Illuminated aiming system

Abstract

An illuminated sighting system for a firearm sight includes a first light conducting component having a first light conducting component viewing end emitting a first amount of emitted light providing a first visual sighting mark indicative of alignment of a firearm with a target, and a second light conducting component having a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual sighting mark indicative of alignment of the first visual sighting mark with the target. A second light conducting member viewing end emitting a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark indicating a misalignment of the firearm with the target; wherein the second light conducting member viewing end is disposed around the first light conducting member viewing end; and a lens operably coupled to the first light conducting member viewing end and the second light conducting member viewing end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to illumination aiming systems. Background Art

[0002] Firearm sights have evolved significantly recently, in large part due to the widespread acceptance of red dot gun-mounted optics. However, proponents of traditional iron sights may argue that red dot optics are not without their drawbacks.

[0003] For example, red dot optics rely on battery-powered sight systems, and batteries have a limited lifespan. Red dot optics may also add to the overall bulk of a firearm, making concealment more complicated, and red dot optics may or may not fit into a traditional holster. Additionally, red dot sights may add weight to a firearm, and adding a red dot sight may increase the likelihood that the firearm will hang when drawn.

[0004] Additionally, cost can be an important consideration, as most red dot sights are priced quite high. Mounting a red dot sight on a gun can also be an issue, as finding the right base plate and screws can be difficult.

[0005] Iron sights may be more compact than red dot sights, but learning to use them properly can be more difficult than the single illuminated dot design of a traditional red dot sight. Additionally, cross-dominance and vision issues can make iron sights virtually useless for some gun owners. Summary of the invention

[0006] Disclosed herein is an illumination aiming system for a firearm, comprising: a first light-conducting member having a first light-conducting member viewing end, whereby the first light-conducting member can be configured to (i) receive light from one or more light sources, and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light internally toward the first light-conducting member viewing end for emission as a first amount of emitted light providing a first visual aiming mark, the first visual aiming mark indicating alignment of the firearm with a target; a second light-conducting member having a second light-conducting member viewing end, whereby the second light-conducting member can be configured to (i) receive light from one or more light sources, and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light internally toward the second light-conducting member viewing end for emission as a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark, the second visual aiming mark indicating misalignment of the firearm with the target. Notably, the second light-conducting member viewing end is disposed around the first light-conducting member viewing end. The illumination aiming system further comprises a lens, the lens being operably coupled to the first light-conducting member viewing end and the second light-conducting member viewing end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodiment of the illuminated aiming system of the present invention as a rear sight for a firearm.

[0008] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a particular embodiment of an illuminated aiming system exploded from a firearm is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the illumination aiming system of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A rear view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0012] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A A first side view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A second side view of a particular embodiment of the illumination aiming system shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 2F yes Figure 2A A top view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 2G yes Figure 2A A bottom view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of the illumination aiming system of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A An exploded side view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of a first light conducting component and a second light conducting component of an illumination and aiming system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A 0026] A front view of a specific embodiment of a first light conducting member and a second light conducting member shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A An angled side view of a specific embodiment of a first light conducting member and a second light conducting member shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 5A 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first light conducting component and a second light conducting component and corresponding first light emitting elements and a specific embodiment of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An exploded side view of a specific embodiment of the first and second light conducting members and corresponding first and second light emitting elements shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A An exploded top view of a specific embodiment of the first and second light conducting components and the corresponding first and second light emitting elements is shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0025] Fig. 7A yes Figure 2B , wherein an aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0026] Figure 7B Yes Fig. 7A, a front view of a first visual aiming mark visible to the aiming eye when the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0027] Figure 7C yes Figure 2B 00140 1000 0 ...

[0028] Fig.7D Yes Figure 7C , a front view of a second visual aiming mark visible to the aiming eye when the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is not aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0029] Fig. 7E yes Figure 2B 00140 1000 0 ...

[0030] Figure 7F Yes Fig. 7E , a front view of a second visual aiming mark visible to the aiming eye when the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is not aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0031] Figure 8 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention coupled to a firearm, both of which are housed in a holster without mechanical interference.

[0032] Fig. 9A It is a top view of a specific embodiment of a first light-conducting component of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention, wherein the length of the first light-conducting component includes a linear portion and a coiled portion.

[0033] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A 0026] A top view of a particular embodiment of a first light conducting member as shown in FIG. 1 , but wherein the first light conducting member is completely linear in length and therefore has no wrapped portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Now mainly refer to Figure 1A , which shows a method of using a specific embodiment of the present invention's illuminated aiming system (1), which is used in conjunction with a weapon such as a firearm (2) to assist in aiming the firearm (2) in both bright and low light conditions, whereby the illuminated aiming system (1) may be particularly useful for rapid target acquisition. When the firearm (2) is optimally aligned with the target (3), the shooter's aiming eye (5) may see a first visual aiming mark (4) (e.g., Fig. 7A and 7BIn contrast, when there is a deviation from the optimal alignment, the shooter's aiming eye (5) may see a second visual aiming mark (6) different from the first visual aiming mark (4) (as shown in FIG. Figures 7C to 7F ); thus, the second visual aiming mark (6) can provide a visual warning to the shooter that the firearm (2) is not optimally aligned with the target (3).

[0035] Typically, when aligning the firearm (2) with the target (3), the shooter's aiming eye (5) can see essentially only one or the other of the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6) at any one time, depending of course on the alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0036] Although the illumination aiming system (1) of the present invention may be described herein for use with a firearm (2), it should be understood that the illumination aiming system (1) may be used with many and varied weapons for aiming thereof, and is certainly not limited to firearms (2).

