Mounting system for a micro red dot sight

Abstract

A mounting system for securing a viewing optic to a firearm utilizes an oblong dovetail connecting component having a first end, a second end, and a contoured outer edge forming a dovetail profile. The viewing optic has a bottom surface including a dovetail slot open at a first end to receive the oblong dovetail connecting component and closed at a second end, the viewing optic further including a securing area on a side of the viewing optic having a first securing structure. A securing element has a second securing structure, wherein the first and second securing structures correspond to each other and facilitate securing the securing element to the securing area.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 057,377, filed on July 28, 2020, and claims priority thereto, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a mounting system for viewing optics. In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a mounting system for mounting a miniature red dot sight to a firearm. Background Technology

[0004] A miniature red dot sight (MRDS) is a non-magnifying reflex sight typically used with small firearms such as handguns and pistols. An MRDS uses a reflective optics system to project light onto the user, allowing them to see the effective area and the illuminated red dot reticle. MRDSs can be either fully enclosed (all optics are encased in a housing) or open (at least some optics are not encased in a housing).

[0005] Because screws or other mounting hardware can protrude through the exposed upper surface of the base and embed directly into the fixing structure on the upper surface of the firearm, open MRDS are smaller and generally easier to install into the firearm. However, because the optics are exposed, open MRDS can indeed accumulate dust / debris, which can affect the performance of the MRDS.

[0006] Enclosed MRDS have a complete housing, so the optics are protected and not exposed. However, because they are completely enclosed, the upper surface of the base is not exposed, making enclosed MRDS less easy to attach to a firearm. Enclosed MRDS are typically secured to the firearm via their sides, which requires compatible mounting structures on both the firearm and the MRDS.

[0007] Current closed-type MRDS systems use unique and proprietary mounting methods, depending on the MRDS brand and the brand and model of the firearm it is attached to. For example, most closed-type MRDS systems require proprietary mounting plates to ensure compatibility between the MRDS and the firearm's mounting structure. In other words, each different brand and model of firearm requires a different proprietary mounting plate. Furthermore, this mounting plate is typically only useful for securing the closed-type MRDS to the firearm and must be removed to use an open-type MRDS.

[0008] Alternatively, some MRDSs have removable / detachable housings, allowing the MRDS to be used and attached to the firearm as an open MRDS. If the user wishes to use the MRDS as a closed MRDS, the housing can be reattached. It will be understood that even if the MRDS is ultimately used as a closed MRDS, having a removable / detachable housing still exposes the optics to the environment.

[0009] For the reasons stated above, having a mounting system that is beneficial for both open and closed MRDS and / or compatible with firearms of any brand and model is a significant advantage. Therefore, there is a substantial need for mounting systems capable of addressing these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a mounting system for securing an observation optics device to a firearm. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the mounting system for securing an observation optics device to a firearm includes: an elongated tenon joint having a first end, a second end, and a contoured outer edge forming the tenon profile; an observation optics device having a bottom surface including a mortise slot that opens at the first end to receive the elongated tenon joint joint and closes at the second end, the observation optics device further including a fastening region on its side having a first fastening structure; and a fastening element having a second fastening structure, wherein the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure correspond to each other and facilitate securing the fastening element to the fastening region.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the fastening region is a wavy groove with depth, and the fastening element has a thickness approximately equal to the depth of the wavy groove. In another embodiment, the first end of the elongated tenon joint is circular. In yet another embodiment, the first and second fixing structures each include at least one threaded hole, wherein the corresponding at least one threaded hole in the fastening region is coaxial with the fastening element. In a further embodiment, in the mounting system, the observation optics are MRDS. In yet another embodiment, the MRDS is a closed MRDS.

