alignment mechanism

Abstract

An alignment mechanism has a base with a right front quadrant, a left front quadrant, a right rear quadrant, and a left rear quadrant. The base also defines a yaw axis and a pitch axis. A ball and socket link is on the base in the right front quadrant or left front quadrant at the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis. A pressure plate assembly is also on the bottom surface of the base in the other of the right front quadrant and left front quadrant. A spring is in contact with one of the right rear quadrant and left rear quadrant and is diagonally opposite the ball and socket link, with a yaw alignment surface on the other of the right rear quadrant and left rear quadrant. A pitch alignment surface is also on one of the right rear quadrant and left rear quadrant.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional patent application filed on January 29, 2021, in which U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 143,391, and claims priority, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to alignment mechanisms. In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to an adjustment mechanism for a rangefinder. Background Technology

[0004] Rangefinders assist shooters in determining the distance to a target. Rangefinders can be standalone or mounted on firearms, such as rifles. After mounting, the rangefinder is first fixed to the weapon and then adjusted so that its aiming point aligns with the weapon's aiming point. However, after firing, the weapon's recoil often shifts the aiming point of the mounted rangefinder. The mounted rangefinder must be readjusted after each firing. Similarly, when a rangefinder is mounted, weapon transport can cause it to become misaligned. If the mounted rangefinder is not readjusted before firing, it will give inaccurate readings. Readjusting the mounted rangefinder also takes time away from the firing position.

[0005] For the reasons discussed above, having a mounted rangefinder with a fixed aiming point that does not move during firing or transport of the firearm is a significant advantage. Therefore, there is a strong need for an alignment mechanism in a mounted rangefinder that can address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an alignment mechanism. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the alignment mechanism includes a base having a right front quadrant, a left front quadrant, a right rear quadrant, and a left rear quadrant, wherein the base further defines a yaw axis and a pitch axis; a ball and socket linkage on the base at one of the right front quadrant and the left front quadrant, the ball and socket linkage being at the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis; a pressure plate assembly on the lower surface of the base at the other of the right front quadrant and the left front quadrant; a spring contacting one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; a yaw alignment surface at the other of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; and a pitch alignment surface on one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant.

[0007] In one embodiment, the base is pivotable about the yaw axis and rotatable about the pitch axis. In some embodiments, the ball-and-socket link is kitty-cornered with the yaw alignment surface. In one embodiment, the ball-and-socket link is on the lower surface of the left front quadrant. In another embodiment, the spring contacts the left rear quadrant. According to another embodiment, the spring contacts a spring contact surface at an angle of 25° to 65° relative to the bottom surface of the base.

[0008] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a rangefinder. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the rangefinder includes a housing; a rangefinder chassis contained within the housing; and an alignment mechanism contained within the housing, wherein the alignment mechanism includes a base having a right front quadrant, a left front quadrant, a right rear quadrant, and a left rear quadrant, wherein the base further defines a yaw axis and a pitch axis; and a ball-and-socket linkage on the base at one of the right front quadrant and the left front quadrant, the ball-and-socket linkage being located at the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis; a pressure plate assembly on the lower surface of the base at the other of the right front quadrant and the left front quadrant; a spring fixed between the housing and a spring contact surface on one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; a yaw alignment surface on the other of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; and a pitch alignment surface on one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base is pivotable about the yaw axis and rotatable about the pitch axis. In another embodiment, the ball-and-socket link is on the lower surface of the left front quadrant. In yet another embodiment, the spring contact surface is in the left rear quadrant. In yet another embodiment, the spring contact surface is at an angle of 25° to 65° relative to the bottom surface of the base.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the rangefinder further includes a yaw adjustment plunger that passes through a first opening in the housing to contact the yaw alignment surface. In one embodiment, the yaw adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing to cause the spring to increase the force in the yaw direction on the spring contact surface. In another embodiment, the yaw adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing to cause the base to pivot about the yaw axis from a first position to a second position.

