Patent Publication Number: US-2022228839-A1

Title: Aiming apparatus for a firearm

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/138,570 filed on Jan. 18, 2021, entitled “X-STREAM, FIREARM TARGETING TECHNOLOGY,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to an aiming apparatus for firearms that provides high accuracy throughout the entire target zone. The term “entire target zone” refers to an area that is from the firearm&#39;s muzzle exit point to a target distance several feet beyond the firearm&#39;s zero point. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of laser targeting apparatuses have been developed to facilitate the aiming of a firearm. A conventional aiming apparatus mounted to a firearm employs a single laser dot generator to project a column of light downrange to a predicted point of impact. This beam of light is adjusted in elevation (vertically) and in azimuth (horizontally) to match a specific projectile&#39;s flight characteristics to a point of impact at a predefined distance. This adjustment is referred to as “zeroing the firearm.” 
     The inherent disadvantage of conventional concepts and designs of the prior art is the single laser dot generator is mounted offset from the firearm&#39;s barrel axis. This offset has built-in inaccuracy throughout the entire target zone. When a conventional aiming apparatus is attached to the top of the firearm, the laser dot will have only two points where it intersects the projectile&#39;s trajectory (one before the projectile reaches its apex and one at the firearm&#39;s zero point). For any other mounting orientations (bottom/side), the laser dot is accurate only at the firearm&#39;s zero point. 
     However, depending on the projectile&#39;s initial velocity and the firearm&#39;s distance to target, a majority of the projectile&#39;s trajectory could be offset by several inches from where the laser dot is located. So, switching from one target distance to another can adversely affect accuracy when it is impractical to adjust the aiming apparatus between targets. 
     In a different industry, a pair of planar light generators have been used to create an intersection of light registered with the axis of a drill press bit to visually convey where the bit will drill a hole on a connected workpiece. However, this application does not attempt to approximate the curved path of a gravity-affected projectile. Furthermore, this application is intended for use within a few feet of where the planar light generators are mounted rather than projecting a location on an object at a substantial distance. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved aiming apparatus for a firearm that provides high accuracy throughout the entire target zone. In this regard, the present invention with all the various embodiments, substantially depart from the conventional concepts and designs of prior art. Developed primarily for improving firearm aiming, the aiming apparatus for a firearm 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 aiming apparatus for a firearm that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned above. In doing so, the present invention provides a highly accurate targeting system for any point within the entire target zone. 
     Each embodiment of the present invention utilizes two or more visible or invisible light generators that conventional aiming apparatuses use. However, the present invention adds shaping optic(s), optic coating(s) and/or optic etching(s) to each light generator, expanding the dot in one direction and creating a line of light (straight line) when projected onto a surface. The addition of other shaping optic(s), optic coating(s) and/or optic etching(s) can transform a straight line of light into a curved line of light when projected onto a surface. These light generators propagate a plane of light (straight line) or non-planar light (curved line) downrange from the host firearm. 
     To attain a more accurate targeting system, the preferred embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a frame, a plurality of planar light generators connected to the frame, projecting forward in a non-parallel orientation, create intersecting planes of light. This intersection of light is aligned to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis. When projected against a target surface, the intersection of light appears as a cross, predicting a point of impact for the zeroed host firearm. 
     Other embodiments utilize a plurality of planar and/or non-planar light generator combinations connected to the frame. Planar lights align with the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis, while non-planar lights can be aligned with or concentric to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis. 
     Other embodiments utilize a plurality of non-planar light generators aligned so the intersection of light will be at different elevations throughout the entire target zone, thereby adjusting the elevation of the intersection of light to closely match the projectile&#39;s trajectory path. 
     The present invention&#39;s intersection of light is aligned to both the exit point of the firearm muzzle axis and the predicted impact point of the target, effectively drawing a line of aim through both points. Because of to the geometry between the intersection of light and the projectile&#39;s trajectory, the intersection of light is more accurate at each end of the projectile&#39;s flight path and is less accurate at the center or apex of the projectile&#39;s trajectory. 
     Thus, the greater the projectile&#39;s velocity and/or the shorter the target distance, the shallower the trajectory arc. This in turn reduces the projectile&#39;s apex height, increasing the accuracy of the present invention&#39;s intersection of light throughout the entire target zone. 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 view of the current embodiment of an aiming apparatus for a firearm constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention in use attached to a pistol. 
