Devices, assemblies, systems and methods for optical sight use

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an accessory for use with a battery powered device, the accessory comprising: (a) a battery cartridge comprising an electrical input contact; (b) a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; and (c) a circuit-controlled electrical output contact; (d) wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source, and when the accessory is in electrical communication with the battery powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the battery powered device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of prior-filed U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 353,002, filed on June 16, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of optical sights for missile launching devices, including but not limited to firearms. Background Art

[0004] Conventional optical sights are designed to enhance images for viewing and / or aiming purposes. Other optical sights are manufactured to provide one or more additional operating functions, such as one or more motion sensors for automatically turning power on / off, tilt sensors, light sensors, heat sensors, touch sensors, shock sensors, biometric safety devices, cameras, clocks, timers, GPS positioning devices, digital displays, digital shot counters, lighting sources, manual controls, electrical communication ports or interfaces, microphones, audible speakers, electronic compasses, bubble levels, and wireless connection devices. Commercially available optical sights with these types of operating functions are generally more expensive than conventional optical sights, and conventional optical sights are not configured to add these types of operating functions after production.

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

[0006] The present disclosure provides an accessory for use with a battery-powered device, the accessory comprising: (a) a battery compartment including electrical input contacts; (b) a control circuit electrically connected to the electrical input contacts; and (c) electrical output contacts controlled by the circuit; (d) wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to a power source and when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides an accessory for use with a device having a coin-type cell battery case, the accessory comprising: (a) a battery case including electrical input contacts capable of operating with a coin-type cell battery; (b) a battery case cover; (c) a control circuit electrically connected to the electrical input contacts; and (d) electrical output contacts controlled by the circuit; (e) wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to the coin-type cell battery and when the accessory is in electrical contact with the coin-type cell battery case of the device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the device.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a method for providing one or more operating functions to a battery-powered device powered by one or more removable batteries, the method comprising: (a) electrically connecting an accessory to a battery box of the battery-powered device, the accessory comprising: (1) a main body that can be removably attached to the battery box of the battery-powered device, the main body comprising: (i) a battery box, the battery box including an electrical input contact; (ii) a control circuit that is electrically connected to the electrical input contact; and (iii) an electrical output contact controlled by the circuit; (iv) wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to a power source and when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of the battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary coin cell battery powered optical sight commercially available at the time of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of another exemplary coin cell battery powered optical sight commercially available at the time of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of another exemplary coin cell battery powered optical sight commercially available at the time of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 Yes Figures 1 to 3 A top perspective view of the removable battery compartment cover of a coin cell battery powered optical sight is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another top perspective view of a coin cell battery powered optical sight with the battery compartment cover removed from the battery compartment of the optical sight.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Another top perspective view of a coin cell battery powered optical sight with the battery compartment cover and coin cell battery removed from the battery compartment of the optical sight.

[0015] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a coin cell battery powered optical sight commercially available at the time of this disclosure, with a hollow battery compartment exposing the interior surface of the battery compartment.

[0016] Figure 8 is able to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a coin cell battery operating in conjunction with an optical sight is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 Yes Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary battery compartment for a coin cell battery powered optical sight is shown including a coin cell battery housed therein and a removable battery compartment cover attached thereto.

[0018] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a disassembled device of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.11 It is assembled Fig.10 A perspective view of the device.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Figure 10 to Figure 11 A cross-sectional side view of the device.

[0021] Fig.13 Yes Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of an embodiment of a removable battery compartment cover for a coin cell battery powered optical sight is shown.

[0022] Fig.14 is a side view of an embodiment of a device of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.15 is a side view of another embodiment of a device of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an assembled device of the present disclosure, depicting a separated battery cover.

[0025] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 An exploded perspective view of the device.

[0026] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 A perspective view of the second positive contact of the battery cover.

[0027] Fig.19 yes Fig.16 A cross-sectional side view of the device depicting the attached battery cover.

[0028] Fig. 20 yes Fig.16 A perspective view of a second side of a printed circuit board.

[0029] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A perspective view of a first side of a printed circuit board.

[0030] Fig. 22 yes Fig.16Another cross-sectional side view of the device, depicting the attached battery cover.

[0031] Fig.23 It is mounted on the optical sight. Fig.16 A perspective view of the device.

[0032] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 A perspective view of a device and an optical sight, wherein the optical sight is mounted to a firearm.

[0033] Fig.25 is an electrical block diagram of the control circuit of the device of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig.26 is an electrical block diagram of the control circuit of the device of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a device of the present disclosure including a user input component including a button.

[0036] Fig.28 is a perspective view of a device of the present disclosure including a user input component including a switch in the form of a rotary dial switch.

[0037] Fig.29 is a perspective view of a device of the present disclosure including a user input component including a biometric security scanner.

[0038] Fig.30 is a perspective view of a portion of a coin cell battery powered optical sight commercially available at the time of this disclosure, with a hollow battery compartment exposing the interior surface of the battery compartment.

[0039] Fig.31 is a perspective view of an optical sight including a cylindrical type battery box for accommodating cylindrical batteries.

[0040] Fig.32 It is a cutaway side view of a cylindrical type battery box for an optical sight.

[0041] Fig.33 yes Fig.32 A cross-sectional side view of a cylindrical type battery case including an embodiment of the device of the present disclosure attached thereto.

[0042] Fig.34 is an electrical block diagram of the control circuit of the device of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.35 is an electrical block diagram of the control circuit of the device of the present disclosure.

[0044] Definitions used in this disclosure

[0045] The terms "at least one", "one or more" and "one or aplurality" refer to one or more than one thing, without limitation to the exact quantity; the three terms can be used interchangeably in the present disclosure. For example, at least one device means one or more devices or one device and a plurality of devices.

[0046] The term "about" means that the value of a given amount is within 20% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 15% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 1% of the stated value.

[0047] The term "substantially" or "essentially" means that the value of a given amount is within 10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 1% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 0.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within 0.1% of the stated value.

[0048] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0050] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0051] As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate the possibility of occurring under a set of circumstances; possessing a specified property, characteristic, or function; and / or qualifying another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Thus, the use of “may” and “may be” indicates that the modified term is clearly suitable, competent, or applicable for the indicated capacity, function, or use, while taking into account that in certain circumstances, the modified term may sometimes not be suitable, competent, or applicable. For example, in some circumstances, an event or capability may be expected, while in other circumstances, the event or capability cannot occur. The terms “may” and “may be” reflect this distinction.

[0052] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and phrases used in this document and variations thereof should be understood to be open ended and not limiting. As an example of the foregoing: the term "including" should be understood to mean "including but not limited to," etc., the term "example" is used to provide an illustrative example of the item in question rather than an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and the term "a" or "an" should be understood to mean "at least one," "one or more," etc. The use of the term "component" does not mean that the parts or functionality described or claimed as part of the component must be configured in a common package.

[0053] In this disclosure, an "optical sight" is discussed in terms of use with one or more missile launching devices. Additionally, the terms "optical sight system," "sight," and "optical platform" may be used interchangeably with "optical sight." In this disclosure, reference to one or more "commercially available" optical sights includes both optical sights that are commercially available at the time of this disclosure and other optical sights that are commercially available at a date after this disclosure.

