Optical sighting device marking sheet

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a reticle for an optical sight of a projectile firing device, including but not limited to a firearm. The reticle provides one or more target interception features for a target object of predetermined width and height, including horizontal automatic range estimation, vertical automatic range estimation, bullet fall compensation, wind power adjustment information, moving target guide information, target guide information, and firing correction information. The reticle includes indicia for angular measurement indexing of horizontal and vertical ranging target objects of known dimensions.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of prior-filed U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 318,371, filed on March 9, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of reticles for telescopes and other optical sighting systems. Background Art

[0004] Firearms and other projectile launching devices are often equipped with optical sights that include reticles to assist in target acquisition. Some known reticles include marks or markings in angular measurements (e.g., milliradians or angular minutes) to provide accurate shooting of various targets. However, milliradian reticles and angular minute reticles require calculations that may extend or delay the timing of optimal target acquisition. Other known reticles include marks or markings that provide non-calculated information such as horizontal ranging, vertical ranging, bullet drop compensation, windage adjustment marks, and moving target guidance for known target objects of predetermined sizes, but such marks or markings lack horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks for accurate shooting of target objects at various distances.

[0005] It is desirable to overcome the above disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a reticle for an optical sight, the reticle comprising: (1) a first central scale; (2) one or more first side scales; and (3) one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the first central scale comprises: (a) first measurement marks, the first measurement marks being operably configured as primary horizontal automatic ranging marks for a first target object at a base distance; and (b) second measurement marks, the second measurement marks comprising one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging marks for the first target object at one or more incremental distances greater than the base distance; wherein the one or more first side scales comprise one or more marks, the one or more marks being operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks for the first target object at the base distance and the one or more incremental distances, and being operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks for one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 90.0 degree target full value guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half value guide marks.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a reticle for an optical sight, the reticle comprising: (1) a first central scale; (2) a second central scale; (3) one or more first side scales; and (4) one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the first central scale comprises: (a) a first measurement mark, the first measurement mark being operably configured as a primary horizontal automatic ranging mark for a first target object at a basic distance; and (b) a second measurement mark, the second measurement mark comprising one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging marks for the first target object at one or more incremental distances greater than the basic distance; wherein the second central scale comprises a vertical crosshair and one or more horizontal crosshairs having angular measurement value graduations as graduation marks of incremental values ​​relative to the first measurement mark; wherein the one or more first side scales are The scale includes one or more marks, which are operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks for the first target object at the basic distance and the one or more incremental distances, and are operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks for one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured to guide the first target object when the first target object is traveling at multiple speeds relative to a full value of 90.0 degrees of the aiming line of sight emitted from the one or more moving target guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured to guide the first target object when the first target object is traveling at one or more of a plurality of speeds relative to a half value of 45.0 degrees of the aiming line of sight.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a reticle for an optical sight, the reticle comprising: (1) a first central scale; (2) a second central scale, the second central scale being located below the first central scale; (3) one or more first angle measurement side scales; and (4) one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the first central scale is operably configured to perform horizontal automatic ranging of a first target object based on a selected center of mass of the first target object at one or more predetermined first distances, and is operably configured to aim at the first target object at the one or more predetermined first distances and at the first target object at the one or more predetermined second distances; wherein the second central scale is operably configured to aim at a distance greater than the one or more predetermined first distances and the one or more predetermined second distances. The invention relates to a method for measuring the first target object at one or more third distances smaller than a plurality of predetermined second distances; wherein the one or more first angle measurement side scales include marks, and the marks are operably configured as (a) a vertical automatic range estimation mark for the first target object based on a selected full height and a selected half height of the first target object at the one or more predetermined first distances, (b) a horizontal angle measurement mark for one or more second target objects of known size, and (c) a vertical angle measurement mark for the one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 90.0 degree target full-value guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half-value guide marks.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a method for aiming a specially packaged firearm at a target object of a selected size and shape, the method comprising: (1) presenting the firearm including an optical sight having a reticle, the reticle comprising (a) a first central scale; (b) a second central scale; (c) one or more first angle measurement side scales; (d) one or more second angle measurement side scales; and (e) one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the one or more first angle measurement side scales include one or more marks, the one or more marks being operably configured as a vertical automatic range estimation mark, a horizontal angle measurement mark, and a vertical angle measurement mark, and wherein at least one of the one or more moving target guide marks is operably configured as a 90.0 degree target full-value guide mark and a 45.0 degree target half-value guide mark; and (2) positioning an aiming point of the reticle on the target object according to parameters, the parameters comprising a width of the target object, a full height of the target object, a half height of the target object, a travel speed of the target object, a travel direction of the target object, wind speed, target guidance information, firing correction information, and combinations thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a reticle of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 It is set in the demo sight picture Figure 1 Another plan view of the reticle.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another plan view of the reticle.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0019] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0020] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0021] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0022] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0023] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0024] Fig.15 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0025] Fig.16 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0026] Fig.17 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0027] Fig.18 is a plan view of an embodiment of a reticle of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.19 is a plan view of a portion of an embodiment of a reticle of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 20 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0030] Fig.21 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0031] Fig. 22 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0032] Fig.23 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0033] Fig.24 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0034] Fig.25 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0035] Fig.26 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0036] Fig. 27 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0037] Fig.28 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the upper portion of the reticle's central aiming mark and first central vertical crosshair.

[0038] Fig.29 It is aimed at a target object moving at an oblique angle. Figure 1 A simplified illustration of a reticle.

[0039] Fig.30 is a plan view of an embodiment of a reticle of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig.31 yes Fig.30A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0041] Fig.32 yes Fig.30 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0042] Fig.33 yes Fig.30 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0043] Fig.34 is a plan view of an embodiment of a reticle of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.35 yes Fig.34 A plan view of a portion of a reticle.

[0045] Fig.36 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of an optical sight including a reticle of the present disclosure.

[0046] Definitions used in this disclosure

[0047] The terms "at least one", "one or more", and "one or more" mean one thing or more than one thing, without limitation to the exact quantity; these three terms can be used interchangeably within the present disclosure. For example, at least one device means one or more devices or one device and multiple devices.

[0048] The term "about" means that the value of a given amount is within ±20% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±15% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value.

[0049] The term "substantially" or "essentially" means that the value of a given amount is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±0.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±0.1% of the stated value.

[0050] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. It is understood that no limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by this disclosure.

[0052] The terms "first," "second," "third," and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "may" and "could be" indicate the possibility of occurring within a set of circumstances; possessing a specified attribute, characteristic, or function; and / or qualifying another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, talent, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Thus, the use of "may" and "could be" indicates that the modified term is clearly suitable, capable, or suitable for the indicated ability, function, or use, while taking into account that in some cases, the modified term may sometimes be unsuitable, incapable, or inappropriate. For example, in some cases, an event or ability can be expected, while in other cases, the event or ability cannot occur. The terms "may" and "could be" capture this distinction.

[0054] With respect to the use of terms in the present disclosure in the singular and / or plural, those of ordinary skill in the art may convert such terms from the singular to the plural and / or from the plural to the singular according to the context of the present disclosure. Including "(s)" after an element or step indicates that there is one or more than one of such elements or steps, it being understood that each of them is an independent aspect of the present disclosure.

[0055] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and phrases used in this document and their variations should be interpreted as open ended rather than limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be understood to mean "including but not limited to" and the like, the term "example" is used to provide an illustrative example of the item being discussed, rather than an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and the term "a" or "an" should be understood to mean "at least one", "one or more", and the like. The use of the term "component" does not mean that the parts or functions described or claimed as part of the component must all be configured in a common package.

[0056] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "optical sight reticle," "reticle," and "reticle" in relation to a projectile launching device each refer to lines and / or other markings or indicia found on an eyepiece of a sighting device, such as an optical sight for one or more projectile launching devices. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "optical sight reticle," "reticle," and "reticle" may be used interchangeably.

[0057] In this article, "projectile launching device" may include, but is not limited to, firearms and crossbows. Firearms may include, but are not limited to, rifles, shotguns, pistols, shoulder-fired bazookas, shoulder-fired rocket launchers, air rifles, and paintball guns. As understood by the technician, specific firearms may be provided with different barrel lengths. The term "optical sight" may be used interchangeably with the terms "firearm optical sight", "observation instrument", "sight", "optical platform", "optical sighting device", "optical sighting system", and "telescopic sight". As for use with one or more rifles, the optical sight may also be referred to as a "rifle sight". As for use with a pistol, the optical sight may also be referred to as a "pistol sight". In this article, a person using an optical sight reticle and a corresponding projectile launching device may be referred to as a "shooter" or a user of an optical sight reticle. The optical sight of the present disclosure may include a first focal plane optical sight, a second focal plane optical sight, or a dual focal plane optical sight. Non-limiting examples of optical sights are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0164758A1, titled “Riflescope with Optical Aiming Corrector,” published on June 3, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 7,411,750B2, titled “Optical Sight,” published on August 12, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 10,180,565B2, titled “Viewing Optic with an Integrated Display System,” published on January 15, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent No. 4,806,007, titled “Optical Gun Sight,” published on February 21, 1989, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0058] As used herein, a "target object" or "target" for a projectile launching device may include entities of one or more sizes and / or one or more shapes and / or one or more outlines, for example, "animate objects" and / or inanimate objects. An exemplary target object may include a bull's-eye target, as the skilled person understands such a term to include a central circle surrounded by one or more outer rings. Another exemplary target object may include a target in the form of a human, including but not limited to a silhouette target having the general size and shape of a human or upper body of a human, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art of firearm target shooting. Another target object may include an object referred to herein as an "enemy combatant". The term "enemy combatant" may include one or more inanimate objects, one or more humans, i.e., one or more living humans, one or more living animals, one or more target objects having the general size and shape of a human, one or more target objects having the general size and shape of one or more animals, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art of firearm target shooting. Examples of animals may include but are not limited to one or more predators and / or one or more prey encountered during hunting activities. An exemplary inanimate object may include an outline of the general size and shape of (1) an adult, or (2) the torso of an adult, or (3) the upper torso of an adult, including the head and torso, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of firearm target shooting. The outline of an enemy combatant target object may include a front-facing outline or a side-facing outline relative to a reticle of an optical sight through which the outline is viewed. Another inanimate object may include one or more robotic targets equipped with artificial intelligence. Another inanimate object may include an unmanned aerial target.U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2013 / 0207347 A1, entitled “Reactive Target System,” published on August 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. US 8,807,570 B1, entitled “Shooting Target,” published on August 19, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2006 / 0125185 A1, entitled “Firearm Target Assembly,” published on June 15, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. US 6,491,303, entitled “Portable Target,” published on December 10, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety B1; U.S. Patent No. 4,691,925, entitled “Portable Steel Target For Pistol Shooting,” published on September 8, 1987, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 5,593,162, entitled “Target Device,” published on January 14, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. US 6,575,469, entitled “Three-Dimensional Game Target,” published on June 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety B2; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2016 / 0327369, entitled “Target, System and Method for Markmanship Training,” published on November 10, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2008 / 0061509A1, entitled “Firearm Target Assemblies, Target Systems, and Methods for Manufacturing Firearm Targets,” published on March 13, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference; and U.S. Patent No. US 8,757,627B1, entitled “Target Systems,” published on June 24, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, describe non-limiting examples of target objects.

[0059] As used herein, the phrases "close combat," "close quarters combat," and "close quarters combat" may be used interchangeably to define a confrontation involving firearms between two or more individuals at a distance of up to or about 100.0 meters (109.4 yards). As commonly used in a military context, the term "designated marksman" refers to the military role of a marksman assigned to engage human enemy combatants and other target objects at known and unknown distances, including distances up to or about 600.0 meters (656.17 yards), i.e., the "designated marksman role."

[0060] With respect to the optical sight reticles of the present disclosure, the "average center of mass" (or "center of mass") of a particular target object includes a specified width of the target object, for example, the outer shoulder tip to outer shoulder tip (or "shoulder tip to shoulder tip") width of an enemy combatant directly facing or substantially directly facing the optical sight reticule or when rotated 180.0 degrees directly away from or substantially directly away from the optical sight reticule. The shoulder tip to shoulder tip orientation of the enemy combatant is referred to herein as the "home position" of the enemy combatant. With reference to a human being, the center of mass suitably includes the torso or trunk of the human being.

[0061] For purposes of this disclosure, the distance to a target object refers to the distance from the optical sight reticle to the target object. For example, phrases such as "at a distance of 300.0 meters" and "300.0 meters away" and similar phrases referring to a target object mean that the target object is located at a distance of 300.0 meters separating the optical sight reticle.

[0062] As used herein, the phrase "field of view" ("FOV") refers to the area visible or observable to a user or operator (e.g., shooter) of an optical sight through an optical element, optical medium, or lens of an optical sight at a specific distance between the operator's eye and the optical element, optical medium, or lens of the optical sight. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, generally, the larger the lens of an optical sight, the larger the field of view of the optical sight at a specific distance between the operator's eye and the optical element.

[0063] With respect to the optical sight reticle of the present disclosure, the term "mark" may be used to define an indicator of the position of a point on the optical sight reticle, including but not limited to an aiming point on the optical sight reticle. The mark of the present disclosure may include one or more shapes or configurations, including but not limited to a point, a horizontal straight line, a vertical straight line, and a straight line at an inclined angle, a closed circle, an open circle, a triangle, a star, a folded angle, a bull's eye, a diamond, an "X" mark, a "T" mark, a "Y" mark, a curve, a cross, a letter, a number, an arc, a solid shape, and an outline shape including an irregular shape and combinations thereof. In this article, the term "point" is not necessarily provided in a generally circular form.

[0064] In this article, "cm" means centimeters and "m" means meters, "mph" means miles per hour and "mps" means meters per second. In this article, "km / h" means kilometers per hour and "ft / s" means feet per second. The phrase "time on target" refers to the time required for an operator of a projectile launching device (e.g., a firearm user or shooter) to achieve a given round of aiming point for a specific target object in real time, i.e., the time required for target acquisition. In this article, a rapid or fast time on target can include 3.0 seconds or less or about 3.0 seconds or less. The terms "automatic" and "automatic" can be used interchangeably. The terms "auto ranging", "auto range" and similar terms refer to the ability to measure or estimate the range of one or more target objects at one or more distances with the optical sight reticle of the present invention without performing or using range estimation calculations. The term "auto guidance" and similar terms refer to the ability to guide one or more moving target objects with the optical sight reticle of the present invention without performing or using guidance calculations. The term "automatic bullet drop compensation" and similar terms refer to the ability to identify how far a bullet drops at a given distance without performing or using bullet drop calculations. In this context, the act of aiming a target object refers to aiming a projectile launching device at a target object using the optical sight reticle of the present disclosure.

[0065] As used herein, the term "bullet drop" refers to the curved trajectory that a moving projectile or bullet traverses when it falls from its initial trajectory when it travels a certain distance from a projectile launching device, i.e., the "target range" or "target distance" to reach a target object. As understood by the skilled person, bullet drop is caused by the effect of gravity on a moving projectile or bullet. Therefore, in order to hit a target object at a long range, it is necessary to raise the barrel of a projectile launching device, e.g., the barrel of a rifle, to adjust the aiming point to compensate for the bullet drop. The term "full speed wind" refers to a wind that blows vertically from left to right or from right to left relative to an optical sight reticle, e.g., a crosswind. Using a clock system, full speed wind travels "9 to 3" and "3 to 9" relative to an optical sight reticle. As further understood by those skilled in the art, the term "full speed" with reference to wind means that the wind force has a complete effect on the flight of the bullet compared to "half speed wind" or "no speed wind". As further understood by those skilled in the art, generally, the greater the speed of the wind, the greater the force of the wind.

