Adjustment knob with zero stop

Abstract

An adjustment knob for a telescopic sight, comprising: (a) a knob (210), (b) a ring (240) having one or two tracks (242, 250), wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring (240); and a base (220), wherein at least one of the knob or base has a pin (230) that slides in one of the one or two tracks of the ring. The track has at least one terminal end (260) that acts as a limit stop for the pin. The arrangement of one pin sliding in one track achieves a zero stop, which allows nearly 360° of free rotation. The arrangement of two pins sliding in two tracks respectively achieves a zero stop, which allows nearly 720° of free rotation. The system can be further expanded by additional tracks in additional rings with corresponding pins.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 2017800183786 (international application number PCT / US2017 / 015041), application date January 26, 2017 and invention name “Adjustment button with zero point stopper”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is a non-provisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 287,665 filed on January 27, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob for a firearm. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob having a zero stop. Background Art

[0005] Over the past decade, long-distance shooting has become increasingly popular in the United States and around the world. Long-distance shooting can be found in long-distance hunting, target shooting, competition, law enforcement, and military applications. As long-distance shooting becomes more popular, shooters become more proficient, and the shooting industry as a whole becomes more advanced.

[0006] One advancement in long range shooting over the past decade has been ballistics. As shooting has progressed, shooters have wanted a way to accurately compensate their crosshairs for the true impact point of the bullet at long distances. This would allow the user to place the crosshairs directly on their expected point of impact without having to "hold" the target to make trajectory (or drop) compensation. The way crosshair compensation is usually accomplished is through a system of adjustment knobs.

[0007] The adjustment knob is one of two or more dials on the outside center portion of the rifle scope body. The adjustment knob is marked in increments and is used to adjust elevation and windage for point of impact changes. Traditional adjustment knobs have markings on them that indicate how many clicks of adjustment have been dialed on the knob, or the angle deviation, or distance compensation for a given cartridge. One click is one tactile adjustment increment to the scope's windage or elevation adjustment knob.

[0008] The adjustment knob is usually marked at each scale, which starts from "0" and increases when the adjustment knob is turned. Usually, but not always, the adjustment knob can be rotated more than one turn. An example of a common adjustment knob is an adjustment knob as follows: 15MOA is adjusted in one turn of the adjustment knob, with a scale of 1 / 4MOA increments, and a total of 60 positions (or click brakes). The brake is a clicker at each 1 / 4MOA increment, and people can usually hear and feel the clicker when a click sound is produced from one brake to the next. If the adjustment knob has a travel of 15MOA in one turn, the typical marking scheme on the adjustment knob is to show the complete MOA number of each hash mark, but there is only one hash mark without numbers at each intermediate 1 / 4MOA mark. As a result, the user will see 0 to 14 listed on the adjustment knob, and 15MOA will actually rotate completely back to zero.

[0009] A disadvantage occurs if more than 15 MOA needs to be dialed in the adjustment knob. In this case, the user must make more than one turn and perform calculations to determine how many MOA have been dialed. For example, at the second turn or second rotation, if the adjustment knob stops at the number 5, it is 20 MOA (15 MOA + 5 MOA = 20 MOA).

[0010] For very long range shooting, one may need to dial in 30 MOA or more compensation in the knob to properly adjust the crosshairs for bullet trajectory. One way to give enough travel in the knob would be to create a knob that has 30 or more MOA of travel in one turn of the knob. Another way would be to allow the knob to be turned more than one turn. It is not uncommon in the industry to see knobs that have more than 3 or 4 turns before mechanically exhausting the total "travel" on the knob.

[0011] The advantage of having 30 MOA of travel in one turn is that it is unlikely that more than one turn of travel will be needed and so one can just look at the number and know where the dial is without having to do any calculations. The disadvantage of 30 MOA in one turn is that for a given diameter knob, the 1 / 4 MOA markings are spaced much closer together. Having markings so close together makes it harder for the user to feel each individual click and it is easier to accidentally "skip" a click.

[0012] The only way to make the click feel better is to make the knob diameter larger, making the mechanical detent larger. However, for many scopes, this is a disadvantage because the goal is to keep the scope small, streamlined, and lightweight. Hunters, in particular, prefer more compact, lightweight rifle scopes over tactical or competition shooters. Most hunting scopes have an ideal knob size, click feel, and travel per rotation, which means that somewhere around 15 MOA is usually the best knob adjustment amount per turn.

[0013] Additionally, it is common to mount a new rifle scope to a rifle to "zero" the rifle. There are also many smartphone apps and other devices that can help the shooter calculate their ballistic compensation for a given distance and environment, which will be dialed into the adjustment knob. For example, a .308 caliber at 1000 yards may require 30MOA compensation dialed into the adjustment knob to place the crosshairs in the correct position in the rifle scope, thereby compensating for the trajectory of the bullet. After a long-range target shoot, the shooter will typically dial the adjustment knob back to the "0" position.