[0037] Now mainly refer to Figures 2A to 6 The illumination sighting system (1) comprises an elongated first light conducting member (7) having a first light conducting member length (8) disposed between opposing first light conducting member ends (9) and second ends (10), whereby the first light conducting member end (9) provides a first light conducting member viewing end (11) viewable by a shooter. An aiming axis (12) of the illumination sighting system (1) may extend axially through a center of the first light conducting member viewing end (11) (e.g., Figure 6 , 7A , 7C and 7E), whereby the aiming axis (12) may be substantially parallel to the barrel (13) of the firearm (2).

[0038] As used herein, the term "axial" and its derivatives mean in a direction generally parallel to or parallel to a longitudinal axis, such as the longitudinal axis of the first light-conducting component (7), the second light-conducting component (14), the illumination and aiming system (1), the firearm (2), etc.

[0039] The first light-conducting member (7) may be configured to (i) receive light (15) incident thereon from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward a viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member for emission as a first amount of emitted light (17), the first amount of emitted light providing a first visible aiming mark (4) indicating alignment of the firearm (2) with a target (3); when aligned, the first visible aiming mark (4) may be within a line of sight (18) of a shooter extending from the shooter's aiming eye (5) along a straight path to the target (3) (e.g., Figure 1A), thereby making the first visual aiming mark (4) visible to the shooter (as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A and 7B In addition, when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), the aiming axis (12) of the illumination aiming system (1) can be parallel and coincident with the line of sight (18) of the shooter, or in other words, the aiming axis (12) can be arranged at an angle of about 0° relative to the line of sight (18) of the shooter.

[0040] Regarding certain embodiments, the first light conducting member (7) may be the same as or similar to the elongated light concentrator disclosed in US Patent Application No. 17 / 845,529, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0041] Mainly refer to Figures 2A to 6 The illuminated sighting system (1) further comprises an elongated second light conductive member (14) having a second light conductive member length (19) disposed between opposing second light conductive member first ends (20) and second ends (21), whereby the second light conductive member first end (20) provides a second light conductive member viewing end (22) viewable by a shooter.

[0042] The second light-conducting member (14) may be configured to (i) receive light (15) incident thereon from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward a second light-conducting member viewing end (22) for emission as a second amount of emitted light (23), the second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark (6) indicative of misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3); when misaligned, the first visual aiming mark (4) may fall outside the shooter's line of sight (18), and correspondingly, the first visual aiming mark (4) is not visible to the shooter. However, when the firearm (2) is misaligned with the target (3), the second visual aiming mark (6) may be within the shooter's line of sight (18), thereby making the second visual aiming mark (6) visible to the shooter (e.g., Figures 7C to 7F ). Thus, the shooter can reposition the firearm (2) (and correspondingly, the aiming axis (12)) until the first visual aiming mark (4) appears within the shooter's line of sight (18), indicating that the repositioning results in alignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0043] Of course, in use, the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) can be oriented toward the shooter so that his aiming eye (5) can see the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6).

[0044] Now mainly refer to Figures 4A to 4CObviously, for use with the present invention, the second light conducting member inspection end (22) can be arranged around, such as completely around, the first light conducting member inspection end (11). In other words, the second light conducting member inspection end (22) can radially surround, such as completely radially surround, the first light conducting member inspection end (11). Subsequently, the second light conducting member inspection end (22) can include an opening (24) axially therethrough; correspondingly, the second light conducting member inspection end (22) can have an annular or ring-shaped area. The first light conducting member inspection end (11) can be received in the opening (24) to arrange the second light conducting member inspection end (22) around the first light conducting member inspection end (11).

[0045] With regard to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member viewing end (22) may be disposed concentrically around the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0046] With regard to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member viewing end (22) may be disposed coaxially around the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0047] Regarding certain embodiments, the second light conducting member viewing end (22) including the annular region (25) may have a constant radial portion (26) (e.g., Figure 7B , 7D and 7F).

[0048] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 Regarding certain embodiments, the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) may be coplanar or flush.

[0049] The first light-conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting component viewing end (22) and the corresponding first and second visual aiming marks (4 and 6) can provide different images to indicate the corresponding alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3). With respect to certain embodiments, the first and second visual aiming marks (4 and 6) can be visible in an illumination field (29), which can be a visible area of ​​the illumination aiming system (1) that indicates the alignment or misalignment when viewed by a shooter. With respect to certain embodiments, the illumination field (29) can include a circular area of ​​light. Typically, when aligning the firearm (2) with the target (3), substantially only one or the other of the first and second visual aiming marks (4 and 6) is visible in the illumination field (29) (or fills the illumination field) at any one time, depending of course on the alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0050] As a non-limiting example, the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6) may include different colors of light that are perceptible to the shooter. Again as a non-limiting example, the first visual aiming mark (4) may be a green circle indicating alignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3), and the second visual aiming mark (6) may be a red circle indicating misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0051] In order to arrange the second light conducting member viewing end (22) around the first light conducting member viewing end (11), the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be arranged adjacent to or in close proximity to the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof) and in particular adjacent to or in close proximity to the first light conducting member outer surface (30), at least close to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). With regard to a particular embodiment, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be arranged around, e.g. completely around, the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least close to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). Subsequently, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may include an opening (24) extending axially therethrough, e.g. between the second light conducting member first end (20) and the second end (21) along the longitudinal axis of the second light conducting member (14), whereby the opening (24) may be defined by the second light conducting member inner surface (27). Correspondingly, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be configured as a ring-shaped or annular member. The first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof) may be received in the opening (24) to arrange the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) around the first light conducting member (7), at least close to the first light conducting member inspection end (11) and the second light conducting member inspection end (22). Therefore, the first light conducting member outer surface (30) may be adjacent to or closely adjacent to the second light conducting member inner surface (27), at least close to the first light conducting member inspection end (11) and the second light conducting member inspection end (22).

[0052] In other words, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may radially surround, for example completely radially surround, the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least close to the first light conducting member inspection end (11) and the second light conducting member inspection end (22).

[0053] Regarding certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be disposed concentrically around the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least proximate the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22).