[0011] In another embodiment, the rangefinder further includes a pitch adjustment plunger that passes through a second opening in the housing to contact the pitch alignment surface. In one embodiment, the pitch adjustment plunger enters the housing to cause the spring to increase the force in the pitch direction on the spring contact surface. In another embodiment, the pitch adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing to cause the base to rotate relative to the leveling plate about the pitch axis from a first position to a second position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spring applies a certain amount of force to the spring contact surface within the range of motion of the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rangefinder is configured to be fixed to a firearm. In one embodiment, the firearm is a rifle. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. This disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details or component arrangements shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of this disclosure are possible, or it can be practiced or performed in various other ways. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1A This is a bottom rear perspective view of the alignment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1B This is its exploded view.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the ball-and-socket linkage used in the alignment mechanism of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a left rear perspective view of the alignment mechanism in Figure 1, which is used in conjunction with a rangefinder chassis in a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 This is its right-side view.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the yaw adjustment of the alignment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the pitch adjustment of the alignment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the resistance of the roll adjustment of the alignment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Before explaining the embodiments of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The technology of this disclosure can be implemented or practiced in various ways, with other embodiments possible. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. However, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate and may therefore include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise stated. A numerical range includes all values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit, and includes both the lower and upper limits in increments of one unit, provided there is an interval of at least two units between any lower and upper limit value. For example, if the compositional, physical, or other properties (such as molecular weight, melt index, temperature, etc.) are from 100 to 1,000, it is intended to explicitly list all individual values ​​(such as 100, 101, 102, etc.) and subranges (such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc.). For ranges containing values ​​less than 1 or fractions greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. For ranges containing single digits less than 10 (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is generally considered to be 0.1. These are merely examples of specific intentions, and all possible combinations of values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​are considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure.

[0026] For ease of description, spatial terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “over,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figures and another element(s) or feature(s). It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations described in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90° or other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0027] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. For example, when used in a phrase such as “A and / or B”, the phrase “and / or” is intended to include 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).

[0028] It should be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as "on another component or layer," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or attached to that other component or layer. Optionally, intermediate components or layers may exist. Conversely, when a component or layer is referred to as "directly on another component or layer," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another component or layer, no intermediate components or layers exist.

[0029] As used herein, the term "firearm" refers to any device that propels or launches an object or projectile in a controlled manner. Firearms include, but are not limited to, handguns, pistols, rifles, machine guns, and Gatling guns, and include single-shot, semi-automatic, and fully automatic firearms.

[0030] Figure 1A and 1B An alignment mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The alignment mechanism 100 includes a base 10, which is a plate-like structure having a front portion 10a and a rear portion 10b, and a right portion 10c and a left portion 10d. The overlap of these portions forms four quadrants—the right front quadrant, the left front quadrant, the right rear quadrant, and the left rear quadrant. In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 10a is wider than the rear portion 10b, forming a slightly dovetail shape. In other embodiments, the front portion 10a may be narrower than the rear portion 10b. In yet another embodiment, the base 10 may have other shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, triangular, oval, or polygonal shapes. The bottom surface 15 includes a ball-and-socket link 20 in the left front quadrant and a pressure plate assembly 29 in the right front quadrant. Figure 1A-1B As shown, the ball-and-socket connecting rod 20 is fixed to the base 10 at the opening 20a. Figure 1A-1B As shown, the pressure plate assembly 29 provides a contact point for applying bias to the base 10 and consists of a dome 29b (which is fixed to the housing) and a plate 29a fixed to the base 10. An additional opening 18 passes through the base 10 to secure the rangefinder chassis (not shown).

[0031] Spring contact surface 12 is formed in the left rear quadrant of base 10. Spring 30 is sandwiched between housing (not shown) and spring contact surface 12. Figure 1A , 1B As shown in Figures 3-4, the spring contact surface 12 is at an angle relative to the lower surface of the base 10. To enable the spring (30, not shown) to apply sufficient force in the up / down and left / right directions, the spring contact surface 12 must be at an angle perpendicular to the movement of the yaw adjustment plunger (not shown) and perpendicular to the pitch adjustment plunger (not shown). In one embodiment, the spring contact surface 12 is at an angle ranging from 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45° to 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. In another embodiment, the spring contact surface 12 is at an angle ranging from 40°, or 41°, or 42°, or 43°, or 44° to 45°, or 46°, or 47°, or 48°, or 49°, or 50°.

