Rifle sighting telescope adjusting knob free of tool zeroing

Abstract

A viewing optic is disclosed. In one embodiment, the viewing optic is a rifle sighting telescope having a sighting telescope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the sighting telescope body, an adjustment knob, and a zero adjustment subassembly. The adjusting button comprises an adjusting button screw, an adjusting button bottom plate assembly and an adjusting button cap. The adjustment knob screw defines a screw axis and is operably connected with the optical element to adjust the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The adjustment button cap at least partially overlaps the adjustment button bottom tray assembly. The zero-point adjustment sub-assembly comprises a zero-setting cap in screw connection with the adjustment knob and a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism releasably secures the zeroing cap and the adjustment knob. The zero adjustment subassembly allows adjustment of the zero point without the use of tools.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 202080019409.1, application date January 7, 2020, and invention name “Tool-free zeroing rifle scope adjustment knob”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 789,769 filed on January 8, 2019, and claims priority to the provisional patent application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to rifle scope adjustment knobs, and more particularly to rifle scope adjustment knobs having tool-free adjustment capability. Background Art

[0005] In the context of rifle scopes, there are several features that are highly desired by users of rifle scope adjustment knobs: the ability to lock the adjustment knob in a turned position, the inclusion of a zero stop mechanism, infinitely variable zeroing capability, tactile and visual revolutions indicators, and a clear and positive click of the adjustment knob between each turned position.

[0006] It is critical for the user to clearly know to what degree the reticle is adjusted. Therefore, the clear, tactile and audible click of the adjustment knob as it passes through each indicator position enables the user to dial the appropriate elevation without having to read the indicator printed on the adjustment knob cap. Since the adjustment knob cap can be rotated several times and the shooter must know which turn the adjustment knob is in order to know the travel of the reticle relative to the zero point, the tactile and visible revolution indicator is also critical. The tactile revolution indicator and audible click utilize senses other than vision, which enables the user to maintain position behind the rifle scope, thereby reducing the time required to make an accurate shot. Once the correction value is dialed into the adjustment knob, locking the adjustment knob to prevent it from being accidentally changed provides the shooter with the confidence to continue operating the rifle without the risk of changing the setting value. The zero stop mechanism allows the user to easily return the scope to zero after the correction value is dialed into the adjustment knob, and is another feature that is highly desired by the end user.

[0007] In addition to turning the adjustment knob to correct environmental conditions, another key task is the zeroing process. Before turning the adjustment knob from zero, as described above, it is necessary to establish a zero point for a given combination of scopes, rifles, and ammunition. Adjustment knobs that currently include one or more of the above features (e.g., the ability to lock the adjustment knob in the dialed position, the zero stop mechanism, the stepless zeroing capability, the tactile and visible revolution indicator, and the clear and positive click of the adjustment knob between each dialed position) often require complex methods to zero the scope after the scope is mounted on the rifle. For example, many adjustment knobs require the removal of parts and additional tools from the adjustment knob. Removing parts from the adjustment knob forms an unnecessary entry point for moisture and debris. In addition, the more parts are removed, the greater the risk of losing or damaging (e.g., wearing) parts. The demand for additional tools increases the amount of equipment (gear) that the shooter must pack and carry.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a rifle scope adjustment knob that allows zero adjustment without the need for additional tools and / or disassembly of parts, while still retaining additional features desired by users (e.g., the ability to lock the adjustment knob in a dialed position, the inclusion of a zero stop mechanism, infinitely variable zeroing capability, a tactile and visible revolution indicator, and a clear and positive click of the adjustment knob between each dialed position). Summary of the invention

[0009] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a rifle scope including an adjustment knob having a zero adjustment subassembly. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rifle scope includes: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body; an adjustment knob including (A) an adjustment knob screw defining a screw axis and operably connected to the optical element to adjust the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw, (B) an adjustment knob chassis subassembly, and (C) an adjustment knob cap at least partially overlapping the adjustment knob chassis subassembly; and a zero adjustment subassembly including (A) a zero adjustment cap connected to the adjustment knob screw, and (B) a locking mechanism that releasably secures the zero adjustment cap and the adjustment knob.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for a zero-point adjustment subassembly includes a locking ring, a cam ring, and a plurality of elastic followers. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for a zero-point adjustment subassembly includes a lever, a tapered wedge, and a chuck. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking mechanism for a zero-point adjustment subassembly includes a brake disc and a locking ring.

[0011] Other embodiments will become apparent by considering the drawings in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1is a side view of an embodiment of a rifle scope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment button taken along line 2 - 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an illustrative adjustment knob according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob taken along line 4-4.

[0016] Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob taken along line 5-5.

[0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment button according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is an isometric view of an adjustment knob according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment button taken along line 8 - 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment button taken along line 9 - 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.10 is an isometric view of an adjustment knob according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment button taken along line 11 - 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment button taken along line 12 - 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.13 is a top perspective exploded view of an adjustment button screw subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.14 It is a top perspective exploded view of the adjusting button screw subassembly and the adjusting button housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.15 is a top perspective view of an adjustment knob chassis and an indicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.16A is a top perspective view of a cam plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 16B is a bottom perspective view of a cam plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.17 It is a top view of a cam plate inserted into an adjusting knob chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the cam plate appears partially transparent.

