WO2015105677A9

WO2015105677A9 - Laser adjustment slide system

Info

Publication number: WO2015105677A9
Application number: PCT/US2014/071974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samuel J. Lambert; Michael Corbett
Original assignee: Ochoco Arms
Priority date: 2014-01-07
Filing date: 2014-12-22
Publication date: 2015-09-17
Also published as: WO2015105677A1

Abstract

Laser sighting systems are disclosed that include a plurality of lasers, the angular position of which is adjustable. In some implementations, the laser sighting systems include a housing configured to be mounted in or on a firearm and a plurality of pre-aligned lasers disposed within the housing, and the lasers are mounted so as to pivot when a first portion of the housing is moved relative to a second portion of the housing.

Description

LASER ADJUSTMENT SLIDE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology disclosed herein relates to laser sighting systems for firearms.

BACKGROUND

Firearm sighting systems currently exist in many forms ranging from simple open sights and aperture sights to more complex systems such as telescopic scopes with adjustable magnification. The use of lasers as firearm sighting systems has long been established.

Individuals currently look for devices that allow for increased accuracy, decreased risk, and increased firearm effectiveness. Many have tried to achieve this by adding additional sighting devices to their weapons platforms.

A laser sighting system is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,459,822, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

The technology disclosed herein relates to systems for adjusting the angular position of a plurality of pre-aligned lasers in a laser sighting system. The systems disclosed herein may be configured to be used with a variety of firearms or other devices that fire projectiles, which will be referred to collectively herein as firearms.

In one aspect, the invention features a laser sighting system comprising a housing configured to be mounted in or on a firearm, and a plurality of pre-aligned lasers disposed within the housing, wherein the lasers are mounted so as to pivot when a first portion of the housing is moved relative to a second portion of the housing.

Some implementations include one or more of the following features.

The pre-aligned lasers may be mounted in laser housings that are disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of the housing may be configured to move axially, relative to the second portion of the housing, along an axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the firearm. Relative movement of the first and second portions of the housing allows adjustment of a pattern of light beams generated by the lasers. The laser housings may be joined to the first portion and the second portion in a manner so as to allow the tubes to pivot as the first portion is moved axially relative to the second portion. For example, the laser housings may be joined to at least one of the first portion and the second portion by spring fingers, and/or the laser housings may be joined to at least one of the first portion and second portion by elongated members having notched flexures. The first portion of the housing may be disposed within the second portion.

In some implementations, the housing includes an open area configured to receive a portion of the firearm. For example, the first portion of the housing may be semi-cylindrical.

The device may further include an actuator, e.g., a threaded plate and an actuator screw or bolt configured to allow a user to move the first portion of the housing axially in a first direction by tightening the screw or bolt. The actuator may further include a return mechanism configured to move the first portion of the housing axially in the reverse direction when the screw or bolt is loosened. For example, the return device may comprise a resilient foam.

In some cases, the device further includes an adjustment plate to which the housing is attached, configured to allow adjustment of windage and elevation of the device.

The device may also include a fixed laser mounted on the housing such that the fixed laser does not pivot when the first portion of the housing is moved relative to the second portion of the housing.

In preferred implementations the housing is configured such that when the first portion of the housing moves relative to the second portion all of the lasers pivot to substantially the same extent, e.g., within 10% and in some cases within 5% or even within 1%.

The invention also features methods of using the devices disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a laser sighting system according to one implementation, installed within a firearm, with a portion of the barrel of the firearm and housing of the sighting system cut away.

FIG. 1 A is an enlarged detail view of the laser sighting system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. IB is a diagrammatic view showing the laser sighting system in use, producing a beam having a predetermined geometric shape. FIGS. 1C and ID are, respectively, a perspective view of the laser lighting system with front cover removed, and a partially exploded perspective view of the laser lighting system.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the slide device portion of the laser sighting system.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the slide device taken from a different angle.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the slide device with pre-aligned lasers in place in the laser mounts, with arrows indicating directions of motion.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 2, but shows the slide device with foam elements in place. FIG. 6 is a front view of the slide device.

FIGS. 7 and 7 A are highly enlarged diagrammatic views of the flexure mechanism used in the slide device of FIGS. 2-6 and an alternate flexure mechanism, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, the laser sighting systems disclosed herein include a laser adjustment slide device. The slide device allows the angular position of a plurality of pre- aligned lasers mounted in the slide device to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the slide device. The slide device allows the angular position to be adjusted such that each pre-aligned laser is always positioned at the same angle (or the complement of the same angle) as the other lasers. As a result, the beams produced by the lasers define a predictable geometric shape. This shape can be used, for example, to display the potential impact area for a shot fired from a weapon in order for the user to better understand the affected area, provide faster target acquisition and reduce collateral damage.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a laser sighting system 10 is mounted on a firearm 12 near the muzzle, e.g., on the fore stock, to project a pattern of laser light, e.g., a geometric shape, on a target surface. This pattern is representative of the spread pattern that will occur when projectiles are fired from the firearm. The geometric shape may be, for example, a triangle, square, rectangle, circle, or oval. Because of the manner in which the lasers are mounted in the device, the beams of laser light that are projected from the device define a generally pyramidal shape along their length. As a result, the size of the geometric shape projected on the target increases with increasing distance from the firearm, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. IB. This increase in size is representative of the increasing diameter of the sighting area with increasing distance between the firearm and the target.

