WO2023192293A1 - Couvercle de protection avec ouverture d'alignement - Google Patents

Couvercle de protection avec ouverture d'alignement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023192293A1
WO2023192293A1 PCT/US2023/016585 US2023016585W WO2023192293A1 WO 2023192293 A1 WO2023192293 A1 WO 2023192293A1 US 2023016585 W US2023016585 W US 2023016585W WO 2023192293 A1 WO2023192293 A1 WO 2023192293A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cap
plug
aperture
zero
hole
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/016585
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Calen HAVENS
Sam Hamilton
Ian KLEMM
William Lowry
Tom CODY
Garrison BOLLIG
Cory TAYLOR
Timothy RUE
Alexander Lewis
Tony Palzkill
Keegan JAUCH
Zach SAUSEN
Original Assignee
Sheltered Wings, Inc. D/B/A Vortex Optics
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sheltered Wings, Inc. D/B/A Vortex Optics filed Critical Sheltered Wings, Inc. D/B/A Vortex Optics
Publication of WO2023192293A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023192293A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/38—Telescopic sights specially adapted for smallarms or ordnance; Supports or mountings therefor
    • F41G1/383—Protection means therefor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/54—Devices for testing or checking ; Tools for adjustment of sights
    • F41G1/545—Tools for adjustment of sights