[0030] Fig.18A It is a top perspective exploded view of the adjustment button chassis plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.18B is a side cross-sectional view of an adjustment knob chassis subassembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.19A It is a top perspective exploded view of the adjusting button chassis subassembly, the adjusting button screw subassembly and the adjusting button housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.19B is a side cross-sectional view of an adjusting button chassis subassembly, an adjusting button screw subassembly, and an adjusting button housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the collection of features and / or capabilities can be readily adapted within a range of stand-alone weapon sights, front-mounted or rear-mounted clip-on weapon sights, and other arrangements of other field-deployed optical weapon sights. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations of features and capabilities can be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting any of a variety of existing fixed or variable weapon sights.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer. Alternatively, there may be intermediate elements or intermediate layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or intermediate layers.

[0037] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions and / or parts, these elements, components, regions and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region or part from another element, component, region or part. Therefore, without departing from the present disclosure, the first element, component, region or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region or part.

[0039] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "below", "above", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (or multiple) element or feature as shown in the figure. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, the elements described as "under" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented as "above" another element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary term "under" can cover both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this article are interpreted accordingly.

[0040] All patent, patent application and non-patent literature references are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0041] definition

[0042] Numerical ranges in the present disclosure are approximate, so unless otherwise noted, values ​​outside the range may be included. Numerical ranges include all values ​​from the lower and upper limits, including the upper and lower limits, with one unit as an increment, provided that there is an interval of at least two units between any lower value and the higher value. For example, if composition, physics or other properties (such as molecular weight, viscosity, etc.) are 100 to 1,000, it means that all single values ​​(such as 100, 101, 102, etc.) and sub-ranges (such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc.) are clearly listed. For a range containing a value less than 1 or containing a decimal greater than 1 (such as 1.1, 1.5, etc.), as the case may be, a unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1. For a range containing a single digit less than 10 (such as 1 to 5), a unit is usually considered to be 0.1. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the minimum and maximum values ​​enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in the present disclosure.In the present disclosure, numerical ranges are provided, among other things, for distances from a user of a device to a target.

[0043] The term "and / or" as used herein in phrases such as "A and / or B" is intended to include: both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Similarly, the term "and / or" as used in phrases such as "A, B and / or C" is intended to cover each of the following embodiments: A, B and C; A, B or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0044] As used herein, an "erecting sleeve" is a protrusion extending from an erecting lens mount that engages a slot in an erecting lens tube and / or cam lens tube or for a similar purpose. The erecting sleeve may be integral with the mount or removable.

[0045] As used herein, an "erector tube" is any structure or device having an opening to receive an erecting lens mount.

[0046] As used herein, a "firearm" is a portable gun that is a barreled weapon that fires one or more projectiles, usually driven by the action of explosive force. As used herein, the term "firearm" includes pistols, long guns, rifles, shotguns, carbines, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, submachine guns, automatic rifles, and assault rifles.

[0047] As used herein, the term "viewing optics" refers to a device used by a shooter or observer to select, identify, or monitor a target. "Viewing optics" may rely on visual observation of the target, or, for example, rely on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave or magnetic imaging, radiation (including X-rays, gamma rays, isotopes and particle radiation), night vision, vibration receivers (including ultrasound, acoustic pulses, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance), gravity receivers, broadcast frequencies (including radio waves, television and cellular receivers), or other images of the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the "viewing optics" device may be unchanged, or may be enhanced, for example, by magnification, expansion, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored by the "viewing optics" may be within the shooter's line of sight, or tangent to the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed when the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The image of the target acquired by the "viewing optics" may be, for example, analog or digital, and may be shared, stored, archived, or transmitted over a network of one or more shooters and observers, for example, using protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth™, Serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution methods, by, for example, video, physical cables or wiring, IR, radio waves, cellular connection, laser pulses, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission. The term "viewing optics" is used interchangeably with "optical sight".

[0048] As used herein, the term "scene" refers to a real-world scene, including but not limited to objects.

[0049] As used herein, the term "shooter" applies to an operator who conducts the shooting or an individual who observes the shooting in collaboration with an operator who conducts the shooting.

[0050] As used herein, "zeroing" refers to aligning the point of aim (where the shooter aims) and the point of impact (where a bullet fired from a firearm actually hits) at a specific distance. In one embodiment, zeroing is the process of adjusting a rifle scope to a setting where precise allowances have been made for windage and elevation within a specific range.

[0051] The present disclosure relates to viewing optics adjustment knobs. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to rifle scope adjustment knobs, and more particularly to rifle scope adjustment knobs having a zero adjustment mechanism that does not require tools for adjustment. Certain preferred and illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. The present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0052] Figure 1-Figure 2A rifle scope 10 is generally illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rifle scope 10 has a body 12, which is an erecting tube, surrounding a movable optical element 13. The scope body 12 is an elongated tube having a larger opening at its front 14 and a smaller opening at its rear 16. An eyepiece 18 is attached to the rear of the scope body 12 and an objective lens 20 is attached to the front of the scope body 12. The central axis of the movable optical element 13 defines an optical axis 17 of the rifle scope 10.