[0032] like Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the ball-and-socket linkage includes a pin 21, a ball 23, and a locking ring 25. The socket is formed by the locking ring 25 engaging the inner surface of a hole in the base 10, in which the ball-and-socket linkage 20 is disposed. The pin 21 works in conjunction with the support surface 26 of the locking ring and the support surface 24 of the inner surface of the hole to prevent the ball 23 from dislodging from the socket. Although the ball-and-socket linkage 20 is shown on the bottom surface of the left front quadrant, it should be understood that alternative arrangements of the ball-and-socket linkage are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the ball-and-socket linkage 20 may be disposed on the upper or side surface of the left or right front quadrant, and the specific movement of the balls and sockets relative to each other will depend on the arrangement of other components of the alignment mechanism. However, for illustrative purposes, the ball-and-socket linkage 20 will be shown and illustrated as being on the bottom side of the left front quadrant.

[0033] Using a single ball-and-socket link facilitates the movement of the alignment mechanism 100 along all three degrees of rotational movement: yaw (pivoting left and / or right), pitch (tipping up and / or down), and roll (tilting left and / or right). It should be understood that adjusting the yaw will adjust the horizontal aiming of the rangefinder, while adjusting the pitch will adjust the vertical aiming. While pure roll movement does not necessarily change the aiming point of the alignment mechanism 100, the mechanism 100 exhibits a compound angular movement with roll, which can alter the aiming point of the alignment mechanism 100. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the ball-and-socket link 20 creates a pivot point at the intersection of the yaw axis 28 and the pitch axis 38.

[0034] The upper surface 19 of the base 10 has a structure and / or profile that matches the geometry of the lower surface of the rangefinder chassis 300, and secures the rangefinder chassis 300 to the base 10, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Further shown Figure 1A-2 The alignment mechanism 100, used in conjunction with the rangefinder chassis 300, is contained within a housing 200 (the upper and rear housing portions are removed for clarity) to form a rangefinder 400 for use with a firearm. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 200 is configured as multiple components and held together using pins or screws engaging the opening 205. However, in yet another embodiment, the housing may have more or fewer components and / or be held together using different structures or devices. The front of the housing 200 includes a window 201, the size of which is approximately equal to or larger than the front side of the rangefinder chassis 300.

[0036] The housing 200 also includes two openings—a first opening (not shown) on the right side and a second opening (not shown) on the upper right rear of the housing 200. Each opening includes an adjusting plunger engaged therein, allowing the adjusting plunger to move axially within the opening to adjust the yaw and pitch of the rangefinder chassis 300.

[0037] In particular, refer to Figure 3-5 The first opening (not shown) is located on the right side of the rear of the housing 200. The yaw (or horizontal) adjusting plunger 40 engages the first opening. The inner end surface 45 of the yaw adjusting plunger 40 contacts the yaw (or horizontal) alignment surface 42 on the right rear quadrant of the base 10.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the yaw adjustment plunger 40 is threaded into the first opening, and the axial position of the yaw adjustment plunger 40 is manipulated by a simple screw adjustment. In other embodiments, for example, different structures and / or mechanisms may be used to allow adjustment of the plunger's axial position, such as structures that allow adjustment of the plunger without tools.

[0039] To adjust the horizontal alignment of the rangefinder, the axial position of the yaw adjustment plunger 40 is changed. The yaw adjustment plunger 40 is moved further into the housing 200 such that the inner end surface 45 pushes against the yaw alignment surface 42. As the yaw adjustment plunger 40 continues to push against the yaw alignment surface 42, the spring 30 provides additional force in the horizontal direction, and the base 10 pivots about the yaw axis 28 at the ball-and-socket link 20. In the particular embodiment shown, where the yaw alignment surface (not shown) is in the right rear quadrant of the base 10 and the spring 30 is in the left rear quadrant of the base 10, increasing the force of the spring 30 against the spring contact surface 12 (i.e., moving the yaw adjustment plunger 40 further into the housing) causes the base 10 to pivot clockwise. To adjust the aiming of the rangefinder in the opposite direction, the yaw adjustment plunger 40 moves outward, thereby releasing pressure on the yaw alignment surface and allowing the spring 30 to reduce the force in the horizontal direction.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, spring 30 is shown as a standard helical compression spring. However, in yet another embodiment, different types of springs may be used. Exemplary springs include, but are not limited to, helical compression springs, helical tension springs, variable springs, machined springs, truncated cone spiral springs, and a wide variety of elastic materials such as rubber (i.e., materials that recover their original shape after a load or force is removed from them).

