Patent Publication Number: US-2020278179-A1

Title: Toolless zero systems for an optical device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to aiming devices, and more particularly to optical scopes having a tool-less rezero system and/or a zero locking system. 
     The popularity of target shooting and other dynamic shooting sports has increased over the past several decades. The competitive nature of shooting and the desire to have well placed shots has led to the development and commercialization of a variety of aiming devices. A popular aiming device for short, medium and long range shooting is the optical scope. 
     Optical scopes are usually used on firearms, such as rifles, shotguns and handguns to aid the user in aiming at and precisely engaging a target when firing the firearm. A scope is typically mounted atop the firearm in a location above, and longitudinally aligned with, a barrel of the firearm. The scope, via its reticle, defines an aiming point coincident with the point of impact of a projectile, such as a bullet, on a target. The reticle can be in the form of a cross-hair, dot, post or other type of sight element. A number of optical lenses are also present in the scope tube to aid in viewing the target and in some cases magnifying the target. 
     Before using a firearm having an optical scope attached thereto, a careful user will sight in or “zero” the scope. That is, the user will adjust the vertical and horizontal position of the reticle, as viewed through the scope, to compensate for elevational and side-to-side misalignment of the scope with regard to the firearm barrel, distance to the target, ballistic characteristics of ammunition and other factors. This is accomplished by adjusting the elevation, or vertical position, and windage, or horizontal position, of the reticle. 
     Most optical scopes include windage and elevation adjustment knobs. These knobs are rotatably mounted to the scope tube and mechanically connected to the reticle. By rotating a knob, a user can move the reticle in a desired direction (typically up/down and left/right) to set the reticle in a predetermined configuration corresponding to a desired point of impact of a bullet shot from the firearm. Again, this process is called sighting in or zeroing the scope or firearm. 
     Some scopes are outfitted with adjustment knobs that remain rotatable in all conditions, that is, when the knob is being used to adjust the reticle, and even after the adjustment is fully completed. An issue with such always-adjustable knobs is that if the knob is inadvertently bumped in the field or transit, the reticle will also move, causing a misalignment thereof with a desired point of impact. In other words, the scope will no longer be properly zeroed or sighted in. To address this issue, some scope manufacturers offer the scope with scope knob caps that cover the knobs so they cannot be inadvertently rotated. These covers, however can be inadvertently lost, and take time to install and remove. 
     Other scope manufacturers include a threaded locking ring that physically locks the knob in a fixed rotational position after adjustments have been made to set the reticle. A well-known and popular scope with such zero locking capability is the Accushot® UTG 3×12×44 mm Scope, available from Leapers, Inc. of Livonia, Mich. This type of locking ring is disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application 2017/0199009 to Ding, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. While this type of zero lock is durable and easy to use, it still can require the use of tools in some applications. 
     Some scopes can include a removable zero cap. This cap can include the number zero and subsequent numbers and bars, equally spaced from one another. The zero and its bar typically are aligned with a reference bar on the base of the knob fixed to the scope to indicate to the user that the adjustment knob has not been moved relative to a sight in the scope. The removable zero cap can be attached to the remainder of the knob with a screw. After a user sights in the scope, many times, the zero bar is not aligned with the reference bar on the base because the knob and cap were rotated to sight in the scope. Thus, to “rezero” the knob, the user can remove the screw with a tool, remove the cap, then rotate the cap and set it back on the remainder of the knob with the zero bar aligned again with the reference bar. The user can then tighten the screw with a tool to secure the zero cap in this orientation, thereby rezeroing the adjustment knob. While this type of removable zero cap is easy to use, it requires the use of tools and can be prone to being dropped, lost or contaminated with dust and debris, which can impair operation of the adjustment knob. 
     Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in scopes, and in particular, the zeroing and locking features of adjustment knobs used in conjunction with scopes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An optical device including one or more toolless zero systems for rezeroing the device and/or locking the zero of the device is provided. 
     In one embodiment, the toolless rezero system can include an adjustment dial, an axis, and a scale ring protruding below the dial to expose a scale of alphanumeric characters and/or bars. In a first mode, the scale ring is non-rotatable relative to the axis. In a second mode, the scale ring is rotatable relative to the axis, so the characters and bars can be moved about the axis to align a preselected zero numeral and bar with a reference element to thereby rezero the optical device. 
     In another embodiment, the scale ring can include an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can be located inside a dial interior of the dial. The lower portion can protrude below the lower dial edge and can be visible. The lower portion can include multiple alphanumeric characters and the bars. The upper portion also can include one or more scale teeth selectively engagable with one or more holding teeth in the dial interior. 
     In still another embodiment, the rezero system and/or scale ring are operable in a first mode in which the scale teeth engage holding teeth such that the scale ring is not rotatable relative to the axis. In a second mode, the scale teeth are disengaged from the holding teeth such that the scale ring is free to rotate about the axis, while the dial optionally remains nonrotating relative to the axis. To transition from the first mode to the second mode, a user can vertically move the scale ring to disengage the teeth without the use of tools, then rotate the scale ring to attain proper alignment of the characters and/or bars and thereby zero the optical device. Usually, this will include aligning the zero numeral and its bar with another reference element fixed on a base of the optical device. 
     In yet another embodiment, the toolless rezero system can include a scale ring bias element engaging the scale ring in the dial interior. The bias element can urge the scale ring into the first mode to maintain the scale teeth in engagement with the holding teeth. The scale ring bias element can be coil spring disposed in the dial interior, hidden from view, and disposed about the axis. The coil spring can engage the upper portion of the scale ring. 
     In even another embodiment, the holding teeth can be disposed on an annular support ring that is positioned around the axis. The support ring can include a toothless area adjacent the plurality of holding teeth. In the second mode, the scale teeth are aligned with the toothless area, so that the scale teeth can move relative to the annular support ring, thereby allowing the scale ring and its characters to move about the axis for alignment with a reference bar. 
     In a further embodiment, a method of using the toolless rezero system is provided. The method can include: moving the scale ring vertically in a first direction relative to the adjustment dial to thereby permit rotation of the scale ring about an axis; rotating the scale ring about the axis to align a preselected indicia element with a reference element on the optical device, while the adjustment dial remains in a fixed rotational configuration relative to the axis; and moving the scale ring vertically in a second direction, opposite the first direction, such that the scale ring becomes non-rotatable relative to the adjustment dial, with the preselected indicia element remaining aligned with the reference element to thereby rezero the optical device. 