The laser sighting system is shown in further detail in FIGS. 1C and ID. The system includes an outer protective cover 100, on which is mounted a control panel 102 with controls to allow the user to adjust the mode of operation (sighting lasers, flashlight, strobe, etc.) and to actuate the system momentarily. Referring to FIG. ID, the cover 100 includes a plurality of openings 104 configured to receive pre-aligned lasers 18, and a removable front cover portion 106 (removed in FIG. 1C) to protect the lasers.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, the laser sighting system includes a slide device 14. Slide device 14 includes a central open area 16 that is configured to allow the housing to be easily mounted around the magazine tube of a weapon as shown in FIG. 1 A. The pre-aligned lasers 18 are mounted in laser housings 20, each of which has an open end 22 through which the laser light shines. The laser beams emanating from the laser sighting system create a clean dot pattern 2 (FIG. IB) on the target surface that represents the perimeter of the impact zone of the projectiles. In some implementations, the lasers have a wavelength of about 650 nm, and a power output of about 3 to 7 mW. Pre-aligned lasers (also known as laser beam diode modules) include a laser diode and a lens, e.g., a collimating or focusing lens, as is well known. These lasers are particularly suitable for use in the devices disclosed herein because the laser light is focused straight ahead, along the long axis of the laser module, as purchased, with no calibration being necessary. Suitable pre-aligned lasers are readily available commercially. For example, suitable lasers are manufactured by Quarton, Inc., and include red laser beam diode modules sold as Part No. VLM-650-03-LPA.

To form the geometric shape discussed above, the lasers need to be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal and lateral axes of the device, and thus of the barrel of the firearm. For example, the angle, measured with regard to each of the longitudinal and lateral axes of the barrel of the firearm, can range from about 0.01° to 10°, e.g., from about 0.2° to 2°, depending on the length of the barrel and other factors. The angles of the lasers with respect to the lateral axis are substantially the same as the angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. This configuration produces the pyramidal beam configuration discussed above and thus the projected dot patterns (geometric shapes 2) shown in FIG. IB, which have increasing size but the same shape with increasing distance between the target and the firearm.

The angles of the lasers with respect to these axes are adjusted by moving the slide device 14, as will now be discussed in further detail.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the slide device 14 includes an inner sliding portion 24 disposed within an outer stationary portion 26. As shown in detail in FIG. 7, the laser housings 20 are mounted between the inner sliding portion 24 and the outer stationary portion 26, by spring fingers 28 that extend from the inner portion and spring fingers 30 that extend from the outer portion. The laser housings may be attached to the spring fingers by, e.g., adhesive or welding, or may be formed integrally with the spring fingers (in which case the entire slide device is formed as a single integral part.) The spring fingers may be formed, for example, by providing tabs extending from the in the inner portion 24 and outer portion 26, and cutting small slots 32 such that the tabs can flex, e.g., using an EDM. In some implementations, the slots are from 0.010 to 0.020 inch deep, the total length of each of the spring fingers is from 0.12 to 0.13 inch, and the width of each spring finger is 0.07 to 0.09 inch. For a given material, the width of the spring fingers and length of the slots determines the spring constant of the fingers. In some implementations the dimensions are selected so that about 5 to 10 pounds force is required to move the sliding portion to its most extended position.

The material used to form the spring fingers generally should be strong and elastic. Suitable materials include metals such as steel, aluminum, and titanium, and plastics with a suitable fiexural modulus, e.g., glass filled nylon. Suitable materials have a fiexural modulus that allows the material to stay below its yield strength throughout the range of motion.

When sliding portion 24 is moved axially (along the long axis of the slide device, as indicated by the arrow below the device in FIG. 4) this causes the spring fingers to flex, causing the laser housings 20, and thus the pre-aligned lasers, to pivot in and out (as indicated by the square of arrows in FIG. 4), changing the angular position of the lasers and thereby producing the desired impact display pattern. In some implementations, the lasers are moved through an angle of about 0.2 to 2 degrees, e.g., about 0.5 to 1 degree. Because the spring fingers all have the same characteristics, and the device is symmetrical, axial movement of the sliding portion produces substantially the same amount of pivoting movement for each of the laser housings. In this embodiment, the fingers bend in and out as the center ring is pushed in and out.

