Patent Publication Number: US-2023143303-A1

Title: Mounts for optical sighting devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/652,931, which was filed on Apr. 5, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to mounts for optical sighting devices. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to implementations of an optical sight mount that includes an integrated backup sighting system and implementations of a pivot mount that permit an optical sighting device to be selectively employed in series with a primary optical sighting device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Firearms, such as rifles, are often used in conjunction with an optical sighting device, such as a reflex sight or a telescopic sight. While optical sighting devices are widely used by warfighters, police, and civilians as a primary sighting system, many users still desire to position mechanical sights on their firearm that serve as a backup sighting system should the primary sighting system fail. These mechanical sights, typically referred to as “iron sights”, are often selectively adjustable by the user so that fired bullets strike as close as possible to a point of aim. 
     A rifle equipped with an optical sighting device, such as a reflex sight or a telescopic sight, is often used in combination with a secondary optical sighting device, such as a magnifier or a night vision device. These secondary optical sighting devices are usually positioned to enhance the capabilities of the primary sighting system (e.g., a magnifier used in conjunction with a reflex sight) or to serve as a backup sighting system should the primary fail, or otherwise be rendered inoperable (e.g., an optical sighting device, such as a reflex sight, that it laterally offset from the primary optical sighting device, such as a telescopic sighting device). 
     It is often desirable to rapidly position a secondary optical sighting device, such as a magnifier, for use with a primary sighting system, such as a reflex sight. Similarly, it is desirable to rapidly reposition such a sighting deice out of the way, or remove it, when it is not needed. For those reasons, secondary optical sighting devices, such as magnifiers, are often positioned on a rifle by a mount that allows the optical sighting device to be selectively positioned behind (or in series with) the primary sighting system. Many of these mounts allow the secondary optical sighting device to be laterally offset while not being used. However, as will be discussed in greater detail below, mounts configured to laterally offset the optical sighting device when not in use have several disadvantages. 
     Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the mounts for optical sighting devices disclosed herein. It is to the provision of mounts for optical sighting devices that are configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention(s) are primarily directed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Implementations of an optical sight mount with an integrated backup sighting system are provided. The optical sight mount is configured to position an optical sighting device on a firearm so that it can be used to aim the firearm. Further, the backup sighting system can be used to aim the firearm should the optical sighting device fail, or otherwise be rendered inoperable. 
     In some implementations, the optical sight mount may comprise a base configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); a mounting surface configured so that an optical sighting device (e.g., a reflex type sight) can be secured thereon; and a backup sighting system positioned within a longitudinally extending sight channel located between the base and the mounting surface. 
     Implementations of a pivot mount for optical sighting devices are provided. In some implementations, a sight support member of the pivot mount is moveable between an operative position wherein an optical sighting device can be used to sight the firearm on a target and an inoperative position wherein the optical sighting device is positioned below, or vertically offset from, the operative position. 
     In some implementations, the pivot mount may comprise a base that can be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); and a sight support member, rotatably coupled to the base, that is configured to move an attached optical sighting device (e.g., a magnifier) between an operative position and an inoperative position. In some implementations, the pivot mount is configured so that the sight support member moves an attached optical sighting device between two positions on the same, or substantially the same, vertical plane. In this way, when in the operative position and the inoperative position, the optical sighting device is positioned directly above the mounting interface of the firearm on which it is mounted. 
     In another example implementation of an optical sight mount, the optical sight mount comprises a base configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm; a mounting surface configured so that an optical sighting device (e.g., a reflex type sight) can be secured thereon; and a laterally offset rear sight module that is removably secured to a side of the optical sight mount. The mounting surface of the optical sight mount is configured to position an optical sighting device on a firearm so that it can be used to aim the firearm. Also, the laterally offset rear sight module can be used to aim the firearm should the optical sighting device fail, or be unsuitable for use. 
     In yet another example implementation of an optical sight mount, the optical sight mount comprises a base configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm; scope rings that are configured to receive and engage with a telescopic sighting device; and a laterally offset mount for an optical sighting device (e.g., a reflex type sight such as a Trijicon RMR®). The scope rings of the optical sight mount are configured to position the telescopic sighting device on a firearm so that it can be used to aim the firearm. Also, an optical sighting device secured on the laterally offset mount can be used to aim the firearm should the telescopic sighting device fail, or be unsuitable for use. 