[0014] Another important factor to understand is that in many situations, a shooter may be shooting at a target at a long distance, and then another "target of opportunity" suddenly appears at close range. It is well documented and known that humans lose fine motor skill abilities under "stressful" situations, and most retain gross motor skill movements.

[0015] For the reasons discussed above, an adjustment knob with a "zero stop" is a great advantage. Therefore, a zero stop adjustment knob that can solve these problems is highly desirable. Summary of the invention

[0016] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an adjustment knob. In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an adjustment knob with a zero stop. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a zero stop for an adjustment knob that is very simple, has a limited number of parts, is easy to use and set by the user, provides a very secure stop at a specified zero position, and is compact and lightweight.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a stop position for an adjustment knob of a firearm. In one embodiment, the firearm is a rifle scope. In one embodiment, the rifle scope is an ultralight hunting rifle scope. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a zero stop for a non-translating adjustment knob.

[0018] In one embodiment, the adjustment knob zero stop disclosed herein can be used in rifle scopes used in hunting, competition shooting, target shooting, law enforcement, and military shooting situations.

[0019] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a device comprising: (a) a knob, (b) a ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring; and (c) a base, wherein at least one of the knob or base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the ring. In one embodiment, the device is an adjustment knob. In one embodiment, the device is an adjustment knob assembly.

[0020] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a pin connected to the bottom of the knob; a base having a pin connected to the top of the base; and a stop ring having concentric cam tracks having terminal ends located on each side of the stop ring, wherein the base pin rides in the concentric cam tracks on the bottom of the zero point stop ring and the knob pin rides in the concentric cam tracks on the top of the zero point stop ring.

[0021] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a device comprising: a knob having a pin coupled to the bottom side of the knob; a base having a track or groove on the top side of the base; and a ring having a track or groove on the top side and a pin on the bottom side; wherein the knob pin is disposed in the track or groove on the top side of the ring and the pin on the bottom side of the ring is disposed in the track or groove on the top side of the base.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a track or groove connected to the bottom side of the knob; a base having a pin located on the top side of the base; and a ring having a pin located on the top side and a track or groove located on the bottom side; wherein the ring pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the top side of the knob and the base pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the bottom side of the ring.

[0023] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope, comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob having a screw, the screw being operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: (a) a knob, (b) a ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring; and (c) a base, wherein at least the knob or the base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the ring.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope, comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob having a screw, the screw being operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a pin coupled to a bottom side of the knob; a base having a track or groove on a top side of the base, and a ring having a track or groove on the top side and a pin on the bottom side; wherein the knob pin is disposed in the track or groove on the top side of the ring and the pin on the bottom side of the ring is disposed in the track or groove on the top side of the base.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope, comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob having a screw, the screw being operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a track or groove coupled to a bottom side of the knob; a base having a pin on a top side of the base; a ring having a pin on a top side and a track or groove on a bottom side; wherein the ring pin is disposed in a track or groove on a top side of the knob and the base pin is disposed in a track or groove on a bottom side of the ring.

[0026] In one embodiment, the adjustment knob base may have a track or groove and the zero stop ring may have a retaining pin for insertion into the track or groove of the adjustment knob base.

[0027] In one embodiment, the knob knob may have a track or groove and the zero stop ring may have a retaining pin for insertion into the track or groove of the knob base.

[0028] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a rifle scope adjustment knob for providing a detent position of the adjustment knob at a close range zero position. This allows the shooter to quickly dial back to their zero position and the adjustment knob will stop at that position. This allows the user to find their zero by feel, which is advantageous in most shooting situations. In one embodiment, the shooter can find their zero by feel alone.

[0029] One advantage of the zero stop adjustment knob disclosed herein is that the zero stop can be used with a non-translating adjustment knob.

[0030] One advantage of the adjustment knob disclosed herein is that it allows for more than one turn or rotation.

[0031] One advantage of the adjustment knob disclosed herein is that the adjustment knob does not rely on a linear cam track.

[0032] One advantage of the adjustment knob disclosed herein is that the adjustment knob does not rely on a "wedding cake" shaped pin that moves in a cam track.

[0033] One advantage of the zero stop adjustment knob disclosed herein is that the zero stop is simpler, smaller, and lighter than most zero stops on the market.

[0034] One advantage of the zero stop adjustment knob disclosed herein is the simplicity of the adjustment knob.

[0035] One advantage of the zero stop adjustment knob disclosed herein is that it does not require extensive mechanical devices, which makes the zero stop adjustment knob disclosed herein lighter in weight, simpler to use, has simpler manufacturing protocols, and is inexpensive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustration purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details or arrangement of components shown in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments or can be practiced or implemented in various other ways. The same reference numerals are used to represent the same components. In the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1A Various representative components of a riflescope are shown.