     In still a further embodiment, the method of using the toolless rezero system can be such that during the moving in the first direction, a lower scale ring edge can move away from and/or toward a lower dial edge of the adjustment dial. During the moving in the second direction, the lower scale ring edge can move in the opposite direction away from and/or toward the lower dial edge. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the method of using the toolless rezero system can be such that the moving the scale ring vertically in the first direction can disengage an annular arrangement of scale teeth from an annular arrangement of holding teeth, so that the scale ring is permitted to rotate relative to a support ring. During the moving the scale ring vertically in the first direction, the scale ring can move upward into the dial interior a predetermined amount sufficient to allow the plurality of indicia elements to remain visible to a user below a lower dial edge. 
     In another, further embodiment, the zero locking system can include the dial, a locking cover button, a locking ring and a wheelbase. The locking cover button can be manually movable, without the use of tools, to operate a locking ring in a first mode in which the locking ring rotatably couples the dial with an adjusting pin to move a reticle, and in a second mode in which the locking ring couples the adjustment dial to the immovable wheelbase so the dial is non-rotatable, and the reticle is locked in a position. 
     In still another embodiment, the zero locking system can include an adjusting pin adjacent the wheelbase and rotatable about the axis. The adjusting pin can join with a reticle for relative movement of the reticle within a scope tube of the optical device. 
     In yet another embodiment, the zero locking system can include an adjusting switch. The adjusting switch can interface with the locking cover button to move the locking ring to and from the first mode and the second mode. The adjusting switch can include an adjusting gear and the locking cover button can include a corresponding adjusting gear. These gears can engage one another so as to impart rotation to the adjusting switch about the axis. Upon such rotation, the adjusting switch can move and translate motion to the locking ring to move the locking ring. 
     In even another embodiment, the zero locking system can be constructed so that the wheelbase includes a base holding element and the locking ring includes a ring locking element. The base holding element can be in the form of an arrangement of base teeth and the ring locking element can be in the form of an arrangement of locking teeth. In the first mode, the ring locking element can engage the base holding elements so the locking ring is non-rotatable relative to the wheelbase. In the second mode, the ring element can be disengaged from the base holding element such that the locking ring is rotatable relative to the wheelbase. Thus, in the second mode, the dial can be used to rotate the locking ring and the adjusting pin to move the reticle from a first position to a second, different position. For example, the reticle can be moved up and down, or side to side to adjust for elevation or yardage, depending on which turret is being adjusted. 
     In still a further embodiment, the zero locking system can include an adjusting switch including an actuator gear with different depth teeth. Corresponding actuator teeth associated with the locking ring cover can selectively engage the actuator gear and respective recesses to move the adjusting switch along the axis of the turret. The adjusting switch can generally be moved toward and away from the wheelbase. In turn, the adjusting switch can engage the locking ring to move it toward and away from the wheelbase, converting it from one mode to another. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the adjustment dial, locking cover button and adjusting switch can be interlocked with one another to rotate in unison in the second mode. The locking ring also can be interlocked with an adjusting base that is further nonrotatably coupled to the adjusting pin so that when the locking ring rotates with the other elements, it also can rotate the adjusting pin in the second mode. 
     In even another embodiment, the zero locking system can be incorporated into the same turret as the rezeroing system. The locking ring and/or the adjusting switch can be disposed in the interior of the adjustment dial, and located radially inward toward the axis from the scale ring. 
     In a further embodiment, the locking cover button can be in the form of a manually depressible button that moves along a line of direction that is parallel to the axis of the turret. The button can be pushed to translate the locking ring from the first mode to the second mode and vice versa. This transition can occur automatically upon depression of the button. 
     In still a further embodiment, the zero locking system can be operated according to a method. The method can include providing the adjustment dial and the locking cover button; moving the locking cover button a first time, manually without the use of tools, to automatically convert a locking ring from a first mode in which the locking ring is non-rotatable relative to an axis to a second mode in which the locking ring is rotatable relative to the axis; rotating the adjustment dial and the locking ring in unison about the axis to move a reticle relative to a scope tube; and moving the locking cover button a second time, manually without the use of tools, to automatically convert the locking ring from the second mode to the first mode, such that the locking ring is non-rotatable relative to the axis, and such that the adjustment dial cannot be rotated to move the reticle relative to the scope tube, whereby the reticle is locked in a position relative to the scope tube. 
     The optical device of the current embodiments can provide a toolless rezero system and/or a toolless zero locking system that previously have been unachievable. Where the rezero system is included, a user can quickly and precisely reset a turret scale to zero without the use of tools and without disassembling the turret. In turn, the likelihood of misplacing, losing or damaging parts of the system is also reduced. Where the zero locking system is included, a user can lock a turret so that it cannot be rotated without the use of tools and without disassembling the turret. In turn, the reticle associated with the turret can be automatically locked in place without risk of it being moved via the dial being inadvertently rotated. Thus, the zero of the optical device can be easily and quickly set and automatically locked and unlocked. 
     These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings. 
     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an optical device including a toolless zero mechanism of a current embodiment, with a toolless rezero system before rezeroing and a toolless zero locking system in a locked mode; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the rezero system of the mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the rezero system illustrating an adjustment turret of the mechanism before rezeroing relative to a reference element on a scope tube; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the adjustment turret taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , before rezeroing relative to a reference element, where a scale ring of the rezero system is in a first mode, generally immovable relative to a dial and axis of the turret; 
         FIG. 5  is a close up view of scale teeth of the scale ring interlocking with holding teeth of a support ring to prevent rotation of the scale ring about the axis of the turret; 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of the adjustment turret taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , before rezeroing relative to a reference element, where a scale ring of the rezero system is in a second mode to allow movement of the scale ring to rezero about the axis of the turret; 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of the adjustment turret taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , after rezeroing relative to a reference element, where a scale ring of the rezero system is returned to the first mode to fix the scale ring relative to dial and axis of the turret; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the rezero system illustrating the adjustment turret of the mechanism after rezeroing relative to a reference element on a scope tube; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded top perspective view of an adjustment turret of the mechanism; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the adjustment turret of the mechanism; 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of the adjustment turret taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , with the zero locking system in a locked mode and a locking ring engaging a wheelbase to prevent rotation of the adjustment dial; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of an actuator engaging a recess of an actuator gear of an adjusting switch of the turret in the locked mode; 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of the adjustment turret taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , with the zero locking system about to transition from the locked mode to an adjusting mode, with the locking cover button being depressed to engage the adjusting switch against the locking ring; 
         FIG. 14  is a section view of the adjustment turret taken along line IV-IV of  FIG. 3 , with the zero locking system in an adjusting mode and a locking ring disengaged from the wheelbase so that the adjustment dial can be rotated in that rotation can translate to an adjusting pin to move the reticle; and 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the actuator engaging another deeper recess of the actuator gear of the adjusting switch of the turret in the adjusting mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS 
     An optical device of a current embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and generally designated  1 . The optical device  1  can be in the form of an optical scope as shown, but of course, it can be in the form of an electronic sighting system, a night vision or thermal scope, a camera, a spotting scope, or any type of optical or viewing system for use with a variety of other articles. Although shown in the form of a fixed objective, single power scope, the optical device  1  can be an adjustable objective scope and optionally can be of varying magnification. Various mechanisms, such as an adjustable objective and a magnification system can be included on the device  1  depending on the application. 