[0054] Here, "projectile launching device" may include but is not necessarily limited to firearms and archery bows. Firearms may include but are not limited to rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, shoulder-fired bazookas, shoulder-fired rocket launchers, air rifles, and paintball guns. In addition, firearms may include any type of action, such as lever action, pump action, bolt action, and snap action. Firearms can be configured as handheld firearms or firearms mounted to vehicles, boats, or other modes of transportation. Firearms can be configured as single-shot, automatic, or semi-automatic firearms. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, specific firearms can be configured with different barrel lengths. Archery bows may include but are not limited to crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows, or other devices from which one or more arrows can be fired.

[0055] Exemplary optical sights for use with one or more types of missile launching devices may include, but are not limited to, one or more telescopic rifle scopes, one or more red dot sights, one or more prismatic sights, and one or more holographic sights, such terms being understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of firearm optics. Common telescopic rifle scopes include fixed magnification scopes and variable magnification scopes. Herein, "rifle scope" refers to an optical sight for use with a rifle, and "pistol scope" refers to an optical sight for use with a pistol.

[0056] The terms "optical sight sight", "sight line", and "crosshairs" in connection with a missile launching device each refer to a line and / or other markings or indicia present on the eyepiece of an optical sight. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "optical sight sight", "sight line", and "crosshairs" may be used interchangeably. Additionally, the term "on / off feature" may be used interchangeably with the terms "on / off switch" and "on / off functionality". In this disclosure, an "illuminated sight line" refers to a sight line of an optical sight that may be illuminated via electrical components including a power source for the optical sight and one or more electrically powered and electrically controlled light sources. Exemplary light sources may include, but are not limited to, one or more incandescent light bulbs, one or more fluorescent light bulbs, one or more light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), one or more resonant cavity light emitting diodes ("RCLEDs"), one or more diode lasers, one or more organic LEDs, one or more vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes ("VCSELs"), and combinations thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the sight line may be illuminated via a light emitting diode ("LED") or an LED array and / or (2) a resonant cavity light emitting diode ("RCLED") or an RCLED array. In another embodiment, the aiming line may be illuminated via a diode laser, such as the aiming line of a holographic optical sight. In another embodiment, the aiming line may be illuminated via a liquid crystal display ("LCD"). In another embodiment, the aiming line may be illuminated via an organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display. In another embodiment, the aiming line may be illuminated via a vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode ("VCSEL").

[0057] Here, "electrical power" is the product of current and voltage. The "power source" of the device of the present disclosure may include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more wireless charging circuits, one or more power outlets providing power from one or more external sources, one or more kinetic energy harvester devices, and combinations thereof. The battery described herein may include one or more batteries having: (1) one or more sizes and / or configurations, including but not limited to AA batteries, AAA batteries, AAAA batteries, C batteries, D batteries, 9V batteries, CR123A batteries, 23A batteries, and coin-type cells; (2) one or more types, including but not limited to lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, carbon zinc batteries, silver oxide batteries, zinc air batteries, rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and combinations thereof. As understood by those skilled in the art, coin-type cells are commonly used to power electronic devices, including but not limited to wristwatches, pocket calculators, small LED-powered flashlights, automotive keyless entry transmitters, pedometers, optical sights, etc. In this disclosure, the terms "button cell battery", "button cell", "button battery", "coin cell battery", "coin cell", "coin battery" may be used interchangeably. Here, "OE" stands for Original Equipment, and "OEM" stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

[0058] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an accessory that can be installed on a device or "host device" powered by one or more removable batteries in a manner that effectively adds one or more operating functions (or "functionality") to the device.

[0059] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a device that may be mounted on an optical sight in a manner effective to add one or more operational functions to the optical sight.

[0060]

[0011] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a multifunctional add-on assembly for one or more optical sights.

[0061]

[0011] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a multi-function battery pack for use with one or more optical sights.

[0062]

[0013] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable multi-function device for use with one or more optical sights.

[0063] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a multi-function supplemental power supply system for one or more optical sights.

[0064] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a functionality-adding device for mounting on at least one optical sight, including but not limited to at least one commercially available optical sight.

[0065]

[0011] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for adding one or more operational functions to one or more optical sights.

[0066] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of adding one or more operational functions to one or more optical sights by installing a device or component on the one or more optical sights, the device or component being operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the one or more optical sights when the device or component is electrically connected to a battery compartment of the one or more optical sights.

[0067] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a battery adapter device for one or more optical sights. A suitable battery adapter device is operably configured to change the type of battery used as a power source for the optical sight compared to the OE battery requirements of the optical sight. In one non-limiting example, an optical sight may be provided that includes an OE battery box that is operably configured for a CR2032 coin cell lithium battery, and the battery adapter device operably configured to be in electrical communication with the OE battery box may include a battery box that is operably configured for a CR1632 coin cell lithium battery as a power source for the optical sight.

[0068] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a motion sensing battery pack that is removably attachable to a battery pack of one or more optical sights in a manner effective to provide power to the one or more optical sights based on programmed operation of a motion sensor of the motion sensing battery pack.

[0069] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a device that can be mounted on an empty, i.e., battery-free, battery compartment of an optical sight in a manner that effectively adds one or more operational functions to the optical sight. In one embodiment, the device can include a battery compartment that is operably configured to receive a removable battery cover that is the same or similar to the optical sight in a threaded manner so as to accommodate therein a battery that is the same or similar to the optical sight.

[0070] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of adding motion sensing to an optical sight by mounting a device on a battery compartment of the optical sight, the device being operably configured to provide a motion sensing automatic on / off power function to the optical sight.

[0071] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of adding low battery sensing and low battery indication to an optical sight by installing a device on a battery compartment of the optical sight, the device being operably configured to provide low battery sensing and low battery indication functionality to the optical sight.

[0072] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for retrofitting an optical sight to include one or more operational functions that were not provided as part of the manufacturing design of the optical sight.

[0073] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for changing one or more additional operating functions of an optical sight by using two or more multi-function attachments, which can be interchangeably installed on the optical sight as needed to utilize one or more operating functions provided by a particular multi-function attachment.

[0074] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for providing additional operational functional interchangeability for one or more optical sights. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more optical sights and one or more devices that are operably configured to provide one or more additional operational functions to the one or more optical sights. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more optical sights and one or more multifunctional additional devices for one or more optical sights.

[0075] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly for adding one or more operational functions to one or more optical sights. In one embodiment, the assembly includes at least one housing including a battery compartment, a control circuit, and a positive power output electrical contact and a negative power output electrical contact.

[0076] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a motion sensing coin cell battery holder device, assembly, system and method for one or more optical sights. In one embodiment, the motion sensing battery holder device can be operably configured as an OE battery holder for one or more optical sights. In another embodiment, the motion sensing battery holder can be operably configured as a replacement battery holder for one or more optical sights.

[0077] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to low battery sensing coin cell battery holder devices, assemblies, systems and methods for use with one or more optical sights.

[0078] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a motion sensing battery pack for mounting to a battery pack of one or more firearm optical sights. Once mounted to the firearm optical sight, the motion sensing battery pack is operably configured to detect movement of the optical sight and control power to the optical sight based on the movement of the optical sight.

[0079] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a motion sensing battery pack that is operably configured to electrically communicate with a battery pack of one or more optical sights in a manner that effectively controls powering of the one or more optical sights based on detected motion of the one or more optical sights.