[0038] Figure 1B An exemplary viewing lens in the form of a scope is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 is a representative exploded view of the adjustment knob zero stop disclosed herein. The zero stop ring is shown with a cam track having a terminal end. The adjustment knob knob and the adjustment knob knob pin are shown. The adjustment knob base is also shown.

[0040] Figure 3 is a representative exploded top view of the adjustment knob disclosed herein. The adjustment knob base pin is visible, as is the concentric cam track with a terminal end.

[0041] Figure 4 is another exploded cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob disclosed herein. The zero stop ring, base pin and knob pin are visible.

[0042] Figure 5 is a representative cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob disclosed herein. The knob pin is shown disposed in the top track of the zero stop ring. The adjustment knob base pin is also shown disposed in the bottom track of the zero stop ring.

[0043] Figure 6 is a representative assembly diagram of the adjustment knob disclosed in this article.

[0044] Figure 7 is a representative exploded view of the adjustment knob disclosed herein. The terminal end of the ring is shown.

[0045] Figure 8 is a representative view of the adjustment knob disclosed herein. A pin is coupled to the adjustment knob knob. The ring has a track or groove on the top side and a pin coupled to the underside of the ring. The top of the adjustment knob base has a groove for receiving the pin coupled to the underside or bottom of the ring.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a representative view of a ring having a slot for inserting a pin or similar structure.

[0047] Fig.10 is a representative view of a ring with a pin attached to one side of the ring. The pin can be attached to either side of the ring.

[0048] Before explaining the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to its application to the configuration details and the arrangement of parts stated in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments or can be practiced or implemented in various other ways. Similarly, it should be understood that the wording and terminology adopted herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Numerical ranges in the present disclosure are approximate values, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, values ​​outside the range may be included. Numerical ranges include all values ​​from the lower limit and the upper limit in increments of one unit, as long as there is an interval of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. For example, if composition, physics or other properties (such as molecular weight, melt index, temperature, etc.) are 100 to 1000, it is intended to clearly list all single values ​​(such as 100, 101, 102, etc.) and sub-ranges (such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc.). For a range containing a value less than 1 or containing a fraction greater than 1 (for example, 1.1, 1.5, etc.), a unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. For a range containing a single digit less than 10 (for example, 1 to 5), it is generally believed that a unit is 0.1. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest value and the highest value recited are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided in this disclosure, among other things, for the relative amounts of components in a mixture and for various temperature and other parameter ranges recited in the method.

[0050] As used herein, "ballistics" is a way of calculating a bullet's trajectory very accurately based on many factors.

[0051] As used herein, "trajectory" is the bullet flight path over distance, which is affected by gravity, air density, bullet shape, bullet weight, initial velocity, barrel twist direction, barrel twist rate, true orientation of the flight path, muzzle vertical angle, wind, and many other diverse factors.

[0052] As used herein, an "adjustment knob" is typically a rotating dial on a rifle scope. There is typically an elevation knob and a windage knob. The elevation knob adjusts the crosshairs vertically, and the windage knob adjusts the crosshairs horizontally. The elevation knob and windage knob used in combination can move the rifle scope crosshairs the appropriate amount to compensate for a range of bullet trajectories.

[0053] The adjustment knob usually has detent increments so that a precise amount of compensation can be dialed in. The adjustment knob detent is usually graduated in minutes of angle (MOA) or milliradians (MRAD), which are angular units that can be associated with the amount of change in the trajectory of a bullet over a certain range. Both MOA and MRAD can be used and are similar to using the difference between inches and centimeters to measure distance.

[0054] A "translation" adjustment knob translates along the screw axis as it is turned. For example, an elevation adjustment knob will physically rise and fall as it is turned, just as a screw into wood will rise and fall as the screw is driven into and out of the wood.

[0055] A "non-translating" knob has a mechanism inside that couples the knob's outer knob to the knob's inner screw so that when the knob is turned from the outside, it will appear that the knob is not rising and lowering as it is turned, however, inside the knob, there is a screw that is lifting and lowering when it is turned. This inner screw is pushing the mechanism and therefore the reticle or crosshair is moved into position when it is turned. A non-translating knob is generally more compact, streamlined, and pleasing to the eye because it does not rise and lower when it is turned.

[0056] As used herein, in one embodiment, a "reticle" is a crosshair aiming point for a bullet. As used herein, a "reticle" is an aiming pattern for a bullet.

[0057] As used herein, zeroing means adjusting the knob so that the crosshairs are exactly on the desired point of impact, with the knob being adjusted to the "0" position at a specified distance (usually 100 yards). When the target itself appears 100 yards away, the shooter will turn his knob "up" from the "0" position to compensate according to known ballistic mathematics.