     The optical device  1  can be used with any type of projectile shooting device, such as a firearm. For example, the aiming device can be used with and mounted to a handgun, such as a pistol and/or a revolver; a rifle, such as a long rifle, a carbine, a bolt rifle, a pump rifle or a battle rifle; a shotgun and/or a machine gun, such as a machine pistol, a light machine gun, a mini gun, a medium machine gun or a heavy machine gun. The firearm can include any type of action, for example, bolt action, lever action, pump action and/or break action. The firearm can be single shot, automatic and/or semiautomatic. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the optical device  1  can include a reticle  2 . The reticle can be fine cross hairs, but of course, the reticle can be in the form of a dot, chevron, pattern, or any other configuration. The reticle can be illuminated or not. The reticle  2  can be displayed inside the scope tube  3  when a user peers through the eyepiece  5  of the scope tube  1 . The reticle  2  can be moved to adjust elevation and windage via manual manipulation of the respective adjustment turrets  10 ,  10 ′ which are joined with the scope tube at the eye bell  4 . These adjustment turrets can be similarly configured, and each can include a toolless rezero system and toolless zero locking system as described below. For the sake of simplicity, only the elevation turret  10  will be described here. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the optical device  1  includes the turret  10 , with a toolless rezero system  11 . The system  11  can include an adjustment dial  20  which can be manually grasped by a user to rotate portions of the turret, a scale ring  30  including multiple indicia elements  35 , and a support ring  40  with which the scale ring  30  interacts. The dial  20 , scale ring  30  and support ring  40  can all be disposed about and generally centered on a longitudinal axis LA of the turret  10 . 
     The toolless rezero system  11  can be utilized by a user to reset the multiple indicia elements  35  relative to a reference element  39 . This reference element  39  can be permanently and immovably associated with another portion of the optical device  1 . For example, as shown, the reference element  39  can be in the form of a groove or recess that is included on the rear portion of the eye bell  4 . This reference element  39  and can be colored, for example with a white, red or other paint, coating or material that is able to stand out visually. This reference element  39  can be centered atop the scope tube  3  and/or eye bell  4 . The reference element can be in the form of a bar or dot as shown. The reference element can serve as a baseline for adjustments to the turret to thereby move the reticle  2 , which is mechanically joined with the turret  10 , to enable the user to alter the position of the reticle  2  and compensate for elevation. In turn, this can enable the user to properly align the reticle with a target and precisely and accurately hit the target. 
     The reference element  39  is configured to align with the various indicia elements  35  on the scale ring  30 . These indicia elements on a scale ring can comprise multiple alphanumeric characters. As illustrated, these elements also can comprise a plurality of vertical bars which can be in the form of grooves, indents and/or recesses that are physically machined or otherwise formed in the outer exterior surface  33 E of the scale ring  30 . These indicia elements  35  can be evenly spaced about the circumference of the scale ring  32  to form a scale. The scale can be calibrated to allow a user to make calculated adjustments to the windage and elevation after a scope is sighted in. These adjustments can be made to compensate for a target at a different distance than that at which the optical device  1  is zeroed. 
     As mentioned above, it is common to install an optical device  1  on a firearm and initially sight in that firearm. This process can require multiple iterative steps to move the reticle  2  and ensure that the center  2 C of the reticle  2  coincides with the impact point of a projectile shot from the associated firearm. During the iterative process, many times, the elevation turret  10  and the windage turret  10 ′ must be rotated to provide a corresponding movement of the reticle  2  within the eye bell  4  to properly align the center  2 C with the point of impact. As the turrets  10  and  10 ′ are rotated, the scale ring and associated indicia elements  35  rotate along with the dial  20 . As a result, a random one of the indicia elements  35  can be aligned with the reference element  39 . For example, when a scope is properly zeroed, the alphanumeric “0” and the associated bar can be aligned with the reference element  39 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . When a user starts to rotate the adjustment dial  20 , the scale ring  30  rotates with it such that the “0” which in some cases can be a preselected indicia element, becomes misaligned with the reference element  39 . Accordingly, the scale ring and indicia elements, after a sight in of the optical device can look like the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . There, a random indicia element  35 , in the form of the alphanumeric “25,” is aligned with the reference element  39 . In this configuration, the scale ring does not offer the user a good, consistent reference orientation of the scale ring relative to the reference element  39 . Thus, the user will want to reestablish the zero shown in  FIG. 8  as described below. 