[0080] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an alternative battery pack for one or more optical sights that is operably configured to provide at least motion sensing automatic on / off power functionality to the one or more optical sights when electrically connected to the battery pack of the one or more optical sights.

[0081] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a portable battery pack for one or more optical sights. In one embodiment, the portable battery pack includes an automatic on / off power function that is operably configured for use with one or more optical sights.

[0082] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising: (1) a removable motion sensing battery box device, which is used for one or more optical sights, the motion sensing battery box device being capable of operating with a battery box of one or more commercially available optical sights; and (2) a removable coin-type unit battery, wherein the removable motion sensing battery box device includes a control circuit that is operably configured to provide automatic on / off power to one or more optical sights, the one or more optical sights including (but not necessarily limited to) one or more third-party firearm optical sights known at the time of the present disclosure.

[0083] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a motion sensing device for one or more optical sights, the motion sensing device having a control circuit and a threaded surface, the threaded surface being operably configured for use with a battery compartment of one or more optical sights. The motion sensing device is operably configured to: (1) electrically communicate with electrical contacts within the battery compartment of a particular optical sight; and (2) electrically communicate with a coin cell battery, including but not limited to a coin cell battery common to the optical sight, i.e., the same or similar coin cell battery that powers the optical sight.

[0084] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a motion sensing assembly for use with an optical sight of a missile launching device, the optical sight having a battery compartment and a corresponding removable battery cover, wherein the motion sensing assembly is operably configured to be in electrical communication with the battery compartment of the optical sight in a manner effective to power the optical sight. Suitably, the motion sensing assembly includes a body operably configured to accommodate a coin cell battery and an attachment surface for a removable battery cover or similar removable battery cover, the removable battery cover or similar removable battery cover being operably configured to enclose the coin cell battery in the battery compartment of the body. When the coin cell battery is enclosed in the body, the motion sensing battery compartment is operably configured to power the optical sight based on the detected movement of the optical sight.

[0085] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a motion sensing battery pack for use with one or more optical sights of one or more missile launching devices, wherein each of the one or more optical sights includes an OE battery pack and a corresponding removable battery cover as part of its original construction for accommodating a removable coin cell battery.

[0086] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a removable accessory that is operably configured to be removably attached to a battery compartment of a host device in the same or similar manner as a battery cover of a host device is attached to and removed from the battery compartment of the host device. For example, in an embodiment where the battery compartment of the host device is operably configured to receive the battery cover in a threaded manner, the accessory of the present disclosure is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the battery compartment of the host device. In an embodiment where the battery compartment of the host device is optionally operably configured to receive the battery cover in a snap-on connection, the accessory of the present disclosure is operably configured to include a snap-on configuration for communicating with the battery compartment of the host device. In an embodiment where the battery compartment of the host device is optionally operably configured to receive the battery cover in a quarter-turn type locking cover communication manner, the accessory of the present disclosure is operably configured to include a quarter-turn locking type configuration for communicating with the battery compartment of the host device. In embodiments where the host device battery compartment is operably configured to receive a battery cover that is removably hingedly attached to the host device, accessories of the present disclosure may be hingedly attached to the host device in a manner effective to place the accessory in communication with the battery compartment of the host device.

[0087] Suitably, the devices described herein are operably configured for use with one or more devices powered by one or more removable batteries, including but not limited to one or more optical sights including a battery pack. Figures 1 to 9In at least one embodiment, the device of the present disclosure is operably configured for use with a coin cell battery pack of one or more battery-powered host devices, such as one or more optical sights, including but not limited to: (1) one or more rifle scopes 5; (2) one or more reflex tube sights 6 (hereinafter referred to as "red dot sights 6"); and (3) one or more prism sights 7, which may be collectively referred to herein as "optical sights 5, 6, 7" herein with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 7 A non-limiting example of a coin cell battery powered rifle scope 5 is described. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A non-limiting example of a red dot sight 6 powered by a coin cell battery is described and referenced herein. Figure 3 A non-limiting example of a prismatic sight 7 powered by a coin cell battery is described. In one embodiment, the device of the present disclosure may be operably configured to electrically communicate with an empty coin cell battery compartment of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 in a manner effective to add at least one or more operating functions to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7. In another embodiment, the device of the present disclosure may be operably configured to communicate with an empty coin cell battery compartment of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 in a manner effective to add one or more operating functions to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7.

[0088] Special References Figures 1 to 5 , commercially available optical sights 5, 6, 7 at the time of this disclosure typically include a power input system that includes: (1) a coin-type battery compartment 10 ("battery compartment 10"); and (2) a removable battery compartment cover 15 ("battery cover 15") that is operably configured to secure a power source, such as a removable coin-type battery 35, within the battery compartment 10 in a manner that enables the coin-type battery 35 to effectively supply power to the optical sight. As shown, a typical battery compartment 10 is configured as a knob or turntable type structure or body having a cylindrical inner surface sized to accommodate a round coin-type battery 35 therein (see Figure 5 ), and having a removable battery cover 15 that effectively encloses the coin-type unit battery 35 within the battery case 10, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown. Figure 4 As shown, the battery cover 15 generally has a cylindrical outer thread surface 16 for engaging with the inner thread surface 11 of the battery box 10 (see Figure 5) threaded connection, thereby allowing the battery cover 15 to be screwed on and off the battery box 10 as needed. For commercially available optical sights 5, 6, 7 for firearm use, the threaded surface 11 of the battery box 10 generally has an internal thread diameter of 22.0 mm (0.87 inches) to 26.0 mm (1.02 inches) or about 22.0 mm (0.87 inches) to about 26.0 mm (1.02 inches), and other internal thread diameters are also considered herein because the optical sight 5, 6 or 7 can be constructed to scale.

[0089] Depending on the brand and / or model of the particular optical sight 5, 6 or 7, the battery compartment 10 may also include one or more rotary dials 20 (see Figure 2 ), the one or more rotary dials are operably configured to control one or more operating functions of the optical sight, such as: (1) adjusting the brightness of the LED to illuminate the corresponding aiming line of the optical sight; and / or (2) turning the optical sight on / off. In such embodiments, the battery cover 15 can have an outer peripheral surface 17 that is the same or substantially similar in appearance and / or outer diameter to the outer surface 13 of all or a portion of the battery compartment 10 and / or the rotary dial 20, thereby providing an aesthetically consistent external appearance and better manual operation of the rotary dial 20 and the battery cover 15. For example, in one embodiment, the outer surface 13 of the battery compartment 10, the battery cover 15, and the rotary dial 20 may include a textured outer surface that includes one or more raised surfaces 12 for easy finger manipulation (see Figure 2 ). Non-limiting examples of the raised surface 12 include, but are not limited to, raised ridges, dimples, depressions, knurling, and combinations thereof.

[0090] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outermost surface 18 of the battery cover 15 may include one or more surface configurations that include a desired decorative appearance, such as a slightly curved surface or a flat or partially flat surface or other decorative appearance. In addition, the outermost surface 18 may also include at least one grooved surface 19 for receiving a tool therein to assist in rotating the battery cover 15 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions when the battery cover 15 is screwed onto and unscrewed from the corresponding battery compartment 10. Conventional tools used with the grooved surface 19 may include, but are not limited to, tools provided by the manufacturer, screwdrivers, or other hand-held tools. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a conventional battery cover 15 may also include a grooved surface 19 that is sized to effectively receive a portion of a currency coin therein, such as a U.S. penny, quarter, nickel, dime, and / or the equivalent to assist in rotating the battery cover 15. As such, the grooved surface 19 of the battery cover 15 is commonly referred to in the art as a "coin slot."