[0058] As used herein, a zero stop is a mechanism that allows the user to set a mechanical stop in their adjustment knob after they have zeroed their rifle at 100 yards, or whatever they desire for the "zero" range. In this case, if shooting a target at 900 yards, and then the target suddenly appears at 100 yards, the user can simply dial the adjustment knob "down" until the adjustment knob mechanically stops against the zero stop. The user does not have to worry about watching the numbers on the adjustment knob, counting the number of revolutions, and trying to stop at the fine click position at its original zero position. This allows the user to rely solely on feel and gross motor skills rather than fine motor skills.

[0059] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob with a zero stop. In one embodiment, the adjustment knob is a two-piece structure having a top and a bottom. In one embodiment, the adjustment knob has a zero stop ring located between the top section and the bottom section. In another embodiment, the zero stop ring has a concentric cam track with a terminal end on each face. The terminal ends on each side of the cam track can be slightly offset.

[0060] Figure 1A The diagram shows the various components of a rifle scope. Figure 1B An exemplary rifle scope 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 1B The figure shows a scope. More specifically, the rifle scope 10 has a scope body 38 that encloses a movable optical element, which is an erecting lens tube. The scope body 38 is an elongated tube that tapers from a larger opening at its front 40 to a smaller opening at its rear 42. An eyepiece 56 is attached to the rear of the scope body, and an objective lens 54 is attached to the front of the scope body. The central axis of the movable optical element defines the optical axis 44 of the rifle scope.

[0061] The elevation adjustment knob 12 and the windage adjustment knob 48 are two dials in the outer central portion of the scope body 38. They are marked in increments by markings 20 on their periphery 14 and are used to adjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element for point of impact changes. These dials protrude from the adjustment knob housing 50. The adjustment knobs are arranged so that the elevation adjustment knob rotation axis 46 is perpendicular to the windage adjustment knob rotation axis 52.

[0062] The movable optical element is adjusted by turning the adjustment knob one or more clicks. As the adjustment knob is turned, the adjustment knob screw moves in and out of the scope, which pushes the erecting lens tube. The erecting lens tube is biased by a spring so that when the adjustment knob screw is adjusted, it positions the erecting lens tube against the bottom surface of the adjustment knob screw. The erecting lens tube provides a smaller view of the entire image. As the erecting lens tube is adjusted, the position of the reticle is modified relative to the image.

[0063] The click is a tactile adjustment increment on the windage or elevation knob of a rifle scope, with each increment corresponding to a mark 20. One click can change the impact point of the scope by 1 / 4 inch at 100 yards, but the click can take other values, such as 1 / 2 inch, OA milliradians, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, one click is equal to 1 / 4 minute of angle. Minute of angle (MOA) is a unit of measurement of a circle, which is 1.0472 inches at 100 yards. Traditionally, it is referred to as 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, 5 inches at 500 yards, 1 / 2 inch at 50 yards, and so on.

[0064] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob, which includes: (1) an adjustment knob having a pin; (2) a zero point stop ring having grooves or tracks on both sides; (3) an adjustment knob base having a pin, wherein the zero point stop ring is positioned between the adjustment knob and the adjustment knob base.

[0065] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment knob assembly comprising: (1) an adjustment knob having a pin; (2) a zero-point stop ring having grooves or tracks on both sides; and (3) an adjustment knob base having a pin, wherein the zero-point stop ring is positioned between the adjustment knob knob and the adjustment knob base.

[0066] Figure 2 The figure shows an exploded view of the adjustment knob 200 disclosed herein. More specifically, the adjustment knob 200 is a cylindrical body having a two-piece construction with a top and a bottom. In one embodiment, the top is an adjustment knob knob 210. In another embodiment, the bottom is an adjustment knob base 220. In one embodiment, the top and the bottom can be coupled together by threads.

[0067] In one embodiment, the adjustment knob base 220 may have a central portion 222. In another embodiment, the adjustment knob base may have a hollow circular interior for inserting a device such as a screw. The adjustment knob base 220 may have an opening 226 at the bottom for inserting a device including but not limited to a screw. In one embodiment, the screw is an adjustment knob screw.

[0068] In one embodiment, the adjustment knob 210 has a circular shape adapted to mate with the adjustment knob base 220. The adjustment knob 210 has an adjustment knob pin 230. In one embodiment, the adjustment knob pin 230 is positioned at the bottom of the adjustment knob 210. In one embodiment, the adjustment knob pin 230 is positioned on the inner periphery of the adjustment knob 210. The exterior of the adjustment knob 210 may have markings or logos.

[0069] like Figure 2As shown, the adjustment knob has a zero stop ring 240 positioned between the adjustment knob knob 210 and the adjustment knob base 220. In one embodiment, the zero stop ring 240 slides or fits over the central portion 222 of the adjustment knob base 220. The zero stop ring 240 can be tightly compressed against the central portion 222 of the adjustment knob base 220. In another embodiment, there is a gap between the zero stop ring 240 and the central portion 222 of the adjustment knob base.