     Returning to the components of the toolless rezero system, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the system  11  can include the dial  20 , scale ring  30  and support ring  40 . Each of these components will now be described in further detail. The adjustment dial  20  can be of a hollow cylindrical shape. The dial can be configured to be grasped by a user and turned or rotated about the longitudinal axis LA of the turret  10 . As described further below, the adjustment dial  20  can form a portion of a zero locking system, which also includes a locking cover or button  50  as described further below. The adjustment dial  20  can include a top  21  and a downwardly extending dial wall  22 . The downwardly extending dial wall  22  can include an interior surface  221  and an exterior surface  22 E. The exterior surface  22 B can include elements for gripping, such as knurls, threads, buttons, projections, depressions, ridges or the like. The interior surface  221  can be cylindrical and can face toward the longitudinal axis LA. The interior wall  221  can early bound a dial interior  23  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The dial wall  22  can include an upper portion  22 U and a lower edge  22 L. The lower dial edge  22 L can be configured to remain at a fixed distance D 1  from an upper surface  4 U of the eye bell of the optical device  1 . It can remain at this distance D 1  throughout manipulation of the rezeroing of the system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the system  11  can include a scale ring bias element  36 . The scale ring bias element  36  can be in the form of a coil spring. The spring can extend around the longitudinal axis LA and can be centered upon that longitudinal axis LA. The bias element can take on other configurations. For example, it can be an elastomeric element, a leaf spring, a magnetic biasing element, including magnets or some other biasing construction. The bias element optionally can be nestled in a spring groove  26  defined by the top  21  of the adjustment dial  20 . Of course, the bias element  36  can be in other configurations and not located in a groove. The lower portion or lower coils  36 L of the scale ring bias element  36  engage the scale ring  30  in particular a shoulder  36 S of the scale ring. The engagement between the scale ring bias element  36  in this shoulder  36 S can be continuous throughout operation of the rezeroing system  11 . 
     The scale ring  30  shown in  FIGS. 2, 4 and 5  can include a scale wall  33  that extends from an upper portion  31  to a lower portion  32  of the scale ring. The lower portion  32  can terminate at a lower scale edge  32 L. Adjacent this lower scale edge  32 L, the reference indicia  35  can be disposed. These reference indicia elements as shown can include multiple grooves, indents or recesses (all referred to as grooves) extending upward from or adjacent the lower scale ring edge  32 L. The reference indicia elements can be located in the lower portion  32  such that the reference indicia elements remain exposed below the dial lower edge  22 L throughout use of an adjustment of the rezero system  11 . In some cases, portions of the markings or the reference indicia elements  35  can be slightly obscured by the dial wall  22 . The upper portion  31  of the scale ring  30  can be at least partially obscured or concealed by the dial wall  22 . The scale wall  33  can include an exterior  33 E and an interior  331 . The exterior  33 E in the upper portion  31  can be placed immediately adjacent the interior  221  of the dial wall  22 . These two surfaces can be slidably engaged relative to one another when the scale ring  30  rotates and/or moves vertically relative to the dial  20  as described below. 
     The lower scale ring edge  32 L is shown as being located at distance D 2  below the lower dial edge  22 L. This distance D 2  is less than the distance D 1  mentioned above. This distance D 2  shown in  FIG. 4  also is the distance between the lower dial edge  22 L and the lower scale ring edge  32 L, when the scale ring and/or the system  11  in general is in a first mode, which also can be a referred to as a scale ring locked mode which will be described further below. 
     The scale ring  30  as can include a shoulder  36 S which engages the spring  36 . The shoulder  36 S can be located atop the upper portion  31  of the scale ring wall  33 . The scale ring wall  33  also can include a flange  37  extending radially inward from the scale ring wall  33  toward the axis LA. This flange  37  can be adjacent the shoulder  36 S and can be configured such that a portion of the spring  36  lays between the flange  37  and the interior wall  221  of the dial wall  22 . The flange  37  can include an inner edge that includes one or more locking elements  38 . As shown, those one or more locking elements  38  can be in the form of an arrangement of one or more scale teeth, which can be also referred to as a plurality of scale teeth. The inner edge of the flange can face toward the axis LA. The scale teeth can extend continuously around the axis LA as shown. In other cases, the teeth can be intermittently or non-continuously disposed around the axis. In other applications the teeth can be located on other parts of the scale ring, for example directly on the wall  33  itself. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the scale teeth  38  can be configured to selectively engage one or more holding elements  48 . As shown, those one or more holding elements  48  can be in the form of an arrangement of one or more holding teeth disposed in the dial interior  23 . These holding teeth  48 , which can be referred to as a plurality of holding teeth, can be disposed on a variety of different components inside the interior, generally associated with the turret. As shown however, these teeth can be protruding from a support ring  40 , also referred to as an adjusting cover, that is disposed inwardly from the scale ring and the dial wall  22 . These holding teeth  48  can selectively engage the scale teeth  38  depending on whether the scale ring and system is in a first mode or a second mode as described below. Although the teeth are shown as triangular elements, they can take on other geometric configurations. The holding teeth and scale teeth can be configured to slide and/or move vertically upward and downwardly, in a direction parallel to axis LA, relative to one another so they can be engaged and disengaged from one another. 
     The holding teeth  48  can be disposed adjacent a featureless area  49 , optionally where there are no teeth or other elements that can directly engage the scale ring teeth  38 . This toothless area can be above and/or adjacent the holding teeth  48 . As described further below, the scale teeth  38  can be moved and selectively aligned with the toothless area, so that the scale teeth can move and rotate relative to the annular support ring  40  adjacent the toothless area  49 . 
     Operation of the tool as rezero system  11  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . As mentioned above, during adjustment of the optical device via the turret  10 , the reference indicia elements  35  can become improperly aligned with the reference element  39 . This misalignment is shown in  FIG. 3 . The user will work to realign the reference number “0”, which can be a preselected indicia element, with the reference element  39 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the scale ring  30  and rezero system  11  are in a first mode. In this first mode, the scale teeth  38  associated with the scale ring  30  engage the holding teeth  48  in the interior  23 . Due to this interaction and interfacing of the respective teeth, the scale ring is non-rotatable relative to the axis LA. The scale ring also can be generally non-rotatable relative to the support ring  40  and/or the dial  20 . 
     To convert the scale ring  30  and the system  11  to a second mode, a user U, as shown in  FIG. 6  can manually engage the scale ring  30  with the user&#39;s digits, without the use of any tools. The user can apply force F 1 , generally parallel to the axis, against the scale ring  30  while grasping the scale ring, but not the dial  20  above it. By applying this force F 1 , the scale ring  30  moves upward in the interior  23  of the dial  20 . As this occurs, the scale ring wall  33  slides relative to the dial wall  22 , in particular the exterior  33 E of the scale ring wall  33  moves vertically upward relative to the interior of the dial wall  22 . The upward force F 1  applied by the user also biases the scale ring bias element  36 . That spring is compressed and the coils become closer to one another. In so doing, the scale ring  30  continues to move upward. The scale ring  30  can move toward the top  21  of the dial  20 . The scale ring  30  can generally move in a vertical motion, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. As it moves upward, the scale teeth  38  slide and move upward vertically upward relative to the holding teeth  48 . Eventually, the scale teeth  38  become positioned above the holding teeth  48  so that they no longer engage them. In this location, the scale teeth  38  can be adjacent the toothless area  49 . Generally, the holding teeth and scale teeth no longer are engaged with one another. 
