WO2024010987A9 - Bouton de réglage de remise à zéro sans outil pour dispositifs de visée, et procédés de remise à zéro d'un dispositif de visée - Google Patents

Bouton de réglage de remise à zéro sans outil pour dispositifs de visée, et procédés de remise à zéro d'un dispositif de visée Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024010987A9
WO2024010987A9 PCT/US2023/061247 US2023061247W WO2024010987A9 WO 2024010987 A9 WO2024010987 A9 WO 2024010987A9 US 2023061247 W US2023061247 W US 2023061247W WO 2024010987 A9 WO2024010987 A9 WO 2024010987A9
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dial
rotating member
clutch
aiming device
locking mechanism
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/061247
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2024010987A2 (fr
WO2024010987A3 (fr
Inventor
Kyle Edward Enzinger
Original Assignee
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
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
Priority claimed from US17/650,247 external-priority patent/US11906268B2/en
Application filed by Leupold & Stevens, Inc. filed Critical Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Priority to AU2023304257A priority Critical patent/AU2023304257A1/en
Priority to CN202380024903.0A priority patent/CN118805065A/zh
Publication of WO2024010987A2 publication Critical patent/WO2024010987A2/fr
Publication of WO2024010987A3 publication Critical patent/WO2024010987A3/fr
Publication of WO2024010987A9 publication Critical patent/WO2024010987A9/fr

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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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to aiming devices such as rifle scopes and other weapon aiming devices, and more particularly, adjustment turret knobs for aiming devices that can be re-zeroed without the use of tools, and to aiming devices including such adjustment knobs.
  • An optical aiming scope for a projectile weapon such as a firearm may require adjustment when targeted on an object.
  • the aim of the scope may be adjusted vertically and/or horizontally to compensate for such effects and increase the likelihood that an object located in crosshairs of the scope will be impacted by the bullet.
  • Vertical adjustment of the scope's aim is known as elevation adjustment because it compensates for a bullet's elevation change (e.g., falling)
  • horizontal adjustment of the scope's aim is known as windage adjustment because it compensates for sideways movement of a bullet, which is often caused by wind.
  • the horizontal and vertical adjustment of the aim can be accomplished by manually rotating turret knobs on the scope that adjust the position of lenses or other optical elements inside the scope.
  • An indicator scale comprising a set of markings on the outside of the knob provides a
  • the position of the indicator scale can be adjusted relative to the setting of the knob by using a hex key to loosen a grub screw coupling a dial of the knob to a rotatable threaded member inside of the knob, as is taught for example in patent No. US 9,170,068 of Crispin, which is incorporated herein by reference. After the grub screw is loosened, the dial can be rotated to the desired position to adjust a zero setting of the knob, then the grub screw is retightened to fix the dial to the threaded member for co-rotation.
  • the shooter may ensure that the scope is properly calibrated (or "sighted-in") for aiming the firearm at an object at a particular distance. Sighting-in a riflescope at a known distance facilitates accurate aiming adjustments for other distances or environmental conditions, relative to the calibrated setting.
  • Patent Nos. US 6,279,259 of Otteman and US 5,513,440 of Murg disclose riflescope adjustment mechanisms that can be re-zeroed without the use of tools.
  • a dial portion of the adjustment mechanism is movable axially relative to inner threaded member.
  • the dial portion When the dial portion is pushed axially inward into engagement with the threaded member, the dial and threaded member rotate together to accomplish aiming adjustments.
  • the dial portion When the dial portion is pulled axially outward it can be rotated relative to the threaded member to re-set a zero setting of an indicator scale of the adjustment mechanism.
  • the present inventor has recognized the need for improved systems and methods for re-zeroing optical scope adjustment mechanisms.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a riflescope along a longitudinal axis showing an adjustment knob in a disengaged position.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the adjustment knob of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob of FIG. 1 showing a dial of the knob disengaged from a rotating member of the knob.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isolated side view of the rotating member of FIG. 3 showing details of dial retention features of the rotating member.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the riflescope and adjustment knob of FIG. 1 showing the dial engaged with the rotating member.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B show exterior isometric views of a riflescope having the adjustment knob of FIG. 1 used as an elevation adjustment knob and a windage adjustment knob, where FIG. 6A shows the elevation adjustment knob in an engaged position and the windage adjustment knob in a disengaged position, and FIG. 6B shows the opposite situation.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-section view showing an adjustment knob according to a second embodiment, showing a clutch of the adjustment knob in an engaged position.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the adjustment knob of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is an oblique section view of the adjustment knob of FIG. 7, showing a clutch of the adjustment knob in a disengaged position.
  • FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of a rotating member of the adjustment knob of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a gripper element of the clutch of the adjustment knob of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-section view showing an adjustment knob according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of a gripper element of a clutch of the adjustment knob of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 1 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of a riflescope 100 along a longitudinal axis having a housing 102 (sometimes referred to as the "maintube") and an image-inverting erector system 104 pivotably mounted
  • RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP within the housing 102, where erector system 104 provides an image of a point of aim.
  • An adjustment knob 106 protrudes from housing 102 and is rotatable about an axis 108 extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the housing 102.
  • adjustment knob 106 is press fit onto housing 102. In other embodiments, adjustment knob is threaded onto housing 102.
  • a weapon aiming device is described herein as riflescope 100
  • adjustment knobs consistent with the present disclosure may also be used with other types of optical aiming devices, such as red-dot sights, reflex sights, holographic aiming sights, iron sights, and other devices for aiming weapons and other devices, and particularly those devices for which a user may wish to adjust a zero or home position of the aiming device.
  • adjustment knob 106 includes a dial 110 configured to engage and disengage with a rotating member 1 12 (which is also rotatable about axis 108).
  • dial 1 10 When in an engaged position (as illustrated in FIG. 5), dial 1 10 is engaged with rotating member 112.
  • disengaged position (as illustrated in FIG. 3), dial 110 is disengaged with rotating member 112.
  • rotating member 112 may be configured as a rotating adjustment nut or spindle that includes a hub 172. When there is engagement between dial 1 10 and rotating member 112, a setting of riflescope 100 can be changed.
  • an adjustment screw (or threaded plunger) 114 is coupled (e.g., threaded) to an interior threaded cavity of the rotating member 112 and rotationally constrained in a slot in housing 102 so that rotation of dial 110 and rotating member 1 12 causes responsive movement of adjustment screw 114 along axis 108, and driving pivoting movement of erector system 104, illustrated by arrows 116, which effects a point of aim shift either vertically (elevation) or horizontally (windage) depending on the position of the adjustment knob 106 on the housing 102.
  • the rotating member 1 12 may be an externally threaded screw that is threaded into a threaded hole fixed on housing 102, so that the screw moves axially as it rotates to effect
  • RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP changes in the point of aim or other setting of riflescope 100.
  • the shift in the point of aim of riflescope 100 is typically accomplished through cooperation between lenses or other optical elements within erector system 104 and a reticle 118 within housing 102.
  • a spring 120 biases erector system 104 relative to housing 102 to press erector system 104 against screw 114.
  • adjustment knob 106 is shown disengaged with rotating member 112. While FIG.
  • adjustment knob 106 is one of an elevation adjustment knob which effects a point of aim shift vertically or a windage adjustment knob which effects a point of aim shift horizontally and the second adjustment knob is the other of the elevation adjustment knob or windage adjustment knob.
  • adjustment knob 106 includes a retainer device 122.
  • retainer device 122 is seated in a different groove (explained with respect to FIGS. 3-5) of rotating member 1 12 depending on when adjustment knob 106 is in the engaged or disengaged position.
  • retainer device 122 is a spring, such as a spring snap ring, for example, and the ring may encircle rotating member 112 fully or partially. In other embodiments, the retainer device may be omitted, or retention may be accomplished through different structures for features.
  • adjustment knob 106 further includes a locking mechanism 123 which may include a lock release 125 and a guideway ring 130.
  • lock release 125 comprises a depressible button 124 located on a side of dial 110 and accessible from outside of dial 110.
  • Button 124 includes one or more springs 126 that bias button 124 radially outward and a pin 128, guide tab, or other protrusion, movable with button 124 radially relative to axis 108 when button 124 is pressed and released.
  • the button 124 is movable relative to dial 110 and rotating member 112 to release locking mechanism 123 and allow dial 110 and rotating member 112 to be co-rotated to adjust a setting of riflescope 100.
  • ISA/EP ring 130 is affixed to housing 102 of riflescope 100, for example by press- fitting guideway ring 130 onto a threaded flange 140 that has been threadably secured to housing 102. In this manner, a channel 132 or other guideway of guideway ring 130 is fixed relative to housing 102.
