is mounted perpendicularly with gun bore on an adjusting screw 2951 that is supported by side walls 2945, Screw 2951 has one end that extends through sidewall 2945 on one side which end includes a knob 2961 that facilitates turning screw 2951. Rear sight member 2901 includes a threaded bore through which screw 2951 is inserted. Application of torque to the screw results in lateral movement of rear sight member 2901 to allow the shooter to adjust for windage.

Examples of sighting objects 2752, 2852 that may be used with any of the rear sight members described and depicted in the present application are shown in Figures 27, and 28.

With reference now to Figures 31 through 36, another embodiment is disclosed where vertical references may be on the reflector 3143, rather than on the shroud. Some exemplary reference indicators include a single vertical reference, for example a line oriented horizontally with respect to the gun (Fig, 31 ), or dual references defining the same horizontal plane, for example two co- planar lines 3203a,b (Fig. 32), carets 3503 a, b (Fig. 35), triangles 3403a, b (Fig. 34), rectangles 3303a, b (Fig. 33), or some other suitable indicia, may be imposed on the surface of the reflector through printing or etching. For that matter, a reticle 3603, shown in Figure 36, may be disposed upon the surface of the reflector. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts that multiple vertical references may be used to indicate more that one elevation. In addition, in any of these embodiments in which indicia are imposed upon the reflector 3143, one or more horizontal references of any shape may be used to aid in positioning the gun barrel correctly in the azimuth plane. For example, one or more carets 3503a, b may be used. It should be noted that where opposing horizontal references are employed, they should define the same vertical plane with respect to the gun barrel or gun bore, as shown in Figure 35. As described above and shown in the associated drawings, the present invention comprises a reflective sighting apparatus for firearms. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications that incorporate those features or those improvements that embody the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sight apparatus for firearms comprising: a shroud mounted on top of the barrel of a firearm proximal to the nose thereof, said shroud defining a hollow with an opening rearward away from the nose; a reflector mounted within said hollow oriented to reflect an image toward the rear of the firearm; and a rear sight object mounted on top of the barrel of the firearm distal from the nose thereof symmetrically positioned on top of the centerline of the firearm bore such that when the firearm is oriented so that an image of said rear sight object is perceivable in substantially the center of said reflector, the firearm bore is oriented to a desired position in the horizontal plane with respect to a target.

2. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said rear sight object comprises a surface perpendicular to the firearm bore and includes a strip of easily perceivable color on said surface and positioned symmetrically about the centerline plane of the firearm.

3. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said rear sight object comprises a surface that is inclined rearwardly and includes a strip of easily perceivable color on said surface and positioned symmetrically about the centerline plane of the firearm.

4. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said rear sight object comprises a surface that is inclined rearwardly and includes an elongated shape of easily perceivable color on said surface and positioned symmetrically about the centerline plane of the firearm such that when the gun bore is oriented to a desired position in the vertical plane with respect to said target, said elongated shape appears non-elongated.

5. The sight apparatus of Claim 4, wherein said elongated shape is one of oval, ellipsoidal, and rectangular.

6. The sight apparatus of Claim 4, wherein said reflector is partially transparent to light from said target.

7. The sight apparatus of Claim 6, wherein said reflector is comprised of two or more prism members.

8. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said shroud further comprises a vertical reference and wherein said rear sight object is of a perceived height such that when the bore of said firearm is oriented to the desired position in the vertical plane with respect to said target, the image of said rear sight object in said reflector appears in a desired position with respect to said vertical reference.

9. The sight apparatus of Claim 8, wherein said vertical reference is comprised of two opposing projections on either side of said shroud, which are disposed in a line parallel with the horizon.

10. The sight apparatus of Claim 8, wherein said rear sight object comprises a surface that is inclined rearwardly and includes a strip of easily perceivable color on said surface and positioned symmetrically about the centerline plane of the firearm.

11. The sight apparatus of Claim 10, wherein said vertical reference is comprised of two opposing projections on either side of said shroud, which are disposed in a line parallel with the horizon.

12. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein the reflector further comprises vertical reference indicia perceivable thereon and wherein said rear sight object is of a perceived height such that when the bore of said firearm is oriented to the desired position in the vertical plane with respect to said target, the image of said rear sight object in said reflector appears in a desired position with respect to said vertical reference indicia.

13. The sight apparatus of Claim 12, wherein said reflector has a variable orientation in the vertical plane.

14. The sight apparatus of Claim 12, wherein said reflector further comprises horizontal reference indicia perceivable thereon.

15. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said firearm in a rifle.

16. The sight apparatus of Claim 15, wherein said rear sight object is laterally adjustable.

17. The sight apparatus of Claim 1 , wherein said rear sight object comprises two projections tending outward from the firearm centerline, and wherein said reflector is comprised of two sections laterally angled with respect to each other, such that when the bore of the firearm is oriented to the desired position, the images of said rear site object projections appear to converge.