[0066] As used herein, the phrase "variable target" refers to a target object whose height and / or width can be changed. As used herein, the "full height" of a human target object is measured from the top of the head to the soles of the feet. For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "fire correction" of a projectile launching device means adjusting the aiming point to the point of impact, e.g., adjusting the aiming point of a reticle to the point of impact. As used herein, the phrase "weapon system" refers to a firearm and its various components used for the purpose of aiming and firing one or more rounds.

[0067] As used herein, "MRAD" is an abbreviation of the term milliradian (singular), and "MRADs" is an abbreviation of milliradian (plural). A milliradian is an angular measurement where a milliradian is one thousandth of a radian. There are 6.283 radians in a circle, which is equivalent to 6283.0 milliradians in a circle. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of firearm shooting, milliradians are used to adjust a firearm sight by adjusting the angle of the sight compared to the barrel of the corresponding firearm. A milliradian reticle may also be referred to as an "MRAD reticle." A milliradian reticle may also be referred to as an "MRAD optical sight reticle."

[0068] As used herein, "MOA" refers to minutes of angle, which is an angular measurement where one minute of angle equals 1 / 60 of a degree. An angle minute reticle may also be referred to as a "MOA reticle" or a "MOA optical sight reticle."

[0069] The term "subtension" refers to the amount of a target object that is covered by a portion of an optical sight reticle. The length of the subtension may be measured at a particular distance, e.g., inches at a distance in yards, or as an angular measurement in MRAD or MOA. With respect to the optical sight reticles of the present disclosure, the term "subtension mark" may be used interchangeably with "angular measurement subtension mark" and may be provided as one or more markings of the optical sight reticles of the present disclosure, e.g., as a MRAD subtension mark or a MOA subtension mark.

[0070] In firearms shooting and other projectile alignment activities, it is understood that distances in meters can be converted to yards and vice versa. A non-limiting sampling of conversions for various distances in meters and yards is provided in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0071] Table 1

[0072] Distance (unit: meter) Distance (Unit: Yard) 50.0 54.68 100.0 109.36 150.0 164.04 200.0 218.72 250.0 273.40 300.0 328.08 350.0 382.77 400.0 437.45 450.0 492.13 500.0 546.81 550.0 601.49 600.0 656.17

[0073] Table 2

[0074] Distance (Unit: Yard) Distance (unit: meter) 50.0 45.72 100.0 91.44 150.0 137.16 200.0 182.88 250.0 228.6 300.0 274.32 350.0 320.04 400.0 365.76 450.0 411.48 500.0 457.2 550.0 502.92 600.0 548.64

[0075] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, as described in Table 3 below, 1.0 MRAD at 100.0 yards is equal to 9.14 cm (3.6 inches), 1.0 MRAD at 200.0 yards is equal to 18.29 cm (7.2 inches), and so on, up to a distance of 600.0 yards. Likewise, as described in Table 4 below, 1.0 MRAD at 100.0 meters is equal to 10.0 cm, and so on, up to a distance of 600.0 meters.

[0076] Table 3

[0077] Range (in yards) One MRAD (unit: cm) One MRAD (unit: inches) 100.0 9.14 3.6 200.0 18.29 7.2 300.0 27.43 10.8 400.0 36.58 14.4 500.0 45.72 18.0 600.0 54.86 21.6

[0078] Table 4

[0079] Range (unit: meter) One MRAD (unit: cm) One MRAD (unit: inches) 100.0 10.00 3.94 200.0 20.00 7.87 300.0 30.00 11.81 400.0 40.00 15.75 500.0 50.00 19.69 600.0 60.00 23.62

[0080] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the phrase "30 caliber cartridge" may refer to a .308 (".308"), .30-30 Winchester, 7.62 x 51 mm NATO, .30 / 06, and .30 Carbine cartridges or bullets. As those of ordinary skill in the art of firearms understand, .308 Winchester and 7.62 x 51 mm NATO bullets are not identical, and .308 Winchester bullets are typically loaded to a higher pressure than 7.62 x 51 mm NATO bullets. However, .308 Winchester and 7.62 x 51 mm NATO bullets are similar enough to each be loaded into a firearm chambered for the other round.

[0081] As used herein, .300 Winchester Magnum (or ".300 Win Mag" or "300WM") refers to a 7.62×67mm cartridge or bullet. The terms "5.45" and "5.45 bullet" refer to a 5.45×39mm cartridge or bullet. As used herein, the term "7.62 NATO" refers to a 7.62×51mm cartridge or bullet. The term "7.62 Soviet" refers to a 7.62×39mm cartridge or bullet. The term "6.5 Creedmoor" refers to a 6.5×48mm cartridge or bullet. The terms "6.5 Grendel" and "6.5mm Grendel" refer to a 6.5×39mm cartridge or bullet. The 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge or "6mm ARC" refers to a 6.0×38mm cartridge or bullet.

[0082] The terms "5.56" and "5.56 bullet" refer to the 5.56×45mm NATO (military designation) cartridge or bullet. Similarly, the terms ".223" and ".223 bullet" refer to the .223 Cartridge or Bullet. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, although not identical, a .223 bullet is often referred to as a "5.56 bullet" and vice versa.

[0083] The terms "M855" and "M855 bullets" refer to 5.56 bullets, which include a gold-plated metal jacket, lead alloy core bullet with steel armor piercing bullets. The term "MK 262" refers to a 5.56 bullet available from Black Hills Ammunition in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA. The term "M193" refers to a 5.56 center-fired cartridge with a 55-grain gold-plated metal jacket, lead alloy core bullet. Those skilled in the art understand that .223 bullets are used in various rifles, including but not limited to AR-15 ("AR") type rifle platforms. Exemplary AR variants include the M16 rifle ("M16") and the M4 Carbine ("M4"), which is a variant of the M16. The term "M27" refers to the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, which is a magazine-type 5.56mm firearm based on the HK416 rifle produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf, Germany. 50 caliber or "50 Browning" refers to the 12.7×99mm NATO bullet or cartridge (hereafter, 12.7×99mm).

[0084] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to a projectile package for a firearm, which includes at least a bullet, a casing, an explosive propellant, and a primer. The terms "cartridge" and "bullet" may be used interchangeably. The term "ammunition" refers to one or more cartridges. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "ammunition" and "ammo" may be used interchangeably. As used herein, the combination of a particular cartridge and a firearm loaded for the cartridge may be referred to as a "firearm / ammo combination."

[0085] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an optical sight reticle for one or more projectile launching devices, the optical sight reticle including indicia that is operably configured to automatically range a target object vertically and / or horizontally based on a predetermined center of mass of the target object and / or a predetermined height of the target object. As discussed herein, in an embodiment, a user of the optical sight reticle can aim at a target object and fire it without having to perform any calculations regarding projectile or bullet drop compensation data, wind data, moving target guidance data at multiple travel angles relative to a line of sight emitted from the optical sight reticle at multiple travel speeds of the target object, ranging data, firing correction data, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the optical sight reticle also includes indicia including graduated markings of angular measurement value graduations that are operably configured to perform horizontal and vertical ranging of one or more target objects. The optical sight reticle also includes markings including angular measurement value graduations that are operably configured so that a second person can guide or walk the shooter to a correct aiming position or aiming point of one or more target objects that the shooter would not otherwise see (referred to herein as "target guidance" and / or "walk-in guidance" and / or "walking the shooter to the target object"). In an embodiment, the optical sight reticle also includes markings that are operably configured for correction of firing or "firing correction" between the second person and the shooter. In an embodiment, the person providing the shooter with target guidance information and / or firing correction information has the same optical sight reticle as the shooter. The optical sight reticle of the present disclosure can be encased in a substantially flat disk or wafer formed of transparent or substantially transparent optical glass or other materials suitable for manufacturing optical lenses.

[0086] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms that is operably configured to optimize or otherwise improve firearm shooting accuracy by allowing the shooter to take into account factors including, but not limited to, the height and width of a variable target object, bullet drop compensation, wind compensation, and the speed of travel of the variable target object relative to what the skilled person considers to be cardinal directions, i.e., north, south, east, and west.

[0087] In another embodiment, an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms is provided, the optical sight reticle having preset parameters operably configured to associate one or more of range estimation information, bullet drop compensation information, wind information, moving target travel speed and direction guidance information, target guidance information, firing correction information, and combinations thereof. The optical sight reticle includes a first central scale operably configured for (1) horizontal ranging and aiming of a variable target such as a human enemy combatant oriented in a primary position ranging from a full-height upright position to a prone position on the ground according to a predetermined center of mass of the target object and (2) adjusting for wind. The optical sight reticle is also provided with one or more separate but integrated corresponding side scales that include markings for vertical automatic range estimation of a variable target oriented at one or more positions different from the primary position, i.e., one or more secondary or alternative firing positions according to a predetermined or selected full height of the target object or half height of the target object, for example, where a human enemy combatant is oriented laterally relative to the optical sight reticle or at least oriented less than shoulder tip to shoulder tip relative to the optical sight reticle. The one or more side scales are operably configured to correlate vertical range estimation, target guidance information, and firing correction information in real time. The one or more side scales are also marked with angular measurement increments for vertical and horizontal ranging of one or more target objects of known size. The preset parameters are operably configured to extend the precision range of a weapon system, such as a firearm, beyond at least 100.0% of the non-optical capacity of the weapon system.

[0088] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms that is operably configured to correlate range estimates, bullet drop compensation, and travel speed to a target of a predetermined size and / or shape in windy conditions without having to perform calculations to obtain information that is not already available based on the configuration of the optical sight reticle.

[0089]

[0011] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms that is operably configured for use with one or more specific caliber firearms against one or more specific target objects.

[0090] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms that employs bullet drop compensated ranging and aiming points at multiple distances (e.g., fifty (50) meter increments), wind compensation or wind adjustment markings at multiple distances based on one or more specific wind speeds, and moving target guide markings or guides for target objects traveling at one or more predetermined speeds at one or more predetermined angles relative to an aiming line emitted from the optical sight reticle. The optical sight reticle also includes one or more angular measurement markings for horizontal and vertical range estimation of one or more target objects of known size. The optical sight reticle also includes one or more step-in lines marked in increments of angular measurement values.

[0091] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms, which is operably configured to range and aim at a moving, variable target object (e.g., a human enemy combatant or other animal) in real time using known parameters, which include but are not limited to (1) the center of mass of the target object based on the shoulder-to-shoulder width of the target object, (2) the full height of the target object, (3) half the height of the target object, (4) the travel speed of the target object, (5) the travel direction of the target object, (6) wind speed, (7) target guidance information, (8) firing correction information, and combinations thereof.

[0092] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms that is operably configured for use based on a predetermined travel speed and direction of travel of one or more moving target objects of a predetermined full height and / or width at a given distance from the optical sight reticle.

[0093] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle for one or more firearms, whereby a user of the optical sight reticle can employ one or more target acquisition features of the optical sight reticle as desired, the target acquisition features comprising one or more calculation-free automatic range estimation marks and one or more marks graduated with angular measurements for calculating a range estimate to one or more target objects.

[0094] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of ranging at least one target object with an optical sight reticle of the present disclosure, the optical sight reticle including a central scale that displays bullet trajectories within a known distance including a shoulder-to-shoulder width of a target object at a known distance from the optical sight reticle. The optical sight reticle includes an auxiliary scale to facilitate optimal target acquisition when the shoulder-to-shoulder width of the target object is not accessible or otherwise obstructs the field of view of a user of the optical sight reticle.

[0095] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an optical sight reticle that employs bullet drop compensation aiming points at multiple distances, wind compensation based on one or more wind speeds achieved at multiple distances, and moving target guidance marks for target objects traveling at one or more predetermined speeds in real time. As for aiming capabilities with respect to human enemy combatants, the optical sight reticle is operably configured to provide automatic shoulder tip to shoulder tip horizontal ranging of enemy combatants at a base distance, and bullet drop compensation is associated based on shoulder tip to shoulder tip horizontal range estimates of enemy combatants at one or more incremental distances from the optical sight reticle that are greater than the base distance. Shoulder tip to shoulder tip horizontal ranging of enemy combatants can be achieved with enemy combatants oriented in standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone positions. The optical sight reticle of the present disclosure is also operably configured to perform vertical ranging of enemy combatants in standing, sitting, and kneeling positions. The optical sight reticle of the present disclosure is also operably configured to vertically range an enemy combatant whose field of view is partially obstructed (e.g., an enemy combatant standing behind bushes, brush, rocks, fences, or other objects that rise to about the waist area of ​​the enemy combatant).

[0096] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for extending the range of a particular weapon system by providing an optical sight reticle that includes indicia of an angular measurement scale and indicia including pre-calculated parameters regarding wind speed, speed and direction of travel of a variable target object, bullet drop compensation, horizontal range information, vertical range information, target guidance information, firing corrections, and combinations thereof, wherein one or more indicia of the angular measurement scale include one or more of the pre-calculated parameters.

[0097] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an optical sight reticle including markings that are operably configured to associate one or more of bullet drop compensation, horizontal range estimation, vertical range estimation, wind adjustment information, target object travel speed and travel guidance direction information, target guidance information, firing correction, close combat aiming, and combinations thereof for one or more target objects in a computation-free manner. The optical sight reticle is operably configured to measure the distance of a target object at a basic distance and one or more incremental distances beyond the basic distance. The optical sight reticle includes a plurality of measurement marks, including at least one measurement mark that is operably configured to provide a plurality of computation-free automatic ranging information. The optical sight reticle also includes a plurality of measurement marks for angular measurement value graduations for range estimation of one or more target objects of known or estimated size (e.g., height and / or width). Because wind may offset the desired path of a projectile such as a bullet, the optical sight reticle may also include one or more wind adjustment marks to allow aiming adjustments to be made in windy conditions.

[0098] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle, system, and method for target acquisition of a variable target object, the optical sight reticle having one or more preset parameters selected from the group consisting of: horizontal range estimation, vertical range estimation, bullet drop compensation, windage adjustment information, target travel speed and travel guidance direction information, target guidance information, firing correction information, and combinations thereof, based on a particular firearm package. The optical sight reticle also has one or more markings for grading angular measurements for ranging one or more target objects.

[0099] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an optical sight reticle having advantages not taught by the prior art and a method for using the optical sight reticle. For example, the present disclosure relates to a method for reducing the time on target of a shooter using a firearm of a specific package for one or more first target objects of a selected size and / or shape via an optical sight reticle having a central scale and one or more side scales with preset parameters, the preset parameters being selected from the group consisting of: horizontal range estimation, vertical range estimation, bullet drop compensation, wind adjustment information, target travel speed guidance information, firing correction information, guidance information, and combinations thereof. One or more side scales include one or more marks that are operably configured to be used for angular measurement value divisions for vertical automatic ranging, target guidance, and firing correction of one or more target objects. One or more side scales also include one or more marks that are operably configured to be used for angular measurement value divisions for horizontal and vertical range estimation of one or more target objects including one or more second target objects of sizes and / or shapes different from the selected size and / or shape.