[0041] Importantly, spring 30 is never fully relaxed. To maintain alignment, a certain amount of force is always applied to the spring contact surface 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, spring 30 is a helical compression spring, which, when allowed to relax, pushes base 10, causing base 10 to pivot counterclockwise about yaw axis 28. It should be understood that the opposite would occur if the positions of yaw alignment surface 42 and spring 30 were reversed.

[0042] To achieve rotation about the yaw axis 28, pivoting is required at the ball-and-socket link 20, and the dome 29b must be able to slide on the plate 29a. Conversely, to provide the pivot point for yaw movement, the ball-and-socket link 20 is fixed to the housing 200.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a left-side view of the alignment mechanism 100 shown within the housing 200. The housing 200 includes a second opening (not shown) at the top of the rear portion of the housing 200. (See reference...) Figure 4-6 The pitch (or vertical) adjusting plunger 50 engages the second opening. The inner end surface 55 of the pitch adjusting plunger 50 contacts the pitch (or vertical) alignment surface 56 on the upper surface of the base 10 in the right rear quadrant. For clarity, the pitch adjusting plunger 50 has been... Figure 6 Omitted in .

[0044] like Figure 4-5As shown, the pitch adjustment plunger 50 is threaded into the second opening, and the axial position of the pitch adjustment plunger 50 is manipulated by a simple screw adjustment. In other embodiments, for example, different structures and / or mechanisms may be used to allow adjustment of the plunger's axial position, such as structures that allow adjustment of the plunger without tools.

[0045] To adjust the vertical alignment of the rangefinder 300 using the alignment mechanism 100, the axial position of the pitch adjustment plunger 50 is changed. The pitch adjustment plunger 50 is moved further into the housing 200, pushing the inner end surface 55 of the pitch adjustment plunger 50 against the pitch alignment surface 56. As the pitch adjustment plunger 50 continues to be pushed against the pitch alignment surface 56, the spring 30 provides additional force in the vertical direction, and the base 10 pivots about the pitch axis 38 at the ball-and-socket link 20, which is nearly perpendicular to or perpendicular to the yaw axis 28. In the particular embodiment shown, where the pitch alignment surface 56 is on the upper surface of the base 10 near the right rear and the spring 30 is on the left side of the base 10, increasing the force of the spring 30 against the spring contact surface 12 (i.e., moving the pitch adjustment plunger 50 further into the housing) causes the base 10 to pivot upwards at its front end. In order to adjust the aiming of the rangefinder in the opposite direction, the pitch adjustment plunger 50 moves outward, thereby releasing the pressure on the pitch alignment surface and allowing the spring 30 to reduce the force in the vertical direction.

[0046] Importantly, as described regarding yaw adjustment, spring 30 is not in a fully relaxed state. To maintain alignment, a certain amount of force is always applied to the spring contact surface 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, spring 30 is a helical compression spring, which, when allowed to relax, pushes the base 10, causing the base 10 to pivot downwards about the pitch axis 38. It should be understood that the opposite occurs if the pitch alignment surface is located at the front 10a of the base 10.

[0047] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the structure in place to prevent or limit the roll of the base 10. The ball joint 20 acts as a support to prevent the left portion 10d of the base 10 from swaying downwards toward the housing 200. Similarly, the pressure plate assembly 29 acts as a support to prevent the right portion 10c of the base 10 from swaying downwards toward the housing 200. The ball joint 20 and the pressure plate assembly 29 work together to resist the roll movement of the base 10. It should be understood that the positions of the ball joint 20 and the pressure plate assembly 29 can be reversed, assuming that the springs 30 and plungers 40, 50 are also reversed. That is, in one embodiment, the ball joint 20 and plungers 40, 50 (… Figure 7 (Not shown in the image) must be diagonally opposite.

[0048] By setting a single adjusting base 10 (with a ball-and-socket linkage 20 and a pressure plate 16 at the front 10a of the base 10) and a spring 30, the roll movement of the base 10 can be prevented, while the yaw and pitch of the base 10 are controlled by adjusting the plungers 40, 50 and the spring 30. Furthermore, by using the spring 30 to constantly apply a certain amount of force to the spring contact surface 12, any movement of the rangefinder chassis 300 fixed within the housing 200 due to gun recoil or transport is ensured to be mitigated. In other words, because the spring 30 is never fully relaxed, there is always a reaction force applied to the base 10 in the yaw and pitch directions. Therefore, if the rangefinder chassis 300 moves within the housing 200, the spring 30 applies force to move the base 10 backward against the plungers 40, 50, thereby returning the rangefinder chassis 300 to its set position.