[0091] The coin cell battery 35 operable to power the optical sights 5, 6, 7 is typically such as Figure 8 The conventional type shown in the simplified diagram of FIG. 1 includes an anode casing 40, an anode 41, a cathode casing 45, a cathode 46, and a separator 50 disposed between the anode 41 and the cathode 46. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the anode casing 40 forms the negative terminal of the coin cell 35, and the cathode casing 45 forms the positive terminal of the coin cell. The orientation of the coin cell 35 within the battery case 10 is appropriately determined based on the orientation of the electrical input contacts within the battery case 10, for example, see Figure 5 , which depicts a coin cell battery 35 positioned within a battery case 10 with the positive cathode casing 45 of the coin cell battery 35 facing outward.

[0092] Conventional coin cell batteries 35 for use with the optical sights 5, 6, 7 typically have a useful life of up to or about 50,000 hours and are available in various sizes, for example, 16.0 mm to 20.0 mm or about 16.0 mm to about 20.0 mm in diameter and 3.2 mm or about 3.2 mm in height (or thickness), or other dimensions that may be required depending on the operating power and / or size requirements of the particular optical sight 5, 6, or 7. One non-limiting example of a coin cell battery 35 for use with the optical sights 5, 6, 7 includes a lithium coin cell battery, including but not limited to a CR2032 coin cell lithium battery having the specifications shown in Table 1. Another non-limiting example of a coin cell battery 35 for use with the optical sights 5, 6, 7 includes a lithium coin cell battery, including but not limited to a CR1632 coin cell lithium battery having the specifications shown in Table 2. Another non-limiting example of a coin cell battery 35 that may be used with the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 includes an LR44 / AG13 alkaline zinc-manganese coin cell battery.

[0093] Table 1

[0094] Table 2

[0095] refer to Figure 5 The battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6 or 7 is appropriately provided with sufficient space to accommodate a coin-type unit battery 35 of a specific size in the battery compartment 10 without preventing the battery cover 15 from being properly fixed to the battery compartment 10, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As depicted in .

[0096] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery box 10 of the optical sight 5, 6 or 7 generally includes a bottom plate 21 for receiving a coin-type cell battery 35, wherein the bottom plate 21 includes a negative contact 25 such as a negative contact plate, etc., which is operably configured to contact the anode housing 40 of the coin-type cell battery 35 when the coin-type cell battery 35 is accommodated in the battery box 10. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the operable negative contact 25 is not limited to a particular shape or form. Here, the negative contact 25 may also be referred to as a "negative battery contact 25".

[0097] Still reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the battery case 10 also includes a positive contact 30, such as a positive contact ring, along the inner periphery of the battery case 10, which is operably configured to contact the cathode housing 45 of the coin-type cell 35 along the outer periphery of the coin-type cell 35, thereby providing power to the control circuit of the optical sight 5, 6 or 7, for example, to provide power to the light source such as an LED or LED array and / or other electronic devices of the optical sight 5, 6 or 7. Here, the positive contact 30 may also be referred to as a "positive battery contact 30."

[0098] refer to Fig. 9 In operation, when the battery cover 15 is rotated closed to the desired fastening position with the battery case 10, the inner surface 26 of the battery cover 15 appropriately applies force to the coin-type unit battery 35 therein, thereby maintaining the coin-type unit battery 35 in proper contact with the negative contact 25 and the positive contact 30. In an embodiment including a sealing member or seal such as an O-ring 14 to prevent moisture and / or dust from entering the battery case 10 during use, a portion of the battery cover 15 also appropriately applies force to the battery case 10 to form a seal with the O-ring 14.

[0099] At the time of this disclosure, non-limiting examples of commercially available rifle scopes 5 that use coin cell batteries 35 include the Primary Arms® SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III and the Primary Arms® SLx 3-18x50mm FFP RifleScope available from Primary Arms, LLC, Houston, Texas, USA. At the time of this disclosure, non-limiting examples of commercially available red dot sights 6 that use coin cell batteries 35 include the Primary Arms® SLx Advanced Rotary Knob Microdot Red Dot Sight and the Primary Arms® SLx MD-25 Rotary Knob 25mm Microdot available from Primary Arms, LLC, Houston, Texas, USA. At the time of this disclosure, non-limiting examples of commercially available prismatic sights 7 that use coin cell batteries 35 include the Primary Arms® SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism Scope, Primary Arms® SLx 1X Micro Prism Prism Scope, and Primary Arms® GLx 2X Prism Scope available from Primary Arms, LLC, Houston, Texas, USA. While the above non-limiting examples of commercially available optical sights 5, 6, 7 include a battery holder 10 with a rotating dial 20, a non-limiting example of a commercially available sight having a coin cell battery holder 10 without a rotating dial 20 includes a red dot sight 6, such as the Primary Arms® SLx Advanced Push Button Micro Red Dot Sight - Gen II available from Primary Arms, LLC, Houston, Texas, USA.

[0100] Figures 10 to 12An embodiment of an accessory 100 (hereinafter referred to as "device 100") of the present disclosure is illustrated, which is operably configured for use with one or more coin-type cell battery-powered optical sights (including but not limited to one or more of the optical sights 5, 6, 7). In this embodiment, the device 100 is operably configured as an electromechanical interface for supplying power and adding one or more operating functions to the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7. In particular, the device 100 includes at least a body 101 that houses a control circuit 109, and once the device 100 is electrically connected to the battery box 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7, the device 100 is operably configured to supply power and add one or more operating functions to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7.

[0101] Special References Fig.10 and Fig.12 The main body 101 includes a battery box 110, which includes electrical input contacts, which include at least a negative battery contact 125 and a positive battery contact 126 that are electrically connected to the control circuit 109 of the device 100, wherein the negative battery contact 125 and the positive battery contact 126 are operably configured to be in electrical contact with the coin-type unit battery 35 contained in the battery box 110, for supplying power to both the device 100 and the optical sight 5, 6 or 7 on which the device 100 is installed. The body 101 also includes circuit-controlled electrical output contacts housed in the body 101, including a positive electrical output contact or positive terminal 127 and a negative electrical output contact or negative terminal 128, which are electrically connected to the control circuit 109 and are operably configured to be electrically connected to the negative contact 25 and the positive contact 30 in the battery box 10 of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6 or 7. As shown in the figure, the device 100 may also include a power output insulator ring 129 disposed between the positive terminal 127 and the negative terminal 128.

[0102] As shown, the device 100 may include a battery case cover (hereinafter referred to as "battery cover 105") that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the main body 101. In another embodiment, the device 100 may be configured without the battery cover 105, and although the battery cover 105 is not necessary for the operation of the device 100, the battery cover 105 is operably configured to promote reliable electrical contact between the coin-type cell battery 35 and the negative battery contact 125 and the positive battery contact 126, prevent the coin-type cell battery 35 from being unexpectedly removed from the battery case 110, and prevent moisture and / or dust from entering the battery case 110. As described below, the battery cover 105 may also include one or more secondary positive contacts attached thereto to promote reliable electrical contact between the device 100 and the coin-type cell battery 35 contained in the battery case 110 when the battery cover 105 is threadedly connected to the main body 101. Reference Fig.10 , a suitable battery cover 105 of the device 100 includes a cylindrical neck 122 and a flange 123, the cylindrical neck including a threaded outer surface 106, as shown. Similar to the one or more raised surfaces 12 described above, the battery cover 105 may also include one or more raised surfaces to facilitate finger manipulation when screwing the battery cover 105 onto and off the corresponding battery compartment 110.