     In still yet another example implementation of an optical sight mount, the optical sight mount comprises a base configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm; and a sight support member, slidably coupled to the base, that is configured to linearly move an attached optical sighting device (e.g., a magnifier) between an operative position and an inoperative position located on the same, or substantially the same, vertical plane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an exploded view of an example optical sight mount with an integrated backup sighting system  100  according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a back side view of the optical sight mount  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , wherein an optical sighting device  105  has been secured thereto. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a right side view of the optical sight mount  100  shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of an example pivot mount  200  for an optical sighting device according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a back side view of the pivot mount  200  shown in  FIG.  4   , wherein an attached optical sighting device  205  is in the operative position. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a right side view of the pivot mount  200  shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIGS.  7 - 9    illustrates the optical sight mount  100  shown in  FIG.  2    and the pivot mount  200  shown in  FIG.  5    positioned in tandem on the mounting interface  102  of a firearm; the optical sighting device  205  held by the pivot mount  200  is aligned with the sighting axis of the optical sighting device  105  secured to the optical sight mount  100 . 
         FIGS.  10 - 12    illustrates the optical sight mount  100  shown in  FIG.  2    and the pivot mount  200  shown in  FIG.  5    positioned in tandem on the mounting interface  102  of a firearm; the optical sighting device  205  held by the pivot mount  200  has been vertically offset from the sighting axis of the optical sighting device  105  secured to the optical sight mount  100 . 
         FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrates an exploded view of another example optical sight mount  300  according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a top view of the optical sight mount  300  shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a back side view of the optical sight mount  300  shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , wherein an optical sighting device  305  has been secured thereto. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a right side view of the optical sight mount  300  shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIGS.  18  and  19    illustrates an exploded view of yet another example optical sight mount  400  according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a perspective view of the optical sight mount  400  shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   ; wherein a telescopic sighting device  405  has been attached to the optical sight mount  400  by the scope rings  420  and another optical sighting device  490  has been secured to the laterally offset mount  460 . 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a back side view of the optical sight mount  400  shown in  FIG.  20   . 
         FIG.  22    illustrates still yet another example optical sight mount  500  according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein an attached optical sighting device  505  is in the operative position. 
         FIG.  23    illustrates the optical sight mount  500  shown in  FIG.  22   , wherein the attached optical sighting device  505  is in the inoperative position. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 - 3    illustrate an example implementation of an optical sight mount with an integrated backup sighting system  100  according to the principles of the present disclosure. The optical sight mount  100  is configured to position an optical sighting device  105  (e.g., a reflex sight such as an Aimpoint® CompM5, or a holographic sight) on a firearm (e.g., a rifle) so that it can be used to aim the firearm. Further, the backup sighting system can be used to aim the firearm should the optical sighting device  105  fail, or otherwise be rendered inoperable. 
       FIGS.  4 - 6    illustrate an example implementation of a pivot mount  200  for optical sighting devices (e.g., a telescope or magnifier, a night vision device, a thermal imager, etc.) according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the pivot mount  200  is moveable between an operative position wherein an optical sighting device  205  (e.g., an Aimpoint® magnifier) can be used to sight the firearm on a target (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  7 - 9   ) and an inoperative position wherein the optical sighting device  205  is positioned below, or vertically offset from, the operative position (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  10 - 12   ). 
       FIGS.  7 - 12    illustrate how the optical sight mount  100  and the pivot mount  200  may be used to position a pair of optical sighting devices  105 ,  205  in tandem (or in series) on a firearm. In some implementations, when the pivot mount  200  is in the operative position, the secondary optical sighting device  205  may be used in conjunction with the primary optical sighting device  105  to aim the firearm at a target (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  7 - 9   ). In some implementations, when the pivot mount  200  is in the inoperative position, the secondary optical sighting device  205  is removed from behind the primary optical sighting device  105  which can still be used to aim the firearm at a target (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  10 - 12   ). 
