Patent Publication Number: US-2021180915-A1

Title: Gobo projection targeting device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/734,3030 filed on Jan. 4, 2020, entitled “GOBO PROJECTION TARGETING DEVICE,” which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/015,037 filed on Jun. 21, 2018 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,557,682, entitled “GOBO PROJECTION TARGETING DEVICE,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/525,275 filed on Jun. 27, 2017, entitled “Focusable Lighting Device with Gobo Projections for Use with a Firearm,” and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/615,125 filed on Jan. 9, 2018, entitled “Gobo Projection Targeting Device,” and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/659,108 filed on Apr. 17, 2018, entitled “Gobo Projection Targeting Device,” and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/566,895 filed on Oct. 2, 2017, entitled “Gobo Projection Targeting Device,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to a gobo projection targeting device that projects a focused image on a target. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A gobo is a metal, plastic, glass, ink, etching, or other obstruction pattern that positioned inside or in front of a light source to control the shape of the emitted light by producing patterns of light and shadow. In theatrical lighting, the term refers to a device placed at the point of focus between the source of illumination and an optical lens. This placement is critical to enable the production of a crisp, sharp edged pattern or design. The gobo blocks certain light rays, certain wavelengths of light, or certain colors of light, in a determined pattern or manner, while the optical lens focuses light rays. Conventional gobo projectors do not have a dual purpose of bringing the gobo image in and out of focus so the user can use the gobo projector as a flashlight when the gobo image is out of focus. In most conventional gobo projectors, light rays from the light source are reflected through the gobo and towards the optical assembly that projects the image to a place in the distance. 
     The use of a flashlight or other illumination device attached to a firearm to provide illumination in low light or dark environments is well known. It is also well known to attach a laser to a firearm to project a dot onto a target, thereby indicating a relative point of impact of a round fired from the firearm. However, each of these solutions have various shortcomings. A flashlight is capable of illuminating a target, but does not indicate a relative point of impact of a round fired from the firearm. A laser does not enable a user to clearly see a large portion or the entirety of a target, as well as at least a portion of the area around the target. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved gobo projection targeting device that projects a focused image on a target. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, the gobo projection targeting device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of projecting a focused image on a target. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved gobo projection targeting device, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an improved gobo projection targeting device that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned above. 
     To attain this, the preferred embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a light source, a lens assembly associated with the light source, the lens assembly having a first element, a second element, and an aiming figure, the first element being closer to the light source, and the second element having a smaller diameter than the beam angle of the first element, such that a first portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will bypass the second element and a second portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will not bypass the second element. The first and second elements may each be converging lenses. The second element may be adapted to generate an image of the aiming figure away from the illuminator. The first portion of light may be a field illumination pattern lacking a focused image and in most configurations, having positive power. The lens assembly may be movable with respect to the light source through a range of positions between a more proximate position and a less proximate position. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of the current embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention installed on a pistol. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the gobo projection targeting device of  FIG. 1  removed from the pistol. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear isometric view of the inner body of  FIG. 1  removed from the body. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the gobo projection targeting device of  FIG. 1  with the inner body positioned within the body to produce a narrow illuminated field. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the gobo projection targeting device of  FIG. 1  with the inner body positioned within the body to produce a broad illuminated field. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device with the focusing lens positioned to produce an illuminated field without an image of the gobo. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device of  FIG. 6  with the focusing lens positioned to produce an illuminated field with an image of the gobo. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a first lens for a second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a first lens and a second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of light rays passing through the first lens and second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of light rays passing through the first lens and second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view of light rays passing through the first lens and second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. This alternative lens assembly uses a light pipe design between the L 1  and L 2 , thereby creating fixed spacing and improvement of light transmission through the device. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of light rays passing through the first lens and second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. This alternative lens assembly uses a tapered cone between L 1  and L 2 , thereby creating fixed spacing to further improve light transmission through the device. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the first lens and the second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of the first lens and the second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. This is a 2d prescription of the optical assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view of light rays passing through the first lens and second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view of light rays passing through the first lens and second lens for the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view of the image obtained from the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 19  is a photograph of the image obtained from the second alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 20  is a side sectional view of a third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 22  is a side sectional and a front sectional view of the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 23  is a front isometric view of a lens cap for the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
         FIG. 24  is front isometric views at different angles of the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device installed on a pistol. 
