Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to back-up sights. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for providing a more stable and accurate sight post on the front sight, a more compact aperture on the rear sight, and a more compact windage detent on the rear sight.

Typical front sight posts are threaded directly in an arm or a housing in which they reside. Further, elevation adjustment of the sight post usually requires some sort of tool (screwdriver, bullet tip, specific adjustment tool, etc.). In some instances, sight posts also feature a spring-loaded detent for locking the post into position to prevent it from shifting. Ideally, sight posts should remain stable and not shift in any direction. In existing systems, however, the tolerance between the sight post and the arm or housing typically resides within the thread fitment between the sight post and the arm (or housing). In some cases, this tolerance is insufficient, causing the sight post to move out of alignment due to movement of the firearm, vibrations, etc..

Military rear peep sights typically feature multiple apertures. For instance, a small aperture hole may be used for precision and a larger aperture hole may be used during low-to-intermediate lighting conditions or to improve speed at close range. Traditionally, rear sights on weapons like the M16 have an L-shaped aperture housing (or "aperture") that is flipped <NUM>° to select between the two aperture holes. Since the aperture is threadedly attached to the windage screw (which remains fixed during aperture selection), this aperture rotation causes the aperture to shift a small distance laterally along the threading (i.e., along a horizontal axis passing through the windage screw). To compensate for this lateral shift, the two aperture holes are often laterally offset from each other to maintain a consistent aiming point. In some circumstances, this lateral shift issue is exacerbated by apertures that rotate between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, rather than the traditional <NUM>°, resulting in even greater lateral shift between the apertures. Some of these sights also appear to use a canted design, so the offset is incorporated without introducing a jog between the upper and lower aperture holes. In such cases, both apertures and the surrounding material are in view of the user. Since sight function and aesthetics are highly related, this kind of offset (i.e., by tilting, jogging, and/or locating the aperture off-center) may be visually distracting to the user and may encourage misalignment or canting of the firearm.

To reduce the stowed size of the older L-shaped aperture system in folding backup sights (e.g., <NUM>° rotation between small and large apertures), nesting apertures (e.g., A. #<NUM>) were developed. In nested apertures, only the small aperture rotates, and when the small aperture is in use, the user looks through both apertures concentrically. One issue with these nested apertures is that some users prefer to have the sight deploy with the large aperture first (i.e., greater speed/visibility at the cost of precision) and then allow the small aperture to be selectable. While nested designs can be used this way, the small aperture is susceptible to damage when stowed flipped-down.

Detent mechanisms often employ a separate spring and a detent (e.g., ball bearing or a detent plunger) to interface with multiple detent pockets or grooves to create defined positions and a tactile/audible feedback of such positions. In some circumstances, rear pop-up sights using such spring and detent mechanisms for the windage knobs are bulky.

Thus, there is a need for a refined sighting system for both front and rear sights that is not only aesthetically pleasing and easy to use, but also compact in terms of size and/or the number of parts used. <CIT> discloses a gunsight system for aiming a firearm that comprises a first sight and a rear sight, each comprising a sight post that is pivotable between a deployed position and a reclined position.

The present invention provides a sighting system for a firearm as claimed in claim <NUM> and a flip-up aiming sight for use with a firearm as claimed in claim <NUM>. The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein. As such, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects and/or embodiments, nor should the following summary be regarded to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects and/or embodiments or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect and/or embodiment. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

Some embodiments of the disclosure may be characterized as sighting system for a firearm, comprising: a front sight and a rear sight. In some embodiments, the front sight further comprises: a first base; a first flip-up portion, wherein the first flip-up portion comprises two front arms and a horizontal connector connecting the two front arms, wherein the horizontal connector includes an aperture; a knob comprising one or more notches on a first side of the knob; a sight post extending from a second side of the knob, wherein the sight post is shaped and sized to extend at least partially through the aperture; at least one detent and one or more protrusions, the at least one detent and one or more protrusions arranged to face the one or more notches, and wherein the one or more notches are shaped and sized to interact with one or more of the at least one detent and the one or more protrusions. In some embodiments, the knob is configured to rotate about a first axis, wherein the rotation causes: the sight post to move in a first direction along the first axis; tilting of the knob in a second direction, the tilting based at least in part on one or more of the at least one detent and the one or more protrusions interfacing with the one or more notches; and tilting of the sight post in the second direction, wherein the tilting of the sight post in the second direction forces at least a portion of the sight post to press against the aperture.

Other embodiments of the disclosure may also be characterized as a flip-up aiming sight for use with a firearm, the flip-up aiming sight positioned near a distal end of the firearm, the flip-up aiming sight comprising: a base for attachment to the firearm; a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal plane through the firearm; a horizontal connector for connecting the first arm and the second arm, wherein the horizontal connector includes a first aperture, the first aperture having a plurality of angled faces; a second aperture, the second aperture formed by the first arm, the second arm, and the horizontal connector; and a knob positioned within the second aperture. In some embodiments, the knob comprises one or more notches on a first side of the knob and a sight post extending from a second side of the knob. In some cases, at least a portion of the sight post extends through the first aperture. In some embodiments, the second aperture comprises at least one detent and one or more protrusions, the at least one detent and one or more protrusions shaped and sized to interact with the one or more notches when the knob is rotated. In some cases, the knob is rotationally arranged within the second aperture and is configured to rotate about a first vertical axis, wherein the rotation causes: tilting of the knob based at least in part on the at least one detent interfacing with one of the one or more notches; and tilting of the sight post in a direction along the longitudinal axis through the firearm, wherein the tilting of the sight post forces the sight post to press against one or more angled faces of the first aperture.

Still other embodiments of the disclosure can be characterized as a flip-up aiming sight for use with a firearm, the flip-up aiming sight positioned near a proximal end of the firearm, the flip-up aiming sight comprising: a base for attachment to the firearm; a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal plane through the firearm; a first opening positioned between the first arm and the second arm; and an aperture mechanism positioned in the first opening. In some embodiments, the aperture mechanism comprises: a first end having a first aperture and a second end having a second aperture, wherein the first aperture is larger than the second aperture. In some embodiments, a first vertical axis passes through a center of the first aperture. In some embodiments, the first vertical axis also passes through a center of the second aperture. In some embodiments, the flip-up aiming sight further comprises a windage screw, the windage screw passing through the first arm and the second arm; and a windage knob coupled to the windage screw, the windage knob arranged on an outside face of one of the first arm or the second arm. In some embodiments, the windage knob is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis passing through the windage screw. In some embodiments, the aperture mechanism is configured to flip or rotate <NUM> degrees about the horizontal axis when the windage knob is rotated.

In some embodiments of the sighting system and/or the flip-up aiming sight, each of the sight post and the aperture comprise a plurality of angled faces. In some embodiments, the tilting of the sight post in the second direction forces one or more angled faces of the sight post to press against one or more angled faces of the aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture is a diamond-shaped aperture.