[0054] With regard to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be coaxially disposed around the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least proximate the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22).

[0055] With regard to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may have a constant radial portion (26) surrounding the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof) between its inner surface (27) and outer surface (28), at least proximate the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22).

[0056] Regarding construction, the light-conducting components (7) (14) can be made of many and varied light-conducting materials as light pipes or optical fibers, including but not limited to plastics (e.g., polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, TEFLON TM , nylon, polystyrene, polyurethane, acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, polymethyl methacrylate or the like, or a combination thereof), whereby one or more additives may be added to the material to aid light conductivity. Due to the light-conducting material and / or configuration of the light-conducting member (7)(14), total internal reflection, substantial internal reflection or a desired amount of internal reflection of light (15) incident on the light-conducting member (7)(14) may be achieved, thereby allowing corresponding transmission of all, substantially all or a desired amount of the light (15) internally toward the light-conducting member viewing end (11)(22) for emission as an amount of emitted light (17)(23) that provides a visible aiming mark (4)(6).

[0057] With regard to certain embodiments, the light conducting component (7)(14) may include a cladding or layer of material having a lower refractive index that contacts, for example surrounds, a core light conducting material (or optical fiber) having a higher refractive index. The difference in refractive index causes total internal reflection to occur at the core-cladding boundary along the length of the optical fiber; accordingly, the light (15) is transmitted through the optical fiber and does not escape through the sides of the optical fiber. The cladding then serves to confine the light (15) to the core of the light conducting component (7)(14).

[0058] With regard to certain embodiments, the light-conducting member (7)(14) may include or contain one or more dopants, colorants, or combinations thereof, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The dopants, colorants, or combinations thereof may cause the amount of emitted light (17)(23) and the visible aiming mark (4)(6) to have a color that is perceptible to the shooter.

[0059] With respect to manufacturing, the light-conducting member (7)(14) may be molded, extruded, cast or otherwise fabricated into many and varied elongated configurations having various lengths, widths and thicknesses, whereby exemplary cross-sectional configurations may include circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal or the like. As an illustrative example, the elongated light-conducting member (7)(14) may be configured as a cylinder or may have a generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross-section. With respect to these particular embodiments, the light-conducting member viewing end (11)(22) may have a generally circular region that may provide a generally circular visual aiming mark (4)(6).

[0060] As stated above, the light conductive member (7)(14) may (i) receive light (15) incident thereon from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward the light conductive member viewing end (11)(22) for emission as an amount of emitted light (17)(23) that provides a visible sighting mark (4)(6). With respect to certain embodiments, the light (15) may be incident on a light conductive member outer surface (30)(28) such that it receives the light (15) for internal transmission within the light conductive member (7)(14), whereby the light conductive member outer surface (30)(28) may include an outer surface that defines (i) a light conductive member sidewall extending along the light conductive member length (8)(19) between the light conductive member first end (9)(20) and the second end (10)(21), and / or (ii) the light conductive member second end (10)(21), depending on the embodiment.

[0061] With respect to certain embodiments, the light-conducting component (7) (14) may be configured to have a significant (or substantially or considerable or large or sufficient) light-conducting component outer surface area to facilitate receipt of a correspondingly large amount of light (15), which results in emitted light (17) (23) having a desired amount of brightness; as will be understood, the light-conducting component outer surface area may be proportional to the amount of emitted light (17) (23), and correspondingly proportional to the brightness of the visible aiming mark (4) (6).

[0062] Subsequently, the light conductive member (7) (14) may be provided with a length, width, thickness and / or configuration that provides a relatively large light conductive member outer surface area. As an illustrative example, the light conductive member (7) (14) may include a light conductive member length (8) (19) having a coiled portion (31) that may gather or compress the light conductive member length (8) (19) relative to the same light conductive member (7) (14) having a completely linear light conductive member length (8) (19) (e.g., Fig. 9A and 9BThus, the former may have a shorter light-conducting member footprint length (32) than the latter. With regard to certain embodiments, the coiled portion (31) may be close to and / or include the light-conducting member second end (10)(21).

[0063] Now with respect to the receipt of light (15) by the light-conducting member (7) (14), the corresponding light source (16) may include one or more of any light sources that emit light (15) in one or more of the ultraviolet spectrum, the visible spectrum, or the infrared spectrum, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0064] With respect to certain embodiments, the light source (16) can be ambient light, meaning light from a surrounding area or environment. As an illustrative example, the ambient light source (16) can be sunlight incident on an outer surface (30) (28) of the light-conducting member, whereby the light-conducting member (7) (14) can transmit at least a portion of the sunlight internally toward the light-conducting member viewing end (11) (22) for emission as an amount of emitted light (17) (23) that provides a visible aiming mark (4) (6), such as to indicate alignment (first visible aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visible aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3) in bright light conditions.

[0065] For use in low light conditions and / or for supplementation in bright light conditions, the illuminated aiming system (1) may further comprise at least one light emitting element (33), such as an artificial or man-made light emitting element (33), which is disposed proximate to the light-conducting member (7) (14), whereby the light emitting element (33) can provide a light source (16) and corresponding light (15) for incident on the light-conducting member (7) (14). The light-conducting member (7) (14) can then internally transmit at least a portion of this light (15) towards the light-conducting member viewing end (11) (22) for emission as an emission light (17) (23) providing an amount of a visible aiming mark (4) (6) indicating alignment (first visible aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visible aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0066] The light emitting element (33) may include or may be selected from the group consisting of: a light emitting diode, a luminescent paint, a chemiluminescent element, an electroluminescent conductor, a radioluminescent element or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0067] With respect to certain embodiments, the light emitting element (33) may be a radiation emitting element including a radionucleotide that emits beta radiation. As an illustrative example, the radionucleotide may include tritium, and the light emitting element (33) may be configured as a gaseous tritium light source, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The gaseous tritium light source may include a glass form, such as a capillary, which may be coated with a luminescent substance (e.g., zinc sulfide powder) on the inside and filled with tritium gas, whereby the luminescent coating may convert the kinetic energy of electrons into light. Kinetic energy may be generated from the tritium gas; the tritium nuclei slowly decay, thereby emitting electrons in the process. When the electrons hit the luminescent coating, the energy is emitted in the form of light (15). As an illustrative example, a gaseous tritium light source that may be suitable for use with the present invention may be obtained from mb-microtec GmbH, headquartered in Switzerland, or the like.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the light emitting element (33) may be positioned adjacent to the light conductive member (7) (14) or a portion thereof, such as adjacent to a light conductive member length (8) (19) defining a side wall of the light conductive member extending between a first end (9) (20) and a second end (10) (21) of the light conductive member.