         FIG. 2  is a left side view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of  FIG. 1  in use attached to a pistol. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic showing how the planar light generators of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of  FIG. 1  generate a projected intersection of light at locations closely approximating the projectile&#39;s curved path fired by the pistol. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of  FIG. 1  in use attached to a pistol with both of the planar light generators not aligned to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis. 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of  FIG. 1  in use attached to a pistol with one of the planar light generators aligned to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis and one of the planar light generators not aligned to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis. 
         FIG. 5C  is a front view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of  FIG. 1  in use attached to a pistol with both of the planar light generators aligned to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle axis. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the aiming apparatus for a firearm having two pairs of planar light generators in use attached to an over/under shotgun. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic of the projected shapes resulting from embodiments having various arrangements of planar light and non-planar light generators propagating flat and curved light, respectfully. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a second alternative embodiment of the aiming apparatus for a firearm having three pairs of light generators in use, attached to a pistol. The second alternative embodiment utilizes a range finder and applies power to the closest intersection of light (set of line generators) for a specific projectile trajectory. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a stairstep mapping of the three projected intersection lines of  FIG. 8 , overlayed on a projectile&#39;s trajectory. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a third alternative embodiment of the aiming apparatus for a firearm attached to a pistol. The third alternative embodiment has a pair of optical motors to rotate each light generator&#39;s shaping optics. The third alternative embodiment utilizes a range finder and adjusts the intersection of light&#39;s (set of line generators) location relative to the projectile&#39;s performance data, thereby predicting a point of impact throughout the entire flight path. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a schematic of an application screen corresponding the flight data and predicted point of impact described in  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT 
     An embodiment of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . 
       FIGS. 1, 2 &amp; 4  illustrate the improved aiming apparatus  10  for a firearm  12  of the present invention, and  FIG. 3  illustrates how the improved aiming apparatus increases accuracy throughout the entire target zone, which is defined by a projectile&#39;s path  56 . More particularly,  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  show the aiming apparatus for a firearm in use attached to a firearm  12  having a barrel  14  defining a barrel axis  16  and terminating in a muzzle  18  at a forward end  20 . In the current embodiment, the firearm is a pistol. The aiming apparatus  10  for a firearm has a frame  22  with a plurality of planar light generators  24  and shaping optics  40  connected to the frame. Each of the planar light generators is operable to project planar light  26  in a forward direction. The shaping optics  40  are oriented with the planar lights in a non-parallel relationship to each other. This intersection of planar lights creates intersection line  28  as shown in  FIG. 3 , propagating in the forward direction. When projected against a target surface  30  as shown in  FIG. 7 , the planar lights form a projected cross shape  32  having an intersection point  62 . The intersection points  62  are part of intersection line  28  in  FIG. 3 . As is shown in  FIG. 3 , the intersection line closely approximates the projectile&#39;s path, within the range defining the entire target zone. It should be appreciated that the planar lights  26  do not generate a complete projected cross shape when the target surface is at close range, typically less than 20 ft. away, depending on the characteristics of the optic prescription and host firearm. Non-crossing lines can serve as a “warning zone” to the user that the target is too close for adequate reaction time. It should also be appreciated that the uncrossed planar lights point to the intersection&#39;s center where the projectile should closely impact. Beyond the target zone, the projectile path diverges sufficiently from intersection line  28  to define an unusable drop zone. Here, the projected cross shape and intersection line no longer represent the projectile path with adequate accuracy to be useful. 
     In a separate embodiment, it should be appreciated that with a change of optics, light generators can propagate non-planar light (a curved line traveling through space). When aligned to the exit point of the firearm&#39;s muzzle  98  shown in  FIG. 3 , the non-planar light generators are located on the firearm  12  near the barrel  14  to define a curved projectile trajectory path  56 . Each set of optics is removable and can be exchanged with a different optic prescription to match a different projectile&#39;s flight characteristics. Each set of optics is designed to match a specific projectile&#39;s flight profile. All optic sets are designed to imitate a projectile&#39;s flight path  56  for a specific distance, passing through the points where the non-planar lights expand enough in length to touch intersection point  58  and a target&#39;s predicted point of impact  60 . Certain optic prescriptions for non-planar lights (curved lines propagating through space) create an intersection line  28  that is curved. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the improved aiming apparatus  10  for a firearm of the present invention. More particularly, the aiming apparatus for a firearm includes a rail interface region  70  attached to the frame  22  and a control facility  54  contained within the frame. The rail interface region  70  is releasably connected to a picatinny rail  72  formed by the underside of the firearm  12  near the barrel  14 . The rail interface region may include two retaining plates  76 . A return spring  80  (which can be a compression spring or a torsional spring) provides pressure against a rail release latch  88 , pressing and securely locking the rail release latch into the rail  72 . The rail interface region also includes four horizontal alignment set screws  82  and dual vertical adjustment knobs  84 . It should be appreciated that vertical and horizontal adjustments can be made using any suitable assortment of set screws, knobs and/or levers. The control facility is suitable for ambidextrous use and includes two power buttons  92 , an electronic board  114 , two recharging contacts  86 , and two power indicators  94 . In the current embodiment, the power indicators illuminate red to indicate a charge is needed and illuminate blue to indicate fully charged. The control facility also includes batteries  74 , a plurality of light generators  24 , and shaping optics  40 . It should be appreciated that the shaping optics may include up to twelve optics and eighteen alignment/adjustment/focusing features. 