[0100] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle operably configured to include 50.0 meter incremental bullet drop compensation markings or crosshairs providing aiming points up to 800.0 meters. In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle operably configured to include 50.0 meter incremental bullet drop compensation markings or crosshairs providing aiming points up to 1000.0 meters.

[0101] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle that can be configured to include integrated moving target guidance markings for speeds up to 64.4 km / h (40.0 mph).

[0102] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle that may be configured to include a full speed wind hold (“wind adjustment mark”) for winds ranging from 1.12 mps (2.5 mph) to 4.5 mps (10.0 mph) at a distance of 400.0 meters to 800.0 meters.

[0103] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle that provides horizontal and vertical target ranging and bullet drop compensation for one or more target objects without requiring any calculations by providing a combination of vertical lines, horizontal lines, and dots in conjunction with primary ranging marks in the form of, but not limited to, angled shapes, closed circles, full circles, inverted "T" shapes, "X" shapes, solid dots, rectangles, and triangles.

[0104] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle having a feature-rich and intuitive design that is organized in an effective manner to communicate various types of information to a user in an effective manner as compared to prior art optical sight reticles for: (1) increasing the probability of a first-time hit on a target object and (2) reducing the time necessary to reach a firing solution that achieves a hit on a target object.

[0105] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an optical sight reticle that is operably configured for use as part of one or more commercially available firearm optical sights. A non-limiting example of a commercially available firearm optical sight into which the optical sight reticle of the present disclosure may be incorporated with the present disclosure includes the Primary 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 SLX 5x36 third generation prism sight.

[0106] refer to Figure 1, shows an embodiment of an optical sight reticle 10 (hereinafter, "reticle 10") of the present disclosure. When viewed through an optical sight, reticle 10 may be as Figure 2 appears as shown in Figure 2 The reticle 10 is illustrated as being disposed within a demonstration sight picture 5. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the reticle of an optical sight may be disposed in a first focal plane or a second focal plane of the optical sight. When disposed in the first focal plane of the optical sight, for use of the reticle 10 as described herein, the size of the reticle 10 relative to its corresponding demonstration sight picture 5 varies with the magnification of the optical sight, thereby maintaining authenticity to the target object. When disposed in the second focal plane of the optical sight, the reticle 10 is fixed at all magnifications, meaning that the reticle 10 must be disposed at a specific magnification in order to use the reticle 10 as described herein. Although the selected magnification of the reticle 10 may vary for the second focal plane, for purposes of this disclosure, the reticle 10 disposed in the second focal plane is operable at full magnification as described herein. Although the disclosed reticle 10 may be calibrated for a variety of cartridges and optical platforms, for purposes of discussion, the disclosed reticle 10 is described as being calibrated for a 5.56 (.223 caliber) rifle from 300.0 meters to 800.0 meters.

[0107] Go to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the reticle 10 of the present disclosure includes one or more marks or indicators that are effective as measurement marks and / or aiming marks for one or more target objects. In one embodiment, the reticle 10 can include at least (1) a first measurement mark 11 (also referred to herein as a "central aiming mark 11" or "primary aiming mark 11"), (2) a second measurement mark 12 having an uppermost end 31 terminating at a midpoint of a base 19 of the central aiming mark 11 and a distal end 39 terminating at a point below the midpoint of the base 19 of the central aiming mark 11, (3) a third measurement mark 13 in the form of a first side scale disposed to the right of the central aiming mark 11, (4) a fourth measurement mark 14 in the form of a second side scale disposed to the left of the central aiming mark 11, (5) a fifth measurement mark 15 located below the second measurement mark 12, (6) a sixth measurement mark 16 located to the right of the third measurement mark 13, and (7) a seventh measurement mark 17 located to the left of the fourth measurement mark 14. As described below, the reticle 10 may also include one or more windage adjustment markings and / or one or more moving target guidance markings. Figure 3 As shown, the second measurement mark 12 , the third measurement mark 13 , the fourth measurement mark 14 , the fifth measurement mark 15 , the sixth measurement mark 16 , and the seventh measurement mark 17 are each disposed radially from the central aiming mark 11 .

[0108] The operation of reticle 10 is appropriately determined based on the set spacing and size of the various marks or indicators described herein relative to each other. Reticle 10 can be configured to measure the range of target objects at one or more specific distances as desired, depending on the characteristics of the specific firearm utilizing reticle 10. In addition, reticle 10 employs basic perspective principles known in the art of range-finding reticles. For example, the farther the target object is from the individual utilizing reticle 10, the smaller the target object appears to the individual.

[0109] Although the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may be operatively configured as desired, the following discussion will be made with respect to the central aiming mark 11. Figure 1 In the reticle 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , the central aiming mark 11 is operably configured to perform horizontal automatic ranging and target acquisition of target objects including enemy combatants 99 at a predetermined initial ranging distance (or “basic distance”) of the reticle 10 of 300.0 meters (328.08 yards) based on a predetermined average center of mass of enemy combatants 99 of 0.48 meters (19.0 inches), i.e., a “selected center of mass” or “selected width” of enemy combatants 99. As such, the central aiming mark 11 may be referred to herein as a “first horizontal automatic ranging mark,” “primary horizontal automatic ranging mark,” “first horizontal automatic ranging indicator,” or “primary horizontal automatic ranging indicator.”

[0110] Initial vertical automatic ranging and target acquisition of a target object including an enemy combatant 99 is achieved at a base distance of 300.0 meters (328.08 yards) based on a predetermined full height of a human enemy combatant 99 of 1.70 meters (67.0 inches), which predetermined full height is hereinafter referred to as the "selected full height" or "selected height", which describes an individual generally referred to as five feet seven inches tall in the United States. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may be operably configured for initial horizontal ranging and initial vertical ranging of an enemy combatant 99 at a base distance of 274.32 meters (300.0 yards) based on a selected center of mass of 0.46 meters (18.0 inches) and a selected full height of 1.78 meters (70.0 inches). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the selected center of mass and / or the selected full height may vary depending on the intended target object or objects.

[0111] When looking through the optical sight of a firearm, Figure 2 5 , a freestanding central aiming mark 11 is located in the center of an optical medium of the optical sight, wherein at least a portion of the central aiming mark 11 defines a center point of the reticle 10 , and wherein the central aiming mark 11 is operably configured for initial target acquisition associated with a size requirement of one or more specific target objects at a predetermined or selected base distance from the reticle 10 .

[0112] Still refer to Figures 1 to 4 In an embodiment, the central aiming mark 11 may be configured as an angled shape, wherein the uppermost portion 20 of the angled shape, i.e., the uppermost point 20 of the central aiming mark 11, defines the center point of the reticle 10 and is located at the optical center, such as Figure 2 . In this embodiment, the angled shape is arranged in an upright position, wherein the closed end is oriented as the top of the angled shape. In another embodiment, the angled shape may be inverted, wherein the closed end is oriented at the bottom of the angled shape. In yet another embodiment, the central aiming mark 11 may be provided in one or more other forms or shapes other than the angled shape. For example, the central aiming mark 11 may have a specific shape, which is operably configured to be equipped with a reticle 10 for aiming at a specific target object, which includes animate objects and inanimate objects of various shapes and sizes. Exemplary alternative shapes of the central aiming mark 11 may include, but are not limited to, an open angled shape, an open circle, a crosshair ("X" and "+" shapes), an open or three-sided rectangle, a four-sided rectangle, an opening spacing of parallel horizontal lines, an opening spacing of non-parallel horizontal lines, an opening spacing of parallel vertical lines, an opening spacing of non-parallel vertical lines, and any other one or more shapes effective for horizontal range estimation and target aiming. Additionally, it is contemplated that each of the above shapes may be provided as solid and / or dashed lines and / or dots and / or a plurality of separate other markings that together form the desired shape, for example, a series of lines and / or dots forming an angled central aiming mark 11 .

[0113] As mentioned above, in Figures 1 to 4 In an embodiment of the present invention, the central aiming mark 11 of the reticle 10 may be operably configured for horizontal range estimation of an enemy combatant 99 at a base distance of 300.0 meters based on a center of mass of 19.0 inches. Thus, in one embodiment, the width of the angled central aiming mark 11 at its base 19 may be set to be at or about 1.61 MRAD (5.53 MOA), which corresponds to a center of mass of 0.48 meters (19.0 inches) from the reticle 10 at a distance of 300.0 meters. At a distance of 300.0 meters, horizontal ranging of the enemy combatant 99 is achieved using the width of the base 19 of the central aiming mark 11 to perform an automatic range estimation of the enemy combatant 99 from shoulder tip to shoulder tip, such as Figure 5 In operation, once the enemy combatant 99 is ranged from shoulder to shoulder at a base distance of 300.0 meters, the uppermost end 31 of the first central vertical crosshair 30 (i.e., the apex of the uppermost end 31) can be used as a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point on the enemy combatant 99 for shots fired at 300.0 meters (see Figure 5For shots fired at 100.0 meters, the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 (i.e., the uppermost point 20 of the angled shape) can be used to provide a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point on the enemy combatant 99. For shots fired at 200.0 meters, the inner corner 21 of the angled central aiming mark 11 can be used to provide a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point on the enemy combatant 99.

[0114] As described above, the reticle 10 is suitably operably configured to associate bullet drop compensation with a shoulder-to-shoulder horizontal range estimate of an enemy combatant 99 at one or more incremental distances greater than the base distance (i.e., greater than 300.0 meters). For long-range shooting with firearms often used by weekend enthusiasts, competition shooters, hunters, law enforcement personnel, and military snipers, it is important to consider the drop of bullets within a certain distance. As understood by those skilled in the art, the amount of bullet drop can be determined based on one or more factors, including but not limited to bullet caliber, barrel length, rifling, bullet weight, ammunition charge, and combinations thereof. Such factors are usually referred to as "packages" by ordinary technicians in the field of firearms and shooting, and are substantially consistent over time for a specific firearm. Therefore, when the target object is further away from a specific reticle 10, the various marks or indicators of the reticle 10 provided can be oriented and sized to be used for ranging the enemy combatant 99 based on a given package. For example, in an embodiment, the second measurement mark 12 of the reticle 10 may include at least a first central vertical crosshair 30 and a first horizontal line or first horizontal crosshair 32, the first central vertical crosshair extending vertically downward from the midpoint of the central aiming mark 11 (from left to right) along the vertical centerline 500 of the reticle 10 (see Figure 2 ), and the first horizontal line or first horizontal crosshair intersects the first central vertical crosshair 30 at the first intersection point 25 to automatically range and aim horizontally at an enemy combatant 99 at a first predetermined incremental distance from the reticle 10 greater than the basic distance (see Figure 4 ). In this embodiment, the width of first horizontal crosshair 32 is associated with the center of mass of enemy combatant 99 at a first predetermined incremental distance from reticle 10 that is greater than the primary distance, whereby first horizontal crosshair 32 may be referred to herein as a “second horizontal autoranging mark,” “secondary horizontal autoranging mark,” “secondary horizontal autoranging indicator,” or “secondary horizontal autoranging indicator.”

[0115] In this embodiment of reticle 10, the first incremental distance corresponding to first horizontal crosshair 32 is a distance of 400.0 meters. In operation, once the enemy combatant 99 is ranged from shoulder tip to shoulder tip at 400.0 meters based on the width of first horizontal crosshair 32, first intersection point 25 is operably configured as a target aiming point, target aiming mark, precision shot aiming mark, or impact point on enemy combatant 99 for shots fired at 400.0 meters (see Figure 6 ). In scenarios where wind is not a factor, range estimation and aiming of the enemy combatant 99 may be correlated along the length of the first central vertical crosshair 30 without having to move to a different aiming point, as described below.

[0116] Further references Figure 4 , the reticle 10 may also include one or more additional horizontal crosshairs 33, 34, 35, 36 intersecting the first central vertical crosshair 30 at one or more points, as shown, the one or more additional horizontal crosshairs being operably configured for horizontal autoranging of enemy combatants 99 shoulder tip to shoulder tip at one or more predetermined incremental distances from the reticle 10 greater than 400.0 meters and for targeting the enemy combatants 99. Herein, the one or more horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may be collectively referred to as “secondary horizontal autoranging marks 32, 33, 34, 35, 36”, “secondary horizontal autoranging marks 32, 33, 34, 35, 36”, “secondary / secondary horizontal autoranging indicators 32, 33, 34, 35, 36”. Additionally, each of the one or more horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may also be referred to as a bullet drop compensation mark, a bullet drop compensation indicator, a horizontal auto-ranging bullet drop compensation mark, and a horizontal auto-ranging bullet drop compensation indicator.

[0117] In this embodiment, a second horizontal line or second horizontal crosshair 33 intersects the first central vertical crosshair 30 at a second intersection point 26, which defines a second incremental distance beyond the basic distance. The second horizontal crosshair 33 may be referred to herein as a "third horizontal auto-ranging mark," "third level horizontal auto-ranging mark," "second horizontal auto-ranging indicator," or "third level horizontal auto-ranging indicator."

[0118] Suitably, second horizontal crosshair 33 has a width associated with the center of mass of enemy combatant 99 at a second incremental distance greater than the base distance, whereby second intersection point 26 provides a target aiming point or impact point for shots fired at the second incremental distance. In this non-limiting embodiment, the second incremental distance is 500.0 meters. In other words, once enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 500.0 meters from reticle 10 is ranged via second horizontal crosshair 33, i.e., "ranged at 500.0 meters," second intersection point 26 may be used to provide a target aiming point, target aiming mark, precision shot aiming mark, or impact point for enemy combatant 99 for shots fired at 500.0 meters, as Figure 7 as shown in .

[0119] Further references Figure 4 , additional horizontal crosshairs may be provided for horizontal ranging and targeting of enemy combatants 99 at a distance of 600.0 meters from reticle 10 using third horizontal crosshairs 34 and third intersection 27, enemy combatants at a distance of 700.0 meters from reticle 10 using fourth horizontal crosshairs 35 and fourth intersection 28, and enemy combatants at a distance of 800.0 meters from reticle 10 using fifth horizontal crosshairs 36 and fifth intersection 29, similar to what is described above with respect to first horizontal crosshairs 32 and second horizontal crosshairs 33. Figure 4 As can be seen in , each subsequent horizontal crosshair in succession is narrower, i.e., decreases in width, from left to right, corresponding to the shoulder tip to shoulder tip ranging of enemy combatants 99 at increasing distances separated from reticle 10.

[0120] For purposes of this disclosure, the central aiming mark 11, the first central vertical crosshair 30, and the one or more horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 that intersect the first central vertical crosshair 30 may be collectively referred to as the "central scale" of the reticle 10, and also as the "first central scale" of the reticle 10. In this embodiment of the reticle 10, the first central scale is operably configured to perform horizontal automatic ranging of an enemy combatant 99 that is directly facing or substantially directly facing a user of the firearm and associated reticle 10, or that is directly facing or substantially facing 180.0 degrees in the opposite direction, for shoulder tip to shoulder tip ranging of the enemy combatant 99. Shoulder tip to shoulder tip ranging of enemy combatant 99 may be accomplished (1) when enemy combatant 99 is standing at the full height of enemy combatant 99, (2) when enemy combatant 99 is kneeling on one or both knees, (3) when enemy combatant 99 is in a sitting position, (4) when enemy combatant 99 is in a prone position, and (5) when enemy combatant 99 is in a supine position.