[0069] With respect to a particular embodiment, a light emitting element (33) may be positioned adjacent to an outer surface (30) (28) of a light conducting component or a portion thereof; thereafter, at least a portion of the light (15) incident on the outer surface (30) (28) of the light conducting component may be transmitted internally toward a viewing end (11) (22) of the light conducting component for emission as an amount of emitted light (17) (23) providing a visible aiming mark (4) (6) indicating alignment (first visible aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visible aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with a target (3) even in low light conditions or in the absence of light.

[0070] With respect to other specific embodiments, the light emitting element (33) may be positioned adjacent to the light-conducting member inner surface (27) or a portion thereof; thereafter, at least a portion of the light (15) incident on the light-conducting member inner surface (27) may be transmitted internally toward the light-conducting member viewing end (11) (22) for emission as an amount of emitted light (17) (23) providing a visible aiming mark (4) (6) indicating alignment (first visible aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visible aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3) even in low light conditions or in the absence of light.

[0071] With respect to certain embodiments having a light emitting element (33) disposed adjacent to a light conducting member inner surface (27), the light emitting element (33) may be located within a cavity (34), such as a longitudinal hole, disposed within or contained within the light conducting member (7) (14), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. With respect to certain embodiments, the cavity (34) may be partially or completely defined by the light conducting member inner surface (27); thus, the light conducting member inner surface (27) may provide one or more cavity walls that define the cavity (34) disposed within the light conducting member (7) (14).

[0072] With respect to a particular embodiment, the illumination aiming system (1) may include only one light emitting element (33) disposed adjacent to both the first light conducting member (7) and the second light conducting member (14), whereby this light emitting element (33) may provide a light source (16) and corresponding light (15) for incident on both the first light conducting member (7) and the second light conducting member (14), which corresponding light may then be emitted to provide respective first and second visual aiming marks (4, 6). As an illustrative example of this embodiment, the light emitting element (33) may be disposed adjacent to both the first light conducting member outer surface (30) and the second light conducting member outer surface (28) to provide corresponding light (15) for incident on both the first light conducting member outer surface (30) and the second light conducting member outer surface (28). As another illustrative example of this embodiment, the light emitting element (33) may be located within a chamber (34) disposed inside one of the first light conducting member (7) or the second light conducting member (14) to provide corresponding light (15) for incident on the corresponding light conducting member inner surface (27); in addition, this light emitting element (33) may be further disposed adjacent to the other of the first light conducting member outer surface (30) or the second light conducting member outer surface (28) to provide corresponding light (15) for incident on the corresponding light conducting member outer surface (30) (28).

[0073] Now mainly refer to Figures 5A to 5CRegarding other specific embodiments, the illumination aiming system (1) may include a plurality of light emitting elements (33), such as a first light emitting element (35) disposed adjacent to the first light conducting member (7), the first light emitting element (35) providing light (15) incident on the first light conducting member (7) and subsequently emitted from the first light conducting member viewing end (11), thereby generating the first visible aiming mark (4). In addition, the illumination aiming system (1) may further include a second light emitting element (36) disposed adjacent to the second light conducting member (14), the second light emitting element (36) providing light (15) incident on the second light conducting member (14) and subsequently emitted from the second light conducting member viewing end (22), thereby generating the second visible aiming mark (6). As an illustrative example of this embodiment, a first light emitting element (35) may be disposed adjacent to the first light conductive member outer surface (30) to provide corresponding light (15) incident thereon, and a second light emitting element (36) may be located within a chamber (34) disposed within the second light conductive member (14) to provide corresponding light (15) incident on the second light conductive member inner surface (27).

[0074] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 With regard to a particular embodiment, the second light conducting member (14) may include (i) a chamber (34) and a corresponding second light emitting element (36) disposed therein, and (ii) the above-mentioned opening (24), which axially passes through the second light conducting member and receives the first light conducting member (7) to position the second light conducting member (14) around the first light conducting member (7), at least proximate to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). Depending on the embodiment, the chamber (34) and the opening (24) may communicate with each other or may each be separately enclosed.

[0075] Now mainly refer to Figure 3A , 3B and Figures 6 to 7F, the illumination aiming system (1) may further include a lens (37) disposed in axially spaced relation to the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting member viewing end (22). In use, the lens (37) may be disposed between: (i) the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting member viewing end (22), and (ii) the shooter's aiming eye (5); when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), the shooter's line of sight (18) may pass through the lens (37), and in particular through the center of the lens (37), and through the center of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) (and correspondingly, the center of the first visible aiming mark (4)) to the target (3). Subsequently, the center of the lens (37) may be axially aligned with the center of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11); thus, the aiming axis (12) may pass axially through the center of the lens (37).

[0076] The lens (37) may be configured to magnify the area of ​​the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and correspondingly magnify the first amount of emitted light (17) to fill the illumination field (29) viewed by the shooter, whereby the illumination field (29) may be in the image plane (38). Thus, this filled illumination field (29) may provide a first visible aiming mark (4), such as a circular area of ​​light (15), such as a circular area of ​​green light, which may have a substantially uniform brightness across the illumination field (29).