     In some implementations, an optical sighting device secured to the optical sight mount  100  and an optical sighting device secured to the pivot mount  200 , independent of the other, may be used to aim a firearm. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , in some implementations, the optical sight mount  100  may comprise a base  110  configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface  102  of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); a mounting surface  120  configured so that an optical sighting device  105  can be secured thereon; and a backup sighting system positioned within a longitudinally extending sight channel  130  located between the base  110  and the mounting surface  120 . In some implementations, the body  107  of the optical sight mount  100  may be substantially rectangular-shaped. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in some implementations, the base  110  of the optical sight mount  100  may comprise a moveable clamp member  112  that can be moved into and out of engagement with the mounting interface  102  of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail) by a pair of bolts  114 . In this way, the optical sight mount  100  can be secured and retained on the mounting interface  102  of a firearm (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  7  and  8   ). In some implementations, the clamp member  112  is connected to the base  110  by bolts  114 , each of which is threaded at its end to permit adjustment of the distance between the receiving groove  116  of the base  110  and the receiving groove  112   a  of the clamp member  112 . In some implementations, the receiving groove  116  of the base  110  and the receiving groove  112   a  of the clamp member  112  are configured to receive opposing portions of the mounting interface  102  therein. 
     The clamping mechanism used to secure the base  110  of an optical sight mount  100  to a mounting interface  102  of a firearm is not critical to the design of the present invention. Therefore, the base  110  of an optical sight mount  110  could be configured to include another clamping mechanism, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, that is capable of releasably securing the optical sight mount  100  to the mounting interface  102  of a firearm (e.g., an embodiment of the locking release clamp assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,647 to Troy Storch et al.). 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , in some implementations, the mounting surface  120  of the optical sight mount  100  may comprise a relief (or channel) configured to receive at least a portion of an optical sighting device  105  therein. In some implementations, the mounting surface  120  may not include a relief (not shown). In some implementations, the mounting surface  120  may be configured (e.g., contoured, shaped, etc.) to interface with the mount compatible surface (e.g., the bottom side) of any suitably configured optical sighting device. In some implementations, the mounting surface  120  may include one or more openings  122  that extend therethrough. In this way, fasteners  124  (e.g., screws) may be used to secure an optical sighting device  105  to the mounting surface  120  of the optical sight mount  100 . In some implementations, the mounting surface  120  may include at least one recoil lug  126  thereon. In some implementations, each recoil lug  126  may be a projection extending from the mounting surface  120  of the optical sight mount  100  that is configured to interface with a receptacle in the underside of the optical sighting device  105 . In this way, an attached optical sighting device may be prevented from sliding back-and-forth due to the incidental vibration associated with the discharge of a firearm. In some implementations, the mounting surface  120  may not have a recoil lug  126  thereon. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in some implementations, the backup sighting system may comprise a windage adjustable rear sight assembly and an elevation adjustable front sight assembly that are positioned within the longitudinally extending sight channel  130  of the optical sight mount  100 . In some implementations, the backup sighting system may be used to aim a firearm in lieu of the optical sighting device  105 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , in some implementations, the rear sight assembly may include a windage adjustable rear sight  132  positioned within a slot of the longitudinally extending sight channel  130  by a windage adjustment screw  136  that extends therethrough. In some implementations, the rear sight  132  defines a sighting aperture, but could be configured to provide a notch. In some implementations, the windage adjustment screw  136  includes an adjustment knob  138  (or head) that has a partially threaded shaft extending therefrom. In some implementations, the shaft of the windage adjustment screw  136  extends through the optical sight mount  100  via an opening  137  in the body  107  of the optical sight mount  100 . In some implementations, the windage adjustment screw  136  may be fixed in positioned by a capture pin  139 , or other suitable fastener, extending through an opening  128  in the body  107  of the optical sight mount  100  to interface with a circumferential groove  136   a  on an end thereof. In some implementations, a wave spring  140  may be positioned about, or adjacent to, the circumferential groove  136  of the windage adjustment screw  100  to provide tension thereto. In some implementations, the adjustment knob  138  of the windage adjustment screw  136  includes detent cavities  138   a  about the periphery thereof that interface with a detent ball  142  biased by a detent spring  144  housed within a transverse bore  146  in the optical sight mount  100 . In this way, the adjustment knob  138  may be kept from unintentionally rotating. In some implementations, the detent ball  142  and detent spring  144  may be held within the transverse bore  146  by a set screw  147 , or other suitable fastener. In some implementations, rotating the adjustment knob  138  clockwise and counterclockwise causes the rear sight  132  to move laterally, within the sight channel  130 , on the threaded shaft of the windage adjustment screw  136 . In this way, windage adjustments may be made. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in some implementations, the front sight assembly may include a threaded front sight  134  positioned within the longitudinally extending sight channel  130  so that the post portion  134   a  thereof can be aligned with the aperture of the rear sight  132 . In some implementations, the front sight  134  may include a socket in the underside thereof (not shown) that is configured to receive an end of a hex key therein. In some implementations, a hex key may be used to rotate the front sight  134  clockwise and counterclockwise, thereby moving the post portion  134   a  up and down within the sight channel  130 . In this way, elevation adjustments may be made. In some implementations, once the desired elevation of the front sight post  134   a  has been set, a capture screw  148  may be used to secure the front sight  134  against unintentional rotation. In some implementations, the capture screw  148  may be configured so that an end thereof bears against the threaded portion  134   b  of the threaded front sight  134 . 