[0103] In one embodiment, the body 101 and the corresponding battery cover 105 may include one or more interrupted thread patterns. In another embodiment, the battery cover 105 may be configured as a flangeless cylindrical member. In another embodiment, the body 101 of the device 100 may be operably configured to receive the battery cover 105 in a flush position relative to the opening of the battery compartment 110.

[0104] In one embodiment, the main body 101 and the corresponding battery cover 105 can be configured as a snap-on cover configuration or a quarter-turn locking cover configuration. In another embodiment, the battery cover 105 can be hingedly attached to the main body 101. In another embodiment, the main body 101 can include a drawer-type battery box for accommodating coin-type unit batteries 35.

[0105] Further references Fig.10In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery compartment 110 of the body 101 includes a bottom plate 115 and a first threaded inner surface 116, which is operably configured as an attachment surface to be threadedly connected to the threaded outer surface 106 of the corresponding battery cover 105. In another embodiment, the battery cover 15 of an optical sight such as the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 can be removed from the optical sight and used as the battery cover 105 for threaded connection with the battery compartment 110 of the device 100. In such an embodiment, the first threaded inner surface 116 of the battery compartment 110 appropriately includes a thread pattern and an inner diameter, similar to the threaded surface 11 of the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7, and the battery cover 15 starts from this threaded surface.

[0106] Similar to Figures 1 to 4 , the outer surface 107 of the battery cover 105 of the device 100 may include one or more surface configurations and at least one grooved surface 119 as described above to assist in rotating the battery cover 105 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions when the battery cover 105 is screwed onto and unscrewed from the corresponding battery compartment 110. In another embodiment, the battery cover 105 of the device 100 may include one or more tool holes or tool cavities 112, which are operably configured to receive a tool therein to assist in rotating the battery cover 105 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to engage and disengage the corresponding battery compartment 110 (see Fig.13 ).

[0107] In another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure for use with a host device powered by one or more removable batteries, such as one or more coin-type cell batteries 35, the battery case 110 may include one or more negative battery contacts 125 and one or more positive battery contacts 126, and the body 101 may include one or more circuit-controlled positive output contacts 127 and one or more circuit-controlled negative output contacts 128 corresponding to the electrical input contacts of the battery case of the host device.

[0108] With respect to the device 100 for use with one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7, the control circuit 109 may include one or more printed circuit boards ("PCBs") including one or more design specifications including a patterned arrangement of printed circuits and solid-state electronic components mounted to a surface of the PCB. The PCB of the device 100 of the present disclosure is operably configured to control or regulate the output power, output voltage, and current rate of the device 100 when powered by one or more power sources (e.g., one or more batteries). At a minimum, the PCB of the device 100 of the present disclosure feeds power to the negative contact 25 and the positive contact ring 30 in the battery compartment 10 of the sight 5, 6, or 7 at a controlled voltage and a controlled rate in a manner that effectively powers the sight 5, 6, or 7.

[0109] A suitable PCB for the device 100 of the present disclosure may include integrated circuits such as a microcontroller unit ("MCU"), peripheral hardware including one or more input devices, and one or more other PCB components for the desired operation of the device 100. The MCU of the present disclosure may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit ("CPU"), a random access memory ("RAM"), a flash memory, a serial bus interface, an input / output port ("I / O port"), a special function register ("SFR") for controlling peripheral circuits, a read-only memory ("ROM"), one or more voltage regulator circuits, one or more voltage measurement circuits, and combinations thereof. One or more input devices for implementing one or more peripheral functions may include, but are not limited to, one or more motion sensors, one or more tilt sensors, one or more light sensors, one or more thermal sensors, one or more image sensors, one or more capacitive touch sensors, one or more biometric recognition sensors, one or more time delay relay circuits, one or more clock circuits, one or more counter circuits, one or more wireless control circuits, one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more digital-to-analog converters, one or more power regulation circuits, one or more voltage sensors, circuits that perform logic functions, one or more electromagnetic sensors, one or more global positioning system ("GPS") antennas, and combinations thereof. A non-limiting example of an electromagnetic sensor includes a radio frequency sensor ("RF sensor"). Other PCB components may include, but are not limited to, one or more resistors, one or more capacitors, one or more inductors, one or more diodes, one or more relays, one or more transistors, and other electronic components that may be required for specific operations of the device 100 and / or the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7. For example, in one embodiment, the PCB may include one or more resistors that are operably configured to control an output current to the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7, for example, to control an output current for modifying the illumination brightness of the sight line of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7. In one embodiment, the PCB may include one or more variable resistors, such as varistors, for varying the illumination brightness of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7.

[0110] As described above, one or more operating functions that can be added to one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7 via the device 100 including the control circuit 109 may include, but are not limited to, a motion sensing automatic on / off function, a light sensing function, a heat sensing function, an impact sensing function, one or more information digital display functions, a video recording function, an audio recording function, a voice recognition function, a microphone function, an audible speaker function, one or more clock functions, one or more timer functions, one or more lighting functions, such as one or more indicator light functions, one or more flash functions, one or more wireless connection functions, i.e., wired alternative communication technology, an electrical communication port or interface function, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of sensor-driven control functions that may be added to one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7 via a particular device 100 include: (1) battery voltage-dependent lighting via one or more battery voltage sensors; (2) tilt-dependent lighting (axial load and / or lateral load) via one or more tilt sensors or one or more accelerometers; (3) ambient light-dependent lighting via one or more ambient light sensors and pulse width modulation ("PWM") brightness control circuits; (4) shot counters or digital counters using motion sensors, shock sensors, or accelerometers; (5) time-dependent lighting using a clock, shock sensor, microphone, or accelerometer as a as a trigger, and a firearm shot timer that reports the measured time to the firearm user or other person using an audible speaker, a digital display, one or more LEDs and / or LED arrays, or a wireless connection technology; (6) GPS positioning for determining the location of the corresponding device 100 in real time and relaying the determined location to one or more remote devices via a wireless connection or via manual download; (7) user authentication based on biometric data and / or password data, enabling powering of the optical sight, for example, illuminating the optical sight line of sight once authenticated; (8) direction indication via an electronic compass based on one or more electromagnetic sensors; and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of wireless connection technologies that may be employed for a particular device 100 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of radio frequency ("RF") signals, infrared ("IR") radiation wireless technologies, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® technology commercially available from Bluetooth SIG, Inc., Kirkland, Washington, USA.