An actuator is generally provided to allow the user to manually adjust the lateral position of the sliding portion 24 and thereby adjust the angular position of the lasers. For example, in the embodiment shown, a threaded plate 37 (FIGS. 1C-1D) is bolted to the stationary portion 26 and an adjustment bolt 39, accessible to the user, is positioned to extend through the threaded plate and push against the inner sliding portion 24. In this case, a return mechanism (e.g., a foam material as described below, or alternatively a spring) is provided to pre-load the sliding portion 24 and act as a return when the adjustment screw is withdrawn.

Referring to FIG. 2, the slide device includes open areas 40 between the sliding portion 24 and the stationary portion 26. In some implementations, these open areas may be filled or partially filled with a vibration absorbing foam 42, as shown in FIG. 5. This foam is provided to put a pre-load on the spring fingers 28, 30, and to dampen vibration. The foam may be, for example, a resilient closed-cell silicone foam. The foam firmness is preferably selected so that the foam can push the fingers to the end of the desired travel distance. The foam should generally be in contact through the entire range of motion, e.g., about 1 degree or 0.03" at the location of the foam. Thus, it is preferred that the foam be at least 0.08" thick, e.g., from about 0.08" to 0.25".

The bottom of the stationary portion 26 includes an opening 46 in which can be mounted a stationery pre-aligned laser that delivers a straight, center laser beam, providing a center aim point.

The pre-aligned lasers are controlled by a circuit board (not shown) as is well known in the laser lighting art. The device generally also includes a power supply (e.g., a battery pack) and wiring connecting the lasers to the circuit board and power supply. The device may also include an outer protective housing, surrounding and containing the slide device and these other components. The adjustment screw or other actuating mechanism for the slide device is positioned so as to be accessible to the user, and thus if such a housing is provided the actuating mechanism extends to the exterior of the housing.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the slide device also includes an adjustment plate 48 that includes flexures configured to allow the windage and elevation of the sighting system to be adjusted. The adjustment plate 48 is moved using adjustment screws that extend through openings 49a, 49b in the housing (FIG. 1C).

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

For example the lower area of the stationary portion may have a different

configuration, and in some cases the stationary pre-aligned laser may be omitted.

Moreover, more or fewer lasers may be provided, and may be positioned differently.

In addition, pivoting of the laser housings may be provided in a different manner. As but one example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the fingers may include notch fiexures 50 or other areas that are flexible and/or have reduced diameter, rather than flexing as a whole.

Actuation of the sliding device may also be accomplished using mechanisms other than the threaded plate and return mechanism described above. For example, a worm gear may be provided between the inner sliding portion and outer stationary portion.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A laser sighting system comprising:

a housing configured to be mounted in or on a firearm, and

a plurality of pre-aligned lasers disposed within the housing,

wherein the lasers are mounted so as to pivot when a first portion of the housing is moved relative to a second portion of the housing.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the pre-aligned lasers are mounted in laser housings that are disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the first portion of the housing is configured to move axially, relative to the second portion of the housing, along an axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the firearm.

4. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein relative movement of the first and second portions of the housing allows adjustment of a pattern of light beams generated by the lasers.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the laser housings are joined to the first portion and the second portion in a manner so as to allow the tubes to pivot as the first portion is moved axially relative to the second portion.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the laser housings are joined to at least one of the first portion and the second portion by spring fingers.

7. The device of claim 5 or 6 wherein the laser housings are joined to at least one of the first portion and second portion by elongated members having notched flexures.

8. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion of the housing is disposed within the second portion.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing includes an open area configured to receive a portion of the firearm.

10. The device of claim 8 or 9 wherein the first portion of the housing is semi- cylindrical.

11. The device of claim 3 further comprising a threaded plate and an actuator screw or bolt configured to allow a user to move the first portion of the housing axially in a first direction by tightening the screw or bolt.

12. The device of claim 11 further comprising a return mechanism configured to move the first portion of the housing axially in the reverse direction when the screw or bolt is loosened.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the return device comprises a resilient foam.

14. The device of any of the above claims further comprising an adjustment plate to which the housing is attached, configured to allow adjustment of windage and elevation of the device.

15. The device of any of the above claims further comprising a fixed laser mounted on the housing such that it does not pivot when the first portion of the housing is moved relative to the second portion of the housing.

16. The device of any of the above claims further comprising an outer protective cover surrounding the housing.

17. The device of any of the above claims wherein the total angle through which the lasers pivot, measured with regard to each of the longitudinal and lateral axes of the barrel of the firearm, is from about 0.01° to 10°.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein the lasers pivot through an angle of from about 0.2° to 2°.

19. The device of any of the above claims wherein the housing is configured such that when the first portion of the housing moves relative to the second portion all of the lasers pivot to substantially the same extent.