  • pin 128 is retracted axially from channel 132 of guideway ring 130, but when adjustment knob 106 is in the engaged position as illustrated in FIG.
  • pin 128 (or guide tab or other protrusion) is received in channel 132 and travels within channel 132 or otherwise rides along the channel 132 or other guideway as dial 110 is rotated. Pin 128 (or guide tab or other protrusion) is biased into a notch 133 (FIG. 2) formed in the guideway of the guideway ring 130 at a zero location of the dial 1 10 to lock adjustment knob 106 at the zero location, as is described in greater detail in patent No. US 9,170,068, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • locking mechanism 123 When the button 124 or other lock release 125 is depressed or otherwise actuated, it moves the pin 128 (or other guide tab or protrusion) out of notch 133 to release the locking mechanism 123 and allow the dial 110 to be rotated away from the zero location.
  • locking mechanism 123 does not lock at any rotational position of dial 110 other than the zero location. In other embodiments locking mechanism 123 may lock at multiple rotational positions of dial 110.
  • locking mechanism 123 may comprise any of various different adjustment knob locking mechanisms, particularly those locking mechanisms including a lock release accessible from outside the dial 1 10, and/or those including a lock release carried by the dial 110 for rotation therewith about the axis 108, such as lock release button located on a side of the dial 110 that is depressible in a radial direction toward the axis 108 to release the locking mechanism. Locking mechanisms that are lockable electronically or by other means are also envisioned.
  • an o-ring 134 is seated within a groove 136 of rotating member 112 (shown in FIG. 3), and a washer 138 is seated within a groove 142 of threaded flange 140 (shown in FIG. 2).
  • adjustment knob 106 includes a click mechanism to provide tactile and/or audible feedback to the user when adjustment knob 106 is rotated.
  • a click ring 144 is interposed between a shoulder 150 of the lower base portion 148 of rotating member 112 and threaded flange 140.
  • Click ring 144 includes a grooved surface 146 facing rotating member 1 12.
  • Grooved surface 146 includes regularly spaced apart features, which, for example, include splines or a series of evenly spaced vertical grooves or ridges. Other engagement features may include a series of detents, indentations, apertures, or other suitable features.
  • the click mechanism further includes a click pin 152 with a ramped surface configured to engage the regularly spaced apart features of grooved surface 146.
  • Click pin 152 is housed within a bore 156 in rotating member 112 that has an open end facing grooved surface 146.
  • a spring 154 or other biasing element urges click pin 152 to extend outwardly from within bore 156 and engage grooved surface 146.
  • rotational movement of adjustment knob 106 about axis 108 causes click pin 152 to move out of contact with one groove and into a neighboring groove, thereby producing a click that is either audible, tactile, or both.
  • Each click may coincide with an adjustment amount to alert the user about the extent of an adjustment being made.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of adjustment knob 106 of FIG. 1 , showing dial 110 disengaged with rotating member 1 12 (meaning that rotation of dial 1 10 will not cause rotation of rotating member 1 12 or any change to the setting of riflescope 100 by movement of internal optical components within housing 102 or otherwise).
  • a retainer device 122 is at least partially housed by and carried by a retainer groove 158 formed in dial 1 10 such that retainer device 122 is axially moveable relative to rotating member 1 12 with dial 1 10, but is not axially movable relative to dial 1 10.
  • retainer groove 158 is sized such that it allows free expansion of retainer device 122 within it.
  • rotating member 112 includes a disengagement ridge 160, a disengagement
  • RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP groove 162, a ridge 164, and an engagement groove 166, where disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 are spaced apart and ridge 164 is formed between grooves 162 and 166.
  • ridges 160 and 164 and grooves 162 and 166 are formed in hub 172 of rotating member 1 12.
  • disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 are spaced apart on hub 172 and ridge 164 is formed between grooves 162 and 166 on hub 172. Items 160-166 are discussed further below.
  • grooves 162, 166 and ridges 160, 164 may be formed on a shaft, shank, or shoulder of an adjustment screw.
  • Adjustment knob 106 may include a clutch 167 that selectively couples dial 1 10 to rotating member 112 for co-rotation.
  • clutch 167 includes a dial clutch surface 168 on dial 1 10 and a rotating member clutch surface 170 on rotating member 1 12.
  • Dial 110 is illustrated in FIG. 3 in a disengaged position with dial clutch surface 168 moved axially outward and disengaged from rotating member clutch surface 170. In the disengaged position, the clutch 167 is said to be disengaged or released, whereas in the engaged position the clutch 167 is engaged.
  • dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may have at least one male spline
  • the other of dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may have at least one female spline.
  • Either of dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may have male or female splines formed thereon at the same or different pitches.
  • dial clutch surface 168 may include a spline ring in the form of a plurality of splines that fully or partially encircle an interior cavity 218 of dial 1 10
  • rotating member clutch surface 170 may include a spline ring in the form of a plurality of splines that fully or partially encircle an outer surface of rotating member 1 12.
  • dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 have the same number of splines, while in other embodiments, dial clutch surface 168 and/or rotating member clutch surface 170 have a different number of splines or no splines at all. It should be noted that dial clutch surface 168 and rotating
  • ISA/EP member clutch surface 170 need not have the same arrangement of splines.
  • one of dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may include one or more splines arranged such that the splines fully encircle interior cavity 218 or an outer surface of rotating member 112, while the other of dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may include only a single spline or a plurality of splines that only partially encircle interior cavity 218 or an outer surface of rotating member 112. It should be noted that dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 need not use the same type of engaging components.
  • dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may include one or more splines, while the other of dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may include one or more keys or one or more ridges.
  • dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 may each have at least one tooth and form a Hirth joint when dial clutch surface 168 and rotating member clutch surface 170 are engaged.
  • Alternative push-button style clutches are described below with reference to FIGS. 7-13. Many other designs for clutches are also envisioned, including conical clutches, plate clutches, rotary-actuated clutches, electronically actuated clutches, etc.
  • the splines of dial clutch surface 168 or rotating member clutch surface 170 may be axially elongated so they can be used both as an element of clutch 167 and as a detent ring for the click mechanism of adjustment knob 106, eliminating the need for a separate detent ring 144.
  • dial 110 is illustrated in a disengaged position, where retainer device 122 is seated in disengagement groove 162, abutting disengagement ridge 160, and substantially housed by retainer groove 158. It should be noted that dial 110 may also be in a disengagement position when retainer device 122 is seated in disengagement groove 162 but not abutting disengagement ridge 160.
  • dial 110 is
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of adjustment knob 106 showing dial 110 in the engaged position. In the engaged position, rotation of dial 110 will rotate rotating member 112 and change a setting of riflescope 100, e.g., by moving erector system 104 within housing 102.
  • retainer device 122 when retainer device 122 is seated in the disengagement groove 162, retainer device 122 is substantially housed by retainer groove 158.
  • substantially housed means that about 50% or more of a diameter of retainer device 122 is received in retainer groove 158.
  • retainer device 122 when retainer device 122 is seated in the engagement groove 166, retainer device 122 is only partially housed by retainer groove 158.
  • partially housed means that less than about 50% of a diameter of retainer device 122 is housed by retainer groove 158.
  • retainer device 122 may be partially housed or substantially housed by retainer groove 158 when it is seated in one or both of disengagement groove 162 or engagement groove 166.
  • retainer device 122 when dial 110 is moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position (and vice versa), retainer device 122 is moved between disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 and rides over a ridge 164 when moving between grooves 162 and 166. In some embodiments, when retainer device 122 moves or rides over ridge 164 when traveling from engagement groove 166 to disengagement groove 162, retainer device 122 expands into retainer groove 158 such that a greater portion of retainer device 122 is housed by retainer groove 158 when retainer device 122 is seated in the disengagement groove 162 relative to when retainer device 122 is seated in the engagement groove 166. In some embodiments, when retainer device 122 moves or rides over ridge 164 when traveling from disengagement groove 162 to engagement groove 166, retainer device 122 collapses out of
  • ISA/EP retainer groove 158 such that a smaller portion of retainer device 122 is housed by retainer groove 158 when retainer device 122 is seated in the engagement groove 166 relative to when retainer device 122 is seated in the disengagement groove 162.
  • Retainer device 122 can be configured such that it limits or reduces total travel from the engaged position to the disengaged position (and vice- versa). For example, retainer device 122 can apply constant or substantially constant friction to rotating member 112 such that free movement of retainer device 122 is limited or reduced.
  • the snap ring or other spring of retainer device 122 may be sized and selected to cooperate with ridge 164 for requiring a minimum pull force to move dial 110 from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
  • the minimum pull force can be a value in the range from about 1 lb. to about 10 lbs, or between about 2 lbs. and 10 lbs.
