Optic tool

An optic tool used for adjusting sights. The optic tool has several features, at least one of which can be used to adjust windage, elevation, and other variables on a sight. The optic tool is a single integrally made piece, which provides decreased manufacturing cost, decreased complexity, and decreased opportunity to malfunction. The option tool has a box wrench, two nubs, and a flat-head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a combat optic tool.

Description of Related Art

Optics devices, including sights, are used by military, law enforcement, and citizen soldiers as well as civilians. These devices need maintenance and adjusting. Consequently, there is a need for a tool which can make the necessary adjustments to such optic devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1is a top profile view of an optic tool in one embodiment. As used herein, an optic tool is a tool which is used to adjust optic mounts, such as sights, which are mounted onto a firearm or other weapon. Optic mounts can include virtually any type of sights which help the user aim the weapon. The sights can include, but is not limited to, optic sights, iron sights, red dot sights, laser sights, open sights, reflex sights, telescoping sights, etc. The weapon can include any firearm such as rifle, shotgun, handgun, machine gun, laser guns, etc. The weapon can also include an archer's bow, broad bow, and other hunting devices. As used herein, the term “firearm” will be used to refer to any weapon, including firearms and bows, which shoot a projectile. The optic tool discussed herein, in one embodiment, can be utilized on virtually any type of sight mounted on a weapon.

The optic tool100, in one embodiment comprises a single piece which functions as a multipurpose tool. This is an advantage over other prior art tools wherein users had to carry a separate tool for each function. Allowing a single tool to perform several operations minimizes the weight that the user must carry, decreases the need to separately store and carry separate tools, and allows the user to manipulate a single tool for multiple purposes. This is ideal when the tool is being utilized in high stress areas such as in combat.

In one embodiment the optic tool100comprises a single integrally made piece. As used herein, a single integrally made piece refers to a piece which was made from a single solid material. Thus, for example, a solid blank of metal which is machined and cut, will result in a single integrally made piece. Contrariwise, a screwdriver which combines a plastic handle with a metallic driver, is not an integrally made piece.

There are several advantages to having an optic tool100which comprises a single integrally made piece. The first is cost of assembly. It is often cheaper to manufacture a single integrally made piece compared to a complex tool which must be assembled from several distinct parts. Second, tools comprising a single integrally made piece are often more structurally sound that a tool comprising several pieces. Given the high stress environment these tools are used in, it is critical that the tool not malfunction. Having a single integrally made piece reduces the chance the tool will malfunction.

The optic tool100can comprise virtually any material. In one embodiment the optic tool100comprises316stainless steel. In other embodiments, however, the optic tool100comprises other metals such as aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, steel alloys and other alloys, etc. Further, the optic tool100can comprise a plastic such as PVC, or high density polyurethane.

The optic tool100can be used to adjust virtually any variable on many different sights. For example, the optic tool100, in one embodiment, can adjust the windage and elevation. The optic tool100can also be used to adjust gas blocks.

As depicted the optic tool100comprises several features. A feature, as used herein, refers to a protrusion, shape, recess or device located on the optic tool100which offers functionality to the tool. In one embodiment the optic100comprises two or more features.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the optic tool comprises a hole101. The hole101provides a hole for a key ring or other retention device to be attached. Thus, a user can attach the optic tool100to a set of keys, to a strap on a backpack, etc. This helps a user retain and locate the optic tool100.

As depicted, the optic tool100also comprises a box wrench102. The box wrench can vary in diameter depending on the desired size. In one embodiment the box wrench comprises a diameter of about ⅜ of an inch but this should not be deemed limiting. The box wrench102can comprise any desired diameter such as ½ of an inch, ⅛ of an inch, etc. The box wrench102allows nuts and bolts to be manipulated, tightened, and loosened as desired. In many mounts, the mounting brackets are bolted on with ½ inch or ⅜ of an inch bolts. In such embodiments, the box wrench102can be used to take the mount on and off of the weapon.

As depicted, the optic tool100further comprises a protrusion103which acts as a bottle opener. The protrusion103is sized so as to allow a bottle cap to fit within the recess such that, when torqued, the protrusion103opens a bottle.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the optic tool100further comprises a flat-head105. As depicted, the flat-head105becomes thinner at the flat-head lip104. The flat-head105can be used like a flat-head screwdriver to manipulate and adjust screws, bolts, etc. In some embodiments, the windage and elevation of the mount are adjusted with the flat-head105. In some embodiments the gas blocks, or gas regulations systems, are adjusted with the flat-head105.

As depicted, the optic tool100further comprises a hexagon hole107. The size and diameter of the hexagon hole107can be adjusted as desired. In one embodiment, the hexagon hole107allows the optic tool100to be used as a T-handle wrench for Torx, Hex, and screwdriver bits. Thus, for example, the hexagon hole107can be used as a universal bit to receive specific bits, such as a #3 or #3 torque head bits. Thus, the user can carry a multitude of bits, and each of those different bits are compatible and can be used with the hexagon hole107.

In one embodiment the amount of torque supplied by the features is controlled by adjusting the length of the optic tool100. Because torque is a function of force and leverage, the length of the optic tool100has an effect on the amount of torque applied to a nut, bolt, etc. Many nuts on mounts should be tightened to 60 inch pounds. Accordingly, in one embodiment the optic tool100comprises a length such that 60 inch pounds can be applied by at least one of the features. For example, in one embodiment the distance between the center of the hexagon hole107and the far end of the optic tool100is about 2.75 inches. Such a length is optimized to provide a torque of about 60 inch pounds. In other embodiments the optic tool100has a length between about 2 and about 4 inches. In another embodiment the optic tool100has a length between about 2.5 and about 3 inches.