     As a result, the scale ring  30  is no longer rotationally restrained by other components of the turret  10  so the scale ring can be selectively rotated in direction R by the user U. As the scale ring rotates, the associated indicia elements  35  move with the scale ring  30 . The user can continue to rotate the scale ring, while it and the system  11  are in the second mode, until a preselected indicia element, for example the alphanumeric “0” and its bar, are aligned with the reference element  39  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Generally, the indicia elements  35  can be moved about the axis LA when the scale ring  30  is in the second mode so as to align a preselected indicia element with a reference element on the optical device to thereby zero the optical device. Optionally, the scale ring does not rotate relative to the other components until the scale teeth become disengaged from the holding teeth. It will be appreciated here that by zeroing or rezeroing the optical devices, any preselected one or more of the indicia elements can be aligned with one or more reference elements associated with the same component on the optical device, which may or may not be associated with the turret and/or the scope tube, eye bell or other part. Optionally, to zero or rezero, the zero number or indicia need not necessarily be aligned with the reference element. 
     In the second mode, as mentioned above, the scale ring bias element  36  is biased such that the scale ring can move upward, against the force F 2  of the scale ring bias element  36 . In this mode, the lower dial edge  22 L is also located a second distance D 3  from the lower scale ring edge  32 L. This second distance D 3  can be less than the first distance D 2  shown in  FIG. 4 , when the scale ring is in the first mode. In addition, the scale ring lower edge  32 L can be positioned a distance D 5  that is greater than a distance D 6  from the upper surface  4 U of the eye bell  4 . In the second mode, the shoulder  30   6 S of the scale ring  30  also can be closer to the top  21  of the dial  20  than when the scale ring and rezero system are in the first mode. 
     After the scale ring has been appropriately moved and rotated to rezero the scale ring, the user U can release the scale ring  30  and generally cease application of the force F 1 . As a result, the scale ring bias element  36  urges the scale ring  30  downward in direction N as shown in  FIG. 7  under the force F 2  of the bias element  36 . As a result, the scale teeth  38  re-register and become engaged with the holding teeth  48  of the support ring  40 . Thus, the scale ring becomes non-rotatable relative to the support ring and generally relative to the dial  20 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , the in this return to the first mode, the scale ring  30  is configured such that the scale on the scale ring is rezeroed. As shown, the number “0” and its associated groove or recess are aligned with the reference element  39 . This process noted above can be repeated with the toolless rezero system  11  multiple times, whenever the turret  10  is used to adjust and reset a reticle of the optical device  1 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 9, 10, 11 and 14  the optical device  1  includes the turret  10 , with a toolless zero locking system  12 . The system  12  can include the adjustment dial  20  which can be manually grasped by a user to rotate portions of the turret  10 , a locking cover button  50 , an adjusting switch  60 , a locking ring  70 , a wheelbase  80  and an adjusting pin  6 . All of these elements can be disposed about and optionally centered on a longitudinal axis LA of the turret  10 . 
     The toolless zero locking system  12  can be utilized by a user to lock the turret  10  so that the reticle cannot be adjusted with it or moved from a preselected position, either a fixed vertical position or a fixed horizontal position, in the scope tube with that turret or its components. By effectively locking the reticle in a fixed position in a locking mode, also referred to as a first mode, the user can be assured that the point of impact will correspond to the previously set position of the reticle. The reticle is also able to be adjusted in its position relative to the scope tube or other components of the optical device via the turret, when the turret and its locking ring are in an adjustment mode, also referred to as a second mode. 
     The turret  10  can be configured so that a user can automatically, without the use of tools in a manual operation, convert the turret and its locking ring  70  from the first mode to the second mode and vice versa. As noted above, the optical device  1  can include elevation and windage turrets  10  and  10 ′. Each of these turrets can be individually and separately configured in a respective locked mode and an adjusting mode. It will be appreciated that the reticle can be joined with a locking ring of one turret in a locked mode, while a locking ring of another turret is in an adjusting mode. For example, the turret  10 ′ and locking ring in the locked mode can hold the reticle in a fixed position with respect to one axis, such as a horizontal axis, while the other turret and locking ring in the adjustment mode can hold the reticle in a fixed position with respect to another axis, for example, a vertical axis. 
     The various components of the turret  10  will now be described in further detail. Starting with the wheelbase  80 , this component can be fixedly and immovably secured to the scope tube  3 , and in particular, the eye bell  4  of the scope tube. This securement can be via cement, adhesives, a weld or fasteners securing the wheelbase  80  directly to the surface of the eye bell  4 . To prevent moisture or air from entering the eye bell and/or scope, the wheelbase can include a groove that houses and a sealing element  830  which can be in the form of an O-ring or other sealing element. The wheelbase  80  can define a threaded bore  84  within which the adjusting pin  6  is threadably disposed. The adjusting pin  6  also can include a corresponding thread  6 T so that upon rotation of the adjusting pin  6  about the axis LA, the adjusting pin  6  moves in directions M. In turn, this can move the reticle  2  relative to the scope tube and/or bell thereby allowing a user to precisely set the reticle relative to a point of impact along an axis. As shown, the direction M can correspond to a vertical axis and the longitudinal axis LA can also correspond to the vertical axis. Accordingly, the turret  10  can be utilized in conjunction with adjusting the elevation of the optical device by moving the reticle up/down. Of course, where the turret is in the form of turret  10 ′, the direction of movement M can align with a horizontal axis and that turret can adjust the windage of the optical device by moving the reticle left/right. 
     Returning to  FIG. 11 , as shown there, the turret  10  is in a locking mode. In this locking mode, the wheelbase  80  is fixed relative to the eye bell  4  and scope tube  3 . In an adjusting mode, the wheelbase  80  also is fixedly and immovably joined with these components. The wheelbase  80  can include a base wall  81  and an upwardly extending wall  82 . The base wall can transition to the upwardly extending wall at a shoulder  82 S. As described below, a wheel outer casing  87  can wrap around this shoulder  82 S with a flange  87 F to secure the locking ring  70 , adjustment  20 , locking ring cover  50  and other components in a rotatable manner relative to the wheelbase  80 , which can be fixed and immovable relative to the eye bell and the scope tube. 