     In some implementations, the front sight assembly may be omitted from the optical sight mount  100  and the rear sight assembly thereof used in conjunction with a front sight mounted above (e.g., on the handguard), or to, the barrel to aim a firearm (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , in some implementations, the optical sight mount  100  may be configured to position the optical sighting device  105  so that the centerline thereof is ˜2.26″ above the top of the mounting interface  102  on which it is mounted. In some implementations, the optical sight mount  100  may be configured to position the optical sighting device  105  so that the centerline thereof is less than, or more than, 2.26″ above the top of the mounting interface  102  on which it is mounted (not shown). 
     In some implementations, the body  107  of the optical sight mount  100  may be made of aluminum, or another material that is suitably wear and impact resistant. 
     In some implementations, one or more components of the backup sighting system may be made of aluminum, steel, or another material that is suitably wear and impact resistant. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , in some implementations, the pivot mount  200  for optical sighting devices may comprise a base  210  that can be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface  102  of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); and a sight support member  226 , rotatably coupled to the base  210 , that is configured to move an attached optical sighting device  205  between an operative position (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  7 - 9   ) and an inoperative position (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  10 - 12   ). In some implementations, the pivot mount  200  may be configured so that the sight support member  226  moves the attached optical sighting device  205  between two positions on the same, or substantially the same, vertical plane. In this way, when in the operative position and the inoperative position, the optical sighting device  205  is positioned directly above the mounting interface  102  of a firearm on which it is mounted (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  9  and  12   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , in some implementations, the base  210  of the pivot mount  200  may be shaped for mounting on a MIL-STD-1913 rail (also referred to as a Pica tinny rail). In some implementations, the base  210  of the pivot mount  200  may comprise a clamp member  212  that can be moved into and out of engagement with the mounting interface  102  of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail) by a lever arm  214 . The general features and advantages of a base  210  having the clamp member  212  and lever arm  214  disclosed herein are described in connection with one or more embodiments of the locking release clamp assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,647 to Troy Storch et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The clamping mechanism used to secure the base  210  of a pivot mount  200  to a mounting interface  102  of a firearm is not critical to the design of the present invention. Therefore, the base  210  of a pivot mount  200  could be configured to include another clamping mechanism, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, that is capable of securing the pivot mount  200  to the mounting interface  102  of a firearm (e.g., the clamping mechanism shown in connection with the optical sight mount shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , in some implementations, a pair of spaced pivot bosses  216 ,  218  project upwardly from the base  210  of the pivot mount  200 . In some implementations, each pivot boss  216 ,  218  includes a bore  216   a ,  218   a  into which a portion of a pivot pin  220  extends. In some implementations, the pivot pin  220  includes a head that has a partially threaded shaft extending therefrom. In some implementations, the head portion of the pivot pin  220  is nested within the bore  216   a  of the first pivot boss  216 , while the threaded portion of the shaft is secured within the threaded bore  218   a  of the second pivot boss  218 . In some implementation, the pivot bosses  216 ,  218  define a space, or gap  224 , therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , in some implementations, the sight support member  226  may comprise a pivot portion  228  and a sight attachment device  230  configured to fit closely about a cylindrical barrel portion of the optical sighting device  205 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , in some implementations, the pivot portion  228  of the sight support member  226  is configured to be rotatably positioned between the pivot bosses  216 ,  218  of the base  210  and held there by the pivot pin  220 . In some implementations, a bore  229  extends through the pivot portion  228  of the sight support member  226  that is configured to accommodate the unthreaded portion of the pivot pin  220  shaft. In this way, while the pivot pin  220  is holding the pivot portion  229  of the sight support member  226  in position between the pivot bosses  216 ,  218  of the base  210 , the sight support member  226  can rotate about the unthreaded portion of the pivot pin  220  shaft. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , in some implementations, the sight attachment device  230  of the sight support member  226  may define ring sections  234   a ,  234   b  that define a generally cylindrical opening  236  sized to fit closely about the cylindrical barrel portion of the optical sighting device  205 . In some implementations, the ring sections  234   a ,  234   b  of the sight attachment device  230  may define a gap  238  therebetween. In some implementations, screws  240 , or other suitable fasteners, may be received within openings  242  in the sight support member  224  and tightened to draw the portions of the ring sections  234   a ,  234   b  adjacent the gap  238  towards one another, thereby developing a clamping force sufficient to secure the optical sighting device  205  against inadvertent movement within the cylindrical opening  236 . In some implementations, the ring sections  234   a ,  234   b  are somewhat flexible even through they are fabricated from a metal material such as aluminum, or another suitably flexible metal alloy (e.g., a steel alloy, a titanium alloy, etc.). 
     In some implementations, the sight attachment device  230  of the sight support member  226  may be configured to accommodate different optical sighting devices (e.g., a night vision device and/or a thermal imager) being secured thereto (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , in some implementations, the pivot mount  200  further comprises a pair of spring-loaded ball detents  246  configured to releasably retain the sight support member  226  in the operative position (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  7 - 9   ) and the inoperative position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  10 - 12   ). In some implementations, each ball detent  246 , and the spring  248  used to bias it into position, is carried in the pivot portion  228  of the sight support member  226 . In some implementations, each ball detent  246  is received in a pair of corresponding recesses  252  formed in a detent plate  250  positioned on the interior side of each pivot boss  216 ,  218 . In this way, due to the resistance provided by the ball detents  246  being held in frictional engagement with a recess of each detent plate  250 , the spring-loaded ball detents  246  are able to secure the sight support member  226  in the operative position (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  7 - 9   ) and the inoperative position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  10 - 12   ). The movement of the sight support member  226  relative to the base  210  and the mounting interface  102  can be accomplished without manipulation of a latch, lever, or other similar device. In some implementations, the detent plate  250  may include a guide groove that connects the pair of recesses  252  defined thereby. The guide groove is configured to facilitate the smooth transition of a ball detent  246  between recesses  252 . In some implementations, the backside of each detent plate  250  may include two cylindrical bosses  254  that are received by corresponding openings  256  found on the interior side of each pivot boss  216 ,  218 . In this way, a detent plate  250  may be positioned on the interior side of each pivot boss  216 ,  218  to interface with the spring-loaded ball detents  246 . In some implementations, each detent plate  250  may be made of steel, or another suitably wear resistant material, instead of aluminum. This should increase the service life of the part. 
     In some implementations, the base  210  and the sight support member  226  of the pivot mount  200  may be made of aluminum, or another material that is suitably wear and impact resistant. 
     It should be noted that keeping the optical sighting device  205  positioned above the mounting interface  102  of a firearm when not in use (i.e., the inoperative position) offers several advantages over other pivot mounts in which the optical sighting device, when not in use, is laterally offset from the mounting interface. For example, as compared to a laterally offset optical sighting device, the front lens of the optical sighting device  205  is less likely to impact another object, the optical sighting device  205  is less likely to tangle or get hung up on environmental obstacles during use, and the optical sighting device  205  does not obstruct the peripheral vision of the operator using the firearm to which the pivot mount  200  is attached. 
     In some implementations, a pivot mount could be configured so that the pivot point between the sight support member and the base is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the firearm on which the pivot mount is secured. In this way, an attached optical sighting device would travel along a longitudinally extending vertical plane when moved between the operative position and the inoperative position. 