[0077] Additionally, the lens (37) may be configured to magnify a portion of the area of ​​the viewing end (22) of the second light-conducting member and correspondingly magnify a portion of the second amount of emitted light (23) to fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter. Thus, this filled illuminated field (29) may provide a second visible aiming mark (6), such as a circular area of ​​light (15), such as a circular area of ​​red light, derived from a portion of the annular area (25) of light (15) provided by the second amount of emitted light (23), which may have a substantially uniform brightness across the illuminated field (29).

[0078] Typically, when aligning the firearm (2) with the target (3), the illumination field (29) will be filled with substantially only one or the other of the first amount of emitted light (17) or a portion of the second amount of emitted light (23), and correspondingly only one or the other of the respective first visual aiming mark (4) or second visual aiming mark (6) will be provided at any one time to indicate the respective alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3). For example, the illumination field (29) will be filled with substantially only one or the other of green light or red light at any one time to indicate the respective alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0079] Now mainly refer to Figure 6, the lens (37) may be a single focus lens instead of a multi-focus lens. In addition, the lens (37) may include a convex surface (39) facing away from the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting component viewing end (22); correspondingly, in use, the convex surface (39) may be oriented toward the shooter for viewing by his aiming eye (5). With respect to a specific embodiment, the lens (37) may further include a plane (or flat) surface (40) facing the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting component viewing end (22). With respect to a specific embodiment, the lens (37) may be a plano-convex lens.

[0080] A convex surface (39) of the lens (37) facing away from the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22) provides a focal point (41) between the lens (37) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). The distance between the optical center of the lens (37) and the focal point (41) is the focal length (42), whereby the focal length (42) is associated with an angle of view (43) that specifies a field of view (FOV) (44) or an object plane or observable area imaged by the lens (37) and provided in the illumination field (29). In general, the longer the focal length (42), the narrower the angle of view (43) and the corresponding field of view (44) and the higher the magnification; the shorter the focal length (42), the wider the angle of view (43) and the corresponding field of view (44) and the lower the magnification. In the present invention, the field of view (44) or the object plane or the observable area imaged by the lens (37) and provided in the illumination field (29) may extend beyond the focal point (41). Correspondingly, the focal length (42) of the lens (37) may be smaller than the distance between the lens (37) and the first light-conducting component inspection end (11) and the second light-conducting component inspection end (22). In other words, the distance between the lens (37) and the first light-conducting component inspection end (11) and the second light-conducting component inspection end (22) may be greater than the focal length (42) of the lens (37).

[0081] The focal length (F) of the convex lens (37) can be calculated by the formula F=R / (N-1), where R is the radius of curvature of the lens (37) and N is the refractive index of the lens medium.

[0082] For most polymers, the refractive index can be about 1.5, which simplifies the focal length (F) calculation to Equation 1:

[0083] F=2R

[0084] Obviously, for use with the present invention, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) so that its field of view (44) can have a boundary or perimeter, such as a circumference, which can be substantially the same as the perimeter, such as the circumference, of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) so that its field of view (44) can have a diameter that can be substantially the same as the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0085] As used herein, the term "circumference" means the outer boundary or surface of an object, whereby an object may be round but need not be round.

[0086] The term "diameter" as used herein means the length of a line passing through the center of an object, whereby an object may be round but need not be round.

[0087] It will be apparent that for use with the present invention, when an aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) is aligned with the line of sight (18) of the shooter, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) having a boundary or perimeter, such as a circumference, that can be substantially aligned with the perimeter or circumference of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11). In other words, when an aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) is aligned with the line of sight (18) of the shooter, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) that includes the first light-conducting member viewing end (11). In other words, when the sighting axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the line of sight (18) of the shooter, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) that includes only the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). In other words, when the sighting axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the line of sight (18) of the shooter, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) that consists essentially of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). In other words, when the aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the line of sight (18) of the shooter, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) consisting of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). Therefore, when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), only the first visible aiming mark (4) is visible to the aiming eye (5) of the shooter.

[0088] Mathematically, for a selection of (i) a lens (37) having a diameter (D) and a focal length (F) and (ii) a first light conducting member viewing end (11) having a diameter (D), the distance (x) of the first light conducting member viewing end (11) from the focal point (fp) of the lens (37) is end→fp ) can be calculated by equation II:

[0089]

[0090] Then, the distance (x) from the inspection end (11) of the first light-conducting member to the lens (37) (and in particular to the image plane (38) or the illumination field (29)) is end→lens ) can be calculated by equation III:

[0091]

[0092] As stated above, the lens (37) can be configured to magnify (i) an area of ​​the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17), or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the viewing end (22) of the second light-conducting member and correspondingly a portion of the second amount of emitted light (23) to fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter.

[0093] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting component viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least 2 times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0094] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting component viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least three times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0095] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting component viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least four times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0096] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting component viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least 5 times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0097] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting component viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least 6 times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0098] In order to meet the above criteria, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be arranged in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 10 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). Regarding specific embodiments, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be arranged in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 15 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). Regarding specific embodiments, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be arranged in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 20 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With regard to a specific embodiment, the lens (37) (specifically the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be disposed in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 25 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With regard to a specific embodiment, the lens (37) (specifically the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be disposed in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 30 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0099] As an illustrative example satisfying the above criteria, a specific embodiment of the illumination aiming system (1) of the present invention may include (i) a lens (37) made of nylon and having a diameter of approximately 0.122 inches and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.24 inches, and (ii) a first light-conducting member (7) having a first light-conducting member viewing end (11) having a diameter of approximately 0.02 inches, whereby the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) may be disposed in an axially spaced relationship with a distance therebetween of approximately 0.559 inches. With respect to this specific embodiment, the illumination field (29) may have an area of ​​approximately 0.122 inches, and the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) may be magnified by approximately 6.1 times.

