Abstract:
A laser sight for a gun having a stock and an accessory mounting rail, which includes a laser sight that has a housing having a longitudinal axis. The housing has a front end, and a rear end spaced from the front end along the longitudinal axis, and includes a laser module disposed in the housing proximate the front end. The laser sight further includes an optical sighting system that has a front sight disposed on top of the housing adjacent the front end, and a rear sight disposed on top of the housing proximate the rear end.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/394,732 filed on Jun. 21, 2011. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/507,634 filed on Jul. 14, 2011. The entire disclosure of each of the U.S. patent applications mentioned in this paragraph is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a device and system for targeting fire from a long arm. More particularly, this invention relates to a laser and optical sighting system which is configured and adapted to be mounted on a long arm. This invention also relates to a method of targeting fire from a long arm. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The present invention is directed to a device, system, and method of sighting a target with a long arm that reduces parralex error and increases targeting accuracy. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a laser sight and mount of the present invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a rear, left, top perspective view thereof; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a top view thereof; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a front view thereof; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is rear view thereof; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a sketch of test conditions for a 15 meter test and a 25 meter test. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a laser sight and mount  10  of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device includes a laser sight  12 , and optical sight  14 , and a mount  16  that is configured and dimensioned for attachment to a Picatinny rail. Additionally, the laser sight includes a housing  18  for a laser module  20 , which may include a light emitting diode. The laser module may be controlled by an integrated circuit  78  based system  80 ,  82  installed within the housing. In addition, a battery  76  for operating the system is contained within the housing. Preferably, the integrated circuit  78  is a microprocessor, however, the integrated circuit may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
         [0012]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , received in housing  18  is a circuit or control board, generally  80 ,  82 , which carries laser module  20  and battery  84 . Battery  84  engages electrical contacts  74 ,  76 , which, in cooperation with other electrical connections (not shown) provide power to the laser module  20 , under the control of a microprocessor, generally  78 , provided on board  80 . 
         [0013]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the laser sight has a front end  22  and a rear end  22 . In the disclosed embodiment, the laser module  20  is situated in the center of the front end  22  of the housing  18 . The laser module  20  may be operable via a switch on the laser sight and mount. When the laser sight  12  is turned on, the laser module  20  emits a laser beam  28  at a wavelength of about 635 nanometers to 650 nanometers. The laser beam  28  may illuminate a target approximately 200 to 300 meters away, depending on external conditions. The laser beam  28  may be a continuous emission or a pulsed emission. 
         [0014]    The laser module  20  is independently adjustable for elevation and windage. The laser module may be adjusted for elevation by changing the vertical elevation (i.e., the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system) of the laser module. The laser elevation regulation mechanism  30  raises or lowers the laser module  20  along the vertical axis of the device. For example, a screw mechanism  30  may be used such that turning the knob  30  clockwise raises the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the laser module and turning the screw counterclockwise lowers the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the laser module. Mechanisms for adjusting for laser and optical sights for elevation and windage are discussed in US published application no. 2010/0175297, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0015]    By contrast, the laser module windage regulation mechanism  32  moves the laser module in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (or z-axis). The laser module windage regulation mechanism  32  translates the laser module  20  along the horizontal axis (or x-axis) of the Cartesian frame of reference. Thus, the laser module windage regulation mechanism  32  moves the laser module  20  toward or away from the right side  34  of the device. For example, the laser module windage regulation mechanism  32  may use a screw mechanism such that turning the screw  32  clockwise translates the laser module away from the right side of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and turning the screw counterclockwise translates the laser module toward the right side of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate). 
         [0016]    Preferably, the rear optical sight  14   b  is integral to the rear cover  36  of the device. Preferred dimensions for the optical sighting system are provided in Table 1 (below). The rear optical sight  14   b  includes a raised central notch  38 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each side  40  of the raised notch  38  has a width L3 and L4, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, L3 and L4 are the same distance and have a value of between 1.4 to 1.6 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the value of L3 and L4 is 1.5 mm. The notch  38  has a width L2. In a preferred embodiment, the value of L2 is between 3.70 mm and 3.80 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the value of L2 is 3.75 mm. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Optical Sight Dimensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Most Preferred Dimension 
                 Preferred Range 
               
               
                   
                 Parameter 
                 (mm) 
                 (mm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 L1 
                 3.7 
                 3.6-3.8 
               
               
                   
                 L2 
                 3.75 
                 3.70-3.80 
               
               
                   
                 L3 
                 1.5 
                 1.4-1.6 
               
               
                   
                 L4 
                 1.5 
                 1.4-1.6 
               
               
                   
                 L5 
                 34.5 
                 34.45-34.55 
               
               
                   
                 L6 
                 5.42 
                 5.32-5.52 
               
               
                   
                 L7 
                 0.58 
                 0.53-0.63 
               
               
                   
                 a 
                 18.5 
                 18.49-18.51 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 7.5 
                 7.49-7.51 
               
               
                   