     
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT 
     A current embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate the improved gobo projection targeting device  10  of the present invention. More particularly, the targeting device is shown installed on a pistol  200  in  FIG. 1 . The targeting device has a cylindrical body  12  with a top longitudinal sliding cutout  14  and a right side longitudinal sliding cutout  16  located on the perimeter  18 . The body has an open front  20  and an open rear  22  that provide access to a hollow interior  24 . The interior receives an inner body  26  and a reflector  28  with an attached circuit board  30  with light source  32  (shown in  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 ). The reflector is secured in a stationary position within the body and directs light rays  86  (shown in  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 ) emitted by the light source forward. In the current embodiment, the light source is a Light Emitting Diode (LED). A body cap  34  attached to the rear of the body releasably secures the inner body and reflector within the body. A battery compartment  36  having an open rear  38  and a hollow interior (not visible) is attached to the bottom  40  of the perimeter of the body. A battery  42  is releasably secured within the interior of the battery compartment by a cap  44  attached to the rear of the battery compartment. The battery is electrically connected to the circuit board and light source. The battery compartment can alternatively be attached to the body in other locations, including to the body cap as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The inner body  26  is a cylindrical body having a closed front  46 , open rear  48 , perimeter  50 , and hollow interior  52 . The front of the interior of the inner body receives a spider holder  54 , which is a spider of elongated elements extending radially away from and supporting a focusing lens  62 . The spider holder has four arms  56  that suspend a ring  58  having an aperture  60  in the center of the interior. The focusing lens  62  is received within the aperture to suspend the focusing lens in the center of the interior. The front of the inner body also includes a peripherally transmissive zone surrounding the focusing lens and having a different optical characteristic than the focusing lens. In the current embodiment, the peripherally transmissive zone is a non-corrective window  100 , which makes the spider holder more rigid or unnecessary if the focusing lens is attached to, or assembled into, a cutout in the non-corrective window. A collimating lens  64  is received within the rear of the interior of the inner body at a fixed longitudinal position relative to the focusing lens. The inner body can be regarded as a lens assembly associated with the light source having a first element (the collimating lens) and a second element (the focusing lens). The vertical and horizontal position of the collimating lens within the rear of the interior of the body is controlled by a spring biasing element  66  located on the rear of the interior of the inner body, an elevation turret  68  protruding through a top aperture  70  in the perimeter of the inner body, and a windage turret  72  protruding through a right side aperture  74  in the perimeter of the inner body. The spring biasing element pushes against the perimeter  76  of the collimating lens to force contact between the perimeter of the collimating lens and the elevation and windage turrets. A gobo  78  is present on the rear surface  80  of the collimating lens as an integral feature that is etched, inscribed, molded, or applied to the rear surface, or as a second reticle component adjacent to the rear surface. The gobo can also employ Light Emitting Diode (LED) cells to enable live information and/or a dynamically-generated shape to be projected. The gobo can be considered to be an aiming figure. The gobo/aiming figure can be adjacent to, abut, or formed on the first element/collimating lens. In the current embodiment, the gobo consists of crosshairs having a center  82 . The elevation and windage turrets are used to establish a zero point for the targeting device  10 . The zero point is determined by adjusting the position of the collimating lens relative to the pistol&#39;s barrel  202  using the elevation and windage turrets until the impact point on a target of a bullet fired by the pistol matches the center of the gobo when projected on the target at a known distance. Alternatively, an adjustable mount used to secure the body  12  to the pistol  200  could be used to establish a zero point for the targeting device instead of including elevation and windage turrets on the targeting device. 
     When the targeting device  10  is assembled with the inner body  26  received within the front  20  of the body  12 , the elevation turret  68  protrudes through the top longitudinal sliding cutout  14 , and the windage turret  72  protrudes through the right side longitudinal sliding cutout  16 . Pressure can be applied to the turrets to move the inner body forward and rearward within the body to the extent permitted by the length of the sliding cutouts. Thus, the position of the collimating lens relative to the light source  32  can be varied by the user to create the desired effect. The inner body/lens assembly is movable with respect to the light source through a range of positions between a more proximate position and a less proximate position. The elevation turret has a locking mechanism  84  that releasably secures the inner body in a fixed position within the body to prevent longitudinal movement of the inner body. In the current embodiment, the locking mechanism is a screw that can be tightened to keep the inner body in place. However, any suitable locking mechanism can be employed. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the improved gobo projection targeting device  10  of the present invention. More particularly, in  FIG. 4 , the targeting device is shown with the inner body  26  (not shown) positioned forward within the body  12  (not shown). As a result, the collimating lens  64  is sufficiently forward of the reflector  28  such that light rays  86  emitted by the light source  32  that only pass through the collimating lens diverge minimally and project a narrow illuminated field  88  on a target. The light rays that pass through both the collimating lens and the focusing lens  62  are partially blocked by the gobo  78 , resulting in a projected image  90  of the gobo on the target. Thus, the focusing lens is adapted to generate an image of the gobo/aiming figure away from the targeting device through the range of inner body/lens assembly positions. The center  96  of the projected image is aligned with the impact point of a bullet fired by the pistol  200  if the target is at the distance used to establish the zero point for the targeting device  10 . The focusing lens/second element has a smaller diameter than the collimating lens/first element, such that a first portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will bypass the second element and a second portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will not bypass the second element. However, it should be appreciated that the focusing lens/second element could be the same size as or larger than the first element if the second element is smaller than the beam angle of the first element. A bypass can also be used to provide some light passing through both the first and second elements, and some light passing through only the first element. The first portion of light is a field illumination pattern lacking a focused image. The first portion of light illuminates a field having an angular size that varies based on the position of the lens assembly (the collimating and focusing lenses). The first portion of light passes through the peripherally transmissive zone/non-corrective window  100 . 
