Patent Publication Number: US-2021164759-A1

Title: Illuminated sight for a firearm

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/942,788, filed Dec. 3, 2019, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to an illuminated sight of a firearm that includes a light source and a mechanism used to mount the sight to the firearm. 
     Discussion of the Related Art 
     Sighting systems can be mounted on small arms to assist the user in aiming and firing a projectile towards a target. Small arms may include a machine gun, rifle, shotgun, handgun, pistol, paint-ball gun, air gun, bow, crossbow, and the like. The term firearm is used throughout to denote any gun or small arm, including but not limited to those just described, that can benefit from the inclusion of a sight used to increase shooting accuracy. 
     Well-known, mechanical or iron sights typically include two components mounted and fixed at different locations on the firearm that are visually aligned with the line of sight of the shooter and the target. As shown on the firearm  100  in  FIG. 1 , mechanical sights can include a front sight  110  and a rear sight  120 . The front sight  110  is closest to the barrel or front end of the firearm, away from the shooter, and the rear sight  120  is closest to the shooter. In use, the shooter visually lines up his eye, a feature on the rear sight  120 , a feature on the front sight  110 , and the intended target. Features on the front sight  110  and the rear sight  120  used in target alignment can include a metal blade, a ring, a notch, a post, a bead, a groove, and a crosshair reticle, or the like. Many sighting systems are adjustable to improve accuracy. 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of a front sight  210  side-by-side with a rear sight  220  of a mechanical sighting system. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front sight  210  includes a post  212  and a protective shroud  214  around the post  212 . The rear sight  220  includes a ring  222  used as a peephole to line up the post  212  of the front sight  220  with the target. Both the front sight  210  and the rear sight  220  include features used to mount the sights to the firearm. For example, mounting features can include a notch or dove tail  230  to mount to a rail on the firearm.  FIG. 3  is a view from a shooter&#39;s perspective through a ring of a rear sight aligned with a post of a front sight. 
     It is also well known that mechanical sighting systems have inherent problems. Target acquisition and alignment time can be lengthy depending on the sight system, target distance, lighting conditions, and shooter&#39;s visibility. Glare from the front sight can increase the apparent brightness of the post or bead on one side of the sight causing alignment errors. While target shooters generally prefer that sights have a matte black finish to reduce the chance of glare and to increase the contrast between the sight system features, matte black sights do not offer good visibility with dark targets or in low light conditions, such as those often encountered in hunting, military, or self-defense situations. A variety of different contrast enhancements techniques has been developed to address alignment and target acquisition problems. The contrast of the front sight should be somewhat higher compared to the contrast of the rear sight from the shooter&#39;s perspective to enhance the sight picture. 
     Some contrast enhancement techniques include painting or inserting a high-visibility dot in a portion of the front sight. Optionally, a brass or gold bead can be used in the front sight. Optionally, a light pipe that collects and directs ambient light can be used in the front sight. Inserting a self-luminous tritium material into sight features has been found to provide contrast enhancement and to increase sight visibility in extremely low light situations where normal sights would be degraded or even useless. However, the glow from tritium is not noticeable or is minimally noticeable in bright conditions and diminishes over time. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the problems of target acquisition time and accuracy of mechanical sighting systems described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide illuminated front sights each with light output that can be adjusted to reduce target acquisition time and improve accuracy over a wide range of ambient light conditions. 
     Other preferred embodiments of the present invention provide illuminated front sights each of which is foldable and low profile in the closed configuration so that it is less susceptible to damage when stored. 
     Additional preferred embodiments of the present invention provide collapsible reflective sights each capable of optical enhancement where the light source is easily filtered, made secure by reducing its infrared signature, or made compatible with night-vision optics. 
     An illuminated sight of a firearm, the illuminated sight can include a base that mounts the sight to the firearm; a post assembly mounted to the base; and a light source in the post assembly and visible when aligning the sight with a target. 
     The post assembly can be folded for storage and the light source can be filtered. 