[0121] Further references Figure 4 , the intersection 29 of the crosshairs 36 is located at the distal end 39 of the first central vertical crosshair 30. In another embodiment, the terminal end of the first central vertical crosshair 30 can be located at a different point on the reticle 10, for example, the first central vertical crosshair 30 can terminate at a horizontal ranging distance of the enemy combatant 99 at a distance less than or greater than 800.0 meters from the reticle 10. As described above, the reticle 10 may require different bullet drop compensation calibrations for different cartridges and platforms. This is because there are many factors that can determine the flight path of a projectile or bullet through space. For example, (1) initial velocity, (2) bullet type, and (3) altitude can affect how fast the bullet falls as it travels downward through space. Thus, it is contemplated herein that the reticle 10 can be configured to be specific to the above-mentioned targets. Figure 4 The distances described are different from the bullet drop compensation range of the reticle 10. In a simplified example, the reticle 10 can use bullet drop compensation range measurement for distances from 100.0 meters to 500.0 meters. In another simplified example, the reticle 10 can use bullet drop compensation range measurement for distances from 200.0 meters to 800.0 meters. In yet another embodiment, the reticle 10 can obtain ranges in yards instead of meters. For example, as Figure 1 The reticle 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be operably configured to range from 300.0 yards to 800.0 yards. The range of bullet drop compensation and the units of measurement employed for a particular reticle 10 are not limited, and the above distances are provided as non-limiting examples.

[0122] If further Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first central scale may also include one or more additional horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 that intersect the first central vertical crosshair 30. Herein, one or more horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may be referred to as "primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36", and horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 may be referred to as "secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45". For purposes of this disclosure, secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 may be provided as bullet drop compensation markings for the purpose of bullet drop compensation. Figure 4 In an embodiment of the reticle 10, each of the secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 is associated with a bullet drop increment of fifty meters (50.0 meters) relative to the apex of the uppermost end 31 and the adjacent primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. In another embodiment of the reticle 10, the bullet drop compensation of the secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 may vary from 50.0 meter increments.

[0123] Unless there is wind, the intersection of the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and the secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 along the first central vertical crosshair 30 appropriately provides a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point on the enemy combatant 99 for shots fired at various distances depending on the intersection point, whereby the reticle 10 may also include one or more wind adjustment marks to allow aiming adjustments in windy conditions. Figure 4 , the distance between the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 gradually increases below the central aiming mark 11 in accordance with the increased bullet drop achieved within the increasing distance from the crosshairs 10, that is, the distance between the horizontal crosshairs 35 and 36 is greater than the distance between the horizontal crosshairs 33 and 34. Similarly, the distance between the secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 gradually increases below the central aiming mark 11 in accordance with the increased bullet drop achieved within the increasing distance from the crosshairs 10, as shown.

[0124] As discussed below, one or more of the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and the secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 may be operably configured as windage adjustment markings. Likewise, additional windage adjustment markings may be included on either side of the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and / or the secondary horizontal crosshairs 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 as desired or required for maximum use and efficiency of the reticle 10.

[0125] Reference Figure 8, the reticle 10 may include windage adjustment markings as mirrored marks in the form of solid dots that are arranged to be horizontally aligned with corresponding horizontal crosshairs (e.g., primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) and spaced apart to correlate with predetermined wind speeds. The windage adjustment markings may be referred to herein as "full speed wind hold" as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the first horizontal crosshair 32 of this embodiment of the reticle 10 is provided with a set of windage adjustment markings 50, 51 (shown as "windage adjustment points 50, 51") at a distance effective to compensate for an average crosswind speed of 4.5 mps (10.0 mph) or about 4.5 mps (10.0 mph) on opposite sides of the first horizontal crosshair 32. In this embodiment, the first horizontal crosshair 32 itself may also be used for windage adjustment purposes. In other words, not only does first horizontal crosshair 32 have a width that is operably configured to range the center of mass of enemy combatant 99 shoulder tip to shoulder tip at 400.0 meters as described above, but left outer edge 37 and right outer edge 38 of first horizontal crosshair 32 are operably configured to compensate for an average crosswind speed of at or about 2.2 mps (5.0 mph). Thus, at least first horizontal crosshair 32 is operably configured to (1) range and (2) adjust for wind in real time without requiring any calculations by the user of reticle 10 or another user. In the example of FIG. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment of reticle 10 shown in FIG. 1 , central aiming mark 11 does not include a wind adjustment mark. However, in another embodiment of reticle 10, one or more wind adjustment marks may be located on either side of central aiming mark 11 as desired, for example, one or more wind adjustment marks compensate for an average cross wind speed of at or about 4.5 mps (10.0 mph) and / or at or about 2.2 mps (5.0 mph) and / or one or more other average cross wind speeds.

[0126] It is also contemplated that the right and left edges of the remaining horizontal crosshairs 33, 34, 35, 36 may also be used to adjust for wind. However, with respect to each of the remaining primary horizontal crosshairs 33, 34, 35, 36, wind adjustment is suitably achieved via the inclusion of two or more sets of wind adjustment points disposed on opposite sides of the crosshairs 33, 34, 35, 36 effective for providing consistent wind adjustment settings to compensate for average crosswind velocities or speeds of at least 2.2 mps (5.0 mph) and 4.5 mps (10.0 mph). For example, a horizontal crosshair 33 effective for ranging and targeting an enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 500.0 meters is provided with a first set of wind adjustment points 52, 53 on opposite sides of the horizontal crosshair 33, the first set of wind adjustment points being operably configured to compensate for an average crosswind velocities or speeds of 2.2 mps (5.0 mph). The horizontal crosshair 33 also includes a second set of wind adjustment points 54, 55 on the opposite side of the horizontal crosshair 40, which are operably configured to compensate for an average crosswind rate or speed of 4.5 mps (10.0 mph). In this embodiment, wind adjustment can also be achieved for an average crosswind rate or speed of 3.4 mps (7.5 mph) by positioning the target object halfway between the wind adjustment points 53 and 55 or 52 and 54, depending on the wind direction at a particular moment. In this embodiment, wind adjustment can also be achieved for an average crosswind rate or speed of 1.11 mps (2.5 mph) by positioning the target object halfway between the wind adjustment point 53 and the right outer edge 46 of the horizontal crosshair 33 or the wind adjustment point 52 and the left outer edge 47 of the horizontal crosshair 33, depending on the wind direction.

[0127] As described below, additional groups of wind force adjustment points may be included to account for greater wind speeds and / or lesser wind speeds as desired. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each additional group of wind force adjustment points that compensates for an increased wind speed will be positioned further away from the first central vertical crosshair 30 than the group of wind force adjustment points that compensates for a lesser wind speed.

[0128] If further Figure 8, each of the remaining primary horizontal crosshairs 34, 35, 36 may also include two or more sets of wind adjustment points, including an inner set of points effective for compensating for an average cross wind rate or speed of about 2.2 mps (5.0 mph) and an outer set of points effective for compensating for an average cross wind rate or speed of about 4.5 mps (10.0 mph), similar to the above - see wind adjustment points 56, 57, 58, 59 corresponding to horizontal crosshair 34, wind adjustment points 60, 61, 62, 63 corresponding to horizontal crosshair 35, and wind adjustment points 64, 65, 66, 67 corresponding to horizontal crosshair 36. As shown, each set of wind adjustment points is located at points that are increasingly farther from its corresponding banana point 27, 28, and 29, depending on the greater distance at which the user is horizontally ranging an enemy combatant 99 beyond the basic range. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the windage adjustment points 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67 positioned to the right of the first central vertical crosshair 30 are used for aiming in the presence of a right-to-left crosswind. Similarly, the windage adjustment points 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 positioned to the left of the first central vertical crosshair 30 are used for aiming in the presence of a left-to-right crosswind. In addition, even though the windage adjustment marks of this embodiment are shown as solid dots, in another embodiment, the windage adjustment marks may include one or more different or additional forms, including but not limited to one or more closed circles, partially open circles, semicircles, rectangles, angled shapes, crosshairs ("X" and "+" shapes), open crosshairs, straight lines, curves, and combinations thereof.

[0129] refer to Figure 3 In an embodiment, the reticle 10 may also include a first group 70 (or "first group 70") of independent moving target guide marks (or "guide portions") positioned on the right side of the central aiming mark 11 and a second group 71 (or "second group 71") of independent moving target guide marks positioned on the left side of the central aiming mark 11, which are arranged as mirror images of the marks on the opposite side of the central aiming mark 11 as shown. In one embodiment, each of the first group 70 and the second group 71 may include at least one guide mark. In another embodiment, each of the first group 70 and the second group 71 may include a plurality of guide marks that are operably configured to guide one or more target objects traveling from right to left and / or from left to right at a plurality of speeds. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, the first group 70 may include three guide marks 72, 74, 76, and the second group 71 may include a plurality of guide marks 72, 74, 76 along the horizontal center line 501 of the reticle 10 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2) three guide marks 73, 75, 77 that are mirror images of horizontally aligned guide marks 72, 74, 76. In an embodiment, in the reticle 10, the first group 70 may be referred to as the eighth measurement mark, and the second group 71 may be referred to as the ninth measurement mark.

[0130] In this embodiment, the guide marks of the first group 70 and the second group 71 are arranged as circular dots on opposite sides of the central aiming mark 11 (with the center dot arranged to be horizontally aligned with the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11) to effectively aim at a moving enemy combatant 99 traveling at one of the following three paces, i.e., vertically or substantially vertically (from right to left or left to right while carrying a military-style weapon (e.g., AR-15)) oriented with an aiming line of sight emanating from the guide marks at a separation distance of 100 meters or approximately 100.0 meters or 300 meters or approximately 300.0 meters from the reticle 10 (i.e., the line of sight to the shooter's eye or individual's eye using the reticle 10 through an optical sight) (1) walking (guide marks 72, 73), (2) jogging (guide marks 74, 75), and (3) running (guide marks 76, 77). As such, one or more guide marks 72, 74, 76 and 73, 75, 77 are operably configured as full-value guide marks of 90.0 degrees relative to the aiming line of sight and relative to the flight path of the corresponding bullet.

[0131] In one embodiment, the size and shape of the guide marks of the first group 70 and the second group 71 may be consistent. In another embodiment, the size and / or shape of the guide marks of each group 70, 71 may vary to assist the user of the reticle 10 to more easily distinguish between adjacent guide marks. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the diameters of the guide marks 72 , 74 , 76 of the first group 70 and the guide marks 73 , 75 , 77 of the second group 71 may increase from the innermost guide marks 72 and 73 to the outermost guide marks 76 and 77 , or vice versa.

[0132] In one embodiment, the location of guide marks 72 and 73 relative to the top 20 of the central aiming mark 11 may be associated with an enemy combatant 99 walking at 4.99 km / h (3.1 mph). The location of guide marks 74 and 75 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 may be associated with an enemy combatant 99 jogging at 9.82 km / h (6.1 mph). The location of guide marks 76 and 77 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 may be associated with an enemy combatant 99 running at 13.8 km / h (8.6 mph). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in military and law enforcement type environments, the term "walking" may be used interchangeably with "combat jogging" of an enemy combatant 99, and the term "running" may refer to an enemy combatant 99 running at full sprint while carrying a weapon, such as a firearm or other handheld weapon.

[0133] In another embodiment, and for the purpose of preserving and simplifying the use of reticle 10 by users, including but not limited to military and law enforcement personnel, guide marks 72, 74, 76 and 73, 75, 77 may be positioned apart from central aiming mark 11 at distances corresponding to the walking, jogging, and running travel speeds of enemy combatants 99, rounded to the nearest integer of the above travel speeds. For example, the location of guide marks 72 and 73 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of central aiming mark 11 may be associated with enemy combatants 99 walking at 4.83 km / h (3.0 mph). The location of guide marks 74 and 75 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of central aiming mark 11 may be associated with enemy combatants 99 jogging at 9.66 km / h (6.0 mph). The location of guide marks 76 and 77 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of central aiming mark 11 may be associated with enemy combatants 99 running at 14.5 km / h (9.0 mph). As an example, when a target object such as enemy combatant 99 is running from left to right at a speed of 9.0 mph or approximately 9.0 mph at a distance of 100.0 meters or approximately 100.0 meters or approximately 300.0 meters from reticle 10, left guide mark 77 may be used as an aiming point for precision firing at enemy combatant 99 instead of center aiming mark 11 (see FIG. Fig.10 ).

[0134] In addition to being right angle or 90.0 degree target full-value guidance marks, one or more guidance marks are also operably configured as guidance marks for enemy combatants 99 or other target objects oriented at one or more oblique angles relative to the aiming line of sight. In one embodiment, guidance marks 72, 74 and guidance marks 73, 75 are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half-value guidance marks for enemy combatants 99 or other target objects oriented at 45.0 degrees or approximately 45.0 degrees relative to the aiming line of sight. In particular, the position of guidance marks 74 and 75 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 can be associated with an enemy combatant 99 running at 13.8 km / h (8.6 mph) oriented at 45.0 degrees or approximately 45.0 degrees relative to the aiming line of sight 333 (see Fig.29 ). Additionally, the location of guide marks 72 and 73 relative to uppermost portion 20 of central aiming mark 11 may be associated with enemy combatant 99 jogging at 9.82 km / h (6.1 mph) oriented at or about 45.0 degrees relative to aiming line of sight 333.

[0135] In an embodiment, one or more of the guide markers 72, 74, 76 and the guide markers 73, 75, 77 may be set to be separated from the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 by a distance associated with one or more different estimated travel speeds of the enemy combatant 99. As an example, the guide markers 72, 74, 76 and the guide markers 73, 75, 77 may be adjusted for terrain such as sand and snow, where the enemy combatant 99 is expected to walk, jog, and run at a slower speed, e.g., walking at or about 3.21 km / h (2.0 mph), jogging at or about 8.04 km / h (5.0 mph), running at or about 12.9 km / h (8.0 mph), as compared to traveling on more solid travel surfaces such as hard ground and paved surfaces. It is also contemplated that, in embodiments, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may have a first set of guide markings 70 and a second set of guide markings 71 of one or more guide markings associated with one or more target speeds different than the target speeds described above with reference to the enemy combatant 99 .

[0136] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, faster moving targets require greater distances of guidance than slower moving targets, and vice versa. For example, in embodiments including a live animal target object, the location of one or more guidance marks may vary depending on the type of animal being targeted, as compared to a human enemy combatant 99. In one non-limiting example, in embodiments including a target object in the form of an ungulate such as a deer or antelope, the location of guidance marks 72 and 73 relative to uppermost portion 20 of central aiming mark 11 may be associated with an animal target walking at or about 4.83 km / h (3.0 mph) (in this example, a speed that is the same as or similar to that of human enemy combatant 99). However, the animal target may include a higher jogging speed and / or a higher running speed than the human enemy combatant 99, for example, the location of the guide marks 74 and 75 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 may be associated with an animal target trotting at or about 16.1 km / h (10.0 mph), and the location of the guide marks 76 and 77 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 may be associated with an animal target running or galloping at or about 56.3 km / h (35.0 mph). Although one or more guide marks 72, 74, 76 and 73, 75, 77 are shown as solid dots, in another embodiment, one or more guide marks of the first group 70 and the second group 71 may be arranged in one or more different or additional forms, including but not limited to closed circles, open circles, angled shapes, crosshairs, open crosshairs, horizontal lines, multiple parallel lines, and combinations thereof.