Definitions

  • the disclosure relates to viewing optics, and more particularly to a protective cover for a viewing optic.
  • Riflescope lenses are oftentimes subject to the environmental elements, which can cause dirt and grime to cover the lens, or worse, can cause damage to the lens.
  • Protective caps exist to protect against these issues. Moreover, these protective caps can be easily kept on the riflescope, as they are oftentimes stored on the optic. Additionally, users of riflescopes have used alignment apertures (otherwise known as parallax reducing aperture stops, aperture caps, or aperture limiters) in conjunction with their riflescopes. Aperture caps can be used to align the riflescope and prevent parallax (z.e., displacement of an object due to error in the lens). These aperture caps, however, have been primarily used for indoor dryfire training.
  • the disclosure relates to a “zero cap,” which alleviates the issues related to keeping track of two separate caps.
  • a zero cap serves as both a protective cap and an aperture cap.
  • a zero cap can be attached to a viewing optic.
  • the lens of the viewing optic is kept clean because of the zero cap. Typically, debris and dirt get into the viewing optic. Although a user can have a protective cap, they are not able to have a protective cap and alignment aperture in one cap. Having a single cap to serve both functions increases accuracy, decreases frustration, prevents misplacement and loss, and reduces messes on the lens.
  • the disclosure relates to a zero cap comprising: a base; an aperture cap configured to hingedly connect to the base; and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap.
  • the base comprises a first opening and a first connective mechanism.
  • the first opening is configured to attach to a viewing optic; and the first connective mechanism is configured to receive a pin to connect the first connective mechanism to other connective mechanisms.
  • the aperture cap comprises a plurality of holes and a second connective mechanism.
  • the aperture cap can have two or more holes.
  • the plurality of holes are each configured to receive one of a plurality of plugs.
  • the second connective mechanism is configured to receive a pin to connect it to other connective mechanisms.
  • the cap plug comprises a first plug and a second plug.
  • the disclosure relates to a zero cap comprising: a base configured to connect to a viewing optic; an aperture cap configured to hingedly connect to the base and having a first hole and a second hole; wherein the second hole is located below the first hole; and a cap plug having a first plug and a second plug, wherein the first plug is configured to interact with the first hole and the second plug is configured to interact with the second hole.
  • the base has an opening configured to attach an outer connecting strip of a viewing optic.
  • the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising a zero cap as disclosed herein. In yet another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a riflescope comprising a zero cap disclosed herein. [0017] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising a zero cap having a base, an aperture cap configured to hingedly connect to the base; and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap; and a connecting strip configured to interact with the base.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a detached zero cap in an environment with a riflescope
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of a fully connected zero cap disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 3 is a representative depicture of a cap plug as disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 4 is a representative depiction of an aperture cap as disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 5 is a representative depiction of a zero cap in a protective position
  • FIG. 6 is a representative depiction of a zero cap in a zero position
  • FIG. 7 is a representative depiction of a zero cap in an open position.
  • the disclosure relates to covers for viewing optics and related devices. Certain preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
  • first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another element, component, region, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the disclosure.
  • spatially relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • the numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including the lower and the upper values, in increments of one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property, such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, etc., is from 100 to 1,000, it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are expressly enumerated.
  • ballistics is a way to precisely calculate the trajectory of a bullet based on a host of factors.
  • an “erector sleeve” is a protrusion from the erector lens mount which engages a slot in the erector tube and/or cam tube or which serves an analogous purpose. This could be integral to the mount or detachable.
  • an “erector tube” is any structure or device having an opening to receive an erector lens mount.
  • the term “firearm” refers to any device that propels an object or projectile, for example, in a controllable flat fire, line of sight, or line of departure, for example, hand-guns, pistols, rifles, shotgun slug guns, muzzleloader rifles, single shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic rifles of any caliber direction through any media.
  • the term “firearm” also refers to a remote, servo-controlled firearm wherein the firearm has autosensing of both position and directional barrel orientation.
  • the shooter is able to position the firearm in one location, and move to a second location for target image acquisition and aiming.
  • the term “firearm” also refers to chain guns, belt-feed guns, machine guns, and Gattling guns.
  • firearm also refers to high elevation, and over-the-horizon, projectile propulsion devices, for example, artillery, mortars, canons, tank canons or rail guns of any caliber.
  • a "reticle” in one embodiment, is an aiming pattern for a viewing optic, such as, but not limited to, a crosshair aiming point or other aiming pattern.
  • the term "viewing optic” refers to an apparatus used by a shooter or a spotter to select, identify or monitor a target.
  • the “viewing optic” may rely on visual observation of the target, or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation, night vision, vibrational receptors including ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio wave, television and cellular receptors, or other image of the target.
  • IR infrared