[0053] The elevation adjustment knob 22 and the windage adjustment knob 24 are two knobs located on the outer center portion of the scope body 12. They are incrementally marked by markings 34 on their peripheries 30 and 32 and are used to adjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element 13 for changes in the point of impact. These knobs 22, 24 protrude from the adjustment knob housing 36. The adjustment knobs 22, 24 are arranged so that the elevation adjustment knob rotation axis 26 is perpendicular to the windage adjustment knob rotation axis 28. The markings typically include scale lines (each scale line corresponds to a click), larger scale lines at selected intervals, and numbers indicating the adjustment angle or ballistic reduction compensation distance.

[0054] The movable optical element 13 is adjusted by rotating the adjustment knob one or more clicks. The click is a tactile adjustment increment on the windage adjustment knob or elevation adjustment knob of the rifle scope 10, and each increment corresponds to one of the markings 34. In the current embodiment, one click can change the impact point of the scope by 0.1 milliradian (mrad). However, the adjustment knobs, systems and concepts disclosed herein can be used with other incremental measurements. In other embodiments, the increments can be minute of angle (MOA) increments.

[0055] Adjusting the elevation and windage of the movable optical element 13 using the adjustment knobs 22, 24 is adjusting the elevation and windage relative to a zero point. This zero point must be established, and in some cases, it is even desirable to adjust the zero point. Each combination of scope, rifle, and ammunition type may have its own zero point. The zero point for each adjustment knob 22, 24 is typically provided as a feature on a given adjustment knob. Although Figure 4-Figure 10 The exemplary adjustment knob including the zero adjustment subassembly 500 is illustrated in conjunction with the elevation adjustment knob 22, but it will be appreciated that the zero adjustment subassembly 500 may be used with any adjustment knob, including but not limited to a windage adjustment knob or a parallax adjustment mechanism.

[0056] Figure 3-Figure 12An exemplary embodiment of an adjustment knob 22 having a zero adjustment subassembly 500 is illustrated. Generally speaking, the adjustment knob 22 includes an adjustment knob screw 38, an adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230, and an adjustment knob cap 501. The adjustment knob screw 38 defines a screw axis and is operably connected to the optical element 13 to adjust the optical element 13 in response to rotation of the screw 38. The adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230 includes the adjustment knob chassis 100 and additional components required to accomplish the elevation (or other) adjustment allowed by the adjustment knob 22. An exemplary adjustment knob chassis subassembly will be described in further detail.

[0057] The adjustment knob cap 501 is located above the adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230 and is a structure that includes the indicia 34 and (if provided) other visual and / or tactile features. The adjustment knob cap 501 has an upper surface 502 that defines a recess 504 (not shown) that is generally circular and located in the center of the adjustment knob cap 501. The recess has a generally flat upper surface 506. An opening (not shown) extends through the center of the adjustment knob cap 501 through which the adjustment knob screw 38 protrudes.

[0058] According to the embodiment described herein, the zero adjustment subassembly 500 includes a zero adjustment cap 510 directly or indirectly connected to the adjustment knob screw 38, and a locking mechanism that fixes the zero adjustment cap 510 to the adjustment knob cap 501. Figure 3-Figure 12 As shown, the zero adjustment cap 510 is placed in the recess 504 of the adjustment knob cap 501 , and at least one component of the locking mechanism is placed between the zero adjustment cap 510 and the upper surface 506 of the recess 504 .

[0059] exist Figure 3-Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking mechanism includes a locking ring 530, a cam ring 540, a plurality of resilient followers 550, and a locking ring locking button 539. The locking ring 530, the cam ring 540, and the zeroing cap 510 are concentrically disposed within the recess 504, wherein the cam ring 540 is externally concentric with the zeroing cap 510, and the locking ring 530 is externally concentric with both the cam ring 540 and the zeroing cap 510. The zeroing cap 510 has a downwardly projecting rod 512 that engages with the adjustment button screw 38. The flange 542 on the cam ring 540 is located on top of the peripheral edge 514 of the zeroing cap 510 and retains the zeroing cap 510 in the adjustment button cap 501. The locking ring 530 is located on top of the second flange 544 of the cam ring 540 and engages with the adjustment button cap 501 to retain the cam ring 540.