     The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a mechanical sight system on a firearm according to the related art. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of front and rear sights according to the related art. 
         FIG. 3  shows a shooter&#39;s perspective through a mechanical sighting system. 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are views of an illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a post assembly separated from a base. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a post assembly separated from a base. 
         FIG. 9  is rear view of a post assembly of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is front view of a post assembly of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is side view of a post assembly of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is rear view of a base of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is top view of a base of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a post assembly separated from a base. 
         FIG. 15  is view of a light-emitting diode of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is view of a battery of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a view of an illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary. The descriptions herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Illuminated sights, in accordance with exemplary preferred embodiments as disclosed herein, are mountable to a firearm and capable of being activated to illuminate a portion of the sight. The intensity of the illumination can be adjusted. The illuminated sight is capable of being rotated or folded in a collapsed configuration, which is also referred to as a closed or stored configuration, in which sight components are folded together into a low profile where the components are protected, and the sight is not usable. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are views of an exemplary illuminated front sight  400  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4 and 5  show the illuminated front sight  400  mounted at a forward position on a rail  490  of a firearm, although any suitable mounting technique and position is possible. Optionally, the illuminated front sight  400  can be mounted in a position as a back-up sight in case a primary optical sight became inoperable. For example, the front sight  400  can be mounted in a position offset from the 12 o&#39;clock position on the firearm. Optionally, the illuminated sight  400  can be mounted as a rear sight. Optionally, the illuminated sight  400  can be mounted and used for sighting a target in conjunction with a second illuminated sight either of the same or a different configuration. For example, the illuminated sight  400  can be mounted as a front sight and the rear sight can be illuminated with dots or rings.  FIGS. 4 and 5  also show a location of the illumination dot  450 . 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of an illuminated front sight  400  mounted to a firearm  1700  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the post assembly folded down into the collapsed position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of an illuminated front sight  600  of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows a post assembly  610  mounted to a base  620 . Also shown in  FIG. 6  is a fastener  660  used in the mounting mechanism used to mount the illuminated front sight  600  to the rail on the firearm.  FIG. 6  also shows a fastener  670  used to mount the post assembly  610  to the base  620 . Optionally, a separate fastener can additionally be used on the side opposite to that shown to mount the post assembly  610  to the base  620 . For storage, it is possible to rotate, fold, or collapse the post assembly  610  with respect to the base  620  so that the post assembly  610  is even with or below a top surface of the base  620  to protect the post assembly  610  from damage due to mechanical impact or shock when not in use. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an illuminated front sight  700  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the post assembly  710  separated from the base  720 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the fasteners have been removed to show the mounting holes  765  and  775  in the base  720  and the mounting hole  777  in the post assembly  710 . Mounting hole  765  is used to accept a fastener to mount the illuminated front sight  700  to the firearm and can be a smooth bore, a counter bore, or include threads. Mounting hole  775  is used to accept a fastener to mount the post assembly  710  to the base  720  and can be a smooth bore, a counter bore, or include threads.  FIG. 7  also shows wiring  785  that transmits power from a power supply or battery located in the base  720  to a light source located in the post assembly  710 . 
       FIG. 8  is a view of an illuminated front sight  800  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the post assembly  810  separated from a base  820 .  FIG. 8  also shows wiring  885  from a battery, which is hidden from view within potting  887  and which has been removed from the base  820 , to a light source located in the post assembly  810 . 
       FIG. 9  is rear view of a post assembly  910  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although other shapes are possible,  FIG. 9  shows that the post assembly  910  includes a substantially cubic body  912  with a mounting hole  977  from one side to an opposite side at a lower portion of the body  912  and with a recessed portion  918 . As shown, the sides of the body  912  are flat and transition to two rounded portions  914  defining a shroud. The two rounded portions  914  are circularly arced and do not come together, but optionally can join to define in a complete circle. A centrally located post  916  projects from an upper portion of the body  912  to be in the middle of and protected by the two round portions  914  of the shroud. An optically transmissive diffuser that defines the illumination dot  950  can be located in a recess at a central upper portion of the post  916 .  FIG. 9  also shows wiring  985  between the body  912  and the potting  987 . 