In some embodiments of the sighting system, the first flip-up portion further comprises a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first and the second openings are arranged between the two arms and separated by the horizontal connector. In some embodiments, the elevation knob is rotationally arranged within the first opening. In some embodiments, the sight post extends at partially through the aperture into the second opening.

In some embodiments of the sighting system, the at least one detent is arranged below the knob and near a front or a rear of the first opening. In some embodiments, the tilting of the knob and the sight post in the second direction comprises tilting forward when the at least one detent is arranged near the rear of the first opening, or tilting rearward when the at least one detent is arranged near a front of the first opening, wherein the forward or rearward tilting is based at least in part on the at least one detent pushing up on the knob.

In some embodiments, the one or more notches comprises at least two notches arranged around an outer circumference of the knob, and wherein adjacent notches of the at least two notches are separated by a non-notched portion, wherein the non-notched portions of the knob are shaped and sized to pass over, and press against, the at least one detent when the knob is rotated.

In some embodiments, the aperture is a diamond-shaped aperture comprising four corners and one or more circular cutouts, one circular cutout per corner.

In some embodiments, the sight post comprises a diamond-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the aperture comprises four angled faces. In some embodiments, the tilting of the sight post comprises applying a bias to the sight post, wherein the bias is arranged to split two of the four angled faces of the aperture and wedge or force the sight post to a centered position relative to a plane comprising a barrel axis and parallel to the barrel axis of the firearm.

In some embodiments of the sighting system, the first axis passes through one or more of a center of the knob and a center of the sight post, and wherein a second axis passes through a center of the diamond-shaped aperture. In some embodiments of the sighting system, the first axis and the second axis tilt with respect to each other based at least in part on the tilting of the sight post, the tilting of the knob, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the sighting system, the rear sight further comprises a second base and a second flip-up portion, the second flip-up portion further comprising: two rear arms; a third opening positioned between the two rear arms; and an aperture mechanism, wherein the aperture mechanism comprises a first end having a first rear aperture and a second end having a second rear aperture, wherein the first rear aperture is of a different size than the second rear aperture, and wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are aligned along a first vertical axis.

In some embodiments of the sighting system, the rear sight further comprises a windage screw, the windage screw passing through each of the two rear arms of the second flip-up portion; and a windage knob coupled to the windage screw, wherein the windage knob is arranged on an outside face of one of the two rear arms of the second flip-up portion. In some embodiments, the aperture mechanism is configured to flip around the windage screw when the windage knob is rotated.

In some embodiments, the sighting system further comprises a first tab and a second tab. In some embodiments, the aperture mechanism is slidably coupled to the windage screw via at least one of the first tab and the second tab. In some embodiments, the sighting system further comprises a third tab positioned between the first tab and the second tab, wherein the third tab is a threaded tab configured to move laterally along the windage screw when one or more of the windage knob and the windage screw rotate.

In some embodiments, rotation of the windage knob further causes one or more of the third tab to push against an inside edge of one of the first tab and the second tab; and lateral movement of the aperture mechanism with the third tab.

In some embodiments, the rear sight comprises a second base and a second flip-up portion, the second flip-up portion further comprising: two rear arms; a third opening positioned between the two rear arms; and an aperture mechanism, wherein the aperture mechanism comprises a first end having a first rear aperture and a second end having a second rear aperture, wherein the first rear aperture is of a different size than the second rear aperture, and wherein a first vertical axis passes through a center of the first aperture and a second vertical axis passes through a center of the second aperture, and wherein the first vertical axis is different from the second vertical axis.

In some embodiments of the flip-up aiming sight (e.g., positioned near the distal end of the firearm), the first vertical axis passes through one or more of a center of the knob and a center of the sight post, and a second vertical axis passes through a center of the first aperture, wherein the first vertical axis and the second vertical axis tilt with respect to each other based at least in part on the tilting of the sight post, the tilting of the knob, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the flip-up aiming sight (e.g., positioned near the proximal end of the firearm), the flip-up aiming sight further comprises a first tab; a second tab; and a third tab positioned between the first tab and the second tab, wherein the third tab is configured to move laterally along the windage screw when one or more of the windage screw and the windage knob rotate. In some embodiments, rotation of the windage knob further causes one or more of: the third tab to push against an inside edge of one of the first tab and the second tab; and lateral movement of the aperture mechanism with the third tab.

Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present disclosure are apparent and more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:.

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations or specific examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Example aspects may be practiced as methods, systems, or apparatuses. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

For the purposes of this disclosure, and when referencing a direction of intended fire, the terms "front" and "distal" shall refer to a side or direction associated with a direction of intended fire, while the terms "back", "rear", or "proximal" shall be associated with the intended bracing of the firearm. For instance, the front sight (e.g., described in relation to <FIG>) may be installed near a distal end of a firearm, while the rear sight (e.g., described in relation to <FIG>) may be installed near a proximal end of a firearm. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "elevation knob" and "knob" may be used interchangeably and may be used to refer to a rotationally arranged knob (e.g., knob <NUM>) in the front sight. Additionally, the terms "front sight", "front flip-up sight", "front aiming sight", "flip-up aiming sight", and "front sighting system" may be used interchangeably throughout this Application. Similarly, the terms "rear sight", "rear flip-up sight", "rear aiming sight", and "flip-up aiming sight", and "rear sighting system" may be used interchangeably throughout this Application.

As previously indicated, given the tolerance issues in the art, there is a need for greater stability in the front sight post, even where detents in the elevation knob (or simply, knob) are used to provide tactile feedback to the user. To ensure the front sight post remains centered, this disclosure provides a diamond-shaped aperture for the front sight post and a single detent, rather than the two detents seen in some prior art designs, to provide tactile feedback to the user when the elevation knob is rotated. In some circumstances, the single detent may be arranged at one of a front or rear of the elevation knob and may cause the elevation knob to tilt in an opposite direction to the direction of the detent. For instance, if the detent is arranged at or near a rear of the elevation knob, it may cause the elevation knob to tilt forward (pitch down). Similarly, if the detent is arranged at or near a front of the elevation knob, it may cause the elevation knob to tilt rearward (pitch up). In some circumstances, this tilt of the elevation knob may also cause the front sight post to tilt (e.g., forward, rearward), thus pushing the angled faces of the front sight post against angled faces of the diamond-shaped aperture and wedging the front sight post into a centered and stable position, thereby taking up any thread tolerance between the knob and the front sight post. It should be noted that, other types of apertures (e.g., triangle-shaped aperture, pentagon-shaped aperture, rhombus-shaped aperture etc.) besides diamond-shaped apertures are contemplated in different embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a front flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In this example, the front flip-up sight <NUM> is in a deployed position. In some embodiments, the front flip-up sight <NUM> may be configured to be attached near a distal end of a firearm (not shown), for instance, on an accessory mount rail (e.g., Picatinny Rail). As seen, the front flip-up sight <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a flip-up portion <NUM>. In some examples, the flip-up portion <NUM> includes two arms (e.g., first arm <NUM>, second arm <NUM>), a horizontal connector <NUM> connecting the two arms, a first opening <NUM> between the arms <NUM>, <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> between the arms <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated, the horizontal connector <NUM> arranged between the arms <NUM>, <NUM> separates the two openings <NUM>, <NUM>. Although not necessary, in some cases, the two openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be rectangular openings.