     The wheelbase  80  can include a wheelbase interior  83 . This wheelbase interior  83  can be defined radially inwardly from the upwardly extending base wall  82 . Several components can be disposed, inside this wheelbase interior  83 . For example, an adjusting base  88  and the locking ring  70  can be disposed at least partially within this interior. The adjusting base  88  can be fixedly and non-rotatably joined with the adjusting pin  6 . These two elements can be mated to one another with corresponding teeth on each. The adjusting base  88  and adjusting pin  6  can be joined to rotate in unison about the axis LA. The adjusting base  88  also can be outfitted with a click nail  88 N which can intermittently engage the teeth  81  defined by the upwardly extending wall  82 . This click nail can divide audible and/or perceivable clicks when the dial  20  is rotated to provide feedback to the user relating to the rotation and adjustment of the reticle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the adjusting base  88  also can include a locking ring void  89  defined by an adjustment base wall  89 W. This void and the wall can be configured to receive a portion of the locking ring  70 . In particular, the locking ring  70  can include a locking ring wall  70 W that corresponds in shape and/or configuration or otherwise interlocks within the void and engages the adjustment base wall  89 W. With this configuration, the locking ring is selectively movable toward and away from the adjustment base and/or generally the scope tube and/or eye bell, but non-rotatable relative to the adjustment base. Optionally, the locking ring wall  70 W and the adjustment base wall  89 W can be of identical polygonal shapes so that these elements do not rotate relative to one another. For example, the wall  70 W can be in the form of a hexagon and the wall  89 W and its corresponding void  89  can also be in the form of a hexagon. These components however can slide relative to one another such that the respective walls of each move and slide relative to one another. This line of movement can be parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , the wheelbase  80  can also include one or more base holding elements  85  and  86 . These base holding elements can be in the form of a plurality of base teeth. The base teeth can project inwardly, into the interior  83 , of the wheelbase and toward the axis LA of the turret  10 . These arrangements of teeth  85  and  86  can be separated vertically from one another by a toothless area  86 T is generally void of teeth or projections. Similarly, the locking ring  70  can include one or more ring locking elements  75  and  76  that correspond directly to the one or more base holding elements  85  and  86 . These ring locking elements can be in the form of a plurality of ring teeth. These ring teeth can project outwardly, in the interior  83 , of the wheelbase, but away from the axis LA of the turret. These ring teeth can be vertically slidable relative to the base teeth to convert the locking ring from the first mode to the second mode as described below. 
     In the first mode, also referred to as the locking mode shown in  FIG. 11 , the locking elements  75  and  76  can engage the base holding elements  85  and  86  such that the locking ring  70  is non-rotatable relative to the wheelbase  80 , via the interaction of these teeth. Of course, these teeth can be replaced with any other types of projections, recesses or interlocking features. In the second mode, also referred to as the adjusting mode shown in  FIG. 14 , the ring locking elements  75  and  76  are disengaged from the base holding elements  85  and  86  such that the locking ring  70  is rotatable relative to the wheelbase  80 . In this configuration, shown in  FIG. 14 , the ring teeth  75  can be disposed in the toothless area  86 T, while the ring teeth  76  can be disposed vertically above the base teeth  86 . Likewise, the ring teeth  75  can be disposed above the base teeth  85 . Generally, the ring teeth  75  and  76  are not aligned with any projections or other structure of the wheelbase that impair or prevent rotation of the locking ring  70  relative to the interior of the wheelbase or generally about the axis LA. 
     Returning to the locked mode shown in  FIG. 11 , the locking ring  70  is disposed at least partially in the interior  83  of the wheelbase  80 . The locking ring, however, also can be disposed in an interior  43  of the locking ring cover  40 . The locking ring cover can be threaded or joined with the outer wheel casing  87  to secure those components to the wheelbase  80 . The locking ring  70 , as well as, the outer casing  87  can be configured to rotate relative to the various features and contours of the wheelbase  80  about the axis when the turret is in the adjusting mode. As shown in  FIG. 11 , however, the ring teeth are interlocked and engaged with the base teeth so that the locking ring is non-rotatable. 
     The locking ring  70  can include a locking ring void  73  that is bounded by a secondary locking ring wall  73 W. This secondary locking ring wall  73 W can be configured to mate with a locking ring cover wall  40 W of the locking ring cover  40 . These two components can be non-rotatable relative to one another when the walls  40 W and  73 W interface or engage one another. These walls  40 W and  73 W can be correspondingly shaped, for example, in the shapes of corresponding polygons, or otherwise can include projections or teeth preventing them from rotating relative to one another. However, these walls can be vertically slidable relative to one another when the turret  10  is converted from a first mode to a second mode or vice versa. 
     The locking ring  70  can be associated with a locking ring bias element  76 G. The locking ring bias element can be disposed on a shoulder  88 S of the adjustment base  88 . The bias element  76  can be nested in a groove or recess  76 H of the locking ring  70 . As shown, the locking ring bias element can be in the form of a coil spring. Of course, other types of springs similar to those mentioned above in connection with the scale ring bias element can be used or substituted therefore. The locking ring bias element  76 G can be configured to bias the locking ring  70  away from the wheelbase  80  and the adjustment base  88  generally in direction G. In this manner, the locking ring  70  has a tendency to move away from the wheelbase, generally out of the wheelbase interior  83  to interact with the adjusting switch  60  and locking cover button  50  as described below. 
     As mentioned above, the locking ring  70  is housed in the interior  43  of the locking ring cover  40 , also referred to as a support ring. This locking ring cover  40  can include one or more actuator projections  62 . These actuator projections  62  can be in the form of columns that extend downwardly adjacent an interior wall  44  of the locking ring cover  40 . This wall  43  can be of a generally cylindrical configuration and can define an interior compartment  45  within which the adjusting switch  60  is disposed. The actuator projections can be in the form of three actuator projections or more disposed in this interior compartment  45  to interface with and engage an actuator gear  63  of the adjusting switch  60 . These actuator projections or columns  62  can extend partially downward from a roof  46  of the interior compartment  45 . These actuator projections, as shown in  FIG. 12  can be tapered to optionally include a sloped or slanted face  42 S which can engage the actuator gear  63  of the adjusting switch  60 . 