[0012] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a firearm. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the firearm includes: at least one accessory mounting structure including a pair of threaded openings; a tenon joint having a first end, a second end, a wavy outer edge forming a tenon profile, and at least two threaded holes, wherein the tenon joint is located on the firearm such that the at least two threaded holes are coaxial with the threaded openings and are secured to the firearm using at least two screws; an observation optic having a bottom surface including a mortise slot that opens at a first end to receive the elongated tenon joint and closes at a second end, the observation optic further including a fastening region on a side of the observation optic having a first fixing structure, wherein the observation optic slidably engages the tenon joint; and a fastening element having a second fixing structure, wherein the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure correspond to each other and facilitate securing the fastening element to the fastening region.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the at least two threaded holes of the tenon joint are countersunk. In yet another embodiment, the fastening region is a wavy groove with depth, and the fastening element has a thickness approximately equal to the depth of the wavy groove. In a further embodiment, the first end of the oblong tenon joint is circular. In yet another embodiment, the first and second fixing structures each include at least one threaded hole, wherein the corresponding at least one threaded hole in the fastening region is coaxial with the fastening element. In another embodiment, at least one screw engages the first and second fixing structures. In another embodiment, the firearm is selected from single-handed pistols and handguns. In a further embodiment, the observation optics are MRDS, and further, are closed MRDS. Attached Figure Description

[0014] This disclosure is based on embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and is for illustrative purposes only. This disclosure is not limited to the details of the structure or arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. This disclosure can be practiced or implemented in other embodiments or in various other ways. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same components. In the drawings: Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an exemplary accessory mounting structure for a firearm.

[0015] Figure 2 The figure illustrates an exemplary tenon joint component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 The embodiments illustrated in this disclosure show the use of Figure 2 The tenon-and-groove connector is fixed to the closed MRDS of the gun.

[0017] Figure 4 Embodiments of this disclosure illustrate the state in which the side cover is in the appropriate position. Figure 3 A fixed, closed MRDS.

[0018] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The left and right sides of a fully fixed MRDS are shown respectively.

[0019] Before detailing the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that this disclosure, in its application, is not limited to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The technology of this disclosure can be practiced or implemented in other embodiments or in various other ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a set of features and / or performance characteristics, such as weapon sights, front- or rear-mounted clip-on weapon sights, and other alternatives to field-deployed optical weapon sights, can be readily adapted within the context of stand-alone observation optics. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations of features and performance characteristics can be incorporated into add-on modules to improve any kind of existing fixed or variable observation optics.

[0022] The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate and therefore may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise stated. Assuming there is a separation of at least two units between any lower and any higher value, the numerical range includes all values ​​starting from and including the lower and upper limits, incremented by one unit. For example, if the compositional, physical, or other properties, such as molecular weight, melt index, temperature, etc., are from 100 to 1000, it is expected that all individual values ​​such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and subranges such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., will be clearly enumerated. For ranges containing values ​​less than 1 or containing fractions greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is appropriately considered as 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1. For ranges containing single digits less than 10 (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered as 0.1. These are merely examples of specific expectations, and all possible combinations of values ​​between the enumerated minimum and maximum values ​​will be considered as clearly stated in this disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided within this disclosure for other matters, the relative amounts of components in the mixture, and the various temperature and other parameter ranges referenced in the method.

[0023] Spatial terms such as “below,” “below,” “under,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figures and another element or feature. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatially related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” another element or feature will be identified as “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both orientations above and below. The device may be identified in other ways (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of more than one of the related listed terms. For example, when used in a phrase such as “A and / or B”, the phrase “and / or” is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B and / or C” is intended to include each of the following embodiments: A, B and C; A, B or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0025] It will be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or attached to another component or layer. Alternatively, there may be intermediate components or layers. Conversely, when a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another component or layer, there are no intermediate components or layers.

[0026] As used herein, "firearm" refers to a portable weapon that fires one or more projectiles, typically driven by explosive force. As used herein, the term "firearm" includes pistols, rifles, shotguns, carbines, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, submachine guns, automatic rifles, and assault rifles.

[0027] Figure 1 The illustration shows a portion of an exemplary firearm 10, such as a pistol or handgun, including an accessory mounting structure 15. In the specific embodiment shown, the accessory mounting structure 15 includes a plurality of protrusions 16 and at least two threaded openings 17. In the specific embodiment shown, the protrusions 16 facilitate alignment of accessories on the firearm 10, and the threaded openings 17 engage screws, for example, when securing a standard open MRDS. It will be understood that this is just one example of an accessory mounting structure that can be used on a firearm. Other brands and models of firearms may have different types of mounting structures and / or different arrangements of mounting structures. However, a common feature of the accessory mounting structures is the presence of threaded openings 17.