In some embodiments, the front flip-up sight <NUM> comprises an elevation knob <NUM> rotationally arranged within the first opening <NUM>. Further, a sight post <NUM> may be threadedly engaged with a threaded aperture at or near a center of the elevation knob <NUM>. In the example shown, the sight post <NUM> extends from a top of the elevation knob <NUM>, passes through a diamond-shaped aperture <NUM> in the horizontal connector <NUM>, and extends at least partially into the second opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sight post <NUM> may have a diamond-shaped cross section when viewed from above that can match, but be slightly smaller, than the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>, further described in relation to <FIG>. For instance, the cross-sectional area of the sight post <NUM> may be slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the diamond-shaped aperture, which may enable the sight post <NUM> to extend at least partially through the diamond-shaped aperture into the second opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sight post <NUM> may move vertically (e.g., up or down) along a vertical axis passing through one or more of the sight post <NUM> and the elevation knob <NUM> when the elevation knob <NUM> is rotated. In some instances, the elevation knob <NUM> may be configured to rotate around a vertical, or substantially vertical axis, that also passes through a center of the sight post <NUM>.

To provide tactile feedback to the user and help hold the sight post <NUM> at a selected elevation, the elevation knob <NUM> may include a detent <NUM> arranged at or near a bottom of the first opening <NUM> and toward a front/distal or back/proximal end of the flip-up portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elevation knob <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of notches <NUM>, where the notches <NUM> may be arranged near a bottom of the elevation knob <NUM>. In some cases, the plurality of notches <NUM> may be periodically spaced around an outer circumference or bottom edge of the elevation knob <NUM> and may be shaped to interact with the detent <NUM> (e.g., if the detent <NUM> has a triangular shape, then the notches <NUM> may also have a triangular shape; if the detent <NUM> has a semicircular shape, then the notches <NUM> may also have a semicircular shape). In some cases, adjacent notches of the plurality of notches <NUM> may be separated by a non-notched portion (e.g., shown as non-notched portion <NUM> in <FIG>). In some cases, the non-notched portions at or near the bottom of the elevation knob <NUM> may be shaped and sized to pass over the detent <NUM> with minimal or no interaction with the detent. For instance, when the elevation knob <NUM> is rotated, non-notched portions of the bottom of the elevation knob <NUM> may pass over the detent <NUM>. Furthermore, the notches <NUM> and the detent <NUM> may be shaped and sized such that even when a notch <NUM> and the detent <NUM> fit snugly together, the detent <NUM> may still push up slightly on the elevation knob <NUM>.

In some non-limiting examples, the opening <NUM> comprises a single detent <NUM>. In such cases, the interface or interaction between the detent <NUM> and the circumference of the elevation knob <NUM> may cause the elevation knob <NUM> to tilt away from the detent <NUM>. In some embodiments, this can be a tilt forward when the detent <NUM> is arranged at or near a rear of the first opening <NUM>, and a tilt rearward when the detent <NUM> is arranged at or near a front of the first rectangular opening <NUM>. Since the sight post <NUM> is tightly engaged with the elevation knob <NUM>, tilting of the knob <NUM> may also cause a corresponding tilt of the sight post <NUM>. Whatever slop, or gap between edges of the sight post <NUM> and sides of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM> exists, as well as any slop between threads of the sight post <NUM> and the elevation knob <NUM>, may be taken up by this tilting, which forces one or more angled faces of the sight post <NUM> to press against one or more angled faces of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. For instance, if the sight post <NUM> tilts in the front/distal direction, the front angled faces of the sight post <NUM> may press up against the front angled faces of the diamond-shaped aperture. Similarly, if the sight post tilts in the rear/proximal direction, the rear angled faces of the sight post <NUM> may be forced against the rear angled faces of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top or overhead view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> to provide an alternate view of the tilting of the front sight post, in accordance with one or more implementations. In some cases, the front flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the front flip-up sight previously described in relation to <FIG>. As seen, the front flip-up sight <NUM> comprises a sight post <NUM>, a detent <NUM>, a diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>, an elevation knob <NUM>, and one or more optional cutouts <NUM> in the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. While manufacturers of this embodiment may attempt to minimize gaps between outer edges of the sight post <NUM> and inner faces of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>, in practice, some gap will often exist, and this allows some level of horizontal movement (and misalignment) of the sight post <NUM>. According to aspects of this disclosure, the detent <NUM> may be arranged toward a front/distal end or rear/proximal end of the elevation knob <NUM>, which may serve to minimize the ability of the sight post <NUM> to move off center. In the example shown, the use of a single detent <NUM> near the rear/proximal end of the elevation knob causes the elevation knob <NUM> to tilt forward (or to the left) in the figure, which correspondingly causes the sight post <NUM> to tilt in the same direction. The tilting of the front sight post <NUM> may push or force one or more angled faces (e.g., two of the front angled faces, two of the rear angled faces) of the sight post <NUM> against one or more angled faces (e.g., two front angled faces, two rear angled faces) of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>, thus minimizing or removing any slop or gap between the front sight post <NUM> and the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. At the same time, by using a diamond-shaped aperture and/or by applying a bias that is arranged to split two of these angled faces (e.g., aligned between front and rear corners of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>), the sight post <NUM> may be wedged or forced to a centered position relative to a barrel axis or longitudinal axis through the firearm. Said another way, the sight post <NUM> may be wedged or forced so that a plane passing through (e.g., perpendicular to) an axis passing through a center of the sight post <NUM> may be parallel or substantially parallel to a plane through the longitudinal (or barrel) axis of the firearm.

In some embodiments, the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM> may include one or more circular cutouts <NUM> at its corners. For instance, the front flip-up sight <NUM> illustrates a circular cutout <NUM> at each of the four corners of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. In some circumstances, these cutouts <NUM> may help reduce friction between the sight post <NUM> and the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>, for instance, when the sight post <NUM> is raised or lowered by rotating the elevation knob <NUM>. In some aspects, these cutouts <NUM> may also help minimize the effects or influence that corners of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM> have on the centering of the sight post <NUM>, which could run contrary to the purpose of the disclosure.