[0060] The elastic follower 550 is sandwiched between the zero adjustment cap 510 and the upper surface 506 of the recess 504. The elastic follower 550 contacts the outer surface 516 of the rod 512 protruding downward. Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the tail 552 of the elastic follower 550 is shown as free; however, the tail 552 of the elastic follower 550 is generally fixed to the underside of the zero adjustment cap 510 with a fastener. For clarity, and to show the geometry of the elastic follower 550, Figure 5 This fastener is not shown.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the zero adjustment subassembly 500 is in its locked position. The inner surface 546 of the cam ring 540 has at least two (e.g., three in the illustrated embodiment) inclined surfaces 548. Figure 4 In the embodiment, each elastic follower 550 is engaged with the thickest end of the inclined surface 548, which means that the elastic follower 550 is exerting force on the zero adjustment cap 510 and preventing the zero adjustment cap 510 from rotating freely. Figure 4 Rotating the cam ring 540 (in the illustrated embodiment) aligns the resilient follower 550 with the thinner end of the ramp surface 548. Thus, less (or no) force is applied to the zeroing cap 510, and the zeroing cap 510 is free to rotate within the recess 504. Rotating the cam ring 540 in a clockwise direction realigns the resilient follower 550 with the thickest end of the ramp surface 548, and the zeroing cap 510 is locked in place again.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the zero adjustment subassembly 500 allows for zero adjustment without the use of tools. That is, the user can manually rotate the cam ring 540 and the zero adjustment cap 510. This saves time and does not require the user to leave the rifle scope to perform any zero adjustments.

[0063] Figure 6 A zero adjustment subassembly 500' is illustrated according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the zero adjustment cap 510' includes a lever 513' having a pivot point 513a'. The lever 513' has a rod 515' that protrudes through an opening 511' of the zero adjustment cap 510' and is connected to the adjustment button screw 38. The locking mechanism includes a tapered wedge 521' and a collet 523'. The tapered wedge 521' is positioned around the adjustment button screw 38 and partially extends through the opening (not shown) of the adjustment button cap 501. The tapered wedge 521' is operatively connected to the lever 513' so that actuation of the lever 513' causes vertical movement of the tapered wedge 521', as described in further detail below. The collet 523' also has a central opening and is located in a recess 504 (not shown) of the adjustment button cap 501, externally concentric with the adjustment button screw 38 and the tapered wedge 521'.

[0064] like Figure 6As shown, the zero adjustment subassembly 500' is in a locked position. The lever 513' is in contact with the upper surface of the zero adjustment cap 510'. The tapered wedge 521' has a gradually increasing lower radius (wedge-shaped radius), and in this locked position, the lever 513' forces the tapered wedge 521' upward, causing the thicker portion 521a' of the tapered wedge 521' to contact the flange 523a' of the collet 523', causing the collet 523' to expand radially outward into the adjustment knob cap 501 and lock the zero adjustment cap 510' so that it cannot rotate freely. To adjust the zero point, the lever 513' is flipped along its pivot point 513a', which lowers the tapered wedge 521'. With the collet 523' disengaged from the tapered wedge 521', the zero adjustment cap 510' can rotate freely.

[0065] It will be appreciated that the zero adjustment subassembly 500' allows for zero adjustment without the use of tools. That is, the user can actuate the lever 513' and rotate the zero adjustment cap 510' by hand. This saves time and does not require the user to leave the rifle scope to make any zero adjustments.

[0066] Figure 7-Figure 9 A zero adjustment subassembly 500" according to yet another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The zero adjustment subassembly 500" includes a zero adjustment cap 510"' and a locking mechanism 520". The locking mechanism 520" includes a brake disc 527" and a locking ring 530".

[0067] like Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, the zeroing cap 510'' is engaged with the adjusting button screw 38 and is located in a recess (not shown) of the adjusting button cap 501. The brake disc 527'' is circular, has a central opening and is located above the flange 514'' of the zeroing cap 510'' in the recess. The brake disc 527'' is keyed to the adjusting button cap 501 by the engagement of the protrusion 527a'' on the brake disc 527'' with the recess 501a'' on the inner wall of the adjusting button cap 501. Therefore, the brake disc 527'' is prevented from rotating, but the brake disc 527'' can freely translate vertically. The locking ring 530'' is externally concentric with the zeroing cap 510'' and the brake disc 527'' and is rotatably fixed to the adjusting button cap 501 by threaded engagement. When the locking ring 530 is rotated to the locked position (e.g., clockwise), its vertical downward translation applies force to the brake disc 527''. The brake disc 527" transmits this downward force to the zeroing cap 510", thereby preventing the zeroing cap 510" from rotating freely. The rotation of the locking ring 530" in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) releases the force applied to the brake disc 527", and thus also releases the force applied to the zeroing cap 510", thereby allowing the zeroing cap 510" to rotate freely in the adjustment knob cap 501.

[0068] Figure 10-12A zero adjustment subassembly 500'"' according to another embodiment of an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated, which is a variation of subassembly 500". The zero adjustment subassembly 500'"' includes a zero adjustment cap 510'"' and a locking mechanism 520", which is composed of a locking ring 530'"', a brake disc 527'" and a locking ring locking button 539'"'. The locking ring 530'"', the brake disc 527'" and the zero adjustment cap 510'"' are all concentrically arranged in a recess (not shown), wherein the brake disc 527'" is concentric with the zero adjustment cap 510'"' on the outside, and the locking ring 530'" is concentric with both the brake disc 527'" and the zero adjustment cap 510'"' on the outside. The zeroing cap 510"' has a downwardly protruding rod 512"' that engages with the adjusting button screw 38. The flange 542 on the brake disc 527"' is located on top of at least a portion of the upper surface 516"' of the zeroing cap 510"' and retains the zeroing cap 510"' in the adjusting button cap 501. The locking ring 530"' is located on top of the flange 518"' of the brake disc 527"' and engages with the adjusting button cap 501. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking ring 530"' is threadedly engaged with the adjusting button cap 501.