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary tenon joint member 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The tenon joint member 100 is generally oblong with a smooth upper surface 20, a first end 22, and a second end 23. The outer edge 25 of the tenon joint member 100 is profiled at an angle such that the upper surface 20 is wider than the surface that contacts the gun 10, thus creating a so-called "tenon" profile.

[0029] In the specific embodiment shown, the first end 22 is a rounded end, while the second end 23 is a flat end. (See reference...) Figure 3 As shown, the rounded nature of the first end 22 facilitates the alignment of the closed MRDS 200 when sliding onto the tenon joint 100. However, in other embodiments, ends 22 and 23 may be the same or different, and may be any such geometry, whether round, flat, pointed, or allowing the MRDS 200 to slide onto the tenon joint 100.

[0030] The upper surface 20 includes two threaded holes 27 that are aligned with and coaxial with the threaded opening 17 of the gun 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded holes 27 are countersunk. This allows the tenon joint 100 to be secured to the gun 10 using the existing structure of the gun 10, and allows the screws to be flush with or below the upper surface 20 so as not to affect the sliding of the MRDS 200 on the tenon joint 100.

[0031] Figure 3 The illustration shows a closed MRDS 200 secured to a firearm using a tenon-and-groove connector 100. The bottom surface 30 of the closed MRDS 200 includes multiple channels that allow the MRDS 200 to slidably engage with the tenon-and-groove connector 100 and are also compatible with the accessory mounting structure 15 of the firearm 10. Specifically, the bottom surface 30 includes a mortise slot 37 having a profile corresponding to the contour of the tenon-and-groove connector 100. An additional channel 36 allows the MRDS 200 to slide on a protrusion 16.

[0032] The mortise slot 37 and channel 36 are open at the first end to allow the MRDS to move in the direction of arrow 201, and close at the second end so that further movement in the direction of arrow 201 stops once the round end 22 and / or one of the pair of protrusions 16 encounters the closed end of the slot 37 or channel 36.

[0033] It will be understood that the special arrangement of channels 36 and slots 37 is specifically designed for the construction of the accessory mounting structure 15 of this particular firearm 10. The design and construction of channel 36 can be varied specifically according to the firearm 10 to which the MRDS will be fixed.

[0034] The distal side of the MRDS (along the orientation shown), or the side where the channels 36 and slots 37 open, is the fastening region 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening region is a recess or groove 32 that extends along the length of the side of the MRDS such that each of the channels 36 and slots 37 opens into the groove 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening region 32 also includes a fixing structure 33. In the embodiment, the fixing structure is at least one threaded hole, or in Figure 3 In the specific embodiment shown, there are two threaded holes. In further embodiments, other fixing structures may be provided, including wavy recesses, protrusions, snap-fit ​​structures, buttons, bosses, and combinations of these and other structures.

[0035] The fastening area 32 is specifically designed to secure the fastening element 40. For example... Figure 4As shown, the fastening element 40 has a shape and geometry that mates with and is fixed to the fastening region 32. Specifically, in the particular embodiment shown, the fastening element 40 is a plate having the same general shape as the fastening region 32, but smaller in size to allow the fastening element 40 to be flush with the exterior of the MRDS 200 when fixed in place. The fastening element 40 has a fixing structure 43 corresponding to the fixing structure 33 of the MRDS 200. Therefore, in the particular embodiment shown, the fixing structure 43 has at least one threaded hole, or as... Figure 4 As shown, it has two threaded holes, which are aligned with and coaxial with the threaded hole 33 of the fastening area 32. However, in a further embodiment, other fastening structures may be provided, as long as they correspond to the fastening structure 33 of the fastening area 32, such as wavy recesses, protrusions, snap-fit ​​structures, buttons, bosses, and combinations of these and other structures.

[0036] To secure the MRDS 200 in place, the fixing structures 33 and 43 are aligned and the fastening elements are fixed to the fastening area 32. For example, in Figures 4 to 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the screw is tightened in holes 33 / 43, which clamps the side cover 40 to the MRDS 200. This prevents the MRDS 200 from slipping off the gun 10, as... Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is shown more fully in the text.