[0070] In one embodiment, the zero stop ring 240 can be a zero stop ring. In one embodiment, the circumference of the zero stop ring is at least 85 mm. In another embodiment, the circumference of the zero stop ring is at least 90 mm. In yet another embodiment, the circumference of the zero stop ring is at least 90.47 mm.

[0071] In another embodiment, the circumference of the zero point stop ring is selected from the group consisting of: 80 mm to 95 mm, or 85 mm to 95 mm, or 90 mm to 95 mm.

[0072] In one embodiment, the zero stop ring 240 has a concentric cam track 250 with a top portion (eg, Figure 3 In one embodiment, the zero stop ring 240 has a cam track on each side. In one embodiment, the concentric cam tracks 250 are concentric.

[0073] In another embodiment, the concentric cam track 250 has a terminal end 260. In one embodiment, the terminal end is offset. In another embodiment, the terminal end 260 is offset to allow maximum rotation of the knob.

[0074] In one embodiment, the diameter of the track or groove is selected from the group consisting of: 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, 31mm, 32mm, 33mm, 34mm, 35mm and greater than 35mm.

[0075] In another embodiment, the diameter of the track or groove is at least 18 mm, or at least 20 mm, or at least 23 mm, or at least 25 mm.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, the diameter of the track or groove is selected from the group consisting of: 18mm to 30mm, or 20mm to 30mm, or 23mm to 30mm, or 25mm to 30mm.

[0077] Figure 32 is another exploded view of the adjustment button 200. The adjustment button base 220 has an adjustment button base pin 310. In one embodiment, the adjustment button base pin 310 is positioned at the top 340 of the adjustment button base 220. The percentage of the adjustment button base pin 310 that extends above the top 340 of the adjustment button base 220 may include, but is not limited to, 5-10%, or 10-20%, or 20-30%, or 30-40%, or 40-50%, or 50-60%, or 60-70%, or 70-80%, or greater than 80%.

[0078] The zero stop ring 240 has a concentric cam track 250 with a terminal end 260 on each side. A top track 320 is positioned on the top side of the zero stop ring 240. The adjustment knob knob 210 may have an adjustment knob outer cap 330.

[0079] Figure 4 2 is another exploded view showing the adjustment knob 210, the adjustment knob pin 230, the adjustment knob base 220 and the adjustment knob base pin 310, and the zero stop ring 240 used as a zero stop ring. The zero stop ring 240 has a top track 320 and a bottom track 242.

[0080] In one embodiment, the base pin 310 of the adjustment knob base 220 rides in a concentric cam track 250 on the bottom side of the zero stop ring 240 , and the adjustment knob pin 230 rides in a concentric cam track 250 on the top track 320 of the zero stop ring 240 .

[0081] In one embodiment, the terminal end 260 of the concentric cam track 250 is slightly offset, which allows the adjustment knob knob 210 to travel in one full rotation while the adjustment knob knob pin 230 rides in the top track without rotating the zero stop ring 240.

[0082] Once the adjustment knob pin 230 reaches the terminal end of the concentric cam track 250, the adjustment knob 210 and zero stop ring 240 will rotate together with the base pin 310 riding in the concentric cam track on the bottom side of the zero stop ring 240, which allows an almost complete second rotation of the adjustment knob.

[0083] Figure 5 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob 200. The adjustment knob pin 230 is disposed inside the top track 320 or top side of the zero stop ring 240. The adjustment knob base pin 310 is disposed inside the bottom track 242 or bottom side of the zero stop ring 240. Due to the terminal end 260, almost the entire second turn is completed, which provides almost two turns of nearly 30 MOA of travel on the adjustment knob. The above arrangement allows for a good detent click feel because it only has 15 MOA of travel per turn.

[0084] The above design is lightweight, compact, easy to install, easy to use, easy to manufacture, and very economical.

[0085] Figure 6 2 is an assembly drawing of the adjustment knob 200. The outside of the adjustment knob has markings or logos. In one embodiment, numbers are present on the outside of the adjustment knob and are visible to the user. In one embodiment, there are fourteen (14) numbers on the outside of the adjustment knob that are visible to the user.

[0086] In another embodiment, there are four marks between each number on the outside of the adjustment knob knob.In one embodiment, the mark is a dash.

[0087] Figure 7 2 is an exploded view of the adjustment knob described herein illustrating the terminal end 260. The adjustment knob 200 has a zero stop ring 240 with concentric cam tracks on each side of the ring. The cam tracks on each side of the zero stop ring 240 have terminal ends 260. Figure 7 Since the zero point stop ring has tracks or grooves on each side, the end is slightly offset to allow for maximum rotation.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, an adjustment knob includes: (1) an adjustment knob knob with a pin positioned at the bottom; a zero stop ring with a groove positioned on the top side and a pin on the bottom side; and an adjustment knob base with a groove or track on the top of the adjustment knob base. The pin can be positioned along the inner periphery or on the outer periphery. The pin can be permanently fixed or removable. The pin can be a single piece or multiple pieces.