     As shown there, the actuator gear  63 , with which the one or more actuator projections  62  can interact, can include a first recess  63 R 1  defined between teeth of the gear. This first recess  63 R 1  can be of a first depth D 11 . The actuator gear can include an adjacent second recess  63 R 2  defined between other teeth of the gear. This second recess  63 R 2  can be of a second depth D 12 . The second depth D 12  can be different from the first depth, and as shown, greater than the first depth D 11 . The interaction of the actuator projection with these respective recesses can dictate movement of the adjusting switch and the locking ring. For example, when the actuator projection  62  engages the first recess  63 R 1 , the adjusting switch is configured to hold the locking ring in the first mode, that is, the locked mode, whereby the reticle cannot be adjusted by the adjustment dial from its vertical position. This is because the locking ring  70  is pushed downward so that the ring teeth  75  and  76  engage the base teeth  85  and  86  so the locking ring or components are not rotatable about the axis. When, however, the actuator projection  62  engages the second recess  63 R 2 , the adjusting switch  60  is configured to hold the locking ring  70  in the second mode such that the reticle  2  can be adjusted via the adjustment dial. In this mode, the locking ring  70  is pushed upward by the spring  76 G, and the ring teeth  75  and  76  are no longer engaged with the base teeth  85  and  86  so that the locking ring can rotate relative to the wheelbase  80  along with the other components as described below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the adjusting switch  60  and the locking cover button  50  can include respective gears that are configured to interact with one another and effectively rotate the adjusting switch  60  so that the actuator projection  62  can sequentially engage the actuator gear  63  in the different types of first and second recesses mentioned above. In particular, the top of the adjusting switch  60  can include a first gear  41 . The lower portion of the locking cover button  50  can include a second gear  42 . These gears can include corresponding arrangements of teeth. These teeth optionally be in a generally triangular shape, with the faces of the teeth angling upward toward a peak from a horizontal line such that those faces are disposed at about optionally 30°. These angles can be selected such that the second gear drives the first gear thereby causing the second gear and its respective teeth to slide and move relative to the teeth of the first gear. In turn, this causes the adjusting switch  60  to rotate about the axis LA. Accordingly, for each instance where the locking cover button is pushed downward toward the wheelbase by a user, the second gear  62  can engage the first gear, and due to the arrangement of the teeth of those gears, the adjusting switch  60  rotates such that the actuator projection  62  engages the gear  63  to move the adjusting switch toward the wheelbase, which in turn moves the locking ring  70  toward the wheelbase  80  to set the locking ring in the first mode. Of course, when the locking cover button is pushed again, the adjusting switch  60  rotates again so that the actuator projection  62  engages a different recess, for example, the deeper recess  63 R 2 . When this occurs, as described further below, the adjusting switch moves from distance D 13  in  FIG. 11  to distance D 14  in  FIG. 14 . As a result, the locking ring also moves this distance and becomes disengaged with the wheelbase such that the locking ring is thereafter free to rotate about the axis LA in the second mode or adjustment mode shown in  FIG. 14  so the reticle can be adjusted from one position to another position as dictated by the particular turret  10 . 
     Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the adjusting switch  60  includes a lower portion  60 L. This lower portion  60 L can taper to a lower engagement edge  60 E that is of a small surface area. This edge can be circular. This edge  60 E can rotate relative to the engagement surface  70 M of the ring  70 , and thereby provide a sliding interaction between the edge  60 F and the surface  70 M. The edge can slide in a circular path along the surface. 
     Returning to  FIG. 11 , the locking cover button  50  can include the second adjusting gear  62  on its bottom surface. The locking cover button can be engaged by a button base element  56  which as shown can be in the form a base coil spring. Of course, other types of bias elements described herein can be substituted for the coil spring. The coil spring engages against and under the surface of the locking cover button  50  as well as a shelf  47 S of the locking ring cover  40 . The spring  56  biases the locking cover button away from the wheelbase, and can circumferentiate the axis LA. 
     The locking cover button  50  can be non-rotatably mounted relative to the dial  20 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 13 , the locking button  50  can include one or more recesses  50 R. The dial  20  can include one or more teeth  22 T that fit within those recesses  50 R. The interaction of the teeth in the recesses can prevent the locking cover button  50  from rotating relative to the dial  20 . However, the interaction of these components still allows the button to move vertically along a line of measurement parallel to the longitudinal axis LA, for example, up and down or in and out relative to the wheelbase  80 . 
     The locking button cover  50  can be joined with a plunger  58 , which as shown is in the form of a fastener that is threaded into the lower portion of the locking cover button  50 . This plunger can engage in undersurface  60 L of the adjusting switch  62  effectively pulling that adjusting switch upward, in direction C optionally under the expanding force provided by the bias element  56 . In turn, the bias force G of the bias element  76 G pushes the locking ring upward in direction K as described further below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the locking cover button can include an upper surface  50 U. This upper surface  50 U can be disposed adjacent a top  20 T of the adjustment dial  20 . In the first mode, where the locking ring and turret are locked so that the dial  20  cannot rotate to adjust the adjusting pin and reticle, the upper surface  50 U can be disposed a first distance above the top surface  20 T of the dial. This first distance D 15  can optionally can be zero such that the upper surface is flush with the top surface. In other cases, the first distance can be greater than zero, optionally at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm or at least 5 mm or other distances. However, when the turret and locking ring are in the second mode, so that the dial can rotate to adjust the adjusting pin, the upper surface  50 U can be disposed a second distance D 16 , from the top surface shown in  FIG. 14 . This second distance D 16  can be greater than the first distance D 15 . That is, the upper surface  50 U can be spaced above and higher than the top  20 T of the dial  20 , and can be no longer flush therewith. Optionally, in some cases, such as when the locking cover button  50  is transitioning from the first mode shown in  FIG. 11  to the second mode shown in  FIG. 14 , the upper surface  50 U can optionally be disposed below the top surface  20 T as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Operation of the zero locking system  12  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 11-14 . Shown there is a method of locking an optical device such as the scope  1  such that the reticle  2  associated with the turret  10  cannot be moved after such locking. That method can generally include providing the adjustment dial  20  and the locking ring cover  50 ; moving the locking cover button  50  a first time, manually without the use of tools, for example, by pressing down on the button  50  with a force F 5  as shown in  FIG. 13 , to automatically convert the locking ring from the first mode in which the locking ring is non-rotatable relative to the axis LA, to a second mode, that is, an adjusting mode, in which the locking ring  40  is rotatable relative to the axis LA; rotating the adjustment dial  20  and the locking ring  70  in unison, for example, under a rotating force F 6  provided by a user manually, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Optionally, the user can move the locking cover button  50  a second time by pushing down on the cover button  50  as shown in  FIG. 14 , manually without the use of tools, to automatically convert the locking ring from the second mode to the first mode, shown in  FIG. 11 , such that the locking ring  70  is again non-rotatable relative the axis LA and such that the adjustment dial cannot be rotated to move the reticle  2  relative to the scope tube and its components. 