<FIG> show alternative views that help illustrate the interaction of the detent <NUM>, the notches <NUM> in the elevation knob <NUM>, the sight post <NUM>, and the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. Turning now to <FIG>, which illustrates a partially exploded view of the front flip-up portion <NUM> (or simply, flip-up portion <NUM>) of a front flip-up sight. The flip-up portion <NUM> may implement one or more aspects of the flip-up portion previously described in relation to <FIG> or any of the other figures described herein. For ease of illustration, the sight post <NUM> and elevation knob <NUM> have been moved upward from their in-use positions, allowing the notches <NUM> and the detent <NUM> to be more easily visible. In some cases, the front flip-up portion <NUM> comprises two openings (e.g., opening <NUM>, opening <NUM>), which may be similar or substantially similar to the openings described in relation to <FIG>. The openings <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be examples of rectangular openings, may be separated by a horizontal connector <NUM>, where the horizontal connector <NUM> spans between arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the front-up portion <NUM>. In some cases, the elevation knob <NUM> comprises one or more notches <NUM> on a first side (e.g., distal side, bottom side) and a sight post <NUM> extending from a second side. For instance, the sight post <NUM> may be directly threaded into the knob through a screw hole on the second side (e.g., proximal side, upper side) of the knob <NUM>. In the example shown, the sight post <NUM> comprises a threaded portion <NUM> for threading the sight post <NUM> into a screw hole <NUM> on the second side of the knob <NUM>. In some examples, the screw hole <NUM> may be positioned at or near the center of the knob. As noted above, the sight post <NUM> may be shaped and sized to extend at least partially through an aperture (e.g., shown as aperture <NUM> in <FIG>) in the horizontal connector <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the elevation knob <NUM> may be rotationally arranged in the first opening <NUM> and the sight post <NUM> may extend at least partially through the aperture into the second opening <NUM>. The detent <NUM> may be arranged below the elevation knob <NUM> and near a front (e.g., distal end), or alternatively, a rear (e.g., proximal end) of the first opening <NUM>. In some cases, the first opening <NUM> may also comprise one or more optional protrusions on one or more sides of the detent <NUM>. For instance, in the example shown, the first opening <NUM> comprises a protrusion <NUM> (e.g., protrusion <NUM>-a, protrusion <NUM>-b) on either side of the detent <NUM>. In some cases, these optional protrusions <NUM> may be shaped and sized to help tilt the elevation knob <NUM>, which may serve to minimize misalignment of the sight post (i.e., by helping wedge or force the sight post <NUM> into a centered and stable position), reduce thread tolerance between the screw hole <NUM> and the threaded portion <NUM>, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the notches <NUM> may be shaped and sized to interact with one or more of the at least one detent <NUM> and the one or more protrusions <NUM>. For instance, in some cases, the tilting of the elevation knob <NUM> and the sight post <NUM> may be caused by one or more of the protrusions <NUM> and the detent <NUM>. In some other cases, the protrusions <NUM> rather than the detent <NUM> may primarily cause the tilting. In one non-limiting example, the detent <NUM> may be tall enough to hold the elevation knob <NUM> at a selected position, but not tall enough to cause the elevation knob <NUM> to tilt when the detent <NUM> is engaged with one of the notches <NUM>. In such cases, the protrusions <NUM> may be made tall enough to cause the elevation knob <NUM> and the sight post <NUM> to tilt (e.g., forward, rearward).

<FIG> illustrate rear and front views, respectively, of the front flip-up portion <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flip-up portion <NUM> of a front flip-up sight. The front flip-up portion <NUM> (or simply, flip-up portion <NUM>) may be similar or substantially similar to the flip-up portion <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> or any of the figures described herein. <FIG> shows the cross section of the flip-up portion <NUM> viewed from the left side. As seen, the flip-up portion <NUM> comprises a detent <NUM>, an elevation knob <NUM>, one or more notches (not visible) on a first side of the knob <NUM>, a sight post <NUM> on a second side of the knob <NUM>, and an aperture <NUM> (e.g., a diamond-shaped aperture) through which the sight post <NUM> at least partially extends. In some embodiments, the sight post <NUM> may be threaded into the knob <NUM>, although other fastening means besides threading are contemplated in different embodiments. In some other cases, the sight post <NUM> and the knob <NUM> may be constructed as a unitary structure. In this example, the detent <NUM> is arranged toward a back (or proximal end) of the flip-up portion <NUM>, i.e., right of the page. Further, the detent <NUM> is shaped and sized to contact a rear bottom surface of the elevation knob <NUM>. The interface or contact between the detent <NUM> and the bottom surface of the elevation knob <NUM> may cause the elevation knob <NUM> to tilt forward (i.e., left of the page), which may in turn cause the sight post <NUM> to also tilt forward. <FIG> illustrates a first vertical axis <NUM> passing through the flip-up portion <NUM>, for instance, through the center of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. In some cases, the sight post <NUM> and the elevation knob <NUM> may be concentric (i.e., their centers lie on the same axis). As seen, <FIG> also illustrates a second vertical axis <NUM> passing upward through the center of the elevation knob <NUM> and the sight post <NUM>. In some cases, the second vertical axis <NUM> may be tilted forward of the first vertical axis <NUM> based at least in part on the tilting of the sight post <NUM>, the tilting of the knob <NUM>, or a combination thereof. In some instances, this tilting of the sight post <NUM> may cause a front <NUM> of the sight post <NUM> to force (or press) against a front <NUM> of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. For example, the front <NUM> of the sight post <NUM> may wedge between the two angled faces at the front <NUM> of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>. This wedging may serve to minimize, or even remove, the ability of the sight post <NUM> to move sideways (i.e., in and out of the page in <FIG>), and thereby facilitate in enhancing the centering of the sight post <NUM> with respect to existing technologies. This figure may be exaggerated to more clearly show tilting caused by the single detent <NUM>.

Generally, this disclosure has focused on a diamond-shaped aperture <NUM> and a sight post <NUM> with a diamond-shaped cross section (i.e., when viewed from above). However, these shapes are not intended to be limiting. Rather any corresponding shapes that cause a wedging of the sight post to a centered position are contemplated in different embodiments. For instance, in one non-limiting example, the aperture and sight post may have triangular shapes. In such cases, the top vertices of these triangles may be arranged opposite from the detent <NUM> such that a front angle of the triangular sight post <NUM> pushes into a front angle or wedge shape of the triangular-shaped aperture. Alternatively, instead of a diamond shape, both the aperture and sight post could have four curved faces each meeting at angled corners (e.g., a diamond shape with curved rather than straight faces, a superellipse, an asteroid, etc.). In another example, ovular shapes could be used for the aperture <NUM> and/or the sight post <NUM>. In some other cases, rhombus or pentagonal shapes may be utilized for the aperture <NUM> and/or the sight post <NUM>. It should be noted that, the cross-sectional shape used for the sight post <NUM> may or may not be identical to the shape of the aperture <NUM>. For instance, in one non-limiting example, the aperture <NUM> may have an ovular shape, where its major (or longer) axis may be parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (or barrel axis) through the firearm, while the sight post <NUM> may have a diamond-shaped cross section. As another example, the aperture <NUM> may be diamond-shaped and the sight post <NUM> may have an ovular cross section with its major axis (i.e., longer axis) parallel or substantially parallel to the barrel axis of the firearm.