[0089] Figure 8 8 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment knob 800 having a ring with a groove 820. The ring has one groove 820 on the top side of the ring. The ring has a pin 830 on the bottom side of the ring. The bottom of the adjustment knob 840 has a pin 850. The pin 850 can be permanently attached or can be removable. The adjustment knob pin 850 is seated in the groove 820 on the top side of the ring. The adjustment knob base 860 has a track 870 on the top side. The pin 830 on the bottom side of the ring is seated in the track 870 on the top side of the adjustment knob base 860.

[0090] On the first rotation of the adjustment knob, the pin 850 coupled to the bottom of the adjustment knob 840 tracks around the groove 820 in the top of the zero stop ring while the zero stop ring remains stationary. On the second rotation, the pin 850 coupled to the bottom of the adjustment knob 840 contacts the terminal end of the groove on the top of the zero stop ring, causing the zero stop ring to rotate.

[0091] During the second rotation, the pin 830 coupled to the bottom of the zero stop ring tracks around the track 870 in the adjustment knob base 860. At the end of the second rotation, the pin 830 coupled to the bottom of the zero stop ring contacts the terminal end of the groove in the adjustment knob base 860, thereby stopping all rotation of the adjustment knob.

[0092] Fig. 9 9 is a representative depiction of a ring 910 having a cavity 920 for a pin. Cavity 920 can be located on either side of the ring. Ring 910 can be used when the knob or knob base has a groove or track for receiving the pin.

[0093] Fig.10 is a view of ring 910 with pin 930 inserted into cavity 920. Pin 930 can be seated in a track or groove located on another ring, a knob base, or a knob knob.

[0094] In yet another embodiment, the adjustment knob disclosed herein includes: (1) an adjustment knob knob having a groove on the bottom of the adjustment knob knob; (2) a zero point stop ring having a pin on the top side and a groove on the bottom side; and (3) an adjustment knob base having a pin.

[0095] In another embodiment, the adjustment knob disclosed herein includes: (1) an adjustment knob having a groove or track on the bottom of the adjustment knob; (2) a zero point stop ring having pins on the top of the ring and on the bottom of the ring; and (3) an adjustment knob base having a groove or track on the top of the adjustment knob base.

[0096] In one embodiment, the groove or track on the bottom of the adjustment knob is positioned on the inner periphery of the adjustment knob. In another embodiment, the groove or track on the top of the adjustment knob base is positioned on the inner periphery of the adjustment knob base.

[0097] In another embodiment, the groove or track on the adjustment knob has a terminal end. In another embodiment, the groove or track on the adjustment knob base has a terminal end. In another embodiment, more than one groove or track on the zero point stop ring has more than one terminal end.

[0098] In yet another embodiment, the terminal end is offset. In yet another embodiment, the terminal end is offset to achieve a maximum amount of rotation of the adjustment knob.

[0099] In yet another embodiment, the terminal ends are not offset.In yet another embodiment, the terminal ends are aligned with each other.

[0100] In one embodiment, the adjusting knob has one or more grooves or tracks. In another embodiment, the adjusting knob base has one or more grooves or tracks.

[0101] In another embodiment, more than one zero stop ring can be used to achieve or even exceed 2 turns. This may be useful for competition, tactical, law enforcement, or military shooting, where more turns / more travel is generally required. In this embodiment, the zero stop ring will have a concentric cam track with a terminal end on one side and a retaining pin on the other side. The second zero stop ring will be located on top of the first zero stop ring and may have opposite mating features (concentric cam tracks or pins) to dock with the features on the bottom zero stop ring. As long as the geometry of the terminal end of the concentric cam track is properly designed, additional turns of the adjustment knob can be achieved before the end of the travel while also allowing a reliable zero stop at the user's zero position.

[0102] In one embodiment, when more than one zero-point stop ring is used, it may be beneficial to use (a) a zero-point stop ring having a groove or track on the top side and a pin on the bottom side; or (b) a zero-point stop ring having a pin on the top side and a groove or track on the bottom side.

[0103] The adjustment knob and rifle scope disclosed herein are further described by the following paragraphs:

[0104] 1. A device comprising: (a) a knob, (b) a ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring; and (c) a base, wherein at least the knob or the base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the ring.

[0105] 2. A device comprising: (a) a knob, (b) a zero point stop ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the zero point stop ring; and (c) a base, wherein at least the knob or the base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the ring.

[0106] 3. A device comprising: (a) a knob, (b) one or more rings having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the rings; and (c) a base, wherein at least the knob or the base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the one or more rings, and further, wherein the ring is placed on the base and the knob and the base are secured to each other.

[0107] 4. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ring has two tracks, one track positioned on the top of the ring and a second track positioned on the bottom of the ring.

[0108] 5. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the knob has a pin located on the bottom of the knob.

[0109] 6. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the knob pin is positioned on an inner periphery of the knob.

[0110] 7. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the knob pin is positioned on an outer periphery of the knob.