[0111] Depending on the one or more operational functions to be added to one or more specific optical sights 5, 6, 7 via the device 100, the body 101 of the device 100 of the present disclosure may include one or more functional components, including: (1) one or more digital displays, such as a GPS positioning display; (2) one or more illumination sources, such as one or more light emitting diodes and / or LED arrays, one or more incandescent bulbs; (3) one or more audible speakers; (4) one or more electronic compasses; (5) one or more bubble levels; (6) one or more angle sensors; (7) one or more analog dials; (8) one or more user input components; (9) one or more low battery indicators, such as indicator lights; and combinations thereof not otherwise provided on the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7. Non-limiting examples of user input components may include, but are not limited to: (1) one or more external manual controls; (2) one or more camera lenses; (3) one or more electrical communication ports or interfaces; (4) one or more microphones; and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of one or more external manual controls may include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, one or more switches, one or more touch screens, one or more touch pads, one or more keypads, one or more touch sensors (capacitive touch sensors and / or resistive touch sensors), one or more biometric security scanners such as fingerprint scanners, facial recognition scanners. Non-limiting examples of electrical communication ports include, but are not limited to, coaxial inputs, USB ports, ADAT connections, FireWire connections, external power connections, such as AC power outlet inputs, DC power outlet inputs, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of USB ports considered at the time of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, USB Type A, USB Type B, USB Type C, USB 4.0, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB Mini, USB Micro, USB Micro B, and combinations thereof. Other known electrical communication ports may be employed as needed for one or more specific operations. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, ultimately, one or more future electrical communication ports unknown at the time of this disclosure may be used as part of the device 100 of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the PCB layout and / or decorative design of a particular device 100 may vary depending on one or more operational functions to be added to a particular optical sight 5, 6, or 7 via the device 100. Additionally, in one embodiment, the control circuit 109 logic components of the device 100 may include analog logic elements, digital logic elements, and combinations thereof.

[0112] In particular, with respect to an optical sight 5, 6, or 7 equipped with an illuminated sight, the device 100 of the present disclosure may be operably configured to modify the illumination circuit performance characteristics of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 by: (1) providing automatic sensor-based adjustment of the illumination brightness of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 to extend the life of one or more power sources (e.g., one or more batteries) and / or optimize brightness performance and / or indicate low battery voltage by flashing illumination, such as periodically flashing the illumination on / off multiple times to indicate a low battery level when the measured voltage drops below a set value corresponding to a battery voltage of 2.2 volts; (2) adding an external manual control to switch the illumination on / off and / or switch the illumination brightness through two or more brightness levels; (3) providing one or more additional power sources, such as one or more additional batteries, to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7; (4) providing an electrical communication port to provide power to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 via a remote power source; (5) recharging the internal power supply of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7; and combinations thereof.

[0113] Further references Figures 10 to 12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the body 101 of the embodiment includes an outer surface 102, which includes at least a first threaded surface 103, which is operably configured to be threadedly connected or otherwise removably attached to the threaded surface 11 of the battery box 10. As such, the first threaded surface 103 appropriately includes a thread pattern and an outer diameter for operation with the battery box 10 of one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7. The first threaded surface 103 of the embodiment can be referred to as the "threaded mounting surface" of the device 100.

[0114] Once mounted on the optical sight 5, 6 or 7, the body 101 may include an outer diameter that is the same as or substantially similar to the outer diameter of the corresponding battery compartment 10 and / or rotary dial 20, such as Fig.14 and Fig.15 In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the main body 101 can be larger than the outer diameter of the corresponding battery box 10 and / or the rotating dial 20.

[0115] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the outer surface 102 of the device 100 may include an aesthetically neutral type of decorative appearance for use with multiple optical sight battery packs 10 having different decorative exterior surfaces. A non-limiting neutral type of surface may include, for example, Fig.14 A flat or smooth surface as depicted in . Fig.15As shown in , in another embodiment, the main housing 101 of the device 100 may include a textured outer surface 102, which includes one or more raised outer surfaces similar to those described above, thereby providing a decorative exterior appearance for use with one or more specific optical sights 5, 6, 7. In this way, the main housing 101 of the device 100 may include outer surfaces 102 in any number of configurations corresponding to one or more specific battery compartments 10 of one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7. In addition, the textured outer surface 102 may assist a user in manually rotating the main housing 101 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions when screwing the main housing 101 onto and off the corresponding battery compartment 10.

[0116] Because the device 100 of the present disclosure may be operably configured for use with one or more commercially available optical sights 5, 6, 7, the battery compartment 110 may be operably configured to receive the same coin cell battery 35 and / or similar coin cell battery 35 as used with the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 equipped with the device 100 and / or any other type of coin cell battery capable of operating with the battery compartment 110. In one embodiment, the battery compartment 110 may include a battery compartment 110 that is compatible with the optical sight 5, 6, or 7. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The negative battery contact 125 and positive battery contact 126 are configured similarly or similarly to the battery case 10 depicted in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the bottom plate 115 of the battery case 110 may include: (1) a negative battery contact 125, such as a negative contact plate 125, which is operably configured to contact the anode housing 40 of the coin-type unit battery 35; and (2) a positive battery contact 126, which is along the inner periphery of the battery case 110 and is operably configured to contact the cathode housing 45 of the coin-type unit battery 35 in the same or substantially similar manner as the battery case 10 described above. Fig.12 , the positive terminal 127 and the negative terminal 128 housed in the body 101 are suitably operably configured to be in electrical communication with the negative contact 25 and the positive contact 30 within the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 in a manner that transmits power from the coin cell battery 35 in the battery compartment 110 to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7. Thus, in addition to being able to add one or more operating functions to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7, the device 100 is also operably configured as a replacement battery compartment for the optical sight 5, 6, or 7.

[0117] Figures 16 to 23An embodiment of a device 100 is illustrated, which is operably configured for use with one or more coin cell battery powered optical sights including, but not limited to, one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7. As described above, the device 100 of this embodiment is also operably configured to add one or more operating functions to one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7 as needed and / or as may be required for one or more specific optical sighting operations. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the device 100 of this embodiment is described below as being operably configured to add a wake-up system, such as a motion sensing automatic on / off function, to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7 when the device 100 is electrically connected to the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7. Here, the motion sensing automatic on / off function of the device 100 of the present disclosure refers to a function of activating and deactivating an illumination source for the sight line of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7 via the control circuit 109 of the device 100, without completely powering the control circuit 109 to a true power-off position when the illumination source for the sight line is deactivated. For example, the device 100 is operably configured to maintain a current providing a low power idle type setting of the control circuit 109 of the device 100 when the illumination source for the sight of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6 or 7 is deactivated to a minimum illumination setting.

[0118] In this embodiment, the device 100 includes a body 101 and a battery cover 105, which is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the body 101. As shown, the body 101 includes an outer surface 102, which includes at least an outer peripheral surface 111, a first threaded outer surface 103, and a second threaded outer surface 113. The body 101 also includes an inner surface 104, which includes at least a first threaded inner surface 116 and a second threaded inner surface 117. In this embodiment, the body 101 is operably configured as a housing for other components of the device 100, which other components include at least a negative terminal 128 (or "negative terminal plunger 128"), a positive terminal 127 (or "positive terminal ring 127"), an insulator 129 (or "insulator ring 129") disposed between the negative terminal 128 and the positive terminal 127, a negative contact spring 132, a control circuit 109 including a PCB 120, a negative battery contact 125 electrically connected to the PCB 120, such as welded to the PCB 120, and a positive battery contact 126 (or "positive contact ring 126").