[0069] like Figure 10-11 As shown, the zeroing cap 510'" is engaged with the adjusting button screw 38 and is located in a recess (not shown) of the adjusting button cap 501. The brake disc 527'" is circular, has a central opening and is located in the recess above the flange 514'" of the zeroing cap 510'"'. The brake disc 527'" is keyed to the adjusting button cap 501 by the cooperation of the protrusion 527a'" on the brake disc 527'" and the recess 501a'" on the inner wall of the adjusting button cap 501. Therefore, the brake disc 527'" is prevented from rotating, but the brake disc 527'" can freely translate vertically. The locking ring 530"' is externally concentric with the zeroing cap 510"' and the brake disc 527"', and is rotatably fixed to the adjusting knob cap 501 by threaded engagement. When the locking ring 530"' is rotated to a locked position (e.g., clockwise), its vertical downward translation applies a force to the brake disc 527"'. The brake disc 527"' transmits the downward force to the zeroing cap 510"', thereby preventing the zeroing cap 510"' from rotating freely. Rotation of the locking ring 530"' in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) releases the force applied to the brake disc 527"', and thereby releases the force applied to the zeroing cap 510"', thereby allowing the zeroing cap 510"' to rotate freely in the adjusting knob cap 501.

[0070] like Figure 10-12 As shown, the zero adjustment subassembly 500'' also includes a locking ring locking button 539''. The locking ring locking button 539'' includes an outer portion 539a'', which, in the illustrated embodiment, is a portion of the adjustment knob cap 501 and includes a tactile element that is different from the surrounding portion of the adjustment knob cap 501. Figure 10-12 As shown, the locking ring locking button 539"' is in its locked position, which means that rotation of the locking ring 530 and thus the zeroing cap 510"' is prevented. Fig.11 , the lock ring locking button 539'" is provided with at least one (two in the illustrated embodiment) spring-loaded guide rod 539b'". Once the upper surface 539c'" of the button 539'" is below the level of the lock ring 530'" the lock ring 530'" can rotate freely. The lower surface of the lock ring 530'" will cover the button 539'" to prevent the lock ring locking button 539'" from returning to its locked position when the user is making adjustments. It will be understood that once the user rotates the lock ring 530'" to a position where the rotation is locked, the spring of the spring-loaded guide rod 539b'" will "automatically" force the button 539'" to return upward to the locked position.

[0071] Reference Fig.12 , the adjustment knob cap 501 also includes a groove 539d"', and the locking ring 530"' further includes a corresponding protrusion 539e"'. When the locking ring locking button 539"' is pressed, the groove 539d"' / protrusion 539e"' system limits the rotation of the locking ring 530"'. This ensures that in addition to limiting the rotation, the components of the subassembly 500"' are still fixed. Because the rotation is limited, the locking ring 530"' cannot be unscrewed and removed from the adjustment knob cap 501.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the zero adjustment subassemblies 500" and 500"' allow for zero adjustment without the use of tools. That is, the user can manually rotate the locking ring 530" / 530"' and the zero adjustment cap 510" / 510"' and similarly manually operate the other components of the subassemblies 500" and 500"'. This saves time and does not require the user to leave the rifle scope to perform any zero adjustments.

[0073] Although the above described zero adjustment subassemblies 500, 500', 500", and 500'" can be used with many different styles of chassis subassemblies, Figure 3-Figure 12 The exemplary adjustment knob chassis subassembly 400 shown in FIG. 4 is consistent with that disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,919,026, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such an exemplary adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230 will now be described in further detail.

[0074] like Fig.13As shown, the adjustment button screw 38 is part of the adjustment button screw subassembly 88. The adjustment button screw subassembly consists of the adjustment button screw 38, the adjustment button screw base 60, the friction pad 86 and various fasteners. In the embodiment shown, the adjustment button screw 38 is a cylinder made of brass. The top 40 of the adjustment button screw 38 defines a slot or other feature (such as a thread) 40 that engages with the zero adjustment subassembly 500 (not shown). Two opposing cam slots 46 are downward along the side 44 from the top. Two O-ring grooves 50 and 52 are on the side below the cam slot. The bottom 42 of the adjustment button screw has a radius reduction portion 56, which defines an annular groove 54. The annular groove 54 receives the retaining ring 84, and the hole 304 at the bottom receives the shaft 306 of the friction pad 86. The side of the adjustment button screw that is close to the O-ring groove 52 below and the annular groove 54 above is a threaded portion 58.

[0075] The adjusting button screw base 60 is a disc-shaped body that can also be made of brass. A cylindrical collar 66 rises from the center of the adjusting button screw base to the top 62. The collar has an adjusting button screw hole 68 with threads 70. The exterior of the collar defines a set screw V-groove 78 located above the top of the adjusting button screw base, an O-ring groove 74 above the O-ring groove 76, and an annular groove 72 above the O-ring groove 74. The adjusting button screw base 60 has three mounting holes 82, which have smooth sides and shoulders to receive the screws 80.