  • Disengagement ridge 160 is preferably sized larger than engagement ridge 164 to require a pull force preferably exceeding 10 lbs., or exceeding 14 lbs., to remove dial 110 from rotating member 112.
  • the push force required for moving dial 110 from the disengaged position to the engaged position is about 2 lbs. or less or less than about 1 lb.
  • FIGS. 1 -5 illustrate embodiments where disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 are formed on rotating member 112 and retainer groove 158 is formed on dial 110
  • dial 110 may have a plug configured to insert into a receiving cavity formed in hub 172 of rotating member 112, and the plug may have a disengagement groove and an engagement groove formed thereon substantially similar to grooves 162 and 166.
  • the receiving cavity of hub 172 may have a retainer groove formed therein substantially similar to retainer groove 158.
  • retainer device 122 may partially or fully encircle the plug.
  • retainer device 122 is at least partially housed by and carried by the retainer groove of the receiving cavity such that retainer device 122 is axially moveable
  • disengagement groove, engagement groove, and retainer device may be omitted, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-13.
  • Retainer device may also be integrally formed with one or both of dial 1 10 and rotating member 112, or in other components of adjustment knob 106.
  • retention may be provided by suction or vacuum through the use of an airtight seal between dial 110 and rotating member 112.
  • Such an airtight seal may be accomplished through the use of a precise mechanical fit, or by o-rings or other seals, while a desired range of movement may be provided through the use of a bladder or flexible diaphragm contained within the adjustment knob and in communication with the sealed space between the dial 110 and rotating member 112.
  • the assembly of such a device may involve bleeding off air from the enclosed space through a vent in the side of the dial 110 as the dial 110 is fitted onto rotating member 112, then sealing the vent after the assembly of dial 110 is complete.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isolated view of rotating member 112 of adjustment knob 106.
  • rotating member 112 includes disengagement ridge 160, disengagement groove 162, ridge 164, and engagement groove 166 formed in a hub 172 of rotating member 112.
  • hub 172 also includes a top rib 174 and a bottom rib 178.
  • Engagement groove 166 can also be referred to as a first circumferential step
  • disengagement groove 162 can also be referred to as a second circumferential step
  • top rib 174 can also be referred to as a third circumferential step
  • bottom rib 178 can also be referred to as a fourth circumferential step.
  • the first circumferential step may be formed by a first circumference of rotating member 112 and the second circumferential step may be formed by a second circumference of rotating member 112, wherein the first circumference is less than the second circumference.
  • the third circumferential step may be formed by a third circumference of rotating member 112 and the fourth circumferential step may be formed by a fourth circumference of rotating member 112, wherein the
  • ISA/EP third circumference is greater than the second circumference, and the third circumference is less than the fourth circumference.
  • the third circumference and fourth circumference may be equal.
  • disengagement groove 162 is formed by a first diameter of rotating member 112 and the engagement groove 166 is formed by a second diameter of rotating member 112, where the first diameter is larger than the second diameter such that the engagement groove 166 is deeper than the disengagement groove 162 relative to an outer circumferential surface of hub 172.
  • Disengagement ridge 160 and ridge 164 can also each be referred to as a chamfer, for example.
  • a top ridge 180 may be formed on top rib 174, and may also be referred to as a chamfer.
  • one or more of ridges 160, 164, and 180 are sloped or inclined.
  • ridge 160 forms a retention angle 91 with a vertical axis 184 around rotating member 1 12 which is parallel to axis 108 (FIG. 1 ).
  • Retention angle 01 is sized and chosen to cooperate with retainer device 122 to inhibit dial 1 10 from being detached from rotating member 1 12.
  • angle 91 is about 45 degrees.
  • angle 91 can range from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
  • ridge 164 forms a retention angle 92 with a vertical axis 186 around rotating member 1 12 which is parallel to axis 108 (FIG. 1 ).
  • angle 92 is about 17 degrees.
  • angle 92 can range from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.
  • top ridge 180 also forms an angle 93 with a vertical axis 188 around rotating member 112.
  • angle 93 is about 30 degrees.
  • angle 93 can range from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees.
  • angle 93 is selected such that installation of retainer device 122 on rotating member 112 will limit or avoid or reduce damage on hub 172 and/or retainer device 122 from incidence with a surface of rotating member 112, such as a surface of top rib 174 (which may have the largest diameter of hub 172 that retainer device 122 rides over).