       FIGS.  13 - 17    illustrate another example implementation of an optical sight mount  300  according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the optical sight mount  300  is similar to the optical sight mount  100  discussed above but comprises a base  310  configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); a mounting surface  320  configured so that an optical sighting device  305  can be secured thereon; and a laterally offset rear sight module  360  that is removably secured to a side of the optical sight mount  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , in some implementations, the base  310  of the optical sight mount  300  may be similar to the base  110  of the optical sight mount  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , but has been configured so that the bolts  314 , used to move the clamp member  312  into and out of engagement with the mounting interface of a firearm, can be used to secured the rear sight module  360  to a side of the optical sight mount  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13 - 15   , in some implementations, the mounting surface  310  of the optical sight mount  300  may be a rail interface (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail or “Pica tinny rail”). In this way, an optical sighting device  305  (e.g., a holographic sight such as an EOTech® weapon sight) may be secured thereon (see, e.g.,  FIG.  16   ). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , in some implementations, the rear sight module  360  may comprise a base  362  configured to interface with receptacles  364  in the side of the optical sight mount  300 ; and a windage adjustable rear sight assembly  366 . In some implementations, independent of the bolts  314  used to move the clamp member  312  into and out of engagement with the mounting interface of a firearm, the rear sight module  360  may be independently secured to the side of the optical sight mount  300  by a screw  368 , or other suitable fastener. In this way, the rear sight module  360  remains fixed to the side of the optical sight mount  300  when the bolts  314  are loosened. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , in some implementations, the base  362  of the rear sight module  360  may include two bosses  370  extending therefrom that are configured to be received within corresponding receptacles  364  located on the side of the optical sight mount  300 . In some implementations, each boss  363  extending from the base  362  may have a cylindrical shape, but could be any shape suitable for being received by the corresponding receptacle  364 . In some implementations, an opening  372  may extend through the base  362  of the rear sight module  360  for each bolt  314  used to secure it to the interface (i.e., receptacles  364 ) on the side of the optical sight mount  300 . In some implementations, one of these openings  372  may extend through each boss  363  of the base  362 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  13  and  17   , the rear sight assembly  366  includes a windage adjustable rear sight  374  that is configured to fold. In some implementations, the rear sight  374  may not be configured to fold. In some implementations, the rear sight  374  defines a sighting aperture, but could be configured to provide a notch. Similar to the windage adjustable rear sight  132  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the rear sight  374  may be positioned on the rear sight module  360  by a windage adjustment screw that includes an adjustment knob  376  (or head) (see, e.g.,  FIG.  17   ). Likewise, rotating the adjustment knob  376  clockwise and counterclockwise causes the rear sight  374  to move laterally, within the sight channel  330 , on the threaded shaft of the windage adjustment screw. 
     As shown best in  FIG.  16   , the rear sight module  360  is 45 degrees offset from the top  320   a  of the mounting surface  320 , but the degree of lateral offset could be more, or less, than 45 degrees. Typically, the rear sight  374  of the rear sight assembly  366  would be used in conjunction with an offset front sight assembly, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to aim the firearm on which the optical sight mount  300  is secured. 
     In some implementations, similar to the optical sight mount  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the optical sight mount  300  could be used in conjunction with one or more implementations of the pivot mount  200  shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . 