Although the figures show the detent <NUM> at a rear of the flip-up portion <NUM> or the first opening <NUM>, equally effective implementations may be achievable by positioning the detent <NUM> at or near a front of the flip-up portion <NUM> or the first opening <NUM>. Such an arrangement may cause the elevation knob <NUM> and/or the sight post <NUM> to tilt backward (or rearward) instead of forward. It should be noted that, the centering effect of the sight post <NUM> wedging between two rear angled faces of the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM> may be the same (or substantially the same) as when the sight post <NUM> wedges between two front angled faces of the aperture <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG>provide further illustrations and details surrounding the centering of the front sight post <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a rear view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in <FIG>, in accordance with one or more implementations. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in <FIG>, in accordance with one or more implementations. <FIG> and <FIG> are alternate side views of the front-flip up sight <NUM> in <FIG>, in accordance with one or more implementations. <FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the front-flip up sight <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the front-flip up sight <NUM> may be configured to be flipped between a deployed and a stowed position. <FIG> illustrate various views of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in <FIG> in the stowed position. As shown in <FIG>, the front flip-up sight <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>, a latch <NUM> (also shown as latch <NUM> in <FIG>), guide surfaces <NUM>, a channel <NUM>, a mounting screw <NUM>, and a hinge pin <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the base <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG>. In some cases, the front flip-up sight <NUM> may be configured to be mounted on an accessory mounting rail, such as a Picatinny rail. The width of the channel <NUM> or the distance between opposing guide surfaces <NUM> (also referred to as rail-engaging surfaces) may be varied using the mounting screw <NUM>. In some cases, a user may place the front flip-up sight <NUM> on an accessory mounting rail such that the rail is within the channel <NUM>. The user may then tighten or clamp the base <NUM> over the rail using the mounting screw <NUM> to secure the front flip-up sight <NUM> in place. In some examples, the hinge pin <NUM> may allow the front flip-up portion <NUM> to pivot between a stowed position (e.g., in <FIG>) and a deployed position (e.g., in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the hinge pin <NUM> may be spring-loaded (e.g., using spring <NUM> in <FIG>, using spring <NUM> in <FIG>), and the hinge mechanism (i.e., the hinge pin <NUM> and the spring <NUM>) may be controlled using the latch <NUM> provided on the top side of the base <NUM>. A user may press on the latch <NUM> to release the front flip-up portion <NUM> to the up (or deployed position).

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in the stowed position showing a latch <NUM>. As shown, the latch <NUM> may be installed on the top of the base. Depressing the latch <NUM> may allow the flip-up portion <NUM> of the sight to deploy, further described below in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in the stowed position. As seen, the front flip-up sight <NUM> comprises a spring <NUM>, which may be similar or substantially similar to spring <NUM> in <FIG>. The spring <NUM> may be used to spring-load a hinge pin (e.g., shown as hinge pin <NUM> in <FIG>), which may allow a user to bias the front flip-up portion <NUM> from a stowed to a deployed position by clicking on a latch (e.g., shown as latch <NUM>), for instance. As seen in <FIG>, the latch <NUM> may be installed on a top side of the base <NUM>, although other applicable locations may be utilized in different embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Further, <FIG> illustrates a rear view of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows the diamond-shaped aperture <NUM>, the sight post <NUM>, and the one or more optional cutouts <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate alternate side views of the front flip-up sight <NUM> in the stowed position, in accordance with one or more implementations. <FIG> illustrate a detailed rear view and a detail front view, respectively, of the flip-up portion <NUM> of the front sight in <FIG>, in accordance with one or more implementations.

As noted above, there is a need for a rear flip-up sight (or simply, rear sight) having a plurality of apertures, such as a small and a large aperture. In some instances, the rear sight described in this disclosure may be designed to provide users with the ability to immediately employ the large aperture when deploying the sight. Additionally, or alternatively, the rear sight of the present disclosure may be designed to minimize or avoid misalignment, and/or alleviate issues due to windage shift or canting while switching between apertures, as seen in some current technologies.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a flat, paddle-like aperture mechanism comprising a first aperture having a first size (e.g., first diameter) and a second aperture having a second size (e.g., second diameter). In some cases, the first aperture size may be larger than the second aperture size. The paddle-like aperture mechanism may be configured to be flipped (e.g., rotated <NUM>°) to select between the large and small apertures, which may optimize compactness and/or provide users with the ability to first deploy the sight with either the small or large aperture without introducing damage sensitivities. Currently used rear aperture mechanisms (e.g., having apertures of different sizes) are often threaded and suffer from lateral shift when switching between apertures. As noted above, this issue is exacerbated when using aperture mechanisms that flip (or rotate <NUM> degrees), versus the traditional <NUM>° rotation. In some cases, both large and small aperture holes may be visible simultaneously during use. While some manufacturers have attempted to mitigate the lateral shift issue by compensating the top and bottom of the aperture (i.e., hole locations and/or surrounding material), such sights often appear odd and ungainly. In order to enhance the aesthetics of the sight, as well as mitigate the lateral shift issue, a center threaded nut (or threaded tab, such as tab <NUM>-c in <FIG>) that interfaces with the windage screw instead of the flat, paddle-like aperture may be utilized in the rear sight of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, this center threaded nut does not rotate, but instead, shifts laterally along the windage screw, thereby pushing the aperture mechanism left or right. In some cases, the aperture mechanism itself may or may not be threaded. For instance, if the aperture mechanism is not threaded, it may be configured to rotate around the windage screw with minimal to no lateral shifting. In such cases, the aperture mechanism may be laterally held in place by the center threaded nut or threaded tab. Such a design may allow the aperture to have a singular, vertical, symmetrical centerline (e.g., no jogs or canting) with enhanced aesthetics, as well as a compact form.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a rear sight <NUM> of a sighting system in a deployed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As seen, the rear sight <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>, a rear flip-up portion <NUM>, and an aperture mechanism <NUM>. In some cases, the rear flip-up portion <NUM> implements one or more aspects of the front flip-up portion <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG>. As seen, the rear flip-up portion <NUM> comprises a first rear arm <NUM> and a second rear arm <NUM>, and an opening <NUM> positioned between the two arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The aperture mechanism <NUM> may be positioned within the opening <NUM> and may comprise a first end having a first aperture <NUM> and a second end having a second aperture <NUM>. In the example shown, the first aperture <NUM> is of a different size (e.g., larger) than the second aperture <NUM> and is arranged on an opposing end of the aperture mechanism <NUM> (also referred to as paddle-like aperture <NUM>) as the second aperture.