     In  FIG. 5 , the targeting device  10  is shown with the inner body  26  (not shown) positioned rearward within the body  12  (not shown). As a result, the collimating lens is sufficiently close to the reflector  28  such that light rays  86  emitted by the light source  32  that only pass through the collimating lens  64  diverge maximally and project a broad illuminated field  92  on a target. The light rays that pass through both the collimating lens and the focusing lens  62  are partially blocked by the gobo  78 , resulting in a projected image  94  of the gobo on the target. The center  98  of the projected image is aligned with the impact point of a bullet fired by the pistol  200  if the target is at the distance used to establish the zero point for the targeting device  10 . 
     Unlike a laser aiming device, the targeting device  10  produces a blinding or distracting light when viewed by the target, and the target cannot readily determine the user is viewing the projected image of the aiming point. The targeting device also enables the user&#39;s eyes to recover faster from the flash of a discharged firearm compared to when a laser is used as an aiming device. 
     In the current embodiment, the focusing lens  62  and the collimating lens  64  are both converging planoconvex lenses. The convex side of the focusing lens is installed in the inner body  26  facing rearward, and the convex side of the collimating lens is installed in the inner body facing forward. The breadth of the illuminated field is user-adjustable by sliding the inner body forward within the body to the extent permitted by the longitudinal sliding cutouts  14 ,  16  to broaden the illuminated field and increase the size of the projected image and by sliding the inner body rearward within the body to the extent permitted by the longitudinal sliding cutouts to narrow the illuminated field and decrease the size of the projected image. The locking mechanism  84  enables the user to releasably secure the inner body within the outer body to maintain a selected breadth of illuminated field. The illuminated field and projected image are orders of magnitude distant relative to the distance between the focusing lens and the collimating lens. The light source  32  is always positioned closer to the collimating lens than the focal length of the collimating lens to generate a portion of illuminated field that is larger than the projected image. The focusing lens is located at the focal point of the collimating lens and is smaller than the collimating lens. Thus, the focusing lens receives only a portion of the diverging light rays emitted by the collimating lens and converges them at a distance to produce a projected image that is smaller than the illuminated field. In the current embodiment, the focusing lens part 32848 Lens PCX 6 mm with a focal point of 36 mm manufactured by Edmund Optics of Barrington, N.J. In the current embodiment, the collimating lens has a focal point of 100 mm. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the improved gobo projection targeting device  300  of the present invention. More particularly, the targeting device  300  has a gobo  378  positioned between the collimating lens  364  and the focusing lens  362 , and a reflector  328  with light source  332  positioned rearward of the collimating lens. Unlike the targeting device  10 , the targeting device  300  enables the longitudinal distance between the focusing lens and the collimating lens to be adjusted by the user. This positioning of the gobo and adjustability of the longitudinal distance enables the targeting device  300  to function as a normal flashlight in addition to providing a gobo projection capability. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the targeting device  300  is shown with the focusing lens  362  positioned closer to the gobo  378  than the focal length  302  of the focusing lens. As a result, the image of the gobo is sufficiently unfocused that the illuminated field  292  resulting from light rays transmitted by the collimating lens  364  and focusing lens projects an illuminated field  292  on a target without a visible image of the gobo. In  FIG. 7 , the targeting device  300  is shown with the focusing lens  362  positioned in front of the gobo at a distance corresponding to the focal lens of the focusing lens. As a result, the light rays that pass through both the collimating lens and the focusing lens are partially blocked by the gobo, resulting in a projected image  394  of the gobo on the target. The center  298  of the projected image is aligned with the impact point of a bullet fired by the pistol  200  if the target is at the distance used to establish the zero point for the targeting device  300 . 
     Description of Alternative Embodiments 
     The alternative embodiments of the invention is a system that uses the refraction of light through an optical system to assist in the aiming of a weapon by creating an illumination field and an imaging field. 
       FIGS. 8-24  demonstrate further optimization of the “Gobo Projection Targeting Device” and the optical lens assembly configurations that achieve the desired effect. The alternative embodiments of the invention have a light source, an aiming image, and two converging lenses. The closest converging lens to the light source (L 1 ) has positive power and controls the beam shape of the illumination field. The farthest converging lens for the light source (L 2 ) images the image (gobo) set along the optical axis. The system projects two light fields, an illumination field and an imaging field, When the projected image in the imaging field is aligned with the point of impact of the weapon, it gives the weapon operator a projection on the target that correlates with the point of impact of the weapon. 