       FIGS.  18 - 21    illustrate yet another example implementation of an optical sight mount  400  according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the optical sight mount  400  is similar to the optical sight mount  300  discussed above, but comprises a base  410  configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm; scope rings  420  that are configured to receive and engage with a telescopic sighting device  405 ; and a laterally offset mount  460  for an optical sighting device  490  (e.g., a reflex type sight such as a Trijicon RMR®). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  18 - 21   , in some implementations, the base  410  of the optical sight mount  400  is the same as, or similar to, the base  310  discussed above in connection with the optical sight mount  300  shown in  FIGS.  13 - 17   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , in some implementations, the scope rings  420  extend from a longitudinally extending bridge  423  which may be an integral portion of the base  410 . While conventional scope rings  420  are shown and described, the scope rings  420  could be replaced by any conventional attachment device, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, suitable for securing an optical sighting device to the optical sight mount  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  19   , in some implementations, the lower half  425  of each scope ring  420   a ,  420   b  extends from the bridge  423  of the optical sight mount  400 . In some implementations, the upper half  427  of each scope ring  420   a ,  420   b  is secured to the lower half  425  by screws, or other suitable fasteners. In some implementations, when the screws are tightened, the upper half  427  and the lower half  425  of a scope ring  420   a ,  420   b  are drawn together, thereby developing a clamping force sufficient to secure the telescopic sighting device  405  against longitudinal and rotational movement (see, e.g.,  FIG.  20   ). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , in some implementations, the laterally offset mount  460  may comprise a base  462  configured to interface with receptacles  464  in the side of the optical sight mount  400 ; and a mounting surface  480  configured so that an optical sighting device  490  can be secured thereon. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  18 - 21   , in some implementations, the base  462  of the laterally offset mount  460  may be the same as, or similar to, the base  362  of the rear sight module  360  shown in  FIGS.  13 - 17   . As a result, the rear sight module  360  and the laterally offset mount  460  may be interchangeably secured to the interface (i.e., the receptacles  364 ,  464 ) located on the side of an optical sight mount  300 ,  400 . This allows a user to select the auxiliary sighting module (i.e., a rear sight module  360  or a laterally offset mount  460  with an optical sighting device secured thereon) that best suits their needs. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   , in some implementations, the mounting surface  480  of the laterally offset mount  460  may be configured (e.g., contoured, shaped, etc.) to interface with the mount compatible surface (e.g., the bottom side) of any suitably configured optical sighting device. In some implementations, the mounting surface  480  may include one or more threaded openings  482  therein. In this way, fasteners (not shown) may be used to secure the optical sighting device  490  to the mounting surface  480  of the laterally offset mount  460 . In some implementations, the mounting surface  480  may include one or more recoil lugs  426  thereon. In some implementations, each recoil lug  426  may be a projection extending from the mounting surface  480  of the laterally offset mount  460  that is configured to interface with a receptacle in the underside of the optical sighting device  490 . In this way, the optical sighting device  490  may be prevented from sliding back-and-forth due to the incidental vibration associated with the discharge of a firearm. In some implementations, the mounting surface  480  may not have a recoil lug  426  thereon. 
       FIGS.  22  and  23    illustrate still yet another example implementation of an optical sight mount  500  according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the optical sight mount  500  is similar to the pivot mount  200  discussed above but comprises a base  510  configured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); and a sight support member  526 , slidably coupled to the base  510 , that is configured to move an attached optical sighting device  505  (e.g., an Aimpoint® magnifier) between an operative position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  22   ) and an inoperative position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  23   ). 
     In some implementations, the sight support member  526  of the optical sight mount  500  is moveable between an operative position wherein an optical sighting device  505  can be used to sight the firearm on a target and an inoperative position wherein the optical sighting device  505  is positioned below, or vertically offset from, the operative position. In some implementations, the optical sight mount  500  may be configured so that the sight support member  526  linearly moves the attached optical sighting device  505  between two positions on the same, or substantially the same, vertical plane. In this way, when in the operative position and the inoperative position, the optical sighting device  505  is positioned above the mounting interface of a firearm on which it is mounted. 
     In some implementations, the base  510  of the optical sight mount  500  may be the same as, or similar to, the base  210  described in connection with the pivot mount  200  shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . 
     In some implementations, the sight support member  526  may be configured to receive and secure the optical sighting device  505 . In some implementations, the sight support member  526  may include an opening configured to secure about the cylindrical barrel portion of the optical sighting device  505  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  22   ). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  22  and  23   , in some implementations, the sight support member  526  may be configured to slide up and down on vertically oriented posts  528  extending from the base  520 . In some implementations, one or more spring-loaded detents may be used to releasably retain the sight support member  226  in the operative position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  22   ) and the inoperative position (see, e.g.,  FIG.  23   ). It should be understood that, in some implementations, any releasable fastening mechanism known to one of ordinary skill in that art, that is suitable for us as part of an optical sight mount  500 , could be used in lieu of spring-loaded detents. 
     In some implementations, similar to the pivot mount  200 , the optical sight mount  500  could be used in conjunction with one or more implementations of the optical sight mounts  100 ,  300  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3  and  13 - 15   . 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. 
     The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail. 
     While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.