In some embodiments, the paddle-like aperture or aperture mechanism <NUM> may be configured to flip (or rotate <NUM>°) around a windage screw (e.g., shown as windage screw <NUM> in <FIG>) with minimal or no lateral movement along the windage screw. Flipping or rotating the paddle-like aperture <NUM><NUM>° may allow a user to switch between the large aperture (i.e., first aperture <NUM>) and the small aperture (i.e., second aperture <NUM>). In some examples, the windage screw (e.g., windage screw <NUM> in <FIG>) may pass through each of the two arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the rear flip-up portion <NUM>. Further, a windage knob <NUM> may be coupled at one end of the windage screw, for instance, on an outside face of one of the two rear arms <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the aperture mechanism <NUM> may be configured to flip or pivot around the windage screw when the windage knob <NUM> is rotated by a user.

<FIG> provide further illustrations and details surrounding overcoming of the windage shift misalignment when flipping between the large and small apertures.

Turning now to <FIG> which illustrates a front view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sight <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>, or to any of the other rear flip-up sights described herein. As seen, the rear sight <NUM> comprises two rear arms (e.g., rear arm <NUM>, rear arm <NUM>), an opening <NUM>, a windage knob <NUM>, a windage screw <NUM>, and an aperture mechanism <NUM>. In some cases, the aperture mechanism <NUM> may comprise two apertures, e.g., a larger aperture <NUM> and a smaller aperture (not visible but shown as aperture <NUM> in <FIG>). Further, the two apertures having different sizes may be arranged on opposing ends of the aperture mechanism <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the windage screw <NUM> may pass through each of the two rear arms <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as the aperture mechanism <NUM> of the rear flip-up portion. Further, the windage knob <NUM> may be coupled to the windage screw <NUM> and may be arranged on an outside face of one of the two rear arms (e.g., rear arm <NUM>) of the rear flip-up portion. In some cases, the aperture mechanism <NUM> may be configured to flip or rotate <NUM> degrees around the windage screw <NUM> when the windage knob <NUM> is rotated. To mitigate the lateral shift issue, the rear flip-up portion comprises one or more tabs (e.g., first tab <NUM>-a, second tab <NUM>-b, third tab <NUM>-c) positioned within the opening (e.g., shown as opening <NUM> in <FIG>) between the two arms. In some cases, one or more of the tabs (e.g., tab <NUM>-c) may be a threaded tab. Although not necessary, in some cases, the threaded tab (e.g., tab <NUM>-c) may be positioned between the first and the second non-threaded tabs <NUM>-a, <NUM>-b. The threaded tab may be configured to move laterally along the windage screw <NUM> when one or more of the windage knob <NUM> and the windage screw <NUM> rotate. Additionally, or alternatively, the aperture mechanism <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the windage screw <NUM> via at least one of the first tab <NUM>-a and the second tab <NUM>-b. For example, when the windage knob <NUM> is rotated, the windage screw <NUM> may likewise rotate, and the threaded tab <NUM>-c may laterally move along the windage screw <NUM>. Further, the paddle-like aperture <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the windage screw <NUM> via two tabs <NUM> (e.g., first tab <NUM>-a, second tab <NUM>-b) each having a non-threaded aperture therein, which may be shaped and sized to allow the windage screw <NUM> to pass through the non-threaded aperture mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, these two tabs <NUM> may be spaced apart to allow the threaded tab <NUM>-c to rest between them. In some circumstances, when the threaded tab <NUM>-c moves laterally it pushes against an inside edge of one of the other two tabs <NUM> (i.e., tab <NUM>-a, tab <NUM>-b) causing the paddle-like aperture <NUM> to move laterally with the threaded tab <NUM>-c. In this way, rotation of the windage knob <NUM> causes lateral movement of the paddle-like aperture or aperture mechanism <NUM> without it being subject to unwanted shift when it is flipped. In some cases, such a design may also allow the first and the second apertures of the aperture mechanism to be aligned along the same vertical axis, which may be less distracting and/or more aesthetically pleasing to some users.

In some cases, the tabs <NUM> of the rear flip-up sight <NUM> may also comprise one or more notches (e.g., notch <NUM> of third tab <NUM>-c). Further, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> may also comprise an upward biased detent <NUM> (also shown as detent <NUM> in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the interfacing between the notch <NUM> at or near the bottom of the tab <NUM>-c and the top edge (e.g., shown as top edge <NUM> in <FIG>) of the detent <NUM> may help guide lateral movement of the threaded tab <NUM>-c along the windage screw <NUM>, further described below in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a detailed perspective view of a rear flip-up portion <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some cases, the rear flip-up portion <NUM> may implement one or more aspects of the rear flip-up portion <NUM> of rear sight <NUM> in <FIG>. As seen, the rear flip-up portion <NUM> comprises two rear arms <NUM>, <NUM> having an opening <NUM> between them. Further, an aperture mechanism <NUM> (also referred to as a paddle-like aperture <NUM>) and a plurality of tabs <NUM> (e.g., tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b, which may be examples of non-threaded tabs; tab <NUM>-c, which may be an example of a threaded tab or a center-threaded nut) are positioned in the opening <NUM> between the two rear arms. In some embodiments, the threaded tab <NUM>-c may be positioned between the two non-threaded tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b. <FIG> also shows a windage knob <NUM> on an outside face of rear arm <NUM> and a windage screw <NUM>. The windage screw <NUM> passes through each of the two rear arms <NUM>, <NUM> and is coupled to the windage knob <NUM>. In some embodiments, the aperture mechanism <NUM> is configured to pivot or flip (e.g., rotate <NUM> degrees) around the windage screw <NUM> when the windage knob is rotated. In some cases, the aperture mechanism <NUM> is slidably coupled to the windage screw <NUM> via at least one of the first tab <NUM>-a and the second tab <NUM>-b. In addition to the aperture symmetry (e.g., small aperture <NUM> and large aperture <NUM> are aligned along the same vertical axis), the aperture mechanism <NUM> may also be designed to be symmetrical in its weight distribution. For instance, in some embodiments, the first tab <NUM>-a and the second tab <NUM>-b extend from the same face of the aperture mechanism <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b extend from the distal face (i.e., side or direction associated with direction of firing) of the aperture mechanism <NUM>. Further, the tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b may be positioned midway or roughly midway between the opposing ends (e.g., shows as ends <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b in <FIG>) of the aperture mechanism. In other words, the center of an opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG>) of each of the tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b may be midway or roughly midway between the two ends <NUM> of the aperture mechanism.