       FIGS. 5A-C  are identical images, except for the shaping optics&#39;  40  rotational position.  FIGS. 5A-C  illustrate how the shaping optics  40  of the improved aiming apparatus  10  are aligned to a firearm  12  of the present invention, by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, to align each emitted planar light  26  to pass through the exit point of the muzzle axis  98 .  FIG. 5A  shows both sets of shaping optics  40  misaligned, with neither planar light  26  passing through the muzzle axis exit point  98 . In  FIG. 5B , the left shaping optics have been rotated counterclockwise relative to the position shown in  FIG. 5A  so the planar light emitted by the left shaping optics passes through the muzzle axis exit point. In  FIG. 5C , the right shaping optics have been rotated clockwise relative to the position shown in  FIG. 5A  so the planar light emitted by the right shaping optics passes through the muzzle axis exit point. It should be appreciated that when both planar lights pass through the muzzle axis exit point  98 , the crossing planar lights  26  create the intersection line  28  extending in the forward direction. 
     The planar lights  26  can be adjusted relative to each other by rotating the shaping optics  40 . Changing the angular relationship between each planar light will alter the intersection lines&#39;  28  position in space, creating a lateral offset relative to the exit point of the muzzle axis  98 . In the context of the specification, “lateral” is used broadly to include any offset, in any direction away from or towards the exit point of the muzzle axis, including to the right or left, up or down, or any combination thereof. A plurality of set screws enables the user to secure each set of shaping optics in a selected position. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the improved aiming apparatus  100  for a firearm of the present invention. More particularly, the aiming apparatus  100  for a firearm is suitable for use with an over/under shotgun  102  having an upper barrel  104  and a lower barrel  106 . The upper barrel defines an upper barrel axis  108 , and the lower barrel defines a lower barrel axis  110 . The over/under shotgun is shown in use by a user  112 . The aiming apparatus for a firearm  100  consists of two identical subassemblies, one oriented and secured 180° relative to the other, shown to the left and right of the over/under shotgun barrels. Each subassembly includes a frame  122  that connects to the upper and lower barrels. Each frame contains a plurality of planar light generators  40  and shaping optics  42 ,  44 , which are oriented to project planar lights  26  in the forward direction, crossing each barrel&#39;s axis. The upper two light generators  44  combine to create an intersection line  48 , which is aligned to the upper barrel&#39;s axis. The lower two light generators  42  combine to create an intersection line  46 , which is aligned to the lower barrel&#39;s axis. The first intersection line  46  is vertically offset from the second intersection line  48 . The first intersection line is associated with a projectile&#39;s path, corresponding to the projectile fired by the lower barrel, while the second intersection line is associated with a second projectile&#39;s path, corresponding to the projectile fired by the upper barrel. The control facility  54  is operable to selectively operate either the first pair  42  or the second pair  44  of planar lights, depending on which barrel the user wishes to discharge. This embodiment also includes a plurality of LEDs to serve as flashlights  90 . It should be appreciated that the planar and non-planar lights and light emitted by the LED flashlights can be any desired wavelength or combination of wavelengths, including both visible and invisible wavelengths. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates projected shapes against a target surface  30  resulting from a variety of embodiments of the improved aiming apparatus  10 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500  for a firearm. Each embodiment includes a plurality of planar and non-planar light generators  24  and shaping optics  40  types and positions, typically arranged in pairs. As is shown, the lights emitted by the light generators and associated shaping optics can be flat planes  34  creating flat lines  32  on target surfaces  30 , or curved non-planar features  36  creating curved lines  38  on target surfaces  30 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the improved aiming apparatus  200  for a firearm  12  of the present invention, and  FIG. 9  illustrates how the improved aiming apparatus  200  increases accuracy throughout the target zone defined by projectile path  56 . The aiming apparatus  200  for a firearm includes a frame  222  that is attached to the picatinny rail  72  of a firearm  12  by a rail interface region  270 . A plurality of light generators  24  and shaping optics  40  are connected to the frame. Each of the light generators is operable to project planar light  26  in the forward direction. The light generators include a first pair  42  operable to generate a first intersection line  46  and a second pair of light generators  44  operable to generate a second intersection line  48 , which is different from the first intersection line. The first intersection line is vertically offset from the second intersection line. The first intersection line is associated with the projectile path  56  over a first range