  • a distance between ridge 160 and ridge 164, forming a length of disengagement groove 162 is about 0.09 inches. In some embodiments, a distance between ridge 164 and a lip 182 of bottom rib 178, forming a length of engagement groove 166 is about 0.08 inches. In some embodiments, a distance between ridge 160 and top ridge 180, forming a length of top rib 174, is about 0.09 inches. In some embodiments, the length of disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 is selected such that there is enough clearance for pin 128 of button 124 (shown in FIG. 3) to extend into and retract out of a channel 132.
  • the ratio of lengths between all or a subset of disengagement groove 162, engagement groove 166, and top rib 174 is selected to reduce or limit the overall assembled height of adjustment knob 106 and/or reduce or limit the freedom of movement of adjustment knob 106 to improve ergonomics of engagement and/or disengagement.
  • FIG. 6A illustrates a riflescope 200 having adjustment knob 106 used as an elevation knob 202 and a windage knob 204.
  • elevation knob 202 is in an engaged position such that its dial is engaged with a rotating member (1 12 in FIGS. 1 -5) of the elevation knob 202
  • windage knob 204 is in a disengaged position such that its dial is disengaged with a rotating member (112 in FIGS. 1 -5) of the windage knob 204.
  • a user may have pushed elevation knob 202 toward housing 206 to place elevation knob 202 in its engaged position. In the engaged position, the user may rotate the elevation knob 202 such that optical components of riflescope 200 are adjusted to reflect a particular elevation.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates an
  • RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP opposite situation to that shown in FIG. 6A where riflescope 200 has elevation knob 202 in a disengaged position and windage knob 204 in an engaged position.
  • windage knob 204 When windage knob 204 is in the engaged position illustrated in FIG. 6B, it may be used to adjust optical components of riflescope 200 as discussed above with respect to elevation knob 202 in FIG. 6A.
  • FIGS. 7-11 illustrate an adjustment knob 106' according to another embodiment
  • FIGS. 12-13 illustrate an adjustment knob 106" according to yet another embodiment
  • parts of adjustment knobs 106' and 106" that are identical, very similar, and/or functionally equivalent to parts having the same name in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 are identified by the same reference numeral followed by a prime symbol(') in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11 , or a double prime symbol (") in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, and may not be otherwise described or discussed herein.
  • a guideway ring 130' of a locking mechanism 123' of adjustment knob 106' is identical to guideway ring 130 illustrated in FIGS.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of adjustment knob 106' mounted on a riflescope 100' with a clutch 167' (described below) of adjustment knob 106' shown in an engaged position.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of adjustment knob 106'.
  • FIG. 9 is an oblique section view of adjustment knob 106' with its clutch 167' illustrated in a disengaged position.
  • clutch 167' is a push-button style clutch that is actuated by depressing a clutch release button 710 along the axis of rotation 108'.
  • Clutch release button 710 is carried by dial 110' in a counterbore 712 formed in an axial outward end 714 of dial 110' and is accessible from outside of dial 110' at the axial outward end 714.
  • Clutch release button 710 is retained on dial 110' by a retainer ring 716 that is fitted into a groove 718 circumscribing counterbore 712 near axial outward end 714.
  • Retainer ring 716 is received in a circumferential channel 720 in clutch release button 710 that is sized to allow a range of axial movement of clutch release button 710 along axis of rotation 108’.
  • the retainer ring 716 may be carried in a narrower
  • RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP slot on clutch release button 710 and the groove 718 may be wider to allow retainer ring 716 to move axially therein.
  • Other structures and devices for retaining button 710 on dial 110' may also be utilized.
  • a wave spring 726 is positioned in counterbore 712 between dial 1 10' and clutch release button 710 to bias clutch release button 710 axially outwardly away from housing 102' of riflescope 100' so as to urge clutch 167’ toward the engaged position.
  • Clutch release button 710 is illustrated as being relatively large and extending beyond dial 1 10' when clutch 167' is in the engaged position, but to prevent accidental release of clutch 167' the clutch release button 710 may alternatively be made smaller and/or sit flush or recessed relative to outward end 714 of dial 1 10' when clutch 167' is in the engaged position.
  • a gripper 730 of clutch 167' is attached to clutch release button 710 and extends axially away from an underside of clutch release button 710 toward housing 102'.
  • Gripper 730 which is best illustrated in FIG. 1 1 , includes a mounting ring portion 732 that is coupled to clutch release button 710 via a snap ring 736, and one or more resilient arms 740 extending away from mounting ring portion 732 toward housing 102'.
  • a wedge-shaped gripper shoe 744 is provided near a terminal distal end of each resilient arm 740.
  • gripper 730 includes a balanced arrangement of three arms 740 each terminating in a wedge-shaped gripper shoe 744. Each of the arms 740 may extend through bore 746 (FIG.
  • gripper 730 including mounting ring portion 732, arms 740, and gripper shoes 744, are preferably formed together in a unitary one-piece construction, such as by molding or by machining from a solid block of metal or other material.
  • each of the gripper shoes 744 may include one or more gripper splines 750, or another type of high-friction surface, on an inner face thereof.
  • Gripper splines 750 face toward and engage a spline ring 760 (FIG. 10) or other rotating member clutch surface 170' of rotating member 112' when clutch 167' is in the engaged condition/position.
  • ISA/EP of each gripper shoe 744 on an opposite side of gripper shoe 744 from gripper splines 750 is shaped to wedge into a conical surface 770 or chamfer circumscribing an axially-inner opening of bore 746 (FIG. 8) and forming a dial clutch surface thereof.
  • Outer surface 764 may be smooth (as illustrated) to facilitate smooth actuation of clutch 167', or may textured.
  • spline ring 760 circumscribes hub 172' of rotating member 112' and gripper splines 750 are formed on a radially-inner surface of each of gripper shoes 744 and facing spline ring 760.
  • the gripper splines 750 may be formed on the opposite sides of gripper shoes 744 and spline ring 760 (or other high-friction surface) may circumscribe the axially-inner opening of bore 746, which may or may not be conical or chamfered.
  • the radially-inner surface of each gripper shoe 744 may be smooth or textured, and optionally inclined or wedge- shaped relative to arms 740, so as to wedge into and grip a complementary rotating member clutch surface on hub 172'.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates adjustment knob 106' with clutch release button 710 depressed to move gripper 730 axially inward to a disengaged position whereat clutch 167' is disengaged so as to allow dial 110' to be rotated relative to rotating member 1 12' for zeroing the adjustment knob 106' without changing the elevation or other setting of riflescope 100'.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an adjustment knob 106" including a push-button style clutch 167" similar to the push-button clutch 167' of FIGS 7-1 1 , but in which gripper shoes 744" lack splines on either side.
  • Gripper shoes 744" may be smooth or roughened.
  • the inner gripping surface 780 of gripper shoes 744" may be raised to provide optimal engagement or gripping with rotating member clutch surface 170".
  • the embodiment of FIG. 12 and 13, omits splines from the dial clutch surface 168" and rotating member clutch surface 170".
  • rotating member clutch surface 170" is illustrated as merely being a cylindrical side surface of hub 172", the rotating member clutch surface 170" may be roughened to improve grip, or may include a ridge or detent (not illustrated) to
  • an adjustment knob 106 of the aiming device of the kind including a dial and a rotating member rotatable about an axis of rotation 108 to change a setting of the aiming device is zeroed following initially sighting-in the aiming device.
  • the process of sighting-in an aiming device such as a riflescope, is well known, and typically involves shooting a weapon to which the aiming device is attached and observing deviation of the point of impact of the bullet or other projectile on a target at a known range, such as 100 yards, or 200 yards, or 100 meters (m), or 200 m.
  • the deviation of the point of impact relative to the point of aim of the riflescope or aiming device indicates how much adjustment must be made to the aiming device - in terms of elevation (vertical) adjustment and windage (lateral) adjustment — in order for the scope to be "sighted-in” at that range.
  • the step of "sighted-in” then involves releasing a locking mechanism 123 of the adjustment knob, for example by manually depressing a lock release button 124 located on the dial 110 or by otherwise moving a lock release 125 relative to the dial 110 and the rotating member 112; and, while the locking mechanism 123 is released, rotating the dial 110, whereby the rotating member 112 co-rotates with the dial 110 to adjust an aim of the aiming device, until the aiming device is accurately targeting a point of impact of a firearm or other weapon (not illustrated) to which the aiming device is attached.
  • the method next involves disengaging a clutch 167 of the adjustment knob 106 that selectively couples the dial 110 to the rotating member 112; and, while the clutch 167 is disengaged, rotating a dial 110 of the adjustment knob 106 about the axis of rotation 108, relative to the rotating member 112, until the dial 1 10 is at its zero position, then engaging the clutch 167 to couple the dial 110 to the rotating member 112 for co-rotation therewith about the axis of rotation 108 for adjusting the aim of the aiming device.
  • the lock release button 124 is located on a side of the dial 110 and releasing the lock mechanism 123 includes manually depressing the button 124 in a radial direction toward the axis of rotation 108.
  • ISA/EP disengaging the clutch 167 may involve moving at least a portion of the dial 110 axially relative to the rotating member 112.
  • the method may further include prior to completing the sighting-in process, releasing the locking mechanism 123 and adjusting the adjustment mechanism 106 in a positive direction to clear a zero locked position of the locking mechanism 123, then disengaging the clutch and rotating the dial 1 10 in the same direction (positive direction) relative to the rotating member 112 while the clutch 167 is disengaged, and then re-engaging the clutch 167 after rotating the dial 110 relative to the rotating member 1 12. Thereafter a shot is taken with the weapon and the sight adjusted until it is sighted-in, and the remainder of the method described above is then completed to zero the dial. [0050] It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Des boutons de réglage pouvant être mis à zéro par l'utilisateur pour un dispositif de visée comprennent un élément rotatif qui est mis en rotation pour changer un réglage du dispositif de visée, un cadran pouvant être couplé sélectivement à l'élément rotatif par l'intermédiaire d'un embrayage en vue d'une co-rotation avec celui-ci, et un mécanisme de verrouillage qui empêche le cadran et l'élément rotatif de tourner par rapport au dispositif de visée lorsque le mécanisme de verrouillage est verrouillé. L'embrayage peut être désaccouplé sans utiliser d'outils pour permettre au cadran de tourner par rapport à l'élément rotatif pour mettre à zéro le dispositif de visée. Le mécanisme de verrouillage peut comprendre un moyen de libération de mécanisme de verrouillage qui est accessible depuis l'extérieur du cadran et mobile par rapport au cadran et à l'élément rotatif pour libérer le mécanisme de verrouillage. L'invention concerne également des procédés de remise à zéro de boutons de réglage de verrouillage.
PCT/US2023/061247 2022-02-07 2023-01-25 Bouton de réglage de remise à zéro sans outil pour dispositifs de visée, et procédés de remise à zéro d'un dispositif de visée WO2024010987A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2023304257A AU2023304257A1 (en) 2022-02-07 2023-01-25 Tool-less re-zero adjustment knob for aiming devices, and methods of zeroing an aiming device
CN202380024903.0A CN118805065A (zh) 2022-02-07 2023-01-25 用于瞄准装置的免工具重新归零调节旋钮以及将瞄准装置归零的方法

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/650,247 US11906268B2 (en) 2019-02-27 2022-02-07 Tool-less re-zero adjustment knob for aiming devices, and methods of zeroing an aiming device
US17/650,247 2022-02-07

Publications (3)

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WO2024010987A2 WO2024010987A2 (fr) 2024-01-11
WO2024010987A3 WO2024010987A3 (fr) 2024-03-21
WO2024010987A9 true WO2024010987A9 (fr) 2024-06-13

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CN (1) CN118805065A (fr)
AU (1) AU2023304257A1 (fr)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4341151C1 (de) 1993-12-02 1995-06-29 Swarovski Optik Kg Vorrichtung zur Justierung der Zielmarke eines Zielfernrohres
US6279259B1 (en) 1997-10-22 2001-08-28 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Rifle scope adjustment mechanism
US8312667B2 (en) * 2009-01-14 2012-11-20 Premier Reticles, Ltd Lockable adjustment mechanism
US9170068B2 (en) 2012-01-04 2015-10-27 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Locking adjustment device
US8806798B2 (en) * 2012-11-21 2014-08-19 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Riflescope adjustment knob with interchangeable adjustment indicator ring
US11248876B2 (en) * 2017-10-27 2022-02-15 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Rifle scope with zero lock
US20200278179A1 (en) * 2019-02-28 2020-09-03 Leapers, Inc. Toolless zero systems for an optical device

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TW202346785A (zh) 2023-12-01
CN118805065A (zh) 2024-10-18
WO2024010987A2 (fr) 2024-01-11
AU2023304257A1 (en) 2024-08-22
WO2024010987A3 (fr) 2024-03-21

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