Additionally, or alternatively, as seen in <FIG>, the aperture mechanism <NUM> may be unitary in construction with the first and the second tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b (e.g., non-threaded tabs), while the tab <NUM>-c (e.g., threaded tab) may be a separate piece. <FIG> illustrates a detailed view of the aperture mechanism <NUM> comprising a first end <NUM>-a having aperture <NUM> (e.g., a smaller aperture) and a second end <NUM>-b having aperture <NUM> (e.g., a larger aperture). In some cases, the aperture mechanism <NUM> may further comprise non-threaded tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b, each having a non-threaded opening <NUM> shaped and sized to allow a windage screw (e.g., shown as windage screw <NUM> in <FIG>) to pass through. As seen, the first and second non-threaded tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b may be formed as a unitary construction with the aperture mechanism <NUM> and may enable the aperture mechanism to slidably couple to the windage screw.

<FIG> illustrates a detailed view of the threaded tab <NUM>-c of the rear flip-up portion. As seen, the threaded tab <NUM>-c comprises a threaded opening <NUM>, where the threaded opening <NUM> is shaped and sized to receive the windage screw. In some cases, the threaded tab <NUM>-c may be shaped and sized to fit in an opening (e.g., shown as opening <NUM> in <FIG>) between the first and second non-threaded tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b. In such cases, the threaded opening <NUM> of the tab <NUM>-c may be aligned with the non-threaded openings <NUM> of each of tabs <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b so that the windage screw can pass through the tabs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the radius of the opening <NUM> may be the same or roughly the same as the radius of the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a rear view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some cases, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> (or simply, rear-sight <NUM>) may be similar or substantially similar to rear-sight <NUM>, rear-sight <NUM>, and/or rear-sight <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG>, <FIG>, and/or 20A-C, respectively. As noted above, the lateral movement of the aperture mechanism, such as aperture mechanism <NUM>, with the threaded tab (e.g., shown as threaded tab <NUM>-c in <FIG> and <FIG>) may serve to counter the lateral shift introduced due to rotation of windage knob <NUM> and/or windage screw <NUM>. Thus, as seen in <FIG>, this means that the small and large apertures <NUM>, <NUM> can be aligned along the same vertical axis <NUM>, and no offset between them or a jog in the paddle-like aperture <NUM> is needed. For instance, the threaded tab (e.g., tab <NUM>-c in <FIG>) positioned between the first and second non-threaded tabs (e.g., tabs <NUM>-a, <NUM>-b in <FIG>) may be configured to move laterally along the windage screw <NUM> when one or more of the windage knob <NUM> and the windage screw <NUM> rotate. In such cases, the rotation of the windage knob <NUM> may further cause one or more of: the threaded tab to push against an inside edge of one of the first non-threaded tab (e.g., tab <NUM>-a in <FIG>) and the second non-threaded tab (e.g., tab <NUM>-b in <FIG>); and lateral movement of the aperture mechanism or paddle-like aperture <NUM> with the threaded tab. Currently used flip-up sights with small and large apertures often utilize an offset between the small and large apertures to compensate for the lateral shift of the aperture mechanism along the windage screw when the windage knob is rotated. However, by utilizing a threaded tab that rotates in the same direction as the windage screw, the lateral shift (e.g., in the right direction) of the aperture mechanism may be compensated by laterally moving the aperture mechanism in the opposite direction (e.g., in the left direction) by the same or similar lateral shift. In this way, the rear flip-up sight of the present disclosure may enable a user to maintain a consistent aiming point, for instance, after flipping between the large and small apertures, despite the apertures being aligned along the same vertical axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> further comprises a base <NUM>, guide surfaces <NUM> (e.g., guide surface <NUM>-a, guide surface <NUM>-b), a channel <NUM>, an actuator (e.g., shown as actuator <NUM> in <FIG>), and a hinge pin (e.g., shown as hinge pin <NUM> in <FIG>). The base <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the base <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG>. In some cases, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be configured to be mounted on an accessory mounting rail, such as a Picatinny rail. The width of the channel <NUM> or the distance between opposing guide surfaces <NUM> (also referred to as rail-engaging surfaces) may be varied using the actuator. In some cases, a user may place the rear flip-up sight <NUM> on an accessory mounting rail such that the rail is within the channel <NUM> (e.g., surrounded on three sides by the channel <NUM>). The user may then tighten or clamp the base <NUM> over the rail using the actuator to secure the rear flip-up sight <NUM> in place. In some examples, the hinge pin may allow the rear flip-up portion <NUM> to pivot between a stowed position (e.g., in <FIG>) and a deployed position (e.g., in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the hinge pin may be spring-loaded (e.g., using spring <NUM>, using spring <NUM> in <FIG>), and the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge pin <NUM> and the spring <NUM>) may be controlled using a tab (e.g., shown as tab <NUM> in <FIG>) provided on the side of the rear flip-up sight <NUM>. A user may press on the tab to bias the rear flip-up portion <NUM> to the up (or deployed position).

<FIG> illustrates a side view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates another side view of the rear flip-up sight <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system in a stowed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Similar to the front flip-up sight described earlier, the rear-sight or rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be configured to be flipped between a deployed and a stowed position. <FIG> illustrate various views of the rear flip-up sight in the stowed position. The rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sight <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>, guide surfaces <NUM>, a channel <NUM>, a mounting screw <NUM>, a latch <NUM> (also referred to as a deployment lever <NUM>), and a hinge pin <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the base <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG>. In some cases, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be configured to be mounted on an accessory mounting rail, such as a Picatinny rail. The width of the channel <NUM> or the distance between opposing guide surfaces <NUM> (also referred to as rail-engaging surfaces) may be varied using the actuator <NUM>. In some cases, a user may place the rear flip-up sight <NUM> on an accessory mounting rail such that the rail is within the channel <NUM>. The user may then tighten or clamp the base <NUM> over the rail using the actuator <NUM> to secure the rear flip-up sight <NUM> in place. In some examples, the hinge pin <NUM> may allow the rear flip-up portion <NUM> to pivot between a stowed position (e.g., in <FIG>) and a deployed position (e.g., in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the hinge pin <NUM> may be spring-loaded (e.g., using spring <NUM> in <FIG>, using spring <NUM> in <FIG>), and the hinge mechanism (i.e., the hinge pin <NUM> and the spring <NUM>) may be controlled using a latch (or another applicable mean(s)) provided on the top side of the base <NUM> of the rear flip-up sight <NUM>. A user may press on the latch <NUM> to bias the rear flip-up portion (e.g., shown as rear flip-up portion <NUM> in <FIG>) to the up (or deployed position). In some cases, the latch <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the latch <NUM> and/or latch <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> and/or <NUM>, respectively. It should be noted that other applicable means besides a latch, such as a button, a lever, a slide, etc., may be utilized in different embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the rear flip-up sight <NUM> in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some cases, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG> and/or <NUM>, respectively. <FIG> illustrates a rear view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some cases, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG> and/or <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system in the stowed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG> and/or <NUM>, respectively. <FIG> illustrates another side view of the rear flip-up sight <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> of a sighting system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG> and/or <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of a rear flip-up sight <NUM> showing the spring <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some cases, the spring <NUM> may assist in flipping the rear sight <NUM> from a stowed to a deployed position and vice-versa. The spring <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the spring <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. Furthermore, rear flip-up sight <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the rear flip-up sights <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, previously described in relation to <FIG>, <FIG>, and/or <NUM>, respectively.