       FIG. 8  is an example of a converging lens L 1  that is used to project the illumination field. The illumination field can be shaped by the lens prescription, and the lenses position in relation to the light source, and vignetting. 
       FIG. 9  is an example of two converging lenses in alignment so that the converging lens L 1  is an illumination optic and the converging lens L 2  is used as an imaging optic. 
       FIG. 10  is a simulation of the particular lens prescription shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a simulation of the particular lens prescription shown in  FIG. 9 . The configuration of  FIG. 11  shortens the focal distance of converging lens L 2 , but decreases the clarity of the imaging field as well as decreases the amount of light in the imaging field. 
       FIG. 12  is a simulation of the particular lens prescription shown in  FIG. 9 . Using an elongated body for converging lens L 2  to connect back to converging lens L 1 , more light to the imaging field is achieved, but the illumination field quality is not optimal. 
       FIG. 13  is a simulation of the particular lens prescription shown in in  FIG. 9 . Using a tapered conical body for converging lens L 2  provides more light to the imaging field and gives better uniform light to the illumination field. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of the optic in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a lens prescription for an 18 mm diameter converging lens L 1  and an 8 mm converging lens L 2  with an elongated tapered body connected to converging lens L 1 . This lens having an elongated tapered body could be manipulated or configured with a flange or other design on some point of the body to allow for installation into the body, bezel, or joining part of the optical assembly. 
       FIG. 16  is a ray tracing diagram of  FIG. 15 . This show how the light travels through the optical assembly and separates the illumination rays and the imaging rays. 
       FIG. 17  is a simulation of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 18  is an example of a good configuration of the image on the gobo. Contrasting to a rifle scope where very thin opaque lines are used to form the reticle so that the operator sees the visible light from the areas adjacent to the reticle. Some reticles use surface irregularities to form the reticle and use a backlight to form an illuminated reticle. While non-transmissive reticles do work with the “Gobo” invention, there is some difficulty for the operation to identify the reticle on certain colored or textured surfaces. It has been determined through research that the brightest areas should be in the illumination field, and that the crosshairs should be unfiltered and unobstructed for most applications. The reticle should be form by the areas adjacent to the reticle lines by using either a minimally obstructive opaque outline of the crosshair, a shading technique such as grayscale or a translucent color. Another option is to use translucent colored crosshairs depending on the application. 
       FIG. 19  is a picture of the projection of the crosshairs formed by using a translucent red to form the areas adjacent to the crosshairs. This gobo was made by Rosco Laboratories of Stamford, Conn. Gobo is 18 mm diameter, 1.2 m glass thickness, image diameter is 1 mm, transparent line thickness is 70 microns, and color of adjacent area is Rosco 6100. 
       FIG. 20  is a parts diagram of an optical assembly for a third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device with a zeroing system inside of a bezel attached to a flashlight body. 
       FIG. 21  is a top view of the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
       FIG. 22  shows a system for adjusting the windage and elevation inside the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. 
       FIG. 23  is a drawing of a lens cap with an aperture for the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device. The lens cap has an aperture that either blocks, filters or alters the illumination field without altering the imaging field. This cap could be hinged or tethered to the device. This allow the operator to have the option of only projecting the imaging field. This function would be extremely important with the invention using IR or short wave IR combined with night vision googles because the illumination field may be less important to an operator wearing an IR setup. 
       FIG. 24  are pictures of prototypes of the third alternative embodiment of the gobo projection targeting device made using SLA printing attached to a pistol. 
     In the context of the specification, the terms “rear” and “rearward,” and “front” and “forward” have the following definitions: “rear” or “rearward” means in the direction away from the muzzle of the firearm while “front” or “forward” means it is in the direction towards the muzzle of the firearm. 
     While current embodiments of a gobo projection targeting device have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, although pistols are described, the invention is also suitable for use with rifles, carbines, bows, crossbows, and aircraft or other vehicle-mounted firearms. In the case of an aircraft or other vehicle-mounted firearms application of the current invention, the target will only see a light, which could be interpreted as a simple search light, flashlight, or vehicle headlight. However, the user will see the target, at least a portion of the target&#39;s surroundings, and the projected image of the aiming point. Furthermore, although a light source emitting visible light and a gobo blocking visible light is disclosed, any desired wavelength of light could be emitted, including those not visible to humans without a secondary device to view that wavelength of light, and a gobo blocking any desired wavelength of light could be used. In addition to the crosshairs described, the gobo could have any desired shape or pattern, including circles and dots. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.