[0076] Fig.14 , the adjustment knob screw subassembly 88 is shown mating with the adjustment knob housing 36. The top 92 of the adjustment knob housing defines a recess 94. Within the recess, three mounting holes 96 with threads 98 and a smooth center hole 508 are defined in the top of the adjustment knob housing. The threads 70 of the adjustment knob screw hole 68 allow the adjustment knob screw hole to receive the threads 58 on the adjustment knob screw 38. The retaining ring 84 limits the upward movement of the adjustment knob screw 38 so that the adjustment knob screw 38 cannot be accidentally removed from the adjustment knob screw hole.

[0077] When the adjustment knob screw subassembly 88 is installed on the adjustment knob housing 36, the screw 80 is inserted into the mounting hole 82 and protrudes from the bottom 64 of the adjustment knob screw base. The screw is then screwed into the mounting hole 96 in the adjustment knob housing. Subsequently, when the elevation adjustment knob 22 is rotated, the adjustment knob screw base remains in a fixed position relative to the scope body 12. This essentially makes the adjustment knob screw base functionally integral with the scope body, and the adjustment knob screw base is not intended to be removed or adjusted by the user. The smooth center hole 508 in the top of the adjustment knob housing allows the friction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the adjustment knob screw 38 to enter the scope body 12.

[0078] Steering Fig.15The top 110 of the knob chassis 100 has an inner periphery 102 having a relief cut 240 adjacent to the bottom plate 264, a toothed surface 108 above the relief cut, a lower click groove 106 above the toothed surface 108, and an upper click groove 104 above the lower click groove 106. The relief cut 240 is provided for a tool to cut the toothed surface 108. The bottom plate defines a smooth center hole 120 and a slot 122. The smooth center hole 120 allows the friction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the knob screw 38 to pass through the knob chassis 100.

[0079] The outer periphery 112 of the knob chassis 100 defines an O-ring groove 244. Near the bottom 116 of the knob chassis, the outer periphery widens to define a shoulder 114. Three holes 118 with threads 158 communicate from the outer periphery through the knob chassis to the smooth bore 120. In the present embodiment, the knob chassis 100 is made of steel.

[0080] The slot 122 in the bottom plate 264 of the knob chassis 100 communicates with the hole 124 in the outer perimeter 112 of the knob chassis 100. The hole 124 receives an indicator, such as the elevation indicator 136.

[0081] The rear portion 140 of the indicator 136 defines a cam pin hole 154. The front portion 138 of the indicator 136 has two stripes 148 and 150 and an O-ring groove 152. The stripe 148 separates the first position 142 from the second position 144. The stripe 150 separates the second position 144 from the third position 146. As shown, the elevation indicator 136 is made of painted black steel and the stripes are non-luminous white lines, but they can be luminous in alternative embodiments.

[0082] The cam pin hole 154 receives the bottom 134 of the cam pin 126. In the present embodiment, the cam pin is a cylinder made of steel. The top 128 of the cam pin 126 has a reduced radius portion 130 defining a shoulder 132. The reduced radius portion of the cam pin protrudes upward through the slot 122, above the bottom plate 264 of the adjustment knob chassis 100.

[0083] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B A cam plate 160 is shown having a top face 162 and a bottom face 164. The top face 162 has a reduced radius portion 166 that defines a shoulder 168 around an outer perimeter 170 of the cam plate 160. The top face 162 also defines three mounting holes 180 with threads 182. A reduced radius center portion 176 defines the shoulder 172 and a smooth center hole 178. The smooth center hole 178 allows the adjusting knob screw subassembly 88 to pass through the cam plate 160.

[0084] A radial clicker channel 186 at the top 162 of the outer periphery 170 receives a clicker 188 that reciprocates in the channel 186 and is biased radially outward. A front free end 190 of the clicker 186 protrudes from the outer periphery 170. The clicker 186 has a wedge shape and is made of steel with its vertical apex parallel to the axis of rotation of the adjustment knob.

[0085] The bottom 164 of the cam plate 160 is a plane perpendicular to the elevation knob rotation axis 26 that defines a recessed spiral channel 184. The spiral channel 184 terminates at a zero stop surface 198 when traveling in a clockwise direction and terminates at one end of a travel stop surface 200 when traveling in a counterclockwise direction. When traveling in a counterclockwise direction, the spiral channel 184 defines a first transition 194 and a second transition 196 where the spiral channel begins to overlap itself for the first and second time, respectively. The spiral channel 184 is adapted to receive the reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The spiral channel 184 and the stop surfaces 198, 200 are integral with the cam plate 160 and are not adjustable.

[0086] like Fig.17 As shown, the cam plate 160 is mounted in the adjustment knob chassis 100. The spiral channel 184 receives the reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The clicker 188 protrudes from the clicker channel 186 of the outer periphery 170 of the cam plate 160. The spring 202 located at the rear portion 192 of the clicker 188 biases the clicker 188 outwardly so that the clicker 188 is biased to engage with the toothed surface 108 on the inner periphery 102 of the adjustment knob chassis 100. When the cam plate 160 rotates as the adjustment knob 22 rotates when changing the setting (e.g., the elevation setting), the clicker 188 rides on the toothed surface 108, thereby providing resistance to rotation and emitting a characteristic clicking sound.