As noted above, there is also a need in the art to provide a more compact windage adjustment knob in light of the volume taken up by a separate spring and detent. In some embodiments, this disclosure uses a ring-shaped leaf spring with built-in detents, the leaf spring configured to function as both the spring and detent, which serves to optimize the lateral size of the windage knob and/or reduce the number of individual parts used to assemble the rear flip-up sight.

<FIG> illustrates a rear flip-up sight <NUM> showing details of the windage detent mechanism, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As seen, the rear flip-up sight <NUM> comprises an aperture mechanism <NUM> (also referred to as, paddle-like aperture <NUM>) and a windage detent mechanism <NUM>, the windage detent mechanism comprising a windage knob <NUM>, a windage screw <NUM>, and a circular leaf spring <NUM> (also referred to as, leaf spring <NUM>). It should be noted that, other types of leaf springs besides a circular leaf spring may be implemented in different embodiments and the use or mention of a circular leaf spring is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, the circular leaf spring <NUM> may be configured to provide tactile feedback to a user, for instance, when the windage knob <NUM> is rotated. Additionally, or alternatively, the leaf spring <NUM> may assist the windage knob <NUM> in staying locked in one or more pre-defined positions. In some circumstances, the circular leaf spring <NUM> may also help create pressure that prevents or minimizes lateral shifting of the windage screw <NUM>. In some embodiments, the windage knob <NUM> may include a plurality of notches <NUM> that may be equally spaced along (or near) a perimeter of the windage knob <NUM>, for example, on a face of the windage knob <NUM> facing inward toward tabs <NUM>. As can be appreciated, the spacing of these notches <NUM> may vary depending on the granularity of windage selection desired. In some cases, the windage knob <NUM> may be coupled to the windage screw <NUM> via a pin <NUM> (or any other applicable coupling device) such that rotation of the windage knob <NUM> results in corresponding rotation of the windage screw <NUM> and thus lateral movement of the aperture mechanism or paddle-like aperture <NUM>.

In some cases, the radius of the circular leaf spring <NUM> may be less than the outer radius of the windage knob <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the circular leaf spring <NUM> may comprise one or more angled detents <NUM> along its outer perimeter. The one or more angled detents <NUM> may be shaped to engage, or fit into, the notches <NUM>, which may serve to provide tactile feedback to a user as the windage knob <NUM> is rotated and/or to hold the windage knob <NUM> in a selected position. In some embodiments, the circular leaf spring <NUM> may be formed from a thin flexible material, such as thin sheet of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) or any other applicable material. Further, the thickness of the circular leaf spring <NUM> may be selected so that the one or more angled detents <NUM> may be pushed inward and parallel (or substantially parallel) to a longitudinal axis of the windage screw <NUM> when not aligned with one of the notches <NUM>, which may serve to create an outward bias force on the one or more angled detents <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, which illustrates an exploded view of a windage detent mechanism <NUM> of a rear flip-up sight, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The windage detent mechanism <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to windage detent mechanism <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG>. As seen, the windage detent mechanism <NUM> comprises a windage knob <NUM>, a windage screw <NUM>, a pin <NUM> for coupling the windage screw <NUM> to the windage knob <NUM>, and a leaf spring <NUM>. The leaf spring <NUM> may be similar or substantially similar to the circular leaf spring <NUM> previously described in relation to <FIG> and may comprise one or more angled detents <NUM> and/or apertures <NUM> (e.g., aperture <NUM>-a, aperture <NUM>-b) along its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the arm (e.g., rear arm <NUM>) of the rear flip-up sight may include a circular boss <NUM> having a slightly larger radius than that of the windage knob <NUM>. The circular boss <NUM> may include a concentric recess <NUM> for receiving the leaf spring <NUM>. In some embodiments, the circular boss <NUM> may also include one or more protrusions <NUM> (e.g., protrusion <NUM>-a, protrusion <NUM>-b), where the one or more protrusions <NUM> may be shaped and sized to match the one or more apertures <NUM> in the leaf spring <NUM>. In some cases, the interfacing between the one or more protrusions <NUM> and the apertures <NUM> may help minimize or prevent rotation of the leaf spring <NUM> within the circular boss <NUM>. In the example shown, protrusions <NUM> and apertures <NUM> are rectangular, although other shapes, such as square, triangle or wedge shaped, trapezoid, etc., can also be implemented in different embodiments. In some aspects, the use of the leaf spring <NUM>, such as a circular leaf spring, having built in angled detents <NUM> may allow for a more compact windage detent assembly than seen with traditional ball detent mechanisms.

Claim 1:
A sighting system for a firearm, comprising:
a front sight (<NUM>);
a rear sight (<NUM>);
wherein the front sight (<NUM>) further comprises:
a first base (<NUM>);
a first flip-up portion (<NUM>), the first flip-up portion (<NUM>) comprising two front arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a horizontal connector (<NUM>) connecting the two front arms (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the horizontal connector (<NUM>) includes an aperture (<NUM>);
a knob (<NUM>) comprising one or more notches (<NUM>) on a first side of the knob (<NUM>);
a sight post (<NUM>) extending from a second side of the knob (<NUM>), the second side of the knob (<NUM>) opposing the first side of the knob (<NUM>), wherein the sight post (<NUM>) is shaped and sized to extend at least partially through the aperture (<NUM>);
at least one detent (<NUM>) and one or more protrusions (<NUM>), the at least one detent (<NUM>) and one or more protrusions (<NUM>) arranged to face the one or more notches (<NUM>), and wherein the one or more notches (<NUM>) on the first side of the knob (<NUM>) are shaped and sized to interact with one or more of the at least one detent (<NUM>) and the one or more protrusions (<NUM>);
wherein the knob (<NUM>) is configured to rotate about a first axis, the rotation causing:
the sight post (<NUM>) to move in a first direction along the first axis;
tilting of the knob (<NUM>) in a second direction, the tilting based at least in part on one or more of the at least one detent (<NUM>) and the one or more protrusions (<NUM>) interfacing with the one or more notches (<NUM>); and
tilting of the sight post (<NUM>) in the second direction, wherein the tilting of the sight post (<NUM>) in the second direction forces at least a portion of the sight post (<NUM>) to press against the aperture (<NUM>), and thereby reduce tolerance gaps between the sight post (<NUM>) and the aperture (<NUM>).