                 α 
                 39° 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0017]    Additionally, the rear side  42  of the rear optical sight  14   b  may include a pair of visual guides  44   a,    44   b.  Each visual guide  44  may lead the eye of a user to the raised central notch  38 . The visual guides  44   a  and  44   b  may include a pair of grooves  46 . Each groove  46  may be more narrow at its base  48  then at the notch  38 . Each groove  46  may intersect the notch  38 . The combined effect of the visual guides  44  is to draw the shooter&#39;s focus to the sight picture presented by the rear sight  14   b  and front sight  14   a.  Each groove may include a material  50  (e.g., tritium) that provides illumination for enhanced visibility during use in low light conditions. 
         [0018]    The front optical sight  14   a  is spaced from the rear sight  14   b  along the central axis  52  of the device. Preferred dimensions for the location and dimensions of the front optical sight  14   a  with respect to the rear optical sight  14   b  are presented in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the front sight  14   a  may be spaced from the rear sight  14   b  by a distance L5. In a preferred embodiment, the distance L5 is between 34.0 mm and 35.0 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance L5 is 34.5 mm. 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the front sight  14   a  may be situated at a slightly higher elevation than the rear sight  14   b.  In a preferred embodiment, the front sight  14   a  is between 0.53 mm and 0.63 mm higher in elevation than the rear sight  14   b.  In a most preferred embodiment, the vertical distance between the top  54  of the front sight  14   a  and the top  56  of the rear sight  14   b  is 0.58 mm. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the front sight may have a width L1. In a preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is between 3.8 mm and 3.6 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is 3.7 mm. The preferred dimensions for L1 may reduce the amount of parallex error in sighting a target at a distance of 25 m. 
         [0022]    The front sight  14   a  further may include a recessed portion  58  which extends from the top rear surface of the rear sight downward. The recess  58  may be placed such that it is viewable to a user within the notch  38  of the rear sight  14   b.  The effect of viewing the recess  58  within the notch  38  may be such that it provides a visual indication of the planar orientation of the sighting system, as well as a visual mark for the line of fire. Further, the recess  58  may include a material  50  (e.g., tritium) that provides illumination for enhanced visibility during use in low light conditions. 
         [0023]    The front and rear sights  14   a,    14   b  are independently adjustable to compensate for elevation and windage. The rear sight  14   b  may be adjusted for elevation by changing the vertical elevation (i.e., the z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system) of the rear sight. The rear sight elevation regulation screw  60  raises or lowers the rear sight  14   b  along the vertical axis of the device. For example, a screw mechanism may be used such that turning the screw  60  clockwise raises the elevation (i.e., increases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight  14   b  and turning the screw counterclockwise lowers the elevation (decreases the value of the z coordinate) of the rear sight  14   b.    
         [0024]    The front optical sight  14   a  may be adjusted for windage by changing the horizontal position of the front sight. For example, the front sight windage elevation screw  62  moves the front sight  14   a  in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (i.e., z-axis). The front sight windage elevation screw translates the front sight along the horizontal axis (i.e., x-axis) of the Cartesian frame of reference. Thus, the front sight windage elevation screw  62  moves the front sight  14   a  toward or away from the right side of the device. For example, the front sight windage elevation screw  62  may use a screw mechanism such that turning the screw  62  clockwise translates the front sight  14   a  away from the right side  34  of the device (i.e., increases the value of the x-coordinate) and turning the screw counterclockwise translates the front sight  14   a  toward the right side  34  of the device (decreases the value of the x-coordinate). 
         [0025]    Tables 2 and 3 each summarize test conditions of five sets of shot groupings taken from a distance of 15 m and 25 m, respectively. In both shooting events, a Glock 17 mounted on a KPOS Device from FAB Defense, Ltd. was used to fire Magtech 174 Grains-FMC-Flat/Magtech 125 Grains-FMC-RN ammunition at stationary targets for precision and regulation shooting. 
         [0026]    Referring to Table 2 and  FIG. 6 , in the first test, the distance d3 between the shooter  64  and the target  66  was 15 meters. The distance d2 between the shooter&#39;s eye  68  and the front sight  72  of the aiming system was about 30 centimeters. The distance d1 between the rear sight  70  and the front sight  72  was 3.45 cm. Five shot groupings were fired at the target  66 . Each shot grouping had 5 rounds. The first shot grouping was taken using a front sight  14   a  having a width of 2.9 mm. The second shot grouping was taken using a front sight  14   a  having a width of 3.6 mm. The third shot grouping was taken using a front sight  14   a,  having a width of 3.7 mm. The fourth shot grouping was taken using a front sight  14   a,  having a width of 3.8 mm. The fifth shot grouping was taken using a front sight  14   a,  having a width of 4.0 mm. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Five Sets of Shot Groupings Taken from a Distance of 15 m 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Front 
                 Shoot- 
                 Num- 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 sight 
                 ing 
                 ber 
                 Grouping 
                 Grouping 
               
               
                 width 
                 condi- 
                 of 
                 of all 
                 of best 
               