[0049] Although the alignment mechanism is described as being used with the rangefinder chassis 300, it should be understood that other devices may also be used with the alignment mechanism, such as, by way of non-limiting example, flashlights, aiming lasers, IR devices (e.g., floodlights, aiming lasers) and other similar devices.

[0050] While various embodiments of the alignment mechanism and rangefinder have been described in detail, modifications and variations 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 appreciated that optimal dimensional relationships of the components of the disclosed technology (including variations in size, material, shape, form, function, operation, assembly, and use) will be 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 within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered merely an illustration of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since many modifications and variations will readily conceive of those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact constructions and operations shown and described; thus, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be employed, and these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An alignment mechanism comprising: A base having a right anterior quadrant, a left anterior quadrant, a right rear quadrant, and a left rear quadrant, wherein the base further defines a yaw axis and a pitch axis; and A ball-and-socket link on the base located in one of the right front quadrant and the left front quadrant, the ball-and-socket link being located at the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis; A pressure plate assembly located on the lower surface of the base at the other of the right and left front quadrants; A spring that contacts one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; The lateral alignment surface is located at the other of one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; and Pitch aligned with the surface, which is in one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant.

2. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The base is capable of pivoting about the yaw axis and rotating about the pitch axis.

3. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The ball-and-socket connecting rod is diagonally opposite to the lateral alignment surface.

4. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The ball-and-socket link is located on the lower surface of the left front quadrant.

5. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The spring is in contact with the left rear quadrant.

6. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The spring contacts the spring contact surface, wherein the spring contact surface forms an angle of 25° to 65° with respect to the bottom surface of the base.

7. A rangefinder, comprising: shell; The rangefinder chassis is contained within the housing; as well as An alignment mechanism, contained within the housing, wherein the alignment mechanism includes... A base having a right anterior quadrant, a left anterior quadrant, a right rear quadrant, and a left rear quadrant, wherein the base further defines a yaw axis and a pitch axis; and A ball-and-socket link on the base located in one of the right front quadrant and the left front quadrant, the ball-and-socket link being located at the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis; A pressure plate assembly located on the lower surface of the base at the other of the right and left front quadrants; A spring, which is fixed between the housing and a spring contact surface on one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; The lateral alignment surface is located on the other of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant; and Pitch aligned with the surface, which is in one of the right rear quadrant and the left rear quadrant.

8. The rangefinder according to claim 7, wherein, The base is capable of pivoting about the yaw axis and rotating about the pitch axis.

9. The rangefinder according to claim 7, wherein, The ball-and-socket link is located on the lower surface of the left front quadrant.

10. The rangefinder according to claim 7, wherein, The spring contact surface is located in the left rear quadrant.

11. The rangefinder according to claim 7, wherein, The spring contact surface forms an angle of 25° to 65° relative to the bottom surface of the base.

12. The rangefinder of claim 7 further includes a yaw adjustment plunger that passes through a first opening in the housing to contact the yaw alignment surface.

13. The rangefinder according to claim 12, wherein, The yaw adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing, causing the spring to increase the force in the yaw direction on the spring contact surface.

14. The rangefinder according to claim 12, wherein, The yaw adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing, causing the base to pivot from a first position to a second position around the yaw axis.

15. The rangefinder of claim 7 further includes a pitch adjustment plunger that passes through a second opening in the housing to contact the pitch alignment surface.

16. The rangefinder according to claim 15, wherein, The pitch adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing, causing the spring to increase the force in the pitch direction on the spring contact surface.

17. The rangefinder according to claim 15, wherein, The pitch adjustment plunger moves axially into the housing, causing the base to rotate relative to the horizontal adjustment plate around the pitch axis from a first position to a second position.

18. The rangefinder according to claim 7, wherein, The spring applies a certain amount of force to the spring contact surface within the range of movement of the base.

19. The rangefinder of claim 7, configured to be fixed to a firearm.

20. The rangefinder according to claim 19, wherein, The firearm in question is a rifle.

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