  • UV ultraviolet
  • radar thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging
  • radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation
  • vibrational receptors including ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio wave, television and cellular receptors, or other image of the target.
  • the image of the target presented to the shooter by the "viewing optic" device may be unaltered, or it may be enhanced, for example, by magnification, amplification, subtraction, superimposition, filtration, stabilization, template matching, or other means.
  • the target selected, identified or monitored by the "viewing optic” may be within the line of sight of the shooter, or tangential to the sight of the shooter, or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter.
  • the image of the target acquired by the "viewing optic” may be, for example, analog or digital, and shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters and spotters by, for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellular connections, laser pulse, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using, for example, protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., BluetoothTM, Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method.
  • the term “viewing optic” is used interchangeably with “optic sight.’”
  • the term “outward scene” refers to a real world scene, including but not limited to a target.
  • the term “shooter” applies to either the operator making the shot or an individual observing the shot in collaboration with the operator making the shot.
  • a reticle is used to assist a shooter in hitting a target.
  • a reticle can be made of various materials, including optical materials like optical glass or plastic.
  • the reticle can be made of any transparent or translucent material.
  • the reticle is constructed from wire, spider web, nano-wires, etching, or printing.
  • the reticle can also be constructed using a projection from a mirror, video, holographic projection, or other means onto a material.
  • the etching may be filled with a reflective material that illuminates when a light is rheostatically switching to increase or decrease light intensity.
  • the reticle can be mounted anywhere between an ocular lens and objective lens of a scope lens. There are two critical calibration functions to perform mounting a riflescope.
  • the reticle can be an electronic reticle from an active display that is projected into a first focal plane of a viewing optic.
  • the two critical calibration functions include zeroing the weapon and laser range finder alignment.
  • zeroing the weapon commonly refers to the process of aligning the etched (passive) reticle with the weapon’s point of impact when firing at a target.
  • aligning the integrated laser range finder (LRF) is accomplished with the use of an alignment chart.
  • the alignment chart details the location of the LRF’ s co-aligned visible laser with respect to the passive reticle.
  • LRF integrated laser range finder
  • the zero cap disclosed herein is a combined protective cap and aperture cap. This eliminates the difficulty and stress of managing multiple caps and keeping track of various pieces while using a riflescope.
  • the protective cap is typically attached to a riflescope, and the zero cap can be similarly attached.
  • the zero cap is capable of being used as an aperture cap when the protective cap is closed and the cap plug is detached at one end to be rotated out of the optical path. The user can then look through the hole in the center (where the cap plug has been rotated away); in this example, the user is looking through a restricted objective aperture.
  • the cap plug features two plugs that are each made to attach to holes in the aperture cap.
  • the zero cap When the top plug is in the top hole on the aperture cap, the zero cap is capable of being used for protection, as both holes are plugged and debris is prevented from entering.
  • the top plug When the top plug is rotated around and not in the top hole on the aperture cap, the zero cap is capable of being used for zeroing and laser range finder alignment.
  • the bottom plug To keep the cap plug from falling off the aperture cap, when the zero cap is being used for protection or calibration, the bottom plug remains in the bottom hole on the aperture cap. This prevents the cap plug from being misplaced or lost.
  • the zero cap can be used in various different capacities, but the following are a few representative examples.
  • a zero cap can be used on an LRF mounted to the scope’s passive reticle, as long as the LRF has a co-aligned visible laser and the user has the correct alignment card for the riflescope and LRF combination.
  • the zero cap can be used for dryfire training indoors.
  • the zero cap also can be used for zeroing a weapon with a conventional riflescope or a magnified optic for between 10 and 100 meters.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of components of a zero cap in an environment 1.
  • the zero cap comprise several components: a base 20, an aperture cap 35, and cap plug 55.
  • the zero cap attaches to a riflescope.
  • the riflescope 5 comprises an opening 10 and an outer connecting strip 15.
  • the outer connecting strip 15 is a protruding rim on the riflescope
  • the outer connecting strip 15 is designed to mechanically interface with a cap, which in one embodiment is a zero cap.
  • the outer connecting strip 15 is preferably capable of attaching to the base 20 of a zero cap.
  • the base 20 has an opening 25, which is configured to attach to the outer connecting strip 15 in a manner known in the art.
  • the base 20 has a connective mechanism 30 with a hole designed to receive a hinge pin (not illustrated) for connecting it to another connective mechanism.
  • the connective mechanism 30 is connected to an aperture cap 35.
  • the aperture cap 35 has a connective mechanism 40 with a hole designed to receive a hinge pin (not illustrated) for connection.
  • a hinge pin can be placed first through the connective mechanism 30 of the base 20 and then through the connective mechanism 40 of the aperture cap 35 and out through the other side of the connective mechanisms. This hinge pin keeps the two pieces (the base 20 and the aperture cap 35) connected, while also allowing the aperture cap 35 to hinge about the base 20.
  • the aperture cap 35 has two holes on its face.
  • the top hole 45 is placed in the center of the face of the aperture cap 35.
  • the bottom hole 50 is preferably placed off center of the face of the aperture cap 35 below the top hole 45.
  • the top hole 45 and bottom hole 50 are designed to each receive a plug.