[0137] Reference Fig.11In one embodiment of reticle 10, third measurement mark 13 and fourth measurement mark 14 may be provided as mirrored side scale marks for real-time vertical automatic ranging of enemy combatant 99 based on a selected full height and a selected half height of enemy combatant 99. In other words, each of third measurement mark 13 and fourth measurement mark 14 may be utilized for the purpose of vertical range estimation when enemy combatant 99 is not oriented in the primary position and / or in situations where the lower extremities or torso of enemy combatant 99 are not within the field of view or clear line of sight of the user of reticle 10. Suitably, third measurement indicia 13 and fourth measurement indicia 14 each include at least one horizontal marking or crosshair and one or more vertical markings or crosshairs (or one or more “selected height indicators”) that intersect the horizontal crosshairs in a manner effective for determining the distance of enemy combatant 99 from reticle 10 in a scenario where the lower extremities or torso of enemy combatant 99 are not within the field of view or clear line of sight of a user of reticle 10 based on (1) a selected full height of enemy combatant 99 and / or (2) a selected half-height (or “half-size”) of enemy combatant 99, as described below.

[0138] In this embodiment, the third measurement mark 13 includes a first horizontal mark or line (or "horizontal crosshair 78") that is longitudinally aligned with the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 and the center point of each of the guide marks 72, 74, 76. As shown, the horizontal crosshair 78 is disposed along the horizontal centerline 501 of the reticle 10.

[0139] Third measurement markings 13 also include vertical markings or lines of varying lengths ("vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84") that intersect horizontal crosshair 78 at the midpoint of each of vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 at varying points along the length of horizontal crosshair 78, as shown. In other words, horizontal crosshair 78 divides each of vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 into an upper segment disposed above horizontal crosshair 78 and a lower segment disposed below horizontal crosshair 78. As described above, fourth measurement markings 14 are mirror images of third measurement markings 13 and include horizontal markings or lines (or "horizontal crosshairs 85") disposed along the center horizontal line and vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of reticle 10, as shown. Fig.11 Depicted in.

[0140] In this embodiment, the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 of the third measurement marking 13 and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of the fourth measurement marking 14 are operably configured to assist a user of the reticle 10 in vertical automatic ranging of one or more enemy combatants 99 based on the full height or half height of the enemy combatant 99 at one or more predetermined incremental distances corresponding to (1) the base distance of the central aiming marking 11 and (2) the incremental bullet drop compensation distances of the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 of the first central scale. In other words, the incremental distances of the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 of the third measurement mark 13 and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of the fourth measurement mark 14 correspond to the basic distance of the central aiming mark 11 and the incremental distance of each of the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36.

[0141] In this embodiment, vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 of third measurement mark 13 and vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of fourth measurement mark 14 are operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks to perform vertical automatic range estimation of selected full height of enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 300.0 meters to 800.0 meters. In particular, outermost vertical crosshairs 84 and 91 are operably configured to perform vertical automatic range estimation of enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 300.0 meters from reticle 10. Vertical crosshairs 83 and 90 are operably configured to perform vertical automatic range estimation of enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 400.0 meters from reticle 10. Vertical crosshairs 82 and 89 are operably configured to perform a vertical automatic range estimate for enemy combatants 99 at a distance of 500.0 meters from reticle 10. Vertical crosshairs 81 and 88 are operably configured to perform a vertical automatic range estimate for enemy combatants 99 at a distance of 600.0 meters from reticle 10. Vertical crosshairs 80 and 87 are operably configured to perform a vertical automatic range estimate for enemy combatants 99 at a distance of 700.0 meters from reticle 10, and vertical crosshairs 79 and 86 are operably configured to perform a vertical automatic range estimate for enemy combatants 99 at a distance of 800.0 meters from reticle 10. As described above, the farther a target object is from reticle 10, the smaller the target object appears to the viewer. Therefore, vertical crosshairs 84 and 91 used for vertical automatic ranging of enemy combatants 99 at 300.0 meters are greater in length than vertical crosshairs 83 and 90 used for vertical automatic ranging of enemy combatants 99 at 400.0 meters.

[0142] In this embodiment, the full length from top to bottom of each of the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 is operably configured for ranging the full length of the enemy combatant 99 at each of the predetermined distances of 300.0 meters to 800.0 meters by visually locating the enemy combatant 99 along one of the horizontal crosshairs 78, 85 until the full length of the enemy combatant 99 is equal to or substantially equal to the full length of the particular vertical crosshair, as described above. Fig.12 In a simplified example, a user of reticle 10 may visually locate enemy combatant 99 by using the vertical crosshair that is closest in height to enemy combatant 99, and range-measure enemy combatant 99 using fourth measurement mark 14, which in this example is vertical crosshair 89, effectively for range estimation of enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 500.0 meters or approximately 500.0 meters. This range estimation of enemy combatant 99 via third measurement mark 13 and fourth measurement mark 14 provides real-time distance information to the target for enemy combatant 99 in a computation-free manner.

[0143] Likewise, vertical automatic ranging using vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 is effective in scenarios where enemy combatant 99 is not oriented in the primary position and / or in situations where the lower limbs or torso of enemy combatant 99 are not in view or clear sight. However, for the purpose of enhancing shooting accuracy, third measurement mark 13 and fourth measurement mark 14 can be used for vertical automatic ranging of enemy combatant 99 via the first central scale together with horizontal ranging of enemy combatant 99.

[0144] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, when shooting with the naked eye, generally the larger the target object, the better the accuracy. Thus, as an initial step in aiming at the enemy combatant 99, the full height of the enemy combatant 99 may first be ranged using the third measurement mark 13 and / or the fourth measurement mark 14 before aiming at the enemy combatant 99 along the first central scale according to the determined intersection points (e.g., 25, 26, 27, 28, 29).

[0145] As described above, horizontal crosshair 78 divides each of vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 into an upper segment disposed above horizontal crosshair 78 and a lower segment disposed below horizontal crosshair 78, and horizontal crosshair 85 divides each of vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 into an upper segment disposed above horizontal crosshair 85 and a lower segment disposed below horizontal crosshair 85. For purposes of the present disclosure, the length of each individual upper and lower segment of each vertical crosshair corresponds to a selected half-height of enemy combatant 99 at a predetermined distance of 300.0 meters to 800.0 meters. Thus, in scenarios where the full height of enemy combatant 99 cannot be ranged because the lower extremities or torso of enemy combatant 99 are not within the field of view or clear line of sight of the user of crosshairs 10, for example, where enemy combatant 99 is on one or both knees, the height of enemy combatant 99 can still be ranged by matching half or approximately half of the height of enemy combatant 99 to the most corresponding upper or lower segment to determine the distance to the target of enemy combatant 99. Herein, for vertical range estimation of the selected half height of enemy combatant 99, the midpoint of enemy combatant 99 is identified at or near the bottom of the pelvis of the target individual, i.e., the area of ​​the body where the legs meet the torso is generally referred to as the crotch. Thus, the upper half of enemy combatant 99 on one or both knees can be automatically ranged from the midpoint to the top of the head, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 In a scenario where the torso of enemy combatant 99 is not in view or clear line of sight (e.g., blocked by the shooter's field of view), the lower half of enemy combatant 99 can be automatically ranged from the midpoint to the soles of the feet, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 as shown in .

[0146] In another scenario, the upper or lower segment of the vertical crosshair can be used to automatically vertically range the full height of an enemy combatant 99 located at a distance greater than 800.0 meters from the reticle 10. Fig.15 In one exemplary embodiment where the full height of enemy combatant 99 corresponds to the lower segment of vertical crosshair 79, knowing that entire vertical crosshair 74 is operably configured to automatically range the full height of enemy combatant 99 at a distance of 800.0 meters, the user may determine that enemy combatant 99 is at or about 1600.0 meters from reticle 10.

[0147] In another embodiment, the horizontal crosshairs 78 and 85 can vertically intersect the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 at a point other than the midpoint to provide upper and lower segments of different lengths above and below the horizontal crosshairs 78 and 85 to measure the distance to the target object at a selected full height and one or more other selected heights other than half height.

[0148] Further references Fig.11 , one or more of the third measurement marks 13 and one or more of the fourth measurement marks 14 may include a plurality of second horizontal marks or horizontal hash marks (see hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 of the third measurement mark 13 and hash marks 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 of the fourth measurement mark 14) arranged along the outermost vertical crosshairs 84 and 91 extending directionally away from the central aiming mark 11. In this embodiment, the hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 are graduated marks graduated in angular measurement increments. In one embodiment, hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 may be arranged to be separated by 1.0 MRAD increments and may operate as MRAD marks for accurate vertical range estimation of one or more target objects of known size using calculations known in the art of MRAD reticles. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in range estimation operations, many shooters use or otherwise refer to a field data book, i.e., a DOPE book (Data Obtained from Prior Engagements), which includes potential target object sizes as well as calculation and shot adjustment information.

[0149] Suitably, the total number of 1.0 MRAD incremental hash marks provided along any one vertical crosshair is determined based on the length of that particular vertical crosshair, as configured for vertical autoranging as described above. In this embodiment, each of the outermost vertical crosshairs 84 and 91 includes a total of six (6) hash marks, which is equal to an angular distance of 5.0 MRAD from each lowermost hash mark to each uppermost hash mark, i.e., 5.0 MRAD from hash mark 100 to hash mark 105 and 5.0 MRAD from hash mark 106 to hash mark 111. As shown, each of the individual hash marks may be uniform in width and thickness, and each of the hash marks may extend a distance from its corresponding vertical crosshair 84 or 91 that is easily and readily visible for use. In another embodiment, one or more individual hash marks may include a different width and / or thickness than one or more other individual hash marks.

[0150] In this embodiment, hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 are operably configured to vertically range the target object based on the angular measurement increments of the hash marks using formulas known in the art of MRAD reticles. As an example, where the target object for range estimation includes a basketball 199 having a known diameter of 25.4 cm (10.0 inches), and the hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 of the third measurement mark 13 are used to vertically range the basketball 199, the hash marks may be positioned above or adjacent to the basketball 199 using the desired hash marks as baseline marks located at or near the bottom of the basketball 199, and then the number of MRADs to the top of the basketball 199 is measured or counted, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown in Fig.16 In the illustration of , the basketball covers a measured 2.0 MRAD from baseline hash mark 100 to hash mark 102. The estimated range of basketball 199 can be calculated using what is often referred to in the art of firearm ranging as the "MIL relationship formula" shown in Table 5, which includes a constant of 25.4.

[0151] Table 5

[0152] Known size of target object (inches) x 25.4 / MRAD size of target object = distance (meters).

[0153] As described above, basketball 199 covers a measured 2.0 MRAD. 254 divided by 2.0 equals 127.0 meters, which means that the distance of basketball 199 from reticle 10 is 127.0 meters or approximately 127.0 meters.

[0154] In addition to being operably configured as described above for vertical automatic ranging at selected full and half heights of enemy combatants 99 at distances of 300.0 meters to 800.0 meters, the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 of the third measurement indicia 13 and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of the fourth measurement indicia 14 are also operably configured as a scale that includes graduated markings for angular measurement values ​​graduated in 1.0 MRAD increments, the increments of angular measurement being effective for use with the reticle 10 in performing precise horizontal range estimation calculations using one or more formulas as described herein. Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the angular distance from vertical crosshair 79 to vertical crosshair 84 is equal to 5.0 MRAD, and the angular distance from vertical crosshair 86 to vertical crosshair 91 is equal to 5.0 MRAD.

[0155] As understood by those skilled in the art, MRAD marks separated by an angular distance greater than 1.0 MRAD means that there are fewer MRAD marks at a specific angular distance across the reticle, resulting in reduced accuracy when performing range estimation calculations. In this article, MRAD increments of 1.0 MRAD or less may be referred to as "precision increments." For purposes of this disclosure, the dual use of vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 for vertical automatic ranging and MRAD horizontal ranging may be referred to as "automatic ranging / precise angle measurement integration," and vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 may be referred to as "automatic ranging / precise angle measurement integration marks" in this article. In another embodiment of the reticle 10 that is set as a MOA reticle, the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 and the hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 can be set in 1.0 MOA increments or less.

[0156] Reference Fig.11, each of the vertical crosshairs of the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 are set to be separated by 1.0 MRAD increments and can be operated as MRAD marks for use in horizontal range estimation of one or more target objects of known size using calculations known in the art of MRAD reticles. As an example, where the target object for range estimation includes a basketball 199 having a known diameter of 25.4 cm (10.0 inches), and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of the fourth measurement mark 14 are used to horizontally range the basketball 199, the vertical crosshairs can be positioned above the basketball 199 using the desired vertical crosshairs as baseline marks at or near the right edge or left edge of the basketball 199, and then the number of MRADs to the opposite side of the basketball 199 is measured or counted, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 Depicted in. Fig.17 In the illustration of FIG. , basketball 199 covers a measured 3.0 MRAD from baseline vertical crosshair 86 to vertical crosshair 89. Using the formula of Table 5, in this example, basketball 199 is calculated to be 84.67 meters or approximately 84.67 meters away from crosshair 10. Although in Fig.17 The center reticle 10 is depicted covering a basketball 199 , and in another embodiment, the basketball 199 may be measured by positioning the basketball 199 above or below the vertical crosshairs 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 of the fourth measurement marking 14 .

[0157] Another feature of the reticle 10 is that the angular measurement values ​​of the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 of the third measurement mark 13 and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 of the fourth measurement mark 14 are graduated marks of incremental values ​​and are operably configured to be relative to the central aiming mark 11, particularly relative to the center point of the central aiming mark 11 (e.g., Fig.11 Thus, each of the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 operates dually as a vertical auto-ranging mark and as an angular measurement mark for horizontal range estimation relative to the central aiming mark 11. In addition, in Fig.11In fact, each of the vertical crosshairs 84 and 91 is provided as a mark operably configured as a vertical automatic ranging mark, a horizontal angle measurement mark, and a vertical angle measurement mark. Therefore, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure includes one or more marks operably configured as a vertical automatic ranging mark, a horizontal angle measurement mark, and a vertical angle measurement mark. In this document, the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 may also be referred to as the "first angle measurement side scale" of the reticle 10 relative to the central aiming mark 11.

[0158] In one embodiment, each of the first group 70 and the second group 71 may include at least one guide mark graduated with angle measurements as a center point relative to the central aiming mark 11 (e.g., Fig.11 ) is a graduation mark of incremental values ​​of the uppermost point 20 of the angled shape shown in . In this document, the central aiming mark 11 can be referred to as the origin marking point, whereby the angular measurement values ​​of the first group 70 and the second group 71 of guide marks and vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 can be used as MRAD marks for use in the calculations known in the art of using MRAD reticles to estimate the horizontal range relative to the central aiming mark 11 for one or more target objects of known size. Therefore, the one or more guide marks of the first group 70 and the second group 71 and the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 can be collectively referred to as "horizontal angle measurement marks". For example, in Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the guide marks 76 and 77 is operably configured to cover a 5.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the center point of each of the guide marks 76 and 77; the vertical crosshairs 79 and 86 are operably configured to cover a 6.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11; the vertical crosshairs 80 and 87 are operably configured to cover a 7.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11; the vertical crosshairs 81 and 88 are operably configured to cover a 7.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11; It is operably configured to cover 8.0MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11; the vertical crosshairs 82 and 89 are operably configured to cover 9.0MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11; the vertical crosshairs 83 and 90 are operably configured to cover 10.0MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11; and the vertical crosshairs 84 and 91 are operably configured to cover 11.0MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11.