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the toothed surface 108 has 100 teeth, which allows 100 clicks per rotation of the elevation adjustment knob 22. The spiral channel 184 is composed of several arcs of constant radius centered on the center of the disk, which arcs extend almost to a complete circle and their ends are connected by the transition portion of the channel so that one end of the inner arc is connected to the end of the next arc, and so on, effectively forming a stepped spiral. This allows the indicator to remain in one position for most of the rotation and only change during a limited portion of the adjustment knob rotation. In alternative embodiments, the spiral can be a true spiral, with the radial position of the channel increasing in proportion to its rotational position. In the most basic embodiment, the ends of the channel are located at different radial positions, the channel extends over 360 degrees, the ends are separated radially by material, and allow a complete rotation of 360 degrees, and a stop is provided at each end of the channel.

[0088] When the cam pin 126 is in contact with the zero stop surface 198, the adjustment knob 22 is positioned at the mark 34 corresponding to the 0° adjustment. In an embodiment, the spiral channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment that is a constant distance from the axis of rotation 26 until the elevation adjustment knob is rotated by 9 mrad (324°). The first transition 194 occurs when the adjustment knob 22 is rotated counterclockwise from 9 mrad (324°) to 10 mrad (360°). During the first transition, the spiral channel 184 moves the cam pin 126 toward the outer periphery 170 so that the spiral channel 184 can begin to overlap itself. As the adjustment knob 22 continues its counterclockwise rotation, the spiral channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment that is another constant distance from the axis of rotation 26 until the elevation adjustment knob is rotated by 19 mrad (684°). As the adjustment knob 22 rotates counterclockwise from 19 mrad (684°) to 20 mrad (720°), a second transition 196 occurs. During the second transition, the spiral channel moves the cam pin 126 further toward the outer periphery 170 so that the spiral channel 184 can overlap itself a second time. As the adjustment knob 22 continues its counterclockwise rotation, the spiral channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment that is another distance away from the center hole 178 until the elevation adjustment knob has rotated 28.5 mrad (1026°). At this point, the cam pin 126 engages the end of the travel stop surface 200 and prevents further counterclockwise rotation and elevation adjustment of the adjustment knob 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transition 194 and the second transition 196 are angled at approximately 36° (10% of a rotation) to allow sufficient wall thickness between concentric circular arc segments around the rotational axis 26 of the spiral channel. The diameter of the cam pin determines the overall diameter of the adjustment knob. Because there are three turns of rotation, any increase in diameter is multiplied by three in how it affects the overall adjustment knob diameter. In an embodiment, a 1.5 mm diameter cam pin provides sufficient strength while remaining small enough to prevent the overall diameter of the adjustment knob from becoming too large.

[0089] Fig.18A and Fig.18B The complete knob chassis subassembly 230 is shown. The knob chassis subassembly 230 is assembled by inserting the locking device 206 into the knob chassis 100 on top of the cam plate 160. The knob chassis subassembly 230 is assembled by inserting the locking device 206 into the knob chassis 100 on top of the cam plate 160. Fig.18B Shown in the locked position.

[0090] The locking device 206 has a top 208 and a bottom 210. The top 208 defines three mounting holes 216 with threads 218. The locking device 206 also defines three smooth mounting holes 220 and a center smooth hole 222. The bottom 210 of the locking device 206 defines a toothed surface 214. The toothed surface 214 extends downwardly below the bottom 210 of the locking device 206 so as to surround the reduced radius portion 166 of the top 162 of the cam plate 160 when the chassis subassembly 230 is assembled. In the current embodiment, the toothed surface 214 has 100 teeth so as to precisely mesh with the 100 teeth of the toothed surface 108 on the inner periphery 102 of the adjustment knob chassis 100 when the elevation adjustment knob 22 is locked.

[0091] Four ball bearings 226 protrude outwardly from holes 232 in the outer periphery 212 between the toothed surface and the top. Springs 400 located behind the ball bearings bias the ball bearings outwardly so that the ball bearings are biased to engage with the upper and lower click grooves 104, 106 on the inner periphery 102 of the knob chassis 100. As the locking device rises and falls as the knob 22 is unlocked and locked, the ball bearings 226 move between the lower and upper click grooves 106, 104, providing vertical resistance and producing a characteristic clicking sound.