[0037] Although the mounting system is described with reference to MRDS, a variety of other observation optics can be attached to firearms, and particularly to small arms (such as pistols or handguns), using the mounting system described herein. As used herein, the term "observation optics" refers to a device used by a shooter or observer to select, identify, or monitor a target. "Observation optics" can rely on visual observation of the target, or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal imaging, microwave or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-rays, gamma rays, isotopes and particle emissions, night vision, vibration receivers including ultrasound, acoustic pulses, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance, gravity receivers, broadcast frequencies including radio waves, television and cellular receivers, or other images of the target. The target image presented to the shooter by the "observation optics" device can be static or enhanced, for example, by magnification, enlargement, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored by the "observation optics" may be within the shooter's line of sight, tangent to the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The target image acquired by the "observation optics" can be, for example, analog or digital, and can be shared, stored, archived, or transmitted over a network of more than one shooter and observer, for example via video, physical cables or wires, infrared, radio waves, cellular connections, laser pulses, optics, 802.11b, or other wireless transmissions using protocols such as HTML, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth, serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution methods. In one embodiment, the observation optics is an MRDS, and more specifically, a closed MRDS.

[0038] While various embodiments of the installation system have been described in detail, modifications and variations thereof are obviously possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With regard to the foregoing description, it should be understood that the preferred dimensional relationships of the disclosed technical parts, including variations in size, material, shape, form, function and operation, assembly and use, are considered obvious and apparent to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those shown in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be included in the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered merely an illustration of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since many modifications and variations are readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact structures and operations shown and described, and therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalent alternatives falling within the scope of the invention can be relied upon.

Claims

1. A mounting system for securing observation optics to a firearm, the mounting system comprising: An oblong tenon joint component having a first end, a second end, and a wavy outer edge forming the tenon profile; An observation optics device has a bottom surface including a mortise slot that opens at a first end to receive an elongated tenon connection and closes at a second end. The bottom surface also includes two channels that open at the first end and close at the second end, one of which is on the right side of the mortise slot and the other of which is on the left side of the mortise slot. The observation optics device also includes a fastening region on its side having a first fixing structure. as well as A fastening element having a second fixing structure, wherein the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure correspond to each other and facilitate fastening the fastening element to the fastening area.

2. The installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening area is a wavy groove with depth, and the fastening element has a thickness approximately equal to the depth of the wavy groove.

3. The installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the oblong tenon connector is circular.

4. The installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The first fixing structure and the second fixing structure each include at least one threaded hole, wherein the corresponding at least one threaded hole in the fastening region is coaxial with the fastening element.

5. The installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The observation optics are miniature red dot sights.

6. The installation system according to claim 5, wherein, The miniature red dot sight is a closed miniature red dot sight.

7. A firearm, comprising: At least one fitting mounting structure includes a pair of threaded openings; An elongated tenon joint has a first end, a second end, a wavy outer edge forming the tenon profile, and at least two threaded holes, wherein the elongated tenon joint is located on the gun such that the at least two threaded holes are coaxial with the threaded opening and are fixed to the gun using at least two screws; An observation optics device has a bottom surface including a mortise slot that opens at a first end to receive an elongated tenon joint and closes at a second end. The bottom surface also includes two channels that open at the first end and close at the second end, one of which is on the right side of the mortise slot and the other on the left side. The observation optics device further includes a fastening region on its side having a first fixing structure, wherein the observation optics device slidably engages the elongated tenon joint. A fastening element having a second fixing structure, wherein the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure correspond to each other and facilitate fastening the fastening element to the fastening area.

8. The firearm according to claim 7, wherein, The at least two threaded holes of the oblong tenon joint are countersunk.

9. The gun according to claim 7, wherein the fastening region is a wavy groove with depth, and the fastening element has a thickness approximately equal to the depth of the wavy groove.

10. The firearm according to claim 7, wherein, The first end of the oblong tenon connector is circular.

11. The firearm according to claim 7, wherein, The first fixing structure and the second fixing structure each include at least one threaded hole, wherein the corresponding at least one threaded hole in the fastening region is coaxial with the fastening element.

12. The firearm of claim 11, further comprising at least one screw that engages the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure.

13. The firearm according to claim 7, wherein, The firearm in question is a pistol.

14. The firearm according to claim 7, wherein, The observation optics are miniature red dot sights.

15. The firearm according to claim 14, wherein, The miniature red dot sight is a closed miniature red dot sight.

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