[0100] With respect to certain embodiments, the firearm (2) may be considered aligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle of no greater than about ±1° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18). Subsequently, the firearm (2) may be considered misaligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle of greater than about ±1° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0101] With respect to certain embodiments, the firearm (2) may be considered aligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle of no greater than approximately ±1.5° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18). Subsequently, the firearm (2) may be considered misaligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle of greater than approximately ±1.5° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0102] With respect to certain embodiments, the firearm (2) may be considered aligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle of no greater than about ±2° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18). Subsequently, the firearm (2) may be considered misaligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle of greater than about ±2° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0103] Now mainly refer to Figure 7B , 7D and 7F, with respect to a second light conducting member viewing end (22) including an annular region (25) and having a constant radial portion (26) surrounding the first light conducting member viewing end (11) between its inner surface (27) and outer surface (28), the radial portion (26) may have a radial portion length (45) extending between the second light conducting member viewing end inner surface (27) and outer surface (28), whereby the radial portion length (45) may be equal to the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). Accordingly, when the shooter's line of sight falls adjacent to the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the first light conducting member viewing end (11), which may occur when the firearm (2) and the target (3) are misaligned, the radial portion (26) may be disposed in the field of view (44) and fill the illumination field (29).

[0104] With respect to certain embodiments, the radial portion (26) may have a radial portion length (45) that may be (i) not less than or (ii) greater than the diameter of the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member, whereby a larger radial portion length (45) allows for an indication of a larger misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3) than a smaller radial portion length (45). In other words, a larger radial portion length (45) allows for an indication of a misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3) resulting from a larger angle between the aiming axis (12) relative to the shooter's line of sight (18) than a smaller radial portion length (45). For example, depending on the embodiment, when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle greater than about ±1°, greater than about ±1.5°, or greater than about ±2° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18), the second visual sighting mark (6), such as a circular area of ​​light (15) derived from a portion of the annular area (25) of light (15) provided by the second amount of emitted light (23), can fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter to indicate misalignment. With respect to specific embodiments, depending on the embodiment, when the sighting axis (12) is at an angle between about ±1° and about ±5°, between about ±1.5° and about ±5°, or between about ±2° and about ±5° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18), the second visual sighting mark (6), such as a circular area of ​​light (15) derived from a portion of the annular area (25) of light (15) provided by the second amount of emitted light (23), can fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter.

[0105] Now mainly refer to Figures 2A to 3B The illumination aiming system (1) may further include a tube (46) disposed between (i) the lens (37) and (ii) the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) axially spaced apart, whereby the tube (46) may provide a passage through which the first amount of emitted light (17) and the second amount of emitted light (23) may travel. The tube (46) may include a tube sidewall (47) extending along the tube length (50) between opposite tube first ends (48) and second ends (49), whereby the lens (37) is proximate to the tube first end (48) and the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) are proximate to the tube second end (49).

[0106] In order to provide sufficient pathways for the travel of the first amount of emitted light (17) and the second amount of emitted light (23), the tube sidewall (47) may be substantially opaque, thereby preventing the first amount of emitted light (17) and the second amount of emitted light (23) from escaping through the tube sidewall (47).

[0107] As stated above, the lens (37) may be proximate to the tube first end (48). With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be coupled or connected to the tube first end (48), for example, via a perimeter of the lens (37), which may close a passage extending between the tube first end (48) and the second end (49). As an illustrative example, the lens (37) may be coupled or connected to the tube first end (48) via a retaining ring (51).

[0108] The tube (46) may have a tube length (50) that may be sufficient to accommodate a desired distance between the lens (37) and the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to fill the illumination field (29) with the first visible aiming mark (4) when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), whereby the distance may be related to the focal length (42) of the lens (37), the diameter of the lens (37), and the diameter of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) as detailed above.

[0109] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 , the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) are proximate to the tube second end (49), whereby, with respect to a particular embodiment, the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) extend a distance from the tube second end (49) into the tube (46) sufficient to position the first light conducting component viewing end (11) at a distance from the lens (37) to fill the illuminated field (29) with the first visible aiming mark (4) when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3).

[0110] Now mainly refer to Figures 2A to 3B , the illumination aiming system (1) may further include a housing (52) configured to house at least the first light-conducting component (7) and the second light-conducting component (14), the lens (37), the tube (46) and the one or more light-emitting elements (33), whereby the housing (52) may have a configuration capable of maintaining the illumination aiming system (1) in a fixed relationship with the firearm (2), such as close to the barrel (13), for aiming of the firearm (2), as described above. Because this fixed relationship with respect to a particular embodiment may be releasable or removable rather than permanent, many and varied coupling configurations may be employed. Now referring primarily to Figure 1B As an illustrative example, the housing (52) may be configured to matably engage with a correspondingly configured portion of the firearm (2), such as by a sliding engagement that may be maintained via a friction fit.

[0111] A housing (52) that may enclose all components to provide a single self-contained unit may include a housing interior space (53) configured to accommodate at least the first light conducting member (7) and the second light conducting member (14), the lens (37) and one or more light emitting elements (33), whereby the housing interior space (53) may be partially or completely defined by a housing inner surface (54). With respect to certain embodiments, the tube (46) may be integrated with the housing (52), meaning provided as a one-piece construction.

[0112] The housing (52) may further include one or more aperture elements (55), each of which may define an aperture element opening communicating between the housing interior space (53) and the housing exterior surface (56). Thus, light (15) from a light source (16) external to the illumination aiming system (1), such as ambient light from a surrounding area or environment, may travel through the aperture element opening to be incident on the first light-conducting member (7) and the second light-conducting member (14), such as on the exterior surfaces (30) (28) thereof, and the light (15) is subsequently emitted to provide a corresponding first visual aiming mark (4) and a second visual aiming mark (6).