[0111] 8. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the base has a pin positioned on the top.

[0112] 9. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the base pins are positioned on the inner periphery of the knob.

[0113] 10. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the base pins are positioned on an outer periphery of the knob.

[0114] 11. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the one or both tracks are cam tracks.

[0115] 12. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the one or both tracks on the ring have terminal ends.

[0116] 13. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the one or both tracks on the ring have terminal ends that are offset to allow maximum rotation of the knob.

[0117] 14. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a second ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring.

[0118] 15. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ring has a track or groove on the top side of the ring.

[0119] 16. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the ring has a pin positioned on a bottom side of the ring.

[0120] 17. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the knob has a pin located on the bottom.

[0121] 18. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the knob pin is seated inside a track or groove on the top side of the ring.

[0122] 19. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the base has a groove or track on the top side.

[0123] 20. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the ring pins located on the bottom side of the ring sit inside a groove or track located on the top side of the base.

[0124] 21. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ring has a track or groove on the bottom side of the ring.

[0125] 22. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the ring has pins positioned on a top side of the ring.

[0126] 23. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the knob has a groove or track on the bottom.

[0127] 24. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein a ring pin positioned on a top side of the track or groove seats in a groove or track located on a bottom of the knob.

[0128] 25. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein the base has pins located on a top side.

[0129] 26. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, further wherein base pins located on the top side of the base sit inside grooves or tracks located on the bottom of the ring.

[0130] 27. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the device is an adjustment knob.

[0131] 28. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the device is a windage adjustment knob.

[0132] 29. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the device is an elevation adjustment knob.

[0133] 30. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the device is an adjustment knob assembly.

[0134] 31. A rifle scope comprising the apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0135] 32. An apparatus comprising:

[0136] a knob having a pin coupled to a bottom portion of the knob;

[0137] a base having a pin coupled to a top portion of the base; and

[0138] A stop ring having concentric cam tracks with terminal ends on each face of the stop ring, wherein a base pin rides in the concentric cam tracks on the bottom of the zero point stop ring and a knob pin rides in the concentric cam tracks on the top of the zero point stop ring.

[0139] 33. An apparatus comprising:

[0140] a knob having a pin coupled to a bottom side of the knob;

[0141] a base having a track or groove on a top side of the base;

[0142] A ring having a track or groove on the top side and a pin on the bottom side; wherein the knob pin is seated in the track or groove on the top side of the ring and the pin on the bottom side of the ring is seated in the track or groove on the top side of the base.

[0143] 34. The device of paragraph 31, wherein the ring is a zero-point stop ring.

[0144] 35. The device of paragraph 31, wherein the track or groove on the base is a concentric cam track.

[0145] 36. The device of paragraph 31, wherein the track or groove on the base is a concentric cam track having terminal ends.

[0146] 37. The device of paragraph 31, wherein the track or groove on the top side of the ring is a concentric cam track.

[0147] 38. The device of paragraph 31, wherein the track or groove on the top side of the ring is a concentric cam track having a terminal end.

[0148] 39. The device of paragraph 31, wherein the track or groove is positioned on the inner periphery of the top of the base.

[0149] 40. An apparatus comprising:

[0150] a knob having a track or groove coupled to a bottom side of the knob;

[0151] a base having pins located on a top side of the base;

[0152] A ring having a pin on the top side and a track or groove on the bottom side; wherein the ring pin is seated in the track or groove on the top side of the knob and the base pin is seated in the track or groove on the bottom side of the ring.

[0153] 41. The device of paragraph 37, wherein the ring is a zero-point stop ring.

[0154] 42. The device of paragraph 37, wherein the track or groove on the knob is a concentric cam track.

[0155] 43. The device of paragraph 37, wherein the track or groove on the knob is a concentric cam track having a terminal end.

[0156] 44. The device of paragraph 37, wherein the track or groove on the bottom of the ring is a concentric cam track.

[0157] 45. The device of paragraph 37, wherein the track or groove on the bottom of the ring is a concentric cam track having a terminal end.

[0158] 46. ​​The device of paragraph 37, wherein the track or groove is positioned on the inner periphery of the bottom of the knob.

[0159] 47. A device comprising: a knob having a pin coupled to a bottom side of the knob; a base having a pin coupled to the base; and a stop ring having a concentric cam track having terminal ends on each side of the stop ring.

[0160] 48. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the knob is capable of approximately two full rotations.

[0161] 49. The device of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the knob is capable of two full rotations.

[0162] 50. A rifle scope, comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob having a screw, the screw being operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: (a) a knob, (b) a ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring; and (c) a base, wherein at least one of the knob or the base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the ring.

[0163] 51. A rifle scope, comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob having a screw, the screw being operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a pin connected to the bottom side of the knob; a base having a track or groove on the top side of the base; a ring having a track or groove on the top side and a pin on the bottom side; wherein the knob pin is disposed in the track or groove on the top side of the ring and the pin on the bottom side of the ring is disposed in the track or groove on the top side of the base.