[0119] refer to Figures 16 to 19In one embodiment, the negative terminal 128 includes a cap-shaped member including a sidewall 136 having a first outer diameter, a closed end 135, and an outward annular flange 137 having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. For assembly purposes, the negative terminal 128 is disposed within an annular insulator ring 129, which includes an inward annular flange 140 that is operably configured to overlap the outward annular flange 137 of the negative terminal 128 in a manner that effectively holds the negative terminal 128 disposed within the annular insulator ring 129. The annular insulator ring 129 also includes an outward annular flange 141 that is operably configured to overlap the inward annular flange 143 of the positive terminal 127. The positive terminal 127 also includes an outward annular flange 144 that is operably configured to overlap a circular protrusion 145 disposed along the inner surface 104 of the body 101. When properly assembled, the first side 121 of the PCB 120 is positioned adjacent to the second side 139 of the positive terminal 127 and the second side 146 of the annular insulator ring 129. Additionally, the second side 148 of the PCB 120 serves as the first side 149 of the positive contact ring 126 and the bottom plate of the anode casing 40 of the removable coin cell battery 35.

[0120] like Fig.16 and Fig.19 As shown, the positive contact ring 126 includes a threaded outer surface 147 that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the second threaded inner surface 117 of the body 101 in a manner that effectively forms a tight fit of the components assembled in the body 101, thereby preventing or minimizing linear movement of the components in either direction along the central axis AA of the device 100 (see Fig.19 90A in the figure), and also provide operable electrical communication between the device 100 and the corresponding battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6 or 7. As shown, the outer peripheral surface 131 of the PCB 120 and the outer peripheral surface 133 of the positive terminal 127 are adjacent to the inner surface 104 of the body 101, the outer peripheral surface 134 of the insulator ring 129 is adjacent to the inner surface 138 of the positive terminal 127, and the side wall 136 of the negative terminal 128 is adjacent to the inner surface 142 of the inward annular flange 140 of the insulator ring 129, thereby preventing or minimizing these components from being moved in any direction within the body 101 (see Fig.19lateral movement of the negative terminal 128 and the PCB 120 according to the directional arrows 90A and 90B in the main body 101. In addition, in this embodiment, the negative contact spring 132 is appropriately biased against the negative terminal 128 and the PCB 120 in a manner that effectively prevents or minimizes linear movement and lateral movement of the negative contact spring 132 in either direction according to the directional arrows 90A and 90B. The movement of the assembled components housed within the main body 101 is limited to any rotational movement that can be achieved by one or more of the negative terminal 128 and the insulator ring 129 overcoming the negative contact spring 132. As such, the device 100 of this embodiment has the advantage that only the positive contact ring 126 is fixed to the inner surface 104 of the main body 101, thereby providing easy assembly of the various components of the device 100. In one embodiment, the positive contact ring 126 can be mechanically fixed to the second threaded inner surface 117 via sufficient torque action of the positive contact ring 126. Additionally, one or more thread locking fluids may be applied to the threaded outer surface 147 and / or the second threaded inner surface 117 to adhere the positive contact ring 126 to the inner surface 104 of the body 101. In another embodiment, it is contemplated that one or more components housed within the body 101 may be fastened to the inner surface 104 and / or adhered to the inner surface 104 and / or threadedly connected with the inner surface 104 of the body 101. In one non-limiting embodiment, the one or more components may be fastened to the inner surface 104 of the body 101 via a keyway coupling or the like.

[0121] In one embodiment, the PCB 120 can be in electrical communication with the coin cell battery 35 in the battery case 110 via the negative battery contact 125 and the positive contact ring 126. Fig.16 As depicted in , the negative battery contact 125 can be disposed on the second side 148 of the PCB 120 in a manner that effectively contacts the anode housing 40 of the coin cell 35 housed in the battery case 110. Suitably, the positive contact ring 126 surrounding the coin cell 35 located in the battery case 110 has an inner diameter that is effective for at least a portion of the outer circumference of the cathode housing 45 of the coin cell 35 to contact the positive contact ring 126 when the coin cell 35 is eccentrically positioned within the positive contact ring 126, i.e., in a scenario where the coin cell 35 housed in the battery case 110 is not axially aligned with the body 101. In order to ensure positive contact with the cathode housing 45, the battery cover 105 of the device 100 may include one or more second positive contacts 160 (or "secondary positive contacts 160") appropriately attached to the inner surface 161 of the battery cover 105. As shown in FIG. Fig.18As shown, in one embodiment, the second positive contact 160 can include at least two sets of contacts, namely: (1) inner contacts ("inner fingers 164") and (2) outer contacts ("outer fingers 165"). When the battery cover 105 is rotated to the desired fastening position on the body 101, the inner fingers 164 are operably configured to contact the outermost side 47 of the cathode casing 45, and the outer fingers 165 are operably configured to contact the positive contact ring 126. In this way, in the scenario where the coin-type unit battery 35 does not contact the positive contact ring 126, the outer fingers 165 provide a constant positive electrical connection in the battery case 110. In one embodiment, the second positive contact 160 can be attached to the battery cover 105 via a retaining clamp, a threaded fastener, one or more adhesives, and combinations thereof.

[0122] refer to Fig. 20 When the device 100 of this embodiment is assembled, the positive contact ring 126 is electrically connected to the PCB 120 via the exposed contact 167 on the second side 148 of the PCB 120, and the exposed contact 167 has a diameter that is the same as or substantially similar to the diameter of the positive contact ring 126 to provide an electrical connection between the exposed contact 167 and the positive contact ring 126 to power the PCB 120.

[0123] In this embodiment, the negative contact spring 132 is operably configured to conduct current between the PCB 120 and the negative terminal 128. Fig.21 As depicted in FIG. 1 , the first side 121 of the PCB 120 includes an inner circular exposed contact 170 that is operably configured to be Fig.16 and Fig.19 When assembled as shown, it is electrically connected to the negative contact spring 132. Fig.19 As depicted in , when assembled, the negative contact spring 132 is in electrical communication with the negative terminal 128, which is operably configured to be in electrical communication with the negative contact 25 in the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, or 7. In one embodiment, the negative contact spring 132 is operably configured to bias the negative terminal 128 toward the negative contact 25 of the optical sight 5, 6, 7 to ensure proper electrical connection between the negative terminal 128 and the negative contact 25 of the optical sight 5, 6, 7.

[0124] Reference again Fig.21 The first side 121 of the PCB 120 further includes an outer circular exposed contact 172, which is operably configured to be electrically connected to the positive terminal 127, and the positive terminal is operably configured to be electrically connected to the positive contact 30 in the battery case 10, such as Fig.19 shown. Fig. 22The electrical path of the device 100 is depicted when the device 100 is electrically connected to the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6 or 7 (see Fig. 22 In another embodiment, body 101 may include one or more conductive metals to provide one or more electrical pathways for operation of device 100.

[0125] In another embodiment, the positive contact spring can be disposed between the positive contact ring 126 and the exposed contact 167 of the PCB 120, and the side wall 136 of the negative terminal 128 can extend a distance effective for operable contact between the annular flange 137 of the negative terminal 128 and the inner circular exposed contact 170 of the PCB 120.