[0113] With regard to a specific embodiment, the shell (52) may further include a transparent or translucent cover (57), which can be connected to the shell in proximity to the orifice element (55) to enclose the shell interior space (53) while allowing ambient light to pass through to be incident on the first light-conducting component (7) and the second light-conducting component (14).

[0114] With respect to certain embodiments, the housing (52) and / or cover (57) may be the same as or similar to corresponding housings and covers disclosed in US Patent Application No. 17 / 845,529, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0115] Now mainly refer to Figure 8 , the housing (52) may have a size sufficient to accommodate at least the first light-conducting component (7) and the second light-conducting component (14), the lens (37), and the one or more light-emitting elements (33). With respect to certain embodiments, the housing (52) may have a housing length (58) that may be short enough so that the illumination sight system (1) does not interfere (e.g., mechanically) with the placement of the firearm (2) within the holster (59), thereby allowing the firearm (2) having the illumination sight system (1) to be supported and / or held by the holster (59) in the same manner as if the firearm (2) did not have the illumination sight system (1) fixed thereto. Therefore, the housing length (58) may be considered to be relatively short.

[0116] In order to fit within a housing (52) having a relatively short housing length (58), the first light conductive member (7) and / or the second light conductive member (14) may correspondingly have a relatively short light conductive member footprint length (32), which may be achieved by gathering or compressing the light conductive member length (8) (19). As an illustrative example, the light conductive member length (8) (19) may have a coiled portion (31) (as mentioned above) that may shorten the light conductive member footprint length (32) relative to the same light conductive member (7) (14) having a completely linear light conductive member length (8) (19) (as mentioned above). Fig. 9A and 9B ).

[0117] With respect to a particular embodiment, the first light conductive member length (8) may include a coiled portion (31) proximate the first light conductive member second end (10); in addition, the first light conductive member length (8) may include a linear portion (60) proximate the first light conductive member first end (9), whereby the linear portion (60) may facilitate placement of the second light conductive member viewing end (22) around the first light conductive member viewing end (11).

[0118] With regard to a particular embodiment, the illumination sight system (1) of the present invention may be a rear sight (61) used at the proximal end (62) of a firearm (2), whereby the illumination sight system (1) may be used with or without a cooperating front sight, depending on the embodiment.

[0119] With regard to a particular embodiment, the illumination sight system (1) of the present invention may be a front sight used at the distal end (63) of a firearm (2), whereby the illumination sight system (1) may be used with or without a cooperating rear sight (61), depending on the embodiment.

[0120] Now with respect to production, a method of making a particular embodiment of an illuminated aiming system (1) may include: providing a first light conductive member (7) having a first light conductive member first end (9) providing a first light conductive member viewing end (11), whereby the first light conductive member (7) may be configured to (i) receive light (15) from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward the first light conductive member viewing end (11) to be emitted as a first amount of emitted light (17) providing a first visible aiming mark (4) indicating alignment of a firearm (2) with a target (3); positioning a second light conductive member (17) about the first light conductive member viewing end (11); A second light conducting component viewing end (22) of a firearm (2) and a second light conducting component viewing end (22), the second light conducting component (14) having a second light conducting component first end (20) providing the second light conducting component viewing end (11), whereby the second light conducting component (14) can be configured to (i) receive light (15) from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward the second light conducting component viewing end (22) to be emitted as a second amount of emitted light (23) providing a second visual aiming mark (6) indicating misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3); and a lens (37) operably coupled to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22).

[0121] The method of making an illumination aiming system (1) may further comprise providing additional components of the illumination aiming system (1) as described above and in the claims.

[0122] Now with respect to use, a method of using a specific embodiment of an illumination sighting system (1) to assist in aiming a firearm (2) may include obtaining the illumination sighting system (1) described above and coupling the illumination sighting system (1) to a firearm (2). The method may further include aiming the firearm (2) at a target (3). The method may further include positioning the firearm (2) so that a first visual aiming mark (4) is visible to a shooter, meaning within the shooter's line of sight (18) extending from his aiming eye (5) along a straight path to the target (3). Subsequently, the firearm (2) and the target (3) may be aligned. The method may further include firing a projectile from the firearm (2) at the target (3). The method may further include striking the target (3) with the projectile. The method may further include disconnecting the illumination sighting system (1) and the firearm (2).

[0123] From the foregoing it can be readily appreciated that the basic concepts of the invention can be embodied in a variety of ways. The present invention is directed to numerous and varied embodiments of an illuminated aiming system that can be incorporated into a wide variety of sights for weapons.

[0124] Thus, the specific embodiments or elements of the present invention disclosed by the specification or shown in the figures and tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather examples of the numerous and various embodiments generally encompassed by the present invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any specific element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the present invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; the specification and drawings implicitly disclose many alternatives.

[0125] It should be understood that each element of a device or each step of a method can be described by a device term or a method term. Such terms can be replaced when necessary so that the implicit broad coverage of the present invention's authorization is clarified. As just one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method can be disclosed as actions, means for taking the actions, or elements causing the actions. Similarly, each element of a device can be disclosed as a physical element or an action promoted by the physical element. As just one example, the disclosure of a "sight" should be understood as covering the disclosure of the "aiming" action - whether or not it is explicitly discussed - and on the contrary, if the "aiming" action is effectively disclosed, this disclosure should be understood as covering the disclosure of "aiming" and even "device for aiming". These alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification.