of distances  50 , and the second intersection line is associated with the projectile path over a second range of distances  52 . The light generators also include a third pair  66  operable to generate a third intersection line  68  different and vertically offset from the first and second intersection lines. The third intersection line is associated with the projectile path over a third range of distance  64 . The control facility  54  enables the operator to selectively energize either the first pair  42 , the second pair  44 , or the third pair  66  of light generators based on the distance to target surface  30 . The ability to select which set of light generators is operated in a stairstep targeting system ensures the light projected against a target surface will provide greater point of impact accuracy than the prior art. Furthermore, the ability to better approximate the curved projectile path using stepped intersection lines resulting from multiple pairs of light generators increases the distance defined by the target zone and decreases the size of the “warning zone” that the target is too close for adequate reaction time. It should also be appreciated that the three intersection lines do not have to be parallel to each other. The first intersection line could be angled upwards, the second intersection line could be horizontal, and the third intersection line could be angled downwards to create a polygonal approximation of the projectile path instead of a stepped approximation. 
     The control facility  54  can also include a range finder  96  to measure the distance to target surface  30  and the capability of automatically selecting which pair of light generators  42 ,  44 ,  66  to operate based on the measured distance to best approximate the projectile path  56  at the measured distance. The range finder could also be used to calibrate a selected pair of light generators for a specific distance. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the improved aiming apparatus  600  for a firearm  12  of the present invention. The aiming apparatus  600  for a firearm includes a frame  622  that is attached to the picatinny rail  72  of a firearm by a rail interface region  670 . A plurality of light generators  24  and motorized shaping optics  78  are connected to the frame. Each of the planar light generators is operable to project planar light  26  in a forward direction. The motorized shaping optics  78  are oriented with the planar lights in a non-parallel relationship to each other and are aligned to the exit point of the muzzle axis  98 . After the operator inputs the projectile performance data and the distance of the firearm&#39;s zero point, the control facility  54  can then use the range finder  96  and windage readings to adjust the planar lights  26  clockwise or counterclockwise, which in turn will relocate the intersection line  28  up, down, left and/or right relative to the intersection line&#39;s original starting point. This capability enables the intersection line&#39;s location to be located precisely at the projectile&#39;s point of impact, at any distance throughout the entire target zone. 
       FIG. 11  in conjunction with  FIG. 3  illustrates an associated application and how the improved aiming apparatus  600 , along with the projectile performance data, adjusts the projected intersection location through the use of range finder and windage sensor readings to provide precise projectile impact location throughout the target zone as defined by projectile path  154 . Based on user input of projectile performance data  150 , the distance the firearm is zeroed to  152 , and the distance the planar lights  26  have to travel to start crossing  58 , the application calculates the projectile trajectory  154 , the projectile apex  156  of that trajectory, and the “warning zone”  158 . Using the range finder, the application screen provides distance readings and vertical intersection adjustments  160  to realign the intersection line&#39;s  28  location, keeping the intersection line&#39;s point of impact  62  on the projectile path for that specific distance  162 . Once the firearm is discharged, the projectile performance data is logged  164 , target distance readings and intersection vertical adjustments are logged  166 , and target location along the projectile trajectory is marked  168 . Based on wind readings, the control facility  54  can automatically adjust the intersection location  170  to compensate for projectile drift at a specific distance. The operator can manually adjust the intersection location up, down, left, or right in increments of a specified resolution  172 . 
     The associated application illustrated in  FIG. 11  can be connected to the improved aiming apparatus  600  via USB data cable, or Bluetooth, or other suitable methods of data transfer. Law enforcement and military units have an accelerometer and GPS unit options, allowing the control facility to log the time, date and GPS location of every round fired. 
     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 a current embodiment of an aiming apparatus for a firearm has 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. Although pistols and shotguns have been disclosed, the aiming apparatus for a firearm is also suitable for use with rifles, light and medium machine guns, and other firearms. With respect to the above description, 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. 
     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.