As depicted, the optic tool100further comprises two nubs106. A nub, as used herein, refers to a small protrusion which projects outward from the surrounding surface. As depicted, the two nubs comprise small cylindrical protrusions. Some mounts comprise a disk, including a threaded disk, which comprises two cylindrical recesses. The cylindrical nubs106, in one embodiment, mate with the cylindrical recesses. Accordingly, when the optic tool100is rotated, the disk likewise rotates. The nubs106can be used in any manner discussed above. In one embodiment, nubs106are used to with the Micro Series of optics manufactured by Aimpoint® of Sweeden. In one embodiment the nubs106on the optic tool100mate with the geometry on the Aimpoint® Micro series such that the sights can be adjusted.

WhileFIG. 1depicts the layout of an optic tool100in one embodiment, that layout is but one example and should not be deemed limiting.FIG. 2is a top profile view of an optic tool in an additional embodiment. As can be seen, the hole101has been moved to a more central location. Likewise, the hexagon head107was moved adjacent to the box wrench102.

FIG. 2also comprises an open wrench opening208. The open wrench opening208can comprise any size or diameter. The open wrench opening208functions as a wrench and provides an additional function to the optic tool100.

As depicted, the box wrench102and the hexagon hole107are on the left side of the optic tool100. The hole101, the protrusion103acting as a bottle opener, the nubs106, the open wrench opening208, and the flat-head105are located on the right side of the optic tool100. As shown, the protrusion103and the nubs106are located on the top side of the optic tool100whereas the flat-head105is located on the bottom side of the optic tool100. The open wrench opening208is located at the far right side of the optic tool100.

FIG. 3is a top profile view of an optic tool in yet another embodiment. As shown, the hexagon hole107, the hole101, and the box wrench102all reside in the left-most portion of the optic tool100. The protrusion103, the open wrench opening208, the nubs106and the flat-head105are located on the right side of the optic tool. The open wrench opening208and the nubs106are located on the top side whereas the flat-head105and the protrusion103are located on the bottom side. Rather than being on the far right end as depicted inFIG. 2, the open wrench opening208is shown as being located on the top side of the optic tool100, adjacent to the nubs106.

As noted, the optic tool100can comprise various lengths, sizes, and thicknesses. In one embodiment the thickness varies from of about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches. In one embodiment the optic tool100comprises a thickness of about 0.125 inches. Such a thickness is optimized for structural rigidity and strength, as well as compactness.

In one embodiment the optic tool100is sized so that it can fit within the firearm's pistol grip. This is a significant advantage as the optic tool100can be carried within the firearm. Military and law enforcement personnel must carry a multitude of tools and equipment from the weapon, ammunition, communication devices, first aid kits, protective and safety equipment, etc. Having the ability to store and carry the optic tool100on the firearm ensures safe keeping of the optic tool100for when it is needed most. In one embodiment the bottom of the handgrip unseats to reveal a small cavity. The optic tool100can be stored within that cavity, and the grip can be re-sealed. The optic tool100will remain in the cavity of the grip until the user desires to retrieve it. In one embodiment the optic tool100is sized to fit within the MagPul MIAD, MOE, and Tango Down Battle Grip.

The optic tool100can be used on a wide variety of sights as discussed above. In one embodiment, the optic tool can be used with LaRue Tactical mounts, Aimpoint® mounts, EOTech, Trijicon ACOGS & RMR's, as well as aftermarket mounts such as ADM and GDI.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.

1. An optic tool comprising:

two or more features;wherein one of said features comprises a box wrench;wherein one of said features comprises two nubs;wherein one of said features comprises a flat-head;wherein said optic tool is a single integrally made.
2. The optic tool of clause 1 wherein one of said features comprise a box wrench.
3. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein one of said features comprise a bottle opener.
4. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein one of said features comprises an open wrench opening.
5. The optic tool of any preceding clause comprising stainless steel.
6. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein said optic tool is less than 3 inches in length.
7. The optic tool of any preceding clause comprising six features.
8. The optic tool of any preceding clause comprising seven features.
9. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein said optic tool is sized to fit within a Tango Down Battle grip.
10. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein said at least two nubs are adjacent to said flat-head.
11. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein said optic tool comprises a solid blank.
12. The optic tool of any preceding clause wherein said flat-head comprises a flat-head lip, and wherein said flat-head is thinner at said flat-head lip when extending outward from said optic tool.
13. The optic tool of any preceding clause comprising a hexagon hole.
14. The optic tool of any preceding clause further comprising a hexagon hole and an open wrench opening.
15. The optic tool of clause 14 wherein said open wrench opening is adjacent to said nubs.
16. The optic tool of clause 14-15 wherein said optic tool comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein said open wrench opening is on said top side, wherein said flat-head is on said bottom side.
17. The optic tool of clause 14-16 wherein said optic tool comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein said nuts are located on said top side, and wherein said flat-head is on said bottom side.
18. The optic tool of clause 14-17 wherein said optic tool comprises a left side and a right side, wherein said box wrench is on said left side and wherein said nubs are located on said right side.