               
                 (mm) 
                 tion 
                 shots 
                 shots 
                 three shots 
                 Result 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2.9 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 1.5 × 2.3 
                 inch 
                 0.7 × 1.25 
                 inch 
                 very 
               
               
                   
                 with 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 good 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 3.6 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 1.25 × 1.35 
                 inch 
                 0.6 × 0.75 
                 inch 
                 excel- 
               
               
                   
                 with 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 lent 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 3.7 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 1.5 × 1.25 
                 inch 
                 0.5 × 0.9 
                 inch 
                 excel- 
               
               
                   
                 with 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 lent 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 3.8 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 4 × 1.75 
                 inch 
                 1.2 × 0.6 
                 inch 
                 good 
               
               
                   
                 with 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 4.0 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 2.3 × 2.75 
                 inch 
                 1.35 × 1 
                 inch 
                 good 
               
               
                   
                 with 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0027]    Each shot grouping, in addition to the best three shots of each group, was measured. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight  14   a,  having a width of 2.9 mm, was 0.7 inches by 1.25 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.88 inches 2 . This was considered a very good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight  14   a,  having a width of 3.6 mm, was 0.6 inches by 0.75 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.45 inches 2 . This was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.7 mm, was 0.5 inches by 0.9 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.45 inches 2 . This also was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.8 mm, was 1.2 inches by 0.6 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.72 inches 2 . This was considered a good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 4.0 mm, was 1.35 inches by 1 inch, which corresponds to an area of approximately 1.35 inches 2 . This also was considered a good result. 
         [0028]    Referring to Table 3 and  FIG. 6 , in the second test, the distance d3 between the shooter  68  and the target  66  was 25 meters. The distance d2 between the shooter&#39;s eye  68  and the front sight  72  of the aiming system was about 30 centimeters. The distance dl between the rear sight  70  and the front sight  72  was 3.45 cm. Five shot groupings were fired at the target. Each shot grouping had five rounds. The first shot grouping was taken using a front sight having a width of 2.9 mm. The second shot grouping was taken using a front sight having a width of 3.6 mm. The third shot grouping was taken using a front sight, having a width of 3.7 mm. The fourth shot grouping was taken using a front sight, having a width of 3.8 mm. The fifth shot group was taken using a front sight, having a width of 4.0 mm. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Five Sets of Shot Groupings Taken from a Distance of 25 m 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Front 
                 Shoot- 
                 Num- 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 sight 
                 ing 
                 ber 
                 Grouping 
                 Grouping 
               
               
                 width 
                 condi- 
                 of 
                 of all 
                 of best 
               
               
                 (mm) 
                 tion 
                 shots 
                 shots 
                 three shots 
                 Result 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2.9 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 2.25 × 3.25 
                 inch 
                 0.9 × 1.7 
                 inch 
                 good 
               
               
                   
                 with 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 3.6 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 2.25 × 2 
                 inch 
                 0.6 × 1.15 
                 inch 
                 excel- 
               
               
                   
                 with 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 lent 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 3.7 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 2.5 × 2.2 
                 inch 
                 0.5 × 1.2 
                 inch 
                 excel- 
               
               
                   
                 with 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 lent 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 3.8 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 3.7 × 2.5 
                 inch 
                 0.3 × 1.55 
                 inch 
                 good 
               
               
                   
                 with 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                 4.0 
                 Sitting 
                 5 
                 3.5 × 2.75 
                 inch 
                 1.5 × 2 
                 inch 
                 regular 
               
               
                   
                 with 
               
               
                   
                 support 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0029]    Each shot grouping, in addition to the best three shots of each group, was measured. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 2.9 mm, was 0.9 inches by 1.7 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 1.53 inches 2 . This was considered a marginally good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.6 mm, was 0.6 inches by 1.15 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.69 inches 2 . This was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.7 mm, was 0.5 inches by 1.2 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.60 inches 2 . This also was considered an excellent result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 3.8 mm, was 0.3 inches by 1.55 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 0.46 inches 2 . The grouping of all five shots, however, was 3.7 inches×2.5 inches, which corresponds to an area of 9.25 inches 2 . Accordingly, this was considered a good result. The grouping of the best three shots taken with the front sight, having a width of 4.0 mm, was 1.50 inches by 2 inches, which corresponds to an area of approximately 3.00 inches 2 . This was considered a regular (or average) result. An observation from the test indicates that the 4.0 mm front sight blocked the shooter&#39;s view of the target, and thus interfered with aiming the gun at the 25 meter distance. 
         [0030]    The best results for the shot groupings taken from the 15 meter distance and the 25 meter distance were the shot groupings taken with the front sight having a width of 3.6 mm and 3.7 mm. 
         [0031]    In view of the above findings, the sighting system of  FIGS. 1-5  may have a front sight of width L1. In a preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is between 3.8 mm and 3.6 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distance L1 is 3.7 mm. The preferred dimensions for L1 are believed to reduce the amount of parallex error in sighting a target at a distance of 25 m. 
         [0032]    While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein fulfills a need, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Features and/or elements from one embodiment may be used with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.