[0164] 52. A rifle scope, comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob having a screw, the screw being operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a track or groove connected to the bottom side of the knob; a base having a pin located on the top side of the base; a ring having a pin located on the top side and a track or groove located on the bottom side; wherein the ring pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the top side of the knob and the base pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the bottom side of the ring.

[0165] 53. A rifle scope comprising: a scope body and an adjustment knob, wherein the adjustment knob comprises: (a) a knob, (b) a ring having one or two tracks, wherein the one or two tracks are positioned on the top and / or bottom of the ring; and (c) a base, wherein at least the knob or the base has a pin for inserting into the one or two tracks of the ring.

[0166] 54. A rifle scope, comprising: a scope body and an adjustment knob, the adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a pin connected to the bottom side of the knob; a base having a track or groove located on the top side of the base; a ring having a track or groove located on the top side and a pin located on the bottom side; wherein the knob pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the top side of the ring and the pin located on the bottom side of the ring is disposed in the track or groove located on the top side of the base.

[0167] 55. A rifle scope, comprising: a scope body and an adjustment knob, the adjustment knob comprising: a knob having a track or groove connected to the bottom side of the knob; a base having a pin located on the top side of the base; a ring having a pin located on the top side and a track or groove located on the bottom side; wherein the ring pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the top side of the knob and the base pin is disposed in the track or groove located on the bottom side of the ring.

[0168] Example 1: Zeroing a firearm

[0169] To set the zero at a given distance (e.g. 100 yards), the user would first mount the rifle scope onto the rifle. The user would then shoot the target. Between each shot, the user would adjust the adjustment knob until their point of impact was where they desired it to be. Once the point of impact was where they desired, the user would remove the adjustment knob outer knob and then rotate all of the zero stop rings to their fully clockwise position (or possibly counterclockwise if the adjustment knob pitch was in the opposite direction, which is sometimes desired in other countries) until the base pin contacted the terminal end on the concentric cam track on the bottom side of the zero stop.

[0170] Next, the user will replace the adjustment knob with the "0" facing directly, after which the knob pin will align with the "start" of the cam track on the top side of the zero stop ring. At this point, the zero stop will no longer allow clockwise rotation ("down" rotation), but only counterclockwise rotation, and it will allow almost 2 full turns of rotation. For long-range hunting scopes, any scope with more than 24MOA of travel will be sufficient for most situations, and this zero stop will allow about 29MOA. If this zero stop is to be used in longer range applications where more travel is required, a second zero stop ring or even more zero stop rings can be added to the design to allow for additional rotation.

[0171] Example 2

[0172] In the configuration of the device disclosed herein, on the first turn of the adjustment knob, the knob pin will ride inside the concentric cam track on the top side of the zero stop ring. The zero stop ring remains stationary during the first turn. At the end of the first turn, the knob pin contacts the terminal end of the cam track so that when the second turn begins, the knob and the zero stop ring rotate together. On the second turn, the base pin tracks around the concentric cam track on the bottom side of the zero stop ring until near the end of the second turn, it contacts the terminal end of the bottom side concentric cam track, thereby stopping all movement of the adjustment knob. Reversing will allow the adjustment knob to return to its original position or "zero stop".

[0173] Example 3

[0174] In one configuration of the device disclosed herein, on the first revolution, the zero stop ring and the knob pin rotate together, with the base pin following the inside of the bottom concentric cam track until it contacts the end stop. At this point, the second revolution begins, and the knob pin will follow the concentric cam track on the top side of the zero stop ring until it contacts the end stop near the end of the second revolution.

[0175] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present application is intended to cover any adaptation or variation of operation according to the principles of the present invention as described. The disclosures of the patents, references, and publications cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including but not limited to U.S. Patents No. 9435609, No. 8919026, No. 8397420, and No. 8,166,696.

Claims

1. An adjustment button, comprising: a knob, wherein the first track is located on a bottom of the knob; a ring having a second track on a bottom portion of the ring and a first pin disposed in the first track of the knob, wherein the first track and the second track have terminal ends; and a base having a second pin on the top that rests in the second track on the bottom of the ring, Wherein, the first track and the second track are concentric cam tracks.

2. The adjustment knob according to claim 1, wherein: The concentric cam tracks are offset to allow maximum rotation.

3. A rifle scope comprising: The main body of the scope; a movable optical element defining an optical axis, the optical element being operably connected to the scope body; An adjustment knob having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; the adjustment knob comprising: a knob with a first track on a bottom of the knob; a ring with a second track on a bottom of the ring and a first pin disposed in the first track of the knob, wherein the first track and the second track have terminal ends; and a base with a second pin on a top disposed in the second track on the bottom of the ring, Wherein, the first track and the second track are concentric cam tracks.

Images