  • the top hole 45 and bottom hole 50 receive plugs from a cap plug 55.
  • the cap plug 55 has two plugs (a top plug 60 and a bottom plug 65).
  • the top plug 60 is designed to be placed in the top hole 45, while the bottom plug 65 is designed to be placed in the bottom hole 50.
  • the bottom plug 65 is designed to remain in the bottom hole 50.
  • the bottom plug 65 is capable of being rotated around within the bottom hole 50. This rotation allows the top plug 60 to be removed from the top hole 45 and stay out of the way of the aperture cap opening for alignment to take place.
  • the top plug 60 is capable of being removed from the top hole 45 in order to be moved about the aperture cap 35. This movement creates a full line of sight for the user through the top hole 45.
  • the top plug 60 is designed to be removed from the top hole 45 while the bottom plug 65 remains within the bottom hole 50.
  • the aperture cap has at least two holes on its face.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a fully connected zero cap 2.
  • the zero cap 2 comprises the base 20, the aperture cap 35, and the cap plug 55.
  • the base 20 and the aperture cap 35 are connected via a hinge pin 70.
  • the top plug 60 and bottom plug 65 of the cap plug 55 are fully integrated with the top hole 45 and bottom hole 50 of the aperture cap 35, respectively.
  • the plugs are connected in such a way as to eliminate access of debris inside the zero cap 2.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective of the cap plug 55.
  • the top plug 60 is configured to allow the top plug 60 to be removed from the top hole 45 (as discussed above) while the cap plug 55 remains connected to the aperture cap 35.
  • the bottom plug 65 is designed to remain in the bottom hole 50 (as discussed above), even while the top plug 60 is disconnected. This is preferable, as the cap plug 55 does not need to be removed from the aperture cap 35.
  • the cap plug 55 can remain connected to the zero cap 2 as a whole, preventing misplacement or loss of the cap plug 55.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the aperture cap 35.
  • the aperture cap 35 preferably has a top hole 45 and a bottom hole 50.
  • the top hole 45 is positioned at the optical center of the riflescope concentric to the objective lens.
  • the bottom hole 50 is preferably positioned below the top hole 45.
  • the bottom hole 50 serves as an interface with the cap plug 55 (as discussed above) and remains connected to the bottom plug 65 even when the top hole 45 is left open.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in a protective position 3a.
  • the zero cap 2 is fully connected, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5.
  • the aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20.
  • the cap plug 55 is connected to the aperture cap 35 in such a manner that does not leave any holes on the aperture cap 35 exposed and open. In this position, the zero cap 2 is serving its protective function.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in a zero position 3b.
  • the zero cap 2 is fully connected, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5.
  • the aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20.
  • the cap plug 55 is connected to the aperture cap 35 in such a manner that leaves the top hole 45 of the aperture cap 35 open. In this position, the zero cap 2 is serving its alignment function.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in an open position 3c.
  • the zero cap 2 is fully connected but is not in fully closed as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5.
  • the aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20. In one embodiment, and as illustrated here, the aperture cap 35 has rotated about the hinge pin 70 in such a way to leave the opening 25 of the base 20 and the opening 10 of the riflescope 5 fully accessible and open.
  • the cap plug 55 not fully shown here, is connected to the aperture cap 25.
  • the top plug 60 is fully integrated with the top hole 45 of the aperture cap 25, and the bottom plug 65 is fully integrated with the bottom hole 50 of the aperture cap 25. In this position, the zero cap 2 is serving its open function, and a firearm may be fired.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Telescopes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des optiques de visualisation, et plus particulièrement un couvercle de protection pour une optique de visualisation. L'invention concerne un capuchon zéro, une base ; un capuchon d'ouverture conçu pour être relié de manière articulée à la base ; et un bouchon de capuchon conçu pour tourner sur le capuchon d'ouverture.
PCT/US2023/016585 2022-03-29 2023-03-28 Couvercle de protection avec ouverture d'alignement WO2023192293A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263362103P 2022-03-29 2022-03-29
US63/362,103 2022-03-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023192293A1 true WO2023192293A1 (fr) 2023-10-05

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ID=88195109

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2023/016585 WO2023192293A1 (fr) 2022-03-29 2023-03-28 Couvercle de protection avec ouverture d'alignement

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US (1) US20230314101A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2023192293A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060218841A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2006-10-05 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Pivoting lens covers for riflescopes and the like
US20100065452A1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2010-03-18 Swarovski-Optik Kg. Protective cap
US20100187417A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-07-29 Phokus Research Group, Llc Night vision instrument focus device
US20200326155A1 (en) * 2019-01-08 2020-10-15 SHELTERED WINGS d/b/a VORTEX OPTICS Rifle scope turret with tool-free zeroing

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060218841A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2006-10-05 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Pivoting lens covers for riflescopes and the like
US20100065452A1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2010-03-18 Swarovski-Optik Kg. Protective cap
US20100187417A1 (en) * 2008-11-11 2010-07-29 Phokus Research Group, Llc Night vision instrument focus device
US20200326155A1 (en) * 2019-01-08 2020-10-15 SHELTERED WINGS d/b/a VORTEX OPTICS Rifle scope turret with tool-free zeroing

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Publication number Publication date
US20230314101A1 (en) 2023-10-05

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