[0092] When assembling the adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230, the screw 224 is inserted into the mounting hole 220 and protrudes from the bottom 210 of the locking device 206. Then, the screw 224 is screwed into the mounting hole 180 of the top 162 of the cam plate 160 to mount the locking device 206 to the cam plate 160. Subsequently, when the adjustment knob 22 is unlocked and rotated, the locking device 206 is maintained in a fixed rotational position relative to the cam plate 160. The head 234 of the screw 224 is thinner than the depth of the mounting hole 220 from the top 208 of the locking device 206 to the shoulder 236. The screw 224 has a shoulder 228, and when the screw is fixed, the shoulder 228 contacts the top 162 of the cam plate 160. Therefore, the locking device 206 is free to rise until the head 234 of the screw 224 contacts the shoulder 236, and the locking device 206 is free to fall until the bottom of the locking device 206 contacts the top 162 of the cam plate 160. This vertical movement is sufficient to raise the toothed surface 214 of the locking device 206 above the toothed surface 108 of the adjustment knob chassis 100, thereby allowing the elevation adjustment knob 22 to be unlocked and freely rotated.

[0093] Fig.19A and 19B The adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230, the screw subassembly 88 and the adjustment knob housing 36 are illustrated. More specifically, the adjustment knob chassis subassembly 230 is shown assembled. Fig.19A In the process of being installed on the adjusting button screw subassembly 88, Fig.19B The middle one has been installed on the adjusting button screw subassembly.

[0094] When the knob chassis subassembly 230 is installed on the knob screw subassembly 88, the top 40 of the knob screw 38 and the collar 66 of the knob screw base 60 pass upward through the smooth center hole 120 of the knob chassis 100, the smooth center hole 178 of the cam plate 160, and the smooth center hole 222 of the locking device 206. The retaining ring 246 is received by the annular groove 72 in the collar 66 to prevent the knob chassis subassembly 230 from being lifted from the knob screw subassembly 88. The three recesses 245 of the bottom 116 of the knob chassis 100 receive the head of the screw 80 protruding from the top 62 of the knob screw base 60, so that the bottom 116 of the knob chassis 100 can fit with the top 92 of the knob housing 36.

[0095] While the adjustment button chassis subassembly 230 is described above with respect to an adjustment button (which is an elevation adjustment button), those skilled in the art will appreciate that a similar design may be used for adjustment buttons that perform other adjustments, such as a windage adjustment button. Additionally, the adjustment button chassis subassembly 230 described above is described with reference to the zero adjustment subassembly according to embodiment 500. It will be appreciated that the adjustment button chassis subassembly 230 described herein may be implemented with any of the embodiments or combinations of the zero adjustment subassemblies 500, 500', 500", 500'" described herein.

[0096] Various modifications and variations of the compositions and methods of the invention described will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that the invention can be constructed with various materials and in a variety of different ways. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to these specific embodiments. Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is apparent that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes of carrying out the invention that are apparent to those skilled in the art of shooting or related fields are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A rifle scope comprising: The main body of the scope; a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body; Adjustment knob, which includes (A) an adjustment knob screw defining a screw axis and operably connected to the optical element to adjust the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; (B) the adjustment knob chassis plate assembly, and (C) an adjustment knob cap that at least partially overlaps the adjustment knob chassis subassembly; as well as The zero adjustment subassembly includes (a) a zero adjustment cap screwed to the adjustment knob, and (b) a locking mechanism that releasably secures the zero adjustment cap and the adjustment knob.

2. The rifle scope according to claim 1, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a brake disc and a locking ring.

3. The rifle scope according to claim 2, wherein: The upper surface of the adjusting knob cap defines a recess, and the zero adjustment cap, the brake disc and the lock ring are concentrically located in the recess.

4. The rifle scope according to claim 3, wherein: The locking mechanism further includes a locking ring locking button.

5. The rifle scope according to claim 4, wherein: The lock ring locking button is formed in the adjusting knob cap and includes at least one guide rod including a spring.

6. The rifle scope according to claim 1, wherein: The locking mechanism comprises a locking ring, a cam ring and a plurality of elastic followers.

7. The rifle scope according to claim 6, wherein: The upper surface of the adjustment knob cap defines a recess, and the zero adjustment cap, the cam ring and the lock ring are concentrically located in the recess.

8. The rifle scope according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of elastic followers are sandwiched between the zero adjustment cap and an upper surface of the recess.

9. The rifle scope according to claim 1, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a lever, a tapered wedge and a collet.

10. The rifle scope according to claim 9, wherein: The lever is screw-connected with the adjusting button.

11. The rifle scope according to claim 10, wherein: The tapered wedge is positioned around the adjusting knob screw.

12. The rifle scope according to claim 11, wherein: An upper surface of the adjustment knob cap defines a recess, and the zero adjustment cap is positioned in the recess.

13. The rifle scope according to claim 12, wherein: The zero adjustment cap has a central opening, and the lever is screw-connected with the adjustment button through the central opening.

14. The rifle scope of claim 13, wherein: The collet is sandwiched between the zero adjustment cap and an upper surface of the recess.

15. The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein: The adjusting button chassis subassembly comprises: A spiral cam mechanism having a cam pin engaged therewith, the spiral cam mechanism defining a first stop surface and a second stop surface, each stop surface being positioned for engagement by a stop element, wherein the first stop surface and the second stop surface are connected by a channel, the channel at least partially overlapping itself.

16. The rifle scope of claim 15, further comprising a rotation indicator connected to the stop element.

17. The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein: The adjustment button is an elevation adjustment button.

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