     More particularly, and shown by comparing  FIGS. 11 and 13 , where the turret and locking ring are being converted from the first mode to the second mode, the user can press down with a force F 5  on the button  50 . As a result, the second gear  42  of the button  50  engages the first gear  41  of the adjusting switch  60 . This causes the adjusting switch to rotate in direction R 3  shown in  FIG. 12 . As a result, the actuator projection  62  shown in  FIG. 12  moves from the first recess  63 R 1  to the second recess  63 R 2 . Pressing down on the button  50  also moves the adjusting switch  60  so that it engages the locking ring  70  moving it downward in direction K 1 . The springs  56  and  76 G also are compressed during and under this force. The locking ring  70 , adjusting switch  60  and button  50  therefore all move toward the wheelbase  80 . In so doing, the ring teeth  75 ,  76  also move downward relative to the wheelbase teeth  85  and  86 . Optionally, the teeth  75  remain engaged with the teeth  85  during this downward movement. 
     When the force F 5  is removed, after the system bottoms out as shown in  FIG. 13 , the adjuster switch  60  has rotated due to the interaction of the first gear  41  and second gear  42 . As a result, when the actuator gear  63  moves back upward, under the force of the springs  76 G and  56  in direction C 2 , the actuator projections  62  engage the deeper recess  63 R 2  of that gear  63  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Accordingly, the adjuster adjusting switch  60  is allowed to travel farther upward and away from the wheelbase as shown in  FIG. 14  in direction C 2 . Likewise, the locking ring  70  is also allowed to travel farther upward in direction K 2  relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Accordingly, from the locked mode shown in  FIG. 11  to the adjusting mode shown in FIG.  14 , the adjusting switch  60  moves from a distance D 13  to a distance D 14  away from the wheelbase  80  as shown. The distance D 14  is greater than the distance D 13 . Optionally, during this movement, the cover button  50  also moves above the top  20 T of the adjusting dial  20 . The locking ring  70  also moves upward in direction K 2 , away from the adjusting base  88 , but still remains engaged with the wall  89 W of the adjusting base via the wall  70 W. In this manner, the locking ring vertically slides upward in a direction parallel to the axis LA. The locking ring and adjusting base remain nonrotatingly secured to one another, but together, can rotate about the axis LA. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the ring teeth  75  and  76  become disengaged from the base teeth  85  and  86 . The ring teeth  75  are disposed in a toothless region  86 T between the base teeth  85  and  86 . The teeth ring teeth  76  are disposed above the upper base teeth  86 . Generally, these teeth  75  and  76  no longer have any structure to interface with, so that they can freely move relative to the wall, within the interior  83 , of the wheelbase  80 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 14 , the locking ring bias element  76 G pushes upward on locking ring to assist in its upward movement K 2  away from the wheelbase. The button cover bias element  56  also pushes upward on the button cover  50  to move it upward in direction C 2  and away from the wheelbase  80 . As mentioned above, the first gear  41  also can become disengaged from the second gear  42  on the bottom of the button  50 . In so doing, the respective teeth of these gears can be slightly misaligned due to the rotation of the adjusting switch  60  via the actuator gear actuator projection  62  engaging the actuator gear  63  such that the next time the button  50  is moved downward, the first  41  and second  42  gears engage one another, to again cause rotation in direction R 3  ( FIG. 12 ) and translate the components such that the locking ring and turret again attain the first mode. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the zero locking system  12  is in the second mode, or adjustment mode. In this mode, the dial  20  can be rotated under rotational force F 6  extended by the user. The dial thus rotates in the direction of F 6 . The button cover  50  also rotates in this direction. The locking ring cover  40 , which is fixed in non-rotatable relative to the dial also rotates. The locking ring  70  which again is free from interlocking with the wheelbase  80  also rotates because the ring teeth and base teeth are disengaged from one another. The locking ring  70  however is rotationally locked to the locking ring cover via the interface of the wall  40 W with the wall  73 W. The locking ring  70  is further rotationally locked relative to the adjusting base  88  via the interfacing of the locking ring wall  70 W with the adjusting base wall  89 W. Thus, all of these elements can rotate in unison. 
     In addition, the adjusting base  88  is non-rotatably joined with the adjusting pin  60 . Thus, the adjusting pin  6  also rotates in unison with the other elements. As a result of the rotation in the direction of the force F 6 , the adjusting pin  6  also rotates. Due to the adjusting pin threads  6 T interacting with the threads  84  of the wheelbase, the pin advances in direction P. As a result, the reticle  2  also moves in direction P to move the reticle relative scope tube  3 . This in turn, allows the user to adjust point of impact of crosshairs  2 C of the reticle  2 . Of course, the force F 6  can be reversed in opposite direction to reverse the direction of movement of the pin  6  in a direction opposite that of direction P. The pin  6  can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to move the reticle  2  within the scope tube, up or down, or side to side depending on which turret is involved. 
     After satisfactory adjustment of the reticle  2  is accomplished, the user can again press down on the cover button  50  which in turn rotates the adjusting switch  60 , thereby moving the locking ring in a direction opposite the direction K 2  shown in  FIG. 14 . This in turn locks the teeth of the locking ring with teeth of the base. Again, these teeth can become engaged with one another, sliding vertically along a line of movement is generally parallel to the axis LA. With the locking of the locking ring  70  relative to the wheelbase  80 . The dial  20  is also locked in place and cannot be rotated due to the connection of the locking ring to the wheelbase. Thus, the reticle  2  cannot be moved relative to the scope, tube or other components of the optical device in the direction for which the turret is designed to move, for example up/down or left/right. 
     Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s). 
     The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; and Y, Z.