[0159] In addition, the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 may include at least one angular measurement number corresponding to a specific vertical crosshair, the number indicating the angular distance from the vertical crosshair to the center point of the central aiming mark 11. Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, an angular measurement numeral "10" representing an angular measurement value of 10.0 MRAD from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 is located below each of the vertical crosshairs 82 and 90 to visually indicate to the user of the reticle 10 the angular distance of the corresponding crosshair from the center point of the central aiming mark 11. In another embodiment, however, one or more additional angular measurement numerals may be included as portions of the reticle 10 that identify the angular measurement value from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the vertical crosshairs located below one or more other vertical crosshairs to reduce clutter of the markings and / or maximize the vision of objects through the optical medium beyond the markings of the reticle 10, and the reticle 10 may be limited to use with the single angular measurement numeral shown. In another embodiment, one or more angular measurement numerals other than the angular measurement numeral "10" may be located below the corresponding vertical crosshairs, for example, an angular measurement numeral "7" representing 7.0 MRAD may be located below each of the vertical crosshairs 80 and 87. In another embodiment, one or more angular measurement numerals may be located above the corresponding vertical crosshairs. In another embodiment, one or more angular measurement numbers may be located both above and below the corresponding vertical crosshairs.

[0160] Reference Figure 8 and Fig.11, the reticle 10 may also include one or more distance numerals for visually indicating to the user the range-measured distance information of one or more specific primary horizontal crosshairs of the first central scale. For example, one or more distance numerals may be positioned to the right and / or left of one or more corresponding windage adjustment points of the first central scale. In this embodiment, the distance numeral "4" is positioned to the right of the windage adjustment point 51, whereby the distance numeral "4" represents a distance of 400.0 meters. Similarly, the distance numeral "6" is positioned to the right of the windage adjustment point 59, representing a distance of 600.0 meters, and the distance numeral "8" is positioned to the right of the windage adjustment point 67, representing a distance of 800.0 meters. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 may be provided with fewer distance numerals or additional distance numerals as desired, for example, the distance numeral "5" may be positioned to the right of the windage adjustment point 59, and / or the distance numeral "7" may be positioned to the right of the windage adjustment point 63. In another embodiment, the distance numerals may be represented by actual distances. For example, in embodiments without windage adjustment markings, distance number "400" may be positioned adjacent windage adjustment point 51 and / or windage adjustment point 50, as well as adjacent first horizontal crosshair 32. However, single-digit distance numbers such as "4," "6," and "8" may be desirable to minimize the surface area of ​​the markings comprising aspects of reticle 10, e.g., to reduce clutter of the markings and / or to maximize the vision of objects through the optical medium beyond the markings of reticle 10.

[0161] Similar to the first central scale, the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 (or "first side scale 13" and "second side scale 14") may also include distance numbers as visual indicators corresponding to the vertical automatic ranging distances described above to provide ranging distance information of one or more specific vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and / or vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91. In this document, the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 may also be referred to as the "inner scale" of the reticle 10.

[0162] refer to Fig.11, the distance number "4" can be located above the vertical crosshairs 83 and 90, whereby the number "4" represents a distance of 400.0 meters. Similarly, the distance number "6" can be located above the vertical crosshairs 81 and 88, representing a distance of 600.0 meters, and the distance number "8" can be located above the vertical crosshairs 79 and 86, representing a distance of 800.0 meters. In another embodiment, one or more different distance numbers can be used, for example, the distance number "5" is located above the vertical crosshairs 82 and 89, representing a distance of 500.0 meters. In another embodiment, one or more vertical automatic ranging distance numbers can be located below the corresponding vertical crosshairs. In yet another embodiment, one or more distance numbers can be located both above and below the corresponding vertical crosshairs. Although not limited to a specific arrangement, the angle measurement number and the distance number are appropriately located at opposite ends of the vertical crosshairs, as shown.

[0163] Although the above-described horizontal crosshairs 78 and 85 are shown as each having a length effective for forming the intersection point of each of the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and / or vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, in another embodiment, the horizontal crosshairs 78 and 85 may include a length greater or less than this length, such as Fig.11 It is also contemplated that additional vertical crosshairs indicating other distances from the reticle 10 may be included that intersect the horizontal crosshairs 78 and 85 as vertical automatic range estimation marks and as horizontal angle measurement marks as desired. In yet another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may be provided with a single side scale, i.e., only one of the third measurement mark 13 or the fourth measurement mark, such as Fig.18 In yet another embodiment, the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 may be provided with vertical crosshairs in the reverse order, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 In another embodiment, the horizontal crosshairs 78 and 85 and / or the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and / or the vertical crosshairs 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 may be provided as dashed lines or a combination of dashed lines and / or solid lines and / or dots.

[0164] Refer to Figure 3, the fifth measurement mark 15, the sixth measurement mark 16, and the seventh measurement mark 17 include linear marks radially arranged from the central aiming mark 11. Herein, the fifth measurement mark 15 is a vertical mark, which may also be referred to as a "bottom post" and may also be referred to as a "second central scale". The sixth measurement mark 16 is a horizontal mark, which may also be referred to as a "right post", and the seventh measurement mark 17 is a horizontal mark, which may be referred to as a "left post" of the reticle 10 herein. In this embodiment, the fifth measurement mark 15 is vertically linearly aligned with the first central vertical crosshair 30 of the second measurement mark 12, as shown. The sixth measurement mark 16 is horizontally linearly aligned with the horizontal crosshair 78 of the third measurement mark 13. The seventh measurement mark 17 is horizontally linearly aligned with the horizontal crosshair 85 of the fourth measurement mark 14. The sixth measurement mark 16 and the seventh measurement mark 17 may be referred to as the "outer scale" of the reticle 10.

[0165] exist Fig. 20 Provided in Figure 3The fifth measurement mark 15 of the reticle 10 of the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fifth measurement mark 15 includes a vertical main bar 120 (or "vertical crosshair 120") disposed along the vertical centerline 500 of the reticle 10 and one or more horizontal lines or horizontal crosshairs disposed along the length of the main bar 120 intersecting the main bar 120. Suitably, the angular measurement value of each of the one or more horizontal crosshairs is graduated as a graduation mark of incremental values ​​relative to the central aiming mark 11 (particularly, relative to the center point of the central aiming mark 11). In this embodiment, the fifth measurement mark 15 includes a first horizontal crosshair 122 that is operably configured to cover 10.0 MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to a first intersection 123 of the first horizontal crosshair 122 with the main bar 120. In this embodiment, the fifth measurement mark 15 also includes (1) a second horizontal crosshair 124 operably configured to cover 15.0 MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the second intersection point 125, (2) a third horizontal crosshair 126 operably configured to cover 20.0 MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the third intersection point 127, (3) a fourth horizontal crosshair 128 operably configured to cover 25.0 MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the fourth intersection point 129, and (4) a fifth horizontal crosshair 130 operably configured to cover 30.0 MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the fifth intersection point 131. As shown, the widths of the horizontal crosshairs 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130 can be varied for visual ease of use. In this embodiment, horizontal crosshairs 122, 126, and 130 are wider than horizontal crosshairs 124 and 128. In another embodiment, horizontal crosshairs 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130 may comprise a uniform width. In another embodiment, one or more horizontal hash marks may be used as graduation marks along main bar 120 in addition to or in lieu of horizontal crosshairs.

[0166] In this embodiment, the uppermost end 133 of the main rod 120 (i.e., at the apex of the uppermost end 133) is operably configured as a target aiming point, target aiming mark, precision firing aiming mark, or impact point on an enemy combatant 99 or other target object for one or more firearm shots fired at a close combat distance of 6.0 meters or less or approximately 6.0 meters or less from the reticle 10. In military and law enforcement environments, at a distance of 6.0 meters or less or approximately 6.0 meters or less, a shooter can use the uppermost end 133 as an aiming point to simply point and shoot at an enemy combatant 99 (see Fig.21 ).

[0167] The reticle 10 of the present disclosure may also include one or more additional close combat target aiming points. For example, the fourth horizontal crosshair 35 may be operably configured as a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point for one or more firearm shots fired at a close combat distance of 10.0 meters or about 10.0 meters from the reticle 10; the second horizontal crosshair 33 may be operably configured as a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point for one or more firearm shots fired at a close combat distance of 15.0 meters or about 15.0 meters from the reticle 10; and the first horizontal crosshair 32 may be operably configured as a target aiming point, a precision firing aiming mark, or an impact point for one or more firearm shots fired at a close combat distance of 20.0 meters or about 20.0 meters from the reticle 10.

[0168] refer to Fig. 22, the sixth measurement mark 16 and the seventh measurement mark 17 of the reticle 10 are mirror image linear marks positioned adjacent to the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14, as shown. In this embodiment, the sixth measurement mark 16 includes a horizontal crosshair or "master bar 135" and one or more vertical hash marks, the angular measurement values ​​of which are graduated marks of incremental values ​​relative to the central aiming mark 11 (particularly, relative to the center point of the central aiming mark 11). In this embodiment, the sixth measurement mark 16 includes a first vertical hash mark 136, which is operably configured to cover 15.0 MRAD graduation marks from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction between the hash mark 136 and the master bar 135. In this embodiment, the sixth measurement mark 16 also includes (1) a second vertical hash mark 137, which is operably configured to cover a 20.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction between the hash mark 137 and the main rod 135; (2) a third vertical hash mark 138, which is operably configured to cover a 25.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction between the hash mark 138 and the main rod 135; and (3) a fourth vertical hash mark 139, which is operably configured to cover a 30.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction between the hash mark 139 and the main rod 135. As shown, in a similar manner to the sixth measurement mark 16 described above, the seventh measurement mark 17 includes a main bar 140 and vertical hash marks 141, 142, 143, 144, the angular measurement values ​​of which are graduated marks with incremental values ​​of 15.0 MRAD, 20.0 MRAD, 25.0 MRAD, and 30.0 MRAD relative to the central aiming mark 11 (particularly, relative to the center point of the central aiming mark 11). As further described in Fig. 22 , the main rod 135 may include a proximal end 145 and a distal end 146, and the main rod 140 may include a proximal end 147 and a distal end 148. In this embodiment, when hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and hash marks 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 are used, the proximal ends 145 and 147 are separated from the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14 by a distance effective for minimizing the obstruction of the target object. The position of the distal ends 146 and 148 is not limited to a specific angular measurement value relative to the central aiming mark 11, but may vary as described below. In this article, the sixth measurement mark 16 and the seventh measurement mark 17 may also be referred to as the "second angular measurement side scale" of the reticle 10 relative to the central aiming mark 11.

[0169] In one embodiment, the central aiming mark 11, the guide mark 76, the guide mark 77, the third measurement mark 13, the fourth measurement mark 14, the sixth measurement mark 16, and the seventh measurement mark 17 may be collectively referred to as the “horizontal angle measurement scale” of the reticle 10. In one embodiment, the central aiming mark 11, the guide mark 76, the third measurement mark 13, and the sixth measurement mark 16 may be referred to as the “first horizontal angle measurement scale” of the reticle 10, and the central aiming mark 11, the guide mark 77, the fourth measurement mark 14, and the seventh measurement mark 17 may be referred to as the “second horizontal angle measurement scale”.

[0170] In another embodiment of the reticle 10, one or more hash marks 136, 137, 138, 139 and / or one or more hash marks 141, 142, 143, 144 may be arranged as a vertical crosshair, including an upper segment arranged above the main rods 135, 140 and a lower segment arranged below the main rods 135, 140. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 may include a linear measurement mark similar to the fifth measurement mark 15 or the sixth measurement mark 16 and the seventh measurement mark 17, which is arranged radially above, a certain distance from and in line with the central aiming mark 11 as the "upper post" of the reticle 10. In another embodiment, one or more other marks as described in the present disclosure may be used as angular measurement marks along one or more of the fifth measurement mark 15, the sixth measurement mark 16, and the seventh measurement mark 17.

[0171] Reference Figure 3 , the fifth measurement mark 15 may include at least one angular measurement number corresponding to a specific horizontal crosshair indicating the angular distance from the intersection of the horizontal crosshair with the main rod 120 to the center point of the central aiming mark 11 - see the angular measurement number "10" adjacent to the first horizontal crosshair 122, the angular measurement number "20" adjacent to the third horizontal crosshair 126, and the angular measurement number "30" adjacent to the fifth horizontal crosshair 130. In addition, the sixth measurement mark 16 and the seventh measurement mark 17 may each include at least one angular measurement number corresponding to a specific vertical hash mark indicating the angular distance from the junction of the vertical hash marks with the main rods 135 and 140 to the center point of the central aiming mark 11 - see the angular measurement number "20" adjacent to the hash marks 137 and 142 and the angular measurement number "30" adjacent to the hash marks 139 and 144.

[0172] In addition to being used as angular measurement marks, the hash marks of fifth measurement mark 15, sixth measurement mark 16, and seventh measurement mark 17 are also operably configured as guidance marks for guiding the user of reticle 10 to one or more targets in real time. Referred to herein as "target guidance," "walk-in guidance," and / or "leading the shooter to the target" or similar terms, in one embodiment, a first person possessing first reticle 10 can assist a second person possessing second reticle 10 in detecting one or more specific target objects in real time based on the identified objects that are visible to both persons by using fifth measurement mark 15, sixth measurement mark 16, and seventh measurement mark 17 alone or in combination with one or more other marks of reticle 10 as reference points. For example, when both are equipped with a reticle such as Figure 3 When two armed individuals viewing reticle 10 shown in are actively attempting to locate the same enemy combatant 99, the first individual can identify enemy combatant 99 and then assist the second individual in locating enemy combatant 99 by first referencing a particular object visible to both individuals (referred to herein as a “reference point”) and then using the various markings on reticle 10 to locate enemy combatant 99 relative to the reference point.

[0173] refer to Fig.23 , in use Fig.23 In a simplified example of target guidance using reticle 10 of FIG. 1 , a first person may locate an enemy combatant 99 operating heavy equipment 400. If a second person is unable to locate enemy combatant 99, the first person may identify a reference point such as the top of flagpole 401 that is identifiable to the second person to provide the second person with a reference point for initial aiming of central aiming mark 11. In particular, the first person may instruct the second person to aim central aiming mark 11 at the top of flagpole 401, as shown. The first person may then use the markings of reticle 10 to indicate to the second person the location of enemy combatant 99, for example, instructing the second person to see approximately the 15.0 MRAD mark to the left along seventh measurement mark 17 and then approximately the 12.0 MRAD point down along fifth measurement mark 15. Once the second person locates enemy combatant 99, the second person may then reposition crosshairs 10 as described above to perform horizontal and / or vertical ranging and / or aiming of enemy combatant 99.

[0174] The fifth measurement mark 15, the sixth measurement mark 16, and the seventh measurement mark 17 may also be used as guide marks together with the third measurement mark 13 and the fourth measurement mark 14. Fig.24, if the second person cannot locate enemy combatant 99, the first person who has identified the position of enemy combatant 99 may identify a reference point recognizable by the second person, such as the upper left corner of building 405, to provide the second person with a reference point for initial aiming of central aiming mark 11. In particular, the first person may instruct the second person to aim central aiming mark 11 at the upper left corner of building 405, as shown. The first person may then use the markings of reticle 10 to instruct the second person regarding the position of enemy combatant 99, for example, instructing the second person to look down along fifth measurement mark 15 to the approximately 12.0 MRAD mark, and then to the right to the approximately 10.0 MRAD mark of third measurement mark 13.

[0175] Although the reticle 10 may be provided as Fig.18 Another advantageous feature of the reticle 10 that does not include a single side scale as shown in FIG. 1 , but includes fifth, sixth, and seventh measurement marks 15, 16, 17 includes the overall amplitude or width of the reticle 10 and the height of the reticle 10 achieved by including fifth, sixth, and seventh measurement marks 15, 16, 17. Suitably, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure provides an increased height and width across the field of view and target area of ​​the optical sight. Figure 3 , in one embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a width of an angular distance of 30.0 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a width of an angular distance of 40.0 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a width of an angular distance of 50.0 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a width of an angular distance of 60.0 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a width of an angular distance of 70.0 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a width of an angular distance of 80.0 MRAD or greater.

[0176] In one embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 12.5 MRAD or greater or about 12.5 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 17.5 MRAD or greater or about 17.5 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 22.5 MRAD or greater or about 22.5 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 27.5 MRAD or greater or about 27.5 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 32.5 MRAD or greater or about 32.5 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 37.5 MRAD or greater or about 37.5 MRAD or greater. In another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include a height of an angular distance of 42.5 MRAD or greater or about 42.5 MRAD or greater.

[0177] exist Fig.23 and Fig.24 In a non-limiting example, the location of the reference point relative to the enemy combatant 99 illustrates the use of the central aiming mark 11 with the fifth measurement mark 15 and one of the sixth measurement mark 16 or the seventh measurement mark 17 or one of the third measurement mark 13 or the fourth measurement mark 14. In another embodiment, the sixth measurement mark 16 and the seventh measurement mark 17 can be used for target guidance. For example, the sixth measurement mark 16 or the seventh measurement mark 17 can be used to identify the reference point, and another measurement mark can be used to locate the enemy combatant 99 relative to it. Reference Fig.25 In a scenario where the second person is unable to locate a particular enemy combatant 99 that has been located by the first person, the first person may identify a reference point such as a tall antenna 410 located to the far left of the enemy combatant 99, thereby providing the second person with a reference point for locating the enemy combatant 99. For example, the first person may instruct the second person to locate the 20.0 MRAD mark (vertical hash mark 142) of the seventh measurement mark 17 at the antenna 410. Once the second person has aimed the 20.0 MRAD mark at the antenna 410, the first person may then indicate to the second person the location of the enemy combatant 99 relative to the markings of the reticle 10 based on the aiming setting. For example, the first person may instruct the second person to look at the 30.0 MRAD mark (vertical hash mark 139) of the sixth measurement mark 16 to locate the enemy combatant 99. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art of optical sights, target guidance may also take into account the magnification of the optical sight in use at the time when determining the scale of the reticle 10 based on the field of view.

[0178] Suitably, the horizontal lines, vertical lines, dots and / or other marks of the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may be set to one or more colors as desired. For example, the reticle 10 may be set to black. In another exemplary embodiment, the central aiming mark 11 may be set to red or red lighting. In another exemplary embodiment, the central aiming mark 11 may be set to green or green lighting. In another exemplary embodiment, the central aiming mark 11 may be set to orange or orange lighting. In another exemplary embodiment, the central aiming mark 11 may be set to yellow or yellow lighting. In yet another embodiment, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include marks containing multiple colors and / or colored lighting.

[0179] The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0180] Example 1

[0181] In a first non-limiting example, a weapon system is provided that includes a 5.56 mm, magazine-fed, air-cooled, semi-automatic rifle that is operably configured for accurate, non-optical use at distances up to about 300.0 meters. A Figure 1 The optical sight of the reticle 10 shown in FIG. 1 , whereby the reticle 10 is operably configured to extend the accuracy of the rifle up to approximately 800.0 meters relative to a target object having a height of 1.7 meters. Fig.26 Vertical automatic ranging of various target objects is depicted, including (1) target object 200 at a distance of 1600.0 meters from reticle 10; (2) partially exposed target object 201 at a distance of 600.0 meters from reticle 10 (see bushes 204 that partially block target object 201); and (3) target object 202 at a distance of 300.0 meters from reticle 10.

[0182] Example 2

[0183] In a second non-limiting example, a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle loaded for the purpose of hunting an adult pronghorn 189 having an average size of 45.72 cm (18.0 inches) from belly to back is provided. Model 700 is used with Figure 1 The optical sight of the reticle 10 shown in FIG. Fig. 27 As shown in , the hash marks 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 of the third measurement mark 13 can be used to make a horizontal range estimate for the pronghorn 189 using the formula of Table 5 reproduced in Table 6 below.

[0184] Table 6

[0185] Known size of target object (18.0 inches) x 25.4 / MRAD size of target object = distance (meters).

[0186] In this example, the pronghorn covers 5.0 MRAD from belly to back as measured from hash mark 100 to hash mark 105. 457.2 divided by 5.0 equals 91.44 meters, which means that the distance of the pronghorn 189 from the reticle 10 is 91.44 meters or approximately 91.44 meters.

[0187] To calculate the distance to the pronghorn in yards, the MIL relationship is used including the constant 27.77 as shown in Table 7.

[0188] Table 7

[0189] Known size of target object (18.0 inches) x 27.77 / MRAD size of target object = distance (yards).

[0190] In this example, the pronghorn covers 5.0 MRAD from belly to back as measured from hash mark 100 to hash mark 105. 499.86 divided by 5.0 equals 99.97 yards, which means that the distance of the pronghorn 189 from the reticle 10 is 99.97 yards or approximately 99.97 yards.

[0191] Example 3

[0192] Including Figure 1 In a third non-limiting example of the reticle 10 shown in , one or more formulas described in Tables 8, 9, and 10 below may be used to estimate the range of one or more target objects, including but not limited to enemy combatants 99.

[0193] Table 8

[0194] Known size of target object (unit: meters) x 1000 / MRAD size of target object = distance (meters).

[0195] Table 9

[0196] Known size of the target object (unit: centimeters) × 10 / MRAD size of the target object = distance (meters).

[0197] Table 10

[0198] Known size of target object (in yards) x 1000 / MRAD size of target object = distance (in yards).

[0199] Example 4

[0200] In a fourth non-limiting example, a weapon system is provided that includes a 5.56 mm, magazine-fed, air-cooled, semi-automatic rifle operably configured for precision, non-optical use at distances up to about 300.0 meters. Figure 1 , Fig.18 , Fig.30 and Fig.34 The reticle 10 illustrated in any of the can be configured for use with a weapon system whereby the reticle 10 is operably configured to extend the accuracy of the rifle to approximately 800.0 meters. The width of the angled central aiming mark 11 at its base 19 is 1.61 MRAD (5.53 MOA), corresponding to a center of mass of 0.48 meters (19.0 inches) at 300.0 meters. The height of the central aiming mark 11 is 1.19 MRAD (4.10 MOA). The distance between the outer tip 20 and the inner corner 21 of the central aiming mark 11 is 0.42 MRAD (1.46 MOA). The first central vertical crosshair 30, the primary horizontal crosshairs 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, the horizontal crosshairs 78, 85 and the vertical crosshairs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 each have a thickness of 0.116 MRAD (0.40 MOA).

[0201] Example 5

[0202] In a fifth non-limiting example, if Figure 1 , Fig.18 , Fig.30 and Fig.34 The reticle 10 shown in any of the examples may include a central aiming mark 11 and a first central vertical crosshair 30, the angles of which are as shown below with reference to Fig.28 Listed: a1: 112.0 degrees; a2: 112.0 degrees.

[0203] Example 6

[0204] In a sixth non-limiting example, if Figure 1 The reticle 10 shown in the figure may include one or more additional windage adjustment points and / or one or more additional horizontal crosshairs of the angular measurement value division set along the main pole 120 of the fifth measurement mark 15, and / or one or more additional vertical hash marks of the angular measurement value division set along the sixth measurement mark 16, and / or one or more additional vertical hash marks of the angular measurement value division set along the seventh measurement mark 17.

[0205] refer to Figure 30 to Figure 33In an embodiment, the reticle 10 may include one or more additional sets of wind adjustment points on opposite sides of the reticle 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 at distances effective to provide consistent wind adjustment settings to compensate for average cross wind speeds and velocities of 6.7 mps (15.0 mph) and 8.9 mps (20.0 mph). For example, the reticle 10 may include a set of wind adjustment points 160, 161 on opposite sides of the first horizontal reticle 32 at distances effective to compensate for average cross wind speeds of 6.7 mps (15.0 mph) and a set of wind adjustment points 162, 163 at distances effective to compensate for average cross wind speeds of 8.9 mps (20.0 mph). The reticle 10 may also include a set of wind force adjustment points 164, 165 on opposite sides of the second horizontal reticle 33 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 6.7 mps (15.0 mph) and a set of wind force adjustment points 166, 167 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 8.9 mps (20.0 mph). The reticle 10 may also include a set of wind force adjustment points 168, 169 on opposite sides of the third horizontal reticle 34 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 6.7 mps (15.0 mph) and a set of wind force adjustment points 170, 171 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 8.9 mps (20.0 mph). The reticle 10 may also include a set of wind force adjustment points 172, 173 on opposite sides of the fourth horizontal reticle 35 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 6.7 mps (15.0 mph) and a set of wind force adjustment points 174, 175 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 8.9 mps (20.0 mph). The reticle 10 may also include a set of wind force adjustment points 176, 177 on opposite sides of the fifth horizontal reticle 36 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 6.7 mps (15.0 mph) and a set of wind force adjustment points 178, 179 at a distance effective to compensate for an average cross wind speed of 8.9 mps (20.0 mph).

[0206] refer to Fig.32 The fifth measurement mark 15 may include a sixth horizontal crosshair 180 intersecting the main rod 120, and the sixth horizontal crosshair is operably configured to cover a 40.0 MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the sixth intersection point 181. Fig.33The main rod 135 of the sixth measurement mark 16 may include a fifth vertical hash mark 185 and a sixth vertical hash mark 186, the fifth vertical hash mark being operably configured to cover a 35.0MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction of the hash mark 185 and the main rod 135, and the sixth vertical hash mark being operably configured to cover a 40.0MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction of the hash mark 186 and the main rod 135. In a similar manner, the main rod 140 of the seventh measurement mark 17 may include a fifth vertical hash mark 187 and a sixth vertical hash mark 188, wherein the fifth vertical hash mark is operably configured to cover a 35.0MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction of the hash mark 187 and the main rod 140, and the sixth vertical hash mark is operably configured to cover a 40.0MRAD graduation mark from the center point of the central aiming mark 11 to the junction of the hash mark 188 and the main rod 140.

[0207] Example 7

[0208] In a seventh non-limiting example, the reticle 10 of the present disclosure may include guide marks in a form other than the first and second groups 70, 71, which include independent moving target guide marks as described above. Fig.34 and Fig.35, in an embodiment, the eighth measurement mark may include a first target guide side scale 210 disposed to the right of the central aiming mark 11, and the ninth measurement mark may include a second target guide side scale 220 disposed to the left of the central aiming mark 11. As shown, the side scale 210 and the side scale 220 may be arranged as mirror image side scale markings for targeting a moving enemy combatant 99 traveling at one of three paces, namely (1) walking, (2) jogging, and (3) running as described above. In this embodiment, the side scale 210 includes a horizontal line (or "horizontal crosshair 211") that is longitudinally aligned with the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 and is arranged along the horizontal centerline 501 of the reticle 10. The side scale 210 also includes vertical crosshairs 212, 213, 214 (or "guide marks 212, 213, 214") of varying lengths that intersect the horizontal crosshair 211 at the midpoint of each of the vertical crosshairs 212, 213, 214 at varying points along the length of the horizontal crosshair 211. In this embodiment, the vertical crosshair 212 is operably configured as a walking guide mark, whereby the position of the vertical crosshair 212 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 is associated with an enemy combatant 99 walking at 4.99 km / h (3.1 mph). The vertical crosshair 213 is operably configured as a jogging guide mark, whereby the position of the vertical crosshair 213 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 is associated with an enemy combatant 99 jogging at 9.82 km / h (6.1 mph). Vertical crosshair 214 is operably configured as a running guide indicia, whereby the position of vertical crosshair 214 relative to uppermost portion 20 of central aiming indicia 11 is associated with enemy combatant 99 running at 13.8 km / h (8.6 mph).

[0209] As described above, the second target guide side scale 220 is a mirror image of the first target guide side scale 210 and includes a horizontal line (or "horizontal crosshair 221") and vertical crosshairs 222, 223, 224 (or "guide marks 222, 223, 224") arranged along the center horizontal line of the reticle 10, as shown in FIG. Fig.35 , wherein the position of vertical crosshair 222 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 is associated with an enemy combatant 99 walking at 4.99 km / h (3.1 mph); the position of vertical crosshair 223 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 is associated with an enemy combatant 99 jogging at 9.82 km / h (6.1 mph); and the position of vertical crosshair 224 relative to the uppermost portion 20 of the central aiming mark 11 is associated with an enemy combatant 99 running at 13.8 km / h (8.6 mph).

[0210] Similar to the above, in an embodiment, guide marks 212, 213, 214 and guide marks 222, 223, 224 can be positioned to be separated from the central aiming mark 11 by a distance corresponding to the walking, jogging and running travel speed of the local combatant 99, which is rounded to the nearest integer of the travel speed.

[0211] According to one or more of the following embodiments, Figure 1 , Fig.18 , Fig.30 and Fig.34 The reticle 10 shown in FIG.

[0212] Embodiment 1. A reticle for an optical sight, comprising: a first central scale; one or more first side scales; and one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the first central scale comprises: a first measurement mark, the first measurement mark being operably configured as a primary horizontal automatic ranging mark for a first target object at a base distance; and a second measurement mark, the second measurement mark comprising one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging marks for the first target object at one or more incremental distances greater than the base distance; wherein the one or more first side scales comprise one or more marks, the one or more marks being operably configured as a vertical automatic ranging mark for the first target object at the base distance and the one or more incremental distances, and being operably configured as a horizontal angle measurement mark and a vertical angle measurement mark for one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 90.0 degree target full value guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half value guide marks.

[0213] Embodiment 2. A reticle according to embodiment 1, wherein the one or more marks of the one or more first side scales include a first horizontal mark, a plurality of vertical marks intersecting the first horizontal mark, and a plurality of second horizontal marks, wherein the plurality of vertical marks are operably configured as the vertical automatic ranging mark and the horizontal angle measurement mark, and wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks are operably configured as the vertical angle measurement mark.

[0214] Embodiment 3. A reticle according to embodiment 1, wherein the one or more marks of the one or more first side scales include a first horizontal mark, a plurality of vertical marks intersecting the first horizontal mark, and a plurality of second horizontal marks, wherein the first horizontal mark and the plurality of vertical marks are operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks based on a selected full height and a selected half height of the first target object at the basic distance and the one or more incremental distances, and wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks are operably configured as vertical angle measurement marks of the one or more second target objects.

[0215] Embodiment 4. The reticle of Embodiment 2, wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks extend outwardly from a vertical mark of the plurality of vertical marks at angularly measured incremental distances.

[0216] Embodiment 5. The reticle according to embodiment 2, wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks extend outwardly from a vertical mark among the plurality of vertical marks, the vertical marks being operably configured to perform vertical automatic ranging of the first target object at the basic distance.

[0217] Embodiment 6. The reticle of embodiment 3, wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks extend outwardly from a vertical mark among the plurality of vertical marks, the vertical marks being operably configured to perform vertical automatic ranging of the first target object at the basic distance.

[0218] Embodiment 7. A reticle according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first horizontal mark and the plurality of vertical marks are operably configured as the vertical automatic range estimation marks based on a selected full height of the first target object and a selected half height of the first target object at one or more predetermined distances.

[0219] Embodiment 8. The reticle of Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are located between the first measurement mark and the one or more first side graduations.

[0220] Embodiment 9. The reticle of embodiment 8, wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are graduated marks of angular distance from a center point of the first measurement mark.

[0221] Embodiment 10. The reticle of Embodiment 1, wherein the first central scale includes a windage adjustment mark corresponding to each of the one or more secondary horizontal autoranging marks.

[0222] Example 11. A reticle according to Example 1, wherein the one or more moving target guide marks include a walking target guide mark, a jogging target guide mark, and a running target guide mark for the first target object that travels 90.0 full degrees relative to the aiming line of sight emitted by the one or more moving target guide marks, and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks include a jogging target guide mark and a running target guide mark for the first target object that travels 45.0 half degrees relative to the aiming line of sight.

[0223] Embodiment 12. The reticle according to Embodiment 1 further includes a second central scale located below the first central scale, wherein the second central scale is operably configured to aim at the first target object at one or more distances less than the base distance.

[0224] Embodiment 13. According to the reticle of embodiment 1, it also includes one or more second side scales, wherein the one or more first side scales include a maximum angular distance from the first measurement mark, and the one or more second side scales include a minimum angular distance from the first measurement mark, and the minimum angular distance is greater than the maximum angular distance of the one or more first side scales.

[0225] Embodiment 14. The reticle of Embodiment 2, wherein the plurality of vertical marks are horizontal angle measurement marks graduated in angle measurement values ​​of 1.0 MRAD increments.

[0226] Embodiment 15. The reticle of Embodiment 4, wherein the plurality of second horizontal markings are arranged to be spaced apart in 1.0 MRAD increments.

[0227] Embodiment 16. The reticle of Embodiment 1, wherein the reticle comprises a width having an angular measurement of up to 80.0 MRAD.

[0228] Embodiment 17. A reticle for an optical sight, comprising: a first central scale; a second central scale; one or more first side scales; and one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the first central scale comprises: a first measurement mark, the first measurement mark being operably configured as a primary horizontal automatic ranging mark for a first target object at a basic distance; and a second measurement mark, the second measurement mark comprising one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging marks for the first target object at one or more incremental distances greater than the basic distance; wherein the second central scale comprises a vertical crosshair and one or more horizontal crosshairs having graduated marks of angular measurement values ​​as incremental values ​​relative to the first measurement mark; wherein the one or more first side scales comprise one or more markings, The one or more marks are operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks for the first target object at the basic distance and the one or more incremental distances, and are operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks for one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured to guide the first target object when the first target object is traveling at multiple speeds relative to a full value of 90.0 degrees of the aiming line of sight emitted from the one or more moving target guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured to guide the first target object when the first target object is traveling at one or more of a plurality of speeds relative to a half value of 45.0 degrees of the aiming line of sight.

[0229] Embodiment 18. According to the reticle of embodiment 17, it also includes one or more second side scales, wherein the one or more first side scales include a maximum angular distance from the first measurement mark, and the one or more second side scales include a minimum angular distance from the first measurement mark, and the minimum angular distance is greater than the maximum angular distance of the one or more first side scales.

[0230] Embodiment 19. A reticle for an optical sight, comprising: a first central scale; a second central scale, the second central scale being located below the first central scale; one or more first angle measurement side scales; and one or more moving target guide marks; wherein the first central scale is operably configured to perform horizontal automatic ranging of a first target object based on a selected center of mass of the first target object at one or more predetermined first distances, and is operably configured to aim at the first target object at the one or more predetermined first distances and at the first target object at the one or more predetermined second distances; wherein the second central scale is operably configured to aim at a distance smaller than the one or more predetermined first distances and the one or more predetermined second distances. wherein the one or more first angle measurement side scales include marks operably configured as (1) a vertical automatic range estimation mark for the first target object based on a selected full height and a selected half height of the first target object at the one or more predetermined first distances, (2) a horizontal angle measurement mark for one or more second target objects of known size, and (3) a vertical angle measurement mark for the one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 90.0 degree target full-value guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half-value guide marks.

[0231] Embodiment 20. The reticle of Embodiment 19, further comprising one or more second angle measurement side scales including a horizontal crosshair and one or more vertical hash marks graduated with angle measurement values.

[0232] Embodiment 21. A method, comprising: implementing an aiming point of a firearm optical sight reticle on a target object of known size, the reticle comprising: one or more aiming marks, the one or more aiming marks comprising an origin mark; one or more automatic ranging marks; and one or more moving target guide marks; wherein angular measurement values ​​of one or more of the one or more automatic ranging marks and one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are graduated relative to the origin mark; and wherein one or more of the one or more automatic ranging marks are operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks.

[0233] Embodiment 22. A method according to embodiment 21, wherein the one or more auto-ranging marks of the angular measurement value graduations are vertical auto-ranging marks.

[0234] Embodiment 23. A method according to embodiment 21, wherein the origin mark is a central aiming mark and a horizontal automatic ranging mark of the reticle, and the horizontal automatic ranging mark is operably configured to automatically measure the distance of the target object at a basic distance.

[0235] Embodiment 24. A method according to embodiment 21, wherein the origin mark is a horizontal automatic ranging mark.

[0236] Embodiment 25. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the one or more automatic range estimation marks include one or more horizontal automatic ranging bullet drop compensation marks.

[0237] Embodiment 26. A method according to embodiment 21, wherein the one or more automatic ranging marks and the one or more moving target guidance marks graduated with angular measurement values ​​are operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks relative to a center point of the central aiming mark for estimating the horizontal range of the target object.

[0238] Embodiment 27. A method according to Embodiment 21, wherein the one or more automatic ranging marks and the one or more moving target guidance marks that are graduated with angular measurement values ​​are graduated in angular measurement increments of 1.0 MRAD.

[0239] Embodiment 28. The reticle of Embodiment 1, wherein the base distance is 300.0 meters based on a center of mass of the first target object of 19.0 inches.

[0240] Embodiment 29. The reticle of embodiment 17, wherein the base distance is 300.0 meters based on a center of mass of the first target object of 19.0 inches.

[0241] Embodiment 30. The reticle of Embodiment 19, wherein the one or more predetermined first distances include a base distance of 300.0 meters based on a center of mass of the first target object of 19.0 inches.

[0242] Embodiment 31. A reticle comprising: a central scale; one or more moving target guides for targeting objects that travel at right angles and one or more oblique angles relative to an aiming line of sight of a user of the reticle; and one or more side scales including one or more vertical automatic range estimation marks in angular measurement increments.

[0243] Embodiment 32. A reticle comprising: a central scale; one or more moving target guides for targeting a target that travels at right angles and one or more oblique angles relative to an aiming line of sight of a user of the reticle; and one or more side scales including one or more vertical automatic range estimation marks in 1.0 MRAD increments.

[0244] Embodiment 33. An optical sight reticle, comprising: a central scale; one or more moving target guide marks; one or more side scales, wherein the one or more side scales include one or more automatic ranging / precise angle measurement integrated marks; wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured to guide a target moving at multiple angles.

[0245] Embodiment 34. A reticle for an optical sight for a projectile launching device, comprising: a first central scale, the first central scale including a center point mark; a second central scale, the second central scale including one or more angle measurement marks; one or more moving target guide marks; and at least one horizontal angle measurement scale, the at least one horizontal angle measurement scale including the center point mark, at least one of the one or more moving target guide marks, an inner scale, and an outer scale; wherein the inner scale includes one or more automatic ranging / precise angle measurement integrated marks; wherein the inner scale includes marks operably configured as vertical angle measurement marks; and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured to guide a target moving at multiple angles.

[0246] Embodiment 35. The reticle of Embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging marks is a wind adjustment mark.

[0247] Although the present disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functions described in one or more individual embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the specific embodiments in which they are described, but may be applied alone or in various combinations to one or more other embodiments, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are present as part of the described embodiments. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

[0248] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and phrases used in this disclosure and their variations should be interpreted as open-ended rather than limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be understood to mean "including but not limited to", etc., the term "example" is used to provide an exemplary instance of the item in question, rather than an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and the term "a" or "an" should be understood to mean "at least one", "one or more", "one or more", etc.

[0249] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.The embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the invention defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A reticle for an optical sight, comprising: First central scale; one or more first side scales; and one or more moving target guidance markers; Wherein, the first central scale includes: a first measurement mark operably configured as a primary horizontal automatic ranging mark for a first target object at a basic distance; and second measurement indicia, the second measurement indicia comprising one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging indicia for the first target object at one or more incremental distances greater than the basic distance; wherein the one or more first side scales include one or more marks operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks for the first target object at the basic distance and the one or more incremental distances, and operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks for one or more second target objects; and Wherein, the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 90.0 degree target full-value guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half-value guide marks.

2. The reticle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more marks of the one or more first side scales include a first horizontal mark, a plurality of vertical marks intersecting the first horizontal mark, and a plurality of second horizontal marks, wherein the plurality of vertical marks are operably configured as the vertical automatic ranging marks and the horizontal angle measurement marks, and wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks are operably configured as the vertical angle measurement marks.

3. The reticle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more marks of the one or more first side scales include a first horizontal mark, a plurality of vertical marks intersecting the first horizontal mark, and a plurality of second horizontal marks, wherein the first horizontal mark and the plurality of vertical marks are operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks based on a selected full height and a selected half height of the first target object at the basic distance and the one or more incremental distances, and wherein the plurality of second horizontal marks are operably configured as vertical angle measurement marks of the one or more second target objects.

4. The reticle according to claim 2, wherein: The second plurality of horizontal markings extend outwardly from a vertical marking of the plurality of vertical markings at angularly measured incremental distances.

5. The reticle according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of second horizontal marks extend outwardly from a vertical mark of the plurality of vertical marks, the vertical mark being operably configured to perform vertical automatic ranging of the first target object at the basic distance.

6. The reticle according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of second horizontal marks extend outwardly from a vertical mark of the plurality of vertical marks, the vertical mark being operably configured to perform vertical automatic ranging of the first target object at the basic distance.

7. The reticle according to claim 2, wherein: The first horizontal marker and the plurality of vertical markers are operably configured as the vertical automatic range estimation markers based on a selected full height of the first target object and a selected half height of the first target object at one or more predetermined distances.

8. The reticle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more moving target guide marks are located between the first measurement mark and the one or more first side scales.

9. The reticle according to claim 8, wherein: One or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are graduated marks of angular distance from a center point of the first measurement mark.

10. The reticle according to claim 1, wherein: The first central scale includes a wind adjustment mark corresponding to each of the one or more secondary horizontal autoranging marks.

11. The reticle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more moving target guide marks include a walking target guide mark, a jogging target guide mark and a running target guide mark for the first target object that travels 90.0 full degrees relative to the aiming line of sight issued by the one or more moving target guide marks, and wherein the one or more moving target guide marks include a jogging target guide mark and a running target guide mark for the first target object that travels 45.0 half degrees relative to the aiming line of sight.

12. The reticle of claim 1, further comprising a second central scale located below the first central scale, wherein: The second central scale is operably configured for targeting the first target object at one or more distances less than the base distance.

13. The reticle of claim 1 further comprising one or more second side scales, wherein: The one or more first side scales include a maximum angular distance from the first measurement mark, and the one or more second side scales include a minimum angular distance from the first measurement mark, the minimum angular distance being greater than the maximum angular distance of the one or more first side scales.

14. The reticle according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of vertical markings are horizontal angle measurement markings graduated in angle measurement values ​​of 1.0 MRAD increments.

15. The reticle according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of second horizontal marks are arranged to be spaced apart in 1.0 MR AD increments.

16. The reticle according to claim 1, wherein: The reticle includes widths with angular measurements up to 80.0 MRAD.

17. A reticle for an optical sight, comprising: First central scale; Second central scale; one or more first side scales; and one or more moving target guidance markers; Wherein, the first central scale includes: a first measurement mark operably configured as a primary horizontal automatic ranging mark for a first target object at a basic distance; and second measurement indicia, the second measurement indicia comprising one or more secondary horizontal automatic ranging indicia for the first target object at one or more incremental distances greater than the basic distance; wherein the second central scale comprises a vertical crosshair and one or more horizontal crosshairs having graduated marks of angular measurement values ​​graduated as incremental values ​​relative to the first measurement marks, wherein the one or more first side scales include one or more marks operably configured as vertical automatic ranging marks for the first target object at the basic distance and the one or more incremental distances, and operably configured as horizontal angle measurement marks and vertical angle measurement marks for one or more second target objects; and wherein the one or more moving target guide markers are operably configured to guide the first target object when the first target object is traveling at a plurality of speeds relative to a 90.0 degree full value of the aiming line of sight emanating from the one or more moving target guide markers, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide markers are operably configured to guide the first target object when the first target object is traveling at one or more of a plurality of speeds relative to a 45.0 degree half value of the aiming line of sight.

18. The reticle of claim 17, further comprising one or more second side scales, wherein: The one or more first side scales include a maximum angular distance from the first measurement mark, and the one or more second side scales include a minimum angular distance from the first measurement mark, the minimum angular distance being greater than the maximum angular distance of the one or more first side scales.

19. A reticle for an optical sight, comprising: First central scale; a second central scale, wherein the second central scale is located below the first central scale; one or more first angle measuring side scales; and one or more moving target guidance markers; wherein the first central scale is operably configured to perform horizontal automatic ranging of the first target object according to a selected centroid of the first target object at one or more predetermined first distances, and is operably configured to aim at the first target object at the one or more predetermined first distances and aim at the first target object at the one or more predetermined second distances; wherein the second central scale is operably configured to target the first target object at one or more third distances that are less than the one or more predetermined first distances and the one or more predetermined second distances; wherein the one or more first angle measurement side scales include markings operably configured as (1) vertical automatic range estimation markings for the first target object based on a selected full height and a selected half height of the first target object at the one or more predetermined first distances, (2) horizontal angle measurement markings for one or more second target objects of known size, and (3) vertical angle measurement markings for the one or more second target objects; and Wherein, the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 90.0 degree target full-value guide marks, and wherein one or more of the one or more moving target guide marks are operably configured as 45.0 degree target half-value guide marks.

20. The reticle of claim 19, further comprising one or more second angle measurement side scales including a horizontal crosshair and one or more vertical hash marks graduated with angle measurement values.

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