[0126] Special References Fig.16 , Fig.17 and Fig.19 , the device 100 may also include a threaded locking ring 175 that is operably configured to threadably engage the second threaded outer surface 113 on the outer surface 102 of the body 101 in a manner that effectively maintains a proper connection between the device 100 and the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, 7 during operation - see Fig.23 6. In order to prevent moisture and / or dust from entering the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, 7, the device 100 may also include a first seal 177, which is operably configured to form a seal between the locking ring 175, the outer surface 102 and the outer edge 23 of the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 5, 6, 7 (see Fig.19 ). To prevent moisture and / or dust from entering the battery compartment 110 of the device 100, the device 100 may also include a second seal 179 disposed between the battery cover 105 and the inner surface 104 of the body 101. In this embodiment, the neck 122 of the battery cover 105 and / or the inner surface 104 of the body 101 may include an angled or grooved surface that is operably configured to receive a portion of the second seal 179, such as Fig.19 Suitable seals 177 and 179 may include, but are not limited to, rubber O-rings, rubber annular gaskets, and combinations thereof.

[0127] To add a low battery voltage indication function to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7, a suitable PCB 120 may include a voltage measurement function corresponding to the battery voltage and one or more other PCB components 154 for controlling the desired performance of the circuit 109 as described above. In one embodiment, the MCU 150 may be programmed to automatically alternate the on / off state of the circuit-controlled electrical output contacts (e.g., positive terminal 127 and negative terminal 128) multiple times periodically (e.g., within a desired time interval) when the measured voltage drops below a set value corresponding to the low battery voltage (e.g., 2.2 volts), thereby indicating to the user that the battery is almost exhausted. In a non-limiting example of the operation of the accessory 100 with a firearm optical sight, the user will see a flashing sight line illumination to indicate to the user that the battery housed within the device 100 is almost exhausted and needs to be replaced.

[0128] To add motion-sensing automatic on / off functionality to the optical sight 5, 6, or 7, a suitable PCB 120 may include the MCU 150, an input device such as a wake-up system including an accelerometer or motion sensor ("motion sensor 152") mounted to the PCB 120, and one or more other PCB components 154 as described above to achieve the desired performance of the control circuit 109. A suitable motion sensor 152 may include a mechanical motion sensor. In one embodiment, the MCU 150 may be programmed to: (1) automatically turn off when no motion of the device 100 is detected for a time period programmed or set via a time delay relay circuit (e.g., 10.0 seconds until 60.0 minutes or longer or about 10.0 seconds until about 60.0 minutes or longer); and (2) automatically turn on when the accelerometer or motion sensor 152 detects motion of the device 100 and, therefore, motion of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6, or 7. For example, a suitable motion sensor 152 may include a motion signal output in electrical communication with the MCU 150, which includes a detection circuit and a wake-up signal output.

[0129] In an exemplary scenario, Fig.16 The device 100 including the motion sensor 152 shown in FIG. 1 can be mounted to an optical sight 6 equipped with an illuminated sight line (see FIG. Figure 2 The optical sight 6 in the embodiment of the present invention is used for the purpose of adding a motion sensing automatic on / off function to the optical sight 6. In operation, a user can first remove the battery cover 15 from the battery compartment 10, and then remove the coin-type unit battery 35 (if present) from the battery compartment 10, thereby exposing the inner surface of the battery compartment 10, such as Figure 6In one embodiment, the user can then install the device 100 on the battery box 10 of the optical sight 6 by screwing the first threaded surface 103 of the device 100 onto the threaded surface 11 of the battery box 10 until the device 100 is rotated to the desired fastening position on the battery box 10. Thereafter, the coin-type battery 35 can be placed in the battery box 110 of the device 100, and then the battery cover 105 can be screwed onto the battery box 110 to enclose the coin-type battery 35 in the battery box 110, thereby installing the device 100 on the optical sight 6, as shown. Fig.23 As shown. In another specific implementation, the coin cell battery 35, the battery cover 105, and the body 101 can be assembled before the device 100 is screwed onto the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 6. In another specific implementation, the coin cell battery 35 can be retained in the battery compartment 110, such as via tape, without including the battery cover 105. In one embodiment, a new or fully charged coin cell battery 35 can be used as a power source for the device 100 and the optical sight 6. In embodiments where the battery compartment 10 of the optical sight 6 accommodates coin cell batteries 35 with a residual charge, such pre-existing coin cell batteries 35 can be used as a power source for the device 100 and the optical sight 6. Once the device 100 is mounted to the optical sight 6 and the optical sight 6 is mounted to the firearm 500, as shown. Fig.24 As shown, the device 100 is programmed to automatically deactivate the illumination of the optical sight 6 (referred to herein as the "off position" of the illuminated sight of the optical sight 6) by switching the circuit of the control circuit 109 to an open circuit, i.e., off position, when the firearm 500, the optical sight 6, and the device 100 are stationary for a programmed time period (e.g., a time period of 10.0 seconds to 20.0 minutes), thereby preventing the coin cell battery 35 from being unnecessarily depleted of power, which would otherwise occur without the optical sight 6 of the device 100 maintaining an illuminated sight (referred to herein as the "on" position of the illuminated sight of the optical sight 6) for a long duration (e.g., several hours or more).

[0130] Fig.25 As reference Fig.16 A simplified electrical block diagram of an embodiment of a control circuit 109 of the described device 100 includes a motion sensor 152 and an MCU 150 including a time delay relay circuit 155 connected in parallel with an existing lighting circuit 600 of a corresponding optical sight 5, 6 or 7. Fig.26 As reference Fig.16A simplified electrical block diagram of an embodiment of a control circuit 109 of the described device 100 includes a motion sensor 152 and an MCU 150 including a time delay relay circuit 155 connected in series with an existing lighting circuit 600 of a corresponding optical sight 5, 6 or 7.

[0131] refer to Figures 16 to 23 The described device 100 can be built to scale and designed as needed or otherwise as needed to operate with one or more specific optical sights 5, 6, 7. Without limiting the device 100 to a particular embodiment, an exemplary device 100 suitable for use with one or more optical sights including the one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7 described above can include a body 101 and a battery cover 105 having the dimensions listed in Table 3.

[0132] Table 3

[0133] In another exemplary embodiment of the device, the device 100 is operably configured for use with an Aimpoint® T-1 micro-red dot sight, such as that commercially available from Aimpoint AB located in Malmö, Sweden, and the body 101 of the device 100 includes the dimensions listed in Table 4.

[0134] Table 4

[0135] In one embodiment, the device 100 may be provided as an OE component of an optical sight, including but not limited to the optical sights 5, 6, 7 described above. In another embodiment, the device 100 may be provided as an aftermarket item that is operably configured to be used with one or more existing optical sights, including but not limited to the optical sights 5, 6, 7 described above. As such, the device 100 of the present disclosure may include any number of decorative exterior surface features corresponding to one or more existing optical sights, including but not limited to the optical sights 5, 6, 7. Although the OE battery cover 105 may be provided as part of the device 100, for the purpose of aesthetic consistency with the optical sights 5, 6, or 7, it may be desirable in some embodiments to use a battery cover 15 corresponding to the optical sights 5, 6, or 7.

[0136] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, optical sights are typically provided in colors including: (1) black; (2) silver; (3) military green or olive drab ("OD") green, which is often referred to as "flat dark earth"; (4) one of a variety of camouflage patterns; and combinations thereof. Thus, the device 100 of the present disclosure may include a body 101 and / or a battery cover 105 having an outer surface including any color, color combination, or pattern, including one or more of the colors or specific camouflage patterns listed above for use with one or more specific color or camouflage pattern optical sights (including the one or more specific optical sