RETICLE FOR MULTI-ROLE VIEWING OPTIC

The disclosure relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to viewing optics and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to viewing optics and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

BACKGROUND

Users of firearms, whether they are police officers, soldiers, Olympic shooters, sportswomen and sportsmen, hunters, or weekend enthusiasts have one common goal: hitting their target accurately and consistently. When switching back and forth between close targets and distance targets, accuracy depends largely on the ability to change focus reliably.

Current reticle designs for viewing optics are generally designed for either close/medium ranges or long ranges. Current reticle designs for viewing optics for close/medium ranges are either overly complex to the average shooter, or do not take advantage of the higher magnification provided by advancing optical design technology. Other reticle designs attempting to accommodate different shooting ranges either provide too much detail resulting in an overwhelming and crowded view or oversimplified to the point that commonly useful tools are not available. For example, some existing reticles provide a number of features such as minute-of-angle scaling both to the right and left of a center dot and above and below, which assume a shooter has the training and time to utilize these features. These features can take up a significant space on a reticle, resulting in an obscured central aiming portion at low magnification and a crowded view at high magnification. On the other hand, some existing reticles provide too little information, such as omitting scale indicators or limiting the extent/range of aiming tools which take wind, drop and movement into account.

Accordingly, the need exists for a target acquisition device having a reticle which includes, for example, a balance of utility at low magnification and high magnification and/or a reticle which minimizes the business in views at low magnification and high magnification while still providing tools useful to most shooters.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a reticle. In an embodiment, the reticle comprises a) a crosshair feature comprising at least three non-intersecting crosshairs extending radially toward an optical center of the reticle and which divide the reticle into at least three quadrants; b) a center dot positioned at the optical center of the reticle and comprising a center portion partially surrounded by a discontinuous ring; and c) at least one of i) a first range estimation feature, ii) a drop point-of-impact estimation feature, iii) a wind point-of-impact estimation feature, and iv) a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature.

In yet another embodiment, the reticle comprises a) a crosshair feature comprising a right crosshair extending radially from the circumference toward the optical center at approximately 90°, a left crosshair extending radially from the circumference toward the optical center at approximately 270°, and a bottom crosshair extending radially from the circumference toward the optical center at approximately 180°, wherein in the right, left and bottom crosshairs do not intersect the optical center and divide the reticle into at least an upper quadrant, a lower left quadrant, and a lower right quadrant; b) a center dot positioned at the optical center of the reticle and comprising a center portion partially surrounded by a discontinuous ring; c) a plurality of markings extending linearly between the right and left crosshair at calculated intervals forming a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature; d) a drop point-of-impact estimation feature comprising a primary vertical axis extending downward from but not intersecting the center dot, a plurality of cross-markings perpendicularly intersecting the primary vertical axis, and at least one indicium associated with at least one of the plurality of cross-markings; e) a wind point-of-impact estimation feature comprising at least four pairs of markings, wherein one pair of markings extends linearly from each end of at least two of the horizontal cross-markings of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature; f) a range estimation feature in the upper quadrant, the range estimation feature comprising a primary vertical axis intersected at calculated interval by a plurality of perpendicular cross-markings having a calculated lengths and separated by calculated distances, wherein the calculated lengths and calculated distances are based on a target having a target area with an approximate width of 18 inches and an approximate height of 40 inches.

In yet another embodiment, the reticle comprises a) a crosshair feature comprising a right crosshair extending radially from the circumference toward the optical center at approximately 90° and terminating at a calculated interval from center such that it is to be considered a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature, a left crosshair extending radially from the circumference toward the optical center at approximately 270° and terminating at a calculated interval from center such that it is to be considered a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature, and a bottom crosshair extending radially from the circumference toward the optical center at approximately 180°, wherein in the right, left and bottom crosshairs do not intersect the optical center and divide the reticle into at least an upper quadrant, a lower left quadrant, and a lower right quadrant; b) a center dot positioned at the optical center of the reticle and comprising a center portion partially surrounded by a discontinuous ring; c) two, or more, markings extending linearly at calculated intervals forming a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature that includes, but is not limited to, the left and the right crosshair; d) a drop point-of-impact estimation feature comprising a primary vertical axis extending downward from but not intersecting the center dot, a plurality of cross-markings perpendicularly intersecting the primary vertical axis, and at least one indicium associated with at least one of the plurality of cross-markings; e) a wind point-of-impact estimation feature comprising at least four pairs of markings, wherein one pair of markings extends linearly from each end of at least two of the horizontal cross-markings of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature; f) a range estimation feature in the upper quadrant, the range estimation feature comprising a primary vertical axis intersected at calculated interval by a plurality of perpendicular cross-markings having a calculated lengths and separated by calculated distances, wherein the calculated lengths and calculated distances are based on a target having a target area with an approximate width of 18 inches and an approximate height of 40 inches.

In a further embodiment, the disclosure provides a viewing optic comprising a reticle as provided herein.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a viewing optic comprising a housing, an objective lens assembly mounted within a first end of the housing, an ocular lens assembly mounted within a second end of the housing, one or more optical components mounted within the housing between the objective lens assembly and the ocular lens assembly, and a reticle mounted within the housing between the objective lens assembly and one or more optical components, wherein the reticle is as provided herein.

Other embodiments will be evident from a consideration of the drawings taken together with the detailed description provided below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the set of features and/or capabilities may be readily adapted within the context of a standalone viewing optic, such as a weapons sight, front-mount or rear-mount clip-on weapons sight, and other permutations of field deployed optical weapons sights. Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various combinations of features and capabilities may be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting existing fixed or variable viewing optics of any variety.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. For example, when used in a phrase such as “A and/or B,” the phrase “and/or” is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B and/or C” is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

The disclosure relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to viewing optics and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets. Certain preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

As used herein, “ballistics” is a way to precisely calculate the trajectory of a bullet based on a host of factors.

As used herein, 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. As used herein, the term “firearm” also refers to a remote, servo-controlled firearm wherein the firearm has auto-sensing 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. As used herein, the term “firearm” also refers to chain guns, belt-feed guns, machine guns, and Gattling guns. As used herein, the term 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.

As used herein, a “reticle,” in one embodiment, is a crosshair aiming point for a bullet. In another embodiment, a “reticle” is an aiming pattern for your bullet.

As used herein, “trajectory” is a bullet flight path over distance that is affected by gravity, air density, bullet shape, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, barrel twist direction, barrel twist rate, true bearing of flight path, vertical angle of muzzle, wind, and a number of other factors.

As used herein, the term “viewing optic” refers to an apparatus or assembly used by a user, a shooter or a spotter to select, identify and/or monitor a target. A viewing optic may rely on visual observation of the target or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation, night vision, vibrational receptors including ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibration, 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 a user/shooter/spotter by a viewing optic 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 and/or monitored by a viewing optic may be within the line of sight of the shooter or tangential to the sight of the shooter. In other embodiments, the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the viewing optic presents a focused image of the target. The image of the target acquired by the viewing optic may, for example, be 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 802.1 lb or other wireless transmission using, for example, protocols such as html. SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth™, Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method. The term “viewing optic” is used interchangeably with “optic sight.”

As used herein, the term “outward scene” refers to a real world scene, including but not limited to a target.

As exemplified inFIGS. 1 and 2, a viewing optic10(also referred to herein as a “scope”) includes a housing36that can be mounted in fixed relationship with a gun barrel38. Housing36is preferably constructed from steel or aluminum, but can be constructed from virtually any durable, substantially rigid material that is useful for constructing optical equipment. Mounted in housing36at one end is an objective lens or lens assembly12. Mounted in housing38at the opposite end is an ocular lens or lens assembly14.

As used herein, the term “lens” refers to an object by means of which light rays, thermal, sonar, infrared, ultraviolet, microwave or radiation of other wavelength is focused or otherwise projected to form an image. It is well known in the art to make lenses from either a single piece of glass or other optical material (such as transparent plastic) which has been conventionally ground and polished to focus light, or from two or more pieces of such material mounted together, for example, with optically transparent adhesive and the like to focus light. Accordingly, the term “lens” as used herein is intended to cover a lens constructed from a single piece of optical glass or other material, or multiple pieces of optical glass or other material (for example, an achromatic lens), or from more than one piece mounted together to focus light, or from other material capable of focusing light. Any lens technology now known or later developed finds use with the present invention. For example, any lens based on digital, hydrostatic, ionic, electronic, magnetic energy fields, component, composite, plasma, adoptive lens, or other related technologies may be used. Additionally, moveable or adjustable lenses may be used. As will be understood by one having skill in the art, when the scope10is mounted to, for example, a gun, rifle or weapon38, the objective lens (that is, the lens furthest from the shooter's eye)12faces the target, and the ocular lens (that is, the lens closest to the shooter's eye)14faces the shooter's eye.

Other optical components that may be included in housing36include variable power optical components16for a variable power scope. Such components16typically include magnifiers and erectors. Such a variable power scope permits the user to select a desired power within a predetermined range of powers. For example, with a 3-12×50 scope, the user can select a lower power (e.g., 3×50) or a high power (e.g., 12×50) or any power along the continuous spectrum.

Finally, a reticle assists the shooter in hitting the target. The reticle is typically (but not necessarily) constructed using optical material, such as optical glass or plastic, or similar transparent material, and takes the form of a disc or wafer with substantially parallel sides. The reticle may, for example, be constructed from wire, spider web, nano-wires, an etching, or may be analog or digitally printed, or may be projected (for example, on a surface) by, for example, a mirror, video, holographic projection, or other suitable means on one or more wafers of material. In one embodiment, illuminated reticles are etched, with the etching filled in with a reflective material, for example, titanium oxide, that illuminates when a light or diode powered by, for example, a battery, chemical or photovoltaic source, is rheostatically switched on compensating for increasing (+) or decreasing (−) light intensity. In a further embodiment, the illuminated reticle is composed of two or more wafers, each with a different image, for example, one image for daylight viewing (that is, a primary reticle), and one image for night viewing (that is, a secondary reticle). In a still further embodiment, if the shooter finds it undesirable to illuminate an entire reticle, since it might compromise optical night vision, the secondary reticle illuminates a reduced number of dots or lines. In yet another embodiment, the illuminated primary and secondary reticles are provided in any color. In a preferred embodiment, the illuminated reticle of the shooter's aiming device is identical to one or more spotter target acquisition devices such that the spotting device independently illuminates one or both of the reticles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, illuminated reticles are used in, for example, low light or no light environments using rheostat-equipped, stereoscopic adaptive binoculars. With one eye, the shooter looks through a target acquisition device equipped with an aiming reticle of the present invention. With the opposite eye, the shooter observes the target using a night vision device, for example, the PVS 14 device. When the reticle and night vision device of the binocular are rheostatically illuminated, and the binocular images are properly aligned, the reticle of the target acquisition device is superimposed within the shooter's field of vision upon the shooter's image of the target, such that accurate shot placement can be made at any range in low light or no light surroundings.

In a fixed power scope, the reticle is mounted anywhere between the ocular lens14and the objective lens12ofFIG. 1. In a variable power scope, the reticle is mounted between the objective lens12and the optical components16. In this position, the apparent size of the reticle when viewed through the ocular lens will vary with the power. The present reticle may be mounted in a variable power target acquisition device, for example a variable power viewing optic. The variable power scope may magnify over any suitable range and objective lens diameter, for example a 3-12×50, a 4-16×50, a 1.8-10×40, 3.2-17×44, 4-22×58 viewing optic, etc.

When the reticle18is mounted between the objective lens and the variable power optical components16, as in the embodiment shown, the markings on the reticle change size as magnification is increased. Thus, a unit of measure is consistent no matter the magnification.

As shown in the Figures, the reticle18is formed from a substantially flat disc or wafer19formed from substantially transparent optical glass or other material suitable for manufacturing optical lenses. Disc19has two, substantially parallel, sides. The markings, described in further detail herein, are provided on one side of said disc19using conventional methods such as, for example, etching, printing, engraved by machine or burned by laser, holographic technology, or applying hairs or wires of a known diameter. In a particular embodiment, etching is used.

With reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the reticle18has six primary features: (i) a first range estimation feature20, (ii) a center dot30at the optical center of the reticle18, (iii) a drop point-of-impact estimation feature40, (iv) a wind point-of-impact estimation feature50, (v) a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60, and (vi) crosshair feature70. In further embodiments, the reticle18may only include one, two, three, four or five of features (i)-(vi). In a particular embodiment, the reticle18includes at least a center dot30, a crosshair feature70, and at least one of a first range estimation feature20, a drop point-of-impact estimation feature40, a wind point-of-impact estimation feature50, and a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bas representative embodiments, identifier20refers to the range estimation feature; object can be 18 inches in width and/or 40 inches in height. Identifier30refers to the illuminated center dot and broken circle to provide rapid target acquisition at close and medium ranges. Identifier40refers to ballistic solution point-of-impact reference based on 55-77 grain 5.56 mm round traveling from 2700 to 3000 feet per second. Identifier50refers to 5 and 10 mile per hour cross wind point-of-impact reference points at respective distances. Identifier60refers to point-of-impact references points for targets moving laterally relative to the shooter. Identifier70refers to thick left/right/lower/outside crosshairs to draw the user's eye to center point of aim.

The crosshair feature70are thicker than the other markings and intended to draw a user's eye to the optical center of the reticle18. That is, the crosshair feature includes at least three crosshairs that extend radially toward the optical center of the reticle, but do not intersect with the optical center of the reticle. The crosshair feature also divides the reticle into quadrants. The effect of the crosshair features70is further shown inFIGS. 9-11, withFIGS. 9 and 10showing the reticle18at 1× magnification andFIG. 11showing the reticle18at 8× magnification.

In the embodiment shown, only right horizontal70a,left horizontal70band bottom vertical70ccrosshairs are provided. With reference to up being 0°, the right horizontal crosshair70ais provided at approximately 90°, the left crosshair70bat approximately 270°, and the bottom crosshair70cat approximately 180°. However, in further embodiments, different numbers of crosshairs may be provided and/or be located at different positions around the reticle18.

As shown perhaps best inFIGS. 9 and 10, the crosshairs70a,70b,70cextending radially and linearly from a circumference of the reticle18toward the optical center of the reticle18. The crosshairs70a,70band70cdo not intersect with each other or the optical center to provide improved visibility of a target and the other features of the reticle. As a result, the reticle18can be viewed as being divided into upper and lower portions, with the lower portion being further divided into left and right quadrants and the center dot30at the center (i.e., where the crosshairs would intersect). Different quadrants will be provided depending on the position and number of crosshairs.

In the embodiment shown, and as shown in further detail inFIG. 4, the first range estimation feature20has a primary vertical axis21, a plurality of horizontal cross-markings22, each horizontal cross-marking22corresponding to a numerical indicium, and a base line24parallel with the horizontal cross-markings22. The cross-markings22are perpendicular to and intersect the primary vertical axis21at specified calculated distances. The length of the primary vertical axis21, length and position of the horizontal cross-markings22and position of the base line24are specifically calculated to provide range estimation of a target having a defined width and/or height. For example, in the specific embodiment shown, the length of the primary vertical axis21and length and position of the horizontal cross-markings22are specifically calculated to allow a user to estimate the range of an average human target having a torso width of approximately 18 inches. That is, the distance between cross-markings22and the length of the cross-markings22is particular to identifying a target having an average width of 18 inches. However, in further embodiments, the axis and markings21,22may be specifically designed to a different proportion.

The base line24is set a calculated distance below the lowest cross-marking22and is used as a starting point in estimating the range of a target of known height. For example, in the embodiment shown, the distance between the base line24and the cross-markings22is specifically designed to estimate the range of a target having a torso height (e.g., from waist to shoulders) of 40 inches. However, in further embodiments, the cross-markings and base line22,24may be specifically designed to a different proportion.

As shown inFIG. 4, the numerical indicia23associated with the horizontal cross-markings22range from 3 to 6. These numbers correspond to a range of the target when the target is properly aligned within the first range estimation feature20, with the single digit representing its value as multiplied by 100 units, such as, for example, in the embodiment shown, 100 yards. It will be understood, however, that different scales, units and distances may be accounted for by adjusting the spacing of the horizontal cross-markings and/or assumed size of a target, with the indicia changing as necessary.

A numerical indicium23is provided next to a corresponding horizontal cross-marking22, with the numerical indicia23alternating sides of the horizontal cross-markings to allow for larger font size and less crowding. For example, the first cross-marking is labeled 3 in the embodiment shown, with the 3 positioned to the right of the cross-marking, while the label for the second cross-marking (4) is provided on the left of the cross-marking. In other embodiments, indicia may be provided on the same side of the horizontal cross-markings. In still further embodiments, only even or only odd indicia may be provided, or indicia may be otherwise provided in association with every other cross-marking (or less than every cross-marking).

The first range estimation feature20, as a whole, is provided a distance apart from the remaining elements of the reticle18in order to allow for range estimation separate from aiming and avoid cluttering a user's view when making a shot, such as shown inFIGS. 9-11. While in the embodiment shown the first range estimation feature20is provided above the remaining elements of the reticle, so that the primary vertical axis21is centered above the center dot30, it will be appreciated that the first range estimation feature may be offset or otherwise positioned.

The center dot30is located at the optical center of the reticle18and includes a small center portion31surrounded in part by a broken circle32, as shown inFIG. 3Aand in further detail inFIG. 4, for example. In particularly, the center portion31is located at the optical center of the reticle18, with the broken circle32positioned axially outward from the optical center. This two-part design of the center dot30acts to draw a user's eye to the center quickly to take aim, with the small center portion31small enough to make a precise shot, particularly at higher magnifications. The center portion's31small size would make it insufficient alone when the reticle is illuminated. However, a larger center portion31would obscure too much of a view at high magnification. The broken circle32is therefore provided to act as a visual reference and reflect light back to a user's eye when the reticle is illuminated without obscuring more view than is necessary. The increased surface area to reflect light is beneficial at low magnification as well, as it mimics a “red dot” style optic.

For example,FIG. 9illustrates the reticle18at 1× magnification. The center dot30is small enough for precise aiming at low magnification and, as shown inFIG. 10, provides sufficient surface area to reflect light back at low magnification. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 10, both the center dot30and the main axis41drop point-of-impact estimation feature40are illuminated. However, in further embodiments, the center dot30alone may be illuminated or one or more portions of the wind point-of-impact estimation feature50, a moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60, and crosshair features70(or additional features of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40) may be illuminated.

In the embodiment shown, the broken circle32is made of three dashed portions which collectively and discontinuously encircle the center portion31from approximately 150°, or 160°, or 170° or 180° or 190° to 200°, or 210°, or 220°, or 240°. The final dimension of the broken circle32, including how much the center portion31is surrounded and the number of portions of the broken circle32, may be changed in order to accommodate different technologies and illumination means.

The drop point-of-impact estimation feature40is located immediately below the center dot30. The drop point-of-impact estimation feature40, as shown in further detail inFIG. 4, has a primary vertical axis41extending linearly downward from a calculated point below the center portion31of the center dot30. A plurality of linear cross-markings42are perpendicular to and intersect the primary vertical axis41at calculated distances. That is, the location of each cross-marking42is specifically calculated to correspond to drop experienced by a pre-determined ballistic over a range as indicated by the respect. Each of the cross-markings42has a specifically calculated length, with each cross-marking42having a different calculated length. Each cross-marking42also has a pair of associated indicia43. The length of each of the cross-markings42corresponds to the pre-determined width of a target at the range indicated by the indicia.

As shown inFIG. 4, the indicia43associated with the horizontal cross-markings42are numerical indicia ranging from 4 to 6. These numbers correspond to a range of the target, with the single digit representing its value as multiplied by 100 units, such as, for example, in the embodiment shown, 100 yards. It will be understood, however, that different scales, units and distances may be accounted for by adjusting the spacing of the horizontal cross-markings and/or assumed size of a target, with the indicia changing as necessary.

In the specific embodiment shown, the reticle18is designed for use in a scope securely fixed to a rifle with the reticle center dot30co-aligned with the average point-of-impact of projectiles from that rifle at 200 yards, that is, a rifle with a 200 yard zero. Hence, the first cross-marking43of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40, though lacking indicia for clarity of view, corresponds to drop at 300 yards. The drop estimations in the embodiment shown are based on a 55-77 grain 5.56 mm projectile traveling at 2700-3000 fps, but it will be appreciated that a reticle18can be designed and easily reconfigured for any ballistics. In the embodiment shown, the drop is approximated in MOA; however, it will be understood that other units of measure may be used.

While in the embodiment shown, drop-estimation is provided for a range from 200-600 yards, it will be appreciated that a lesser or wider range may be provided. However, it is known in the field that drop estimation at distances greater than 600 yards becomes increasingly unreliable for the specific ballistic used for estimation in this embodiment. Different ballistics will allow for (or require) different ranges of drop estimation. Further still, ranges may be marked at intervals other than 100 yards.

In the embodiment shown, the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40acts as a second range estimation feature. The cross-markings41each have a length corresponding to the width of a 12 inch wide target. In other words, when a 12 inch wide target is viewed along the cross-marking41with the indicium 4, and the target's width is approximately equal to the length of the cross-marking, the target is estimated to be at 400 yards. It will be appreciated that the length of the cross-markings41can be adjusted to account for targets of different widths and/or to estimate different ranges. In further embodiments, additional markings may be provided overlaying the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40to provide a separate second range estimation feature overlapping with the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40.

Turning back toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the wind point-of-impact estimation feature50comprises a plurality of markings51at set and specifically calculated distances from the cross-markings42of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40. The result is a discontinuous extension of the cross-markings42. In the present embodiments, markings are dots in order to reduce the amount of reticle covered by the markings. However, in further embodiments, the dots may be tics, hashmarks, lines, chevrons, or any other shape. In still further embodiments, the markings51may be connected by a continuous or discontinuous cross-marking42.

In the specific embodiment shown, and with further reference toFIG. 4, each of the cross-markings42has four associated dots51(two on either side of the cross-marking42) except for the first cross-marking42, although any number of markings may be associated with a given cross-marking42. The markings51closet to the respective cross-marking42in every pair represents the distance a projectile will travel crosswise due to a 5 mile per hour (mph) crosswind, and the further marking51in each pair a 10 mph wind. Because the first cross-marking42of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40corresponds with a 300 yard range, only a 10 mph marking51is provided. A 5 mph crosswind will not have a noticeable impact at 300 yards.

As stated with respect to other features of this reticle18, the wind point-of-impact feature50shown is specifically designed to show the effect of 5 mph and 10 mph crosswinds on a 55-77 grain 5.56 mm ballistic traveling at 2700-3000 fps. It will be appreciated, however, that a reticle18can be designed and easily reconfigured for any ballistics, use any unit of windspeed, and provide more or fewer wind point-of-impact indicators (e.g., markings51) at a respective range.

In the embodiment shown byFIG. 3A, the moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60comprises a plurality of markings61extending linearly between the right70aand left70bcrosshairs. The optical results is a discontinuous line connecting the right crosshair70aand left crosshair70band passing through the center dot30. In the embodiment shown byFIG. 3A, triangular markings are used to indicate direction of target travel while reducing the amount of reticle covered by the markings. However, in further embodiments, the markings may be dots, tics, hashmarks, lines, chevrons, or any other shape. In another embodiment shown byFIG. 3B, the moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60comprises the right70aand left70bcrosshairs that extend radially inward to terminate at vertices63indicating direction of target travel. In still further embodiments, the markings61may be connected by a continuous or discontinuous indicator (e.g., line) with the markings61appearing as thickenings along the indicator.

In the embodiment shown byFIG. 3A, there are three markings61on either side of the center dot30, with the middle marking in each set associated with an indicium62. The markings represent the point of impact of a ballistic with respect to a target moving laterally relative to the shooter at 5 mph, 10 mph and 15 mph starting from the innermost markings. The middle markings in each set are labeled 10 (for 10 mph) for reference. In the embodiment shown byFIG. 3B, the right crosshair70aand the left crosshair70bextend radially inward to terminate at the vertex63of two sides of equal length that represent the point of impact of a ballistic with respect to a target moving laterally relative to the shooter at 10 mph.

As stated with respect to other features of this reticle18, the moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60used in the embodiment shown byFIG. 3Ais specifically designed to show the effect of a target's movement at 5 mph, 10 mph and 15 mph and assuming a 55-77 grain 5.56 mm ballistic traveling at 2700-3000 fps. The moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60used in the embodiment shown byFIG. 3Bis specifically designed to show the effect of a target's movement at 10 mph assuming a 55-77 grain 5.56 mm ballistic traveling at 2700-3000 fps. It will be appreciated, however, that a reticle18can be designed and easily reconfigured for any ballistics, use any unit of target travel, provide more or fewer point-of-impact indicators (e.g., markings61) at a respective speed, and provide additional markings at different ranges.

Turning toFIG. 4, a process of range estimation using the first range estimation feature20is illustrated. The target portion of a larger target90is centered along the primary vertical axis21and positioned vertically along that axis such that the width of the target portion approximately matches the length of one of the cross-markings22. In the embodiment shown, the target portion has a width approximately equal to that of the first cross-marking having an indicium 3, or, 300 yards.

To aim to take a shot, the user then shifts the reticle view such that the target90is positioned in view of the center dot30. Once the target portion of the target90is centered under the center dot30, the user adjusts his or her aim such that the target portion is at the center of the first cross-marking42along the vertical axis41of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40. This will account for ballistic drop over the distance to the target. The resulting shot will impact the target portion as shown.

FIG. 5shows a second process of range estimation using the first range estimation feature20. Where the process illustrated inFIG. 4used a target's width, the process shown inFIG. 5uses a target's height. The target portion of a larger target90is centered along the primary vertical axis21and positioned vertically with the lowest portion of the target portion (e.g., center of mass) along base line24. The height of the target90in the first range estimation feature20is representative of the target's range. That is, in the embodiment shown, the target90extends to the horizontal cross-marking22associated with the indicium 5, or 500 yards.

To aim to take a shot, the user positions the target portion of the target90at the center dot30and makes any appropriate adjustment for ballistic drop as described with respect toFIG. 4.

FIG. 6illustrates a third process of range estimation using the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40to estimate range. A target90having a known width (i.e., 12 inches in the embodiment shown) is laterally centered along the vertical axis41. The view is moved until the width of the target approximately matches the length of one of the cross-marks42. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the width of the target90matches the length of the cross-mark42associate with the indicium 4, or 400 yards. No further adjustments to account for drop are needed.

FIG. 7illustrates a process of estimating the cross-wind point-of-impact using the wind point-of-impact feature50. First the range of a target90is determined and appropriately positioned long the vertical axis41of the drop point-of-impact estimation feature40. In the embodiment shown, the target is estimated at 400 yards. The user's aim is then adjusted to the left or right along the markings51depending on the wind speed. For example, inFIG. 7, the wind is estimated at 10 mph. The user therefore adjusts his or her aim so that the target90is positioned at the further of the two markings51on the right of the cross-marking42.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate the process of using moving target point-of-impact estimation feature60. Rather than centrally aligning a target at the vertical axis41, the target90is positioned at one of the markings61or the vertices63of the right70aor left70bcrosshair. In the embodiment shown byFIG. 8A, the target90is estimated to be moving from left to right at 10 mph. The target90is therefore centered at the marking61associated with the 10 indicium (10 mph) on the left of the center dot30. In the embodiment shown byFIG. 8B, the target90is estimated to be moving from left to right at 10 mph. The target90is therefore centered at the vertex63of the left crosshair70b.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described compositions and methods of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize at once that it would be possible to construct the present invention from a variety of materials and in a variety of different ways. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. While the preferred embodiments have been described in detail, and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modification are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in marksmanship, computers or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.