     The body  912  with rounded portions  914  and the post  916  can be fabricated from metal, alloy, ceramic, composite, plastic, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the body  912 , the rounded portions  914 , and the post  916  can be made as one piece. Optionally, the body  912 , the rounded portions  914 , and the post  916  can be made by a 3-D printing technique into a monolithic one-piece structure. 
       FIG. 10  is front view of the post assembly  1010  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  shows the post assembly  1010  including the body  1012 , the two rounded portions  1014 , and the post  1016 .  FIG. 10  also shows that the body  1012  includes a groove  1090  that has been defined in the body  1012  to create space for the wiring  1085  and the potting  1087  when the post assembly  1010  is attached to a base.  FIG. 10  also shows an opening  1095  to a cavity inside the body  1012  in which the light source (not visible) is inserted. The light source and wiring  1085  can be pressed or force fit into the cavity so that they can be easily repaired or replaced in case of a failure. Optionally, the light source and wiring  1085  can be retained within the cavity with an adhesive, silicone, or other suitable material to harden the light source and wiring  1085  to shock, vibration, moisture, and other detrimental environmental effects. 
       FIG. 11  is side view of the post assembly  1110  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  shows the body  1112 , the mounting hole  1177 , the groove  1190 , and the opening  1195 . 
       FIG. 12  is rear view of a base  1220  of the illuminated front sight of a firearm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the base  1220  can be monolithic and can be block shaped with a cavity  1290  in which to accept a post assembly. The cavity  1290  can include a recess, cavity, or pocket  1295  that is a space for the power supply or battery for the light source. Optionally, the base  1220  can include a switch used to turn on and off the power supply and the light source. 
     Optionally, the base  1220  can include a switch or mechanism that dims and/or brightens the light source. Such a device allows the illuminated front sight to be suitably adjusted by a shooter to increase contrast in a wide range of ambient light conditions. Optionally, the base can retain an ambient light sensor used to detect an amount of ambient light and a controller that automatically adjusts the light intensity of the light source based on the amount of ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor. Optionally, the user can control the controller to override the automatic adjustment and manually adjust the light intensity of the light source. 
     The base  1220  can be fabricated from metal, alloy, ceramic, composite, plastic, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the base  1220  can be made by a 3-D printing technique into a monolithic one-piece structure. 
       FIG. 13  is top view of a base  1320  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  shows the cavity  1390  and the recess  1395 . 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of an illuminated front sight with a post assembly  1410  separated from a base  1420 . In  FIG. 14 , the potting  1487  can be seen in the recess in the cavity of the base  1420 . 
       FIG. 15  is view of a light source  1550  of the illuminated front sight according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15  shows that the light source  1150  can be a light-emitting diode (LED) chip connected to wiring  1585 , but the light source can be a sub-miniature incandescent lamp, an LED package, or any other suitable light source. The light source can emit anywhere in the UV, visible, and infrared wavelength regions. Optionally, the light source can emit only a portion of one of those regions, for example, only infrared. The light source  1150  can fit through the opening in the cavity of the post assembly and illuminates a diffuser, fiber, light guide, or the like that routes light to the illuminating dot on the post. Optionally the light from the light source  1150  can be filtered to change the color, to reduce the infrared signature, to reduce the visible signature, or to render the light compatible with night-vision optics or goggles. As shown, the wiring  1585  includes two wires connected to the light source  1550  that route power to the light source  1550  from a power supply. 
       FIG. 16  is view of a battery  1697  of the illuminated front sight according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The battery  1697  can be the power supply that powers the light source. Optionally, the power supply can be a different suitable battery or power source. Optionally, the battery can be rechargeable. Optionally, the power supply can be solar powered. Optionally, the illuminated front sight can include a switch to turn on and off the power supply. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.