[0126] In addition, with respect to each term used, it should be understood that unless the usage of the term in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the commonly used dictionary definition should be understood to be included in the description of each term as contained in the Second Edition of Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, each definition is incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] In addition, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of the entities; for example, "a light source" refers to one or more of those light sources. Thus, the terms "a" or "an", "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0128] It is assumed that all numerical values ​​herein are modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly stated. For the purposes of the present invention, the range can be expressed as from "about" a specific value to "about" another specific value. When such a range is represented, another embodiment includes from the one specific value to the other specific value. The numerical range described by the endpoint includes all numerical values ​​contained in the range. The numerical range of one to five includes, for example, numerical values ​​1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should also be understood that the endpoint of each range is important relative to the other endpoint and independent of the other endpoint. Similarly, when the preposition "about" is used to represent the value as an approximate value, it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a series of numerical values ​​that a person of ordinary skill in the art considers to be equivalent to the stated numerical value or to have the same function or result. Similarly, the preposition "substantially" means a form, mode or degree that is largely but not completely the same, and a specific element will have a series of configurations that a person of ordinary skill in the art considers to have the same function or result. When a specific element is expressed as an approximate element using the preposition “substantially”, it should be understood that the specific element forms another embodiment.

[0129] Therefore, it should be understood that applicant claims at least: i) each of the illumination aiming systems disclosed and described herein, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments that implement each of the functions shown, disclosed or described, v) those alternative designs and methods that implement each of the functions shown as implicit to achieve the disclosed and described content, vi) each feature, component and step shown as a separate and independent invention, vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described above and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) various combinations and arrangements of each of the previously disclosed elements.

[0130] If available, the background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field to which the invention relates. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrases of certain U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, or topics of the claimed invention, which may be used to describe information, problems, or concerns about the state of the art to which the invention relates. Any U.S. patent, patent application, publication, statement, or other information cited or incorporated herein should not be construed, understood, or considered as prior art to the present invention.

[0131] The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference as part of the description of the invention, and applicants expressly reserve the right to use all or part of this incorporation of these claims as additional explanations in support of any or all claims or any elements or parts thereof; and applicants further expressly reserve the right to move any part or all of this incorporation of these claims or any elements or parts thereof from the specification to the claims, or vice versa, as necessary to define the subject matter claimed in this application or any subsequent application or continuation, division or continuation-in-part application thereof or to obtain any benefit of reduced fees under or to comply with any national or treaty patent statutes, rules or regulations; and this incorporation by reference shall survive throughout the pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, division or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereof.

[0132] The claims set forth in this specification are also intended to describe the scope and limits of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete list of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. Applicants do not waive the right to further file claims as part of any continuation, division or continuation-in-part or similar application based on the above description.

Claims

1. An illumination aiming system for a firearm, comprising: a first light conductive member having a first light conductive member first end providing a first light conductive member viewing end; The first light conductive member is configured to (i) receive light from one or more light sources and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light internally toward a viewing end of the first light conductive member for emission as a first amount of emitted light providing a first visual aiming mark indicating alignment of the firearm with a target; a second light conductive member having a second light conductive member first end providing a second light conductive member viewing end; The second light conductive member is configured to (i) receive light from one or more light sources and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light internally toward a viewing end of the second light conductive member for emission as a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark indicating misalignment of the firearm with the target; wherein the second light-conducting component inspection end is arranged around the first light-conducting component inspection end; as well as A lens is operably coupled to the first light conducting member viewing end and the second light conducting member viewing end.

2. The illuminated aiming system of claim 1, wherein substantially only one or the other of the first visual aiming mark and the second visual aiming mark is visible to an aiming eye of a shooter of the firearm at any one time.

3. The illumination aiming system of claim 1, wherein the second light conducting member viewing end comprises an annular region.

4. The illumination aiming system of claim 3, the second light conducting member viewing end having a constant radial portion around the first light conducting member viewing end between an inner surface and an outer surface of the second light conducting member viewing end.

5. The illumination aiming system of claim 1, the first visual aiming mark and the second visual aiming mark being visible in an illumination field.

6. The illumination aiming system of claim 5, wherein substantially only one or the other of the first visual aiming mark and the second visual aiming mark is visible in the illumination field at any one time.

7. The illumination aiming system of claim 5, wherein the first visual aiming mark and the second visual aiming mark comprise different colors of light.

8. The illumination aiming system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises ambient light.

9. The illumination aiming system of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting element.

10. The illumination aiming system of claim 9, wherein the light emitting element is selected from the group consisting of: a light emitting diode, a luminescent paint, a chemiluminescent element, an electroluminescent conductor, a radioluminescent element, and combinations thereof.

11. The illumination aiming system of claim 9, further comprising only one of the light emitting elements providing light to the first light conducting member and the second light conducting member.

12. The illumination aiming system of claim 9, wherein the light emitting element comprises a first light emitting element that provides light to the first light conducting member, and a second light emitting element that provides light to the second light conducting member.

13. The illumination aiming system of claim 1, wherein the lens is disposed in axially spaced relation to the first light conducting member viewing end and the second light conducting member viewing end.

14. The illumination aiming system of claim 13, the lens configured and positioned relative to the first light guide member viewing end to provide a field of view having a perimeter that is the same as a perimeter of the first light guide member viewing end.

15. The illumination aiming system of claim 13, wherein the lens is configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end to provide a field of view having a boundary aligned with a periphery of the first light-conducting component viewing end when an aiming axis axially passing through a center of the lens and a center of the first light-conducting component viewing end is aligned with a shooter's line of sight.

16. The illumination aiming system of claim 13, wherein the lens magnifies the first light conducting member viewing end by at least 2 times.

17. The illumination aiming system of claim 13, wherein a distance between the lens and the first light conducting member viewing end is at least 10 times a diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end.

18. The illumination aiming system of claim 4, wherein the radial portion has a radial portion length that is no less than a diameter of a viewing end of the first light conducting member.

19. The illumination aiming system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing configured to house the first light conducting component, the second light conducting component, and the lens, wherein the housing comprises a housing length that permits the firearm having the illumination aiming system secured thereto to be placed within a holster without mechanically interfering with the placement.

20. The illumination aiming system of claim 1, wherein the illumination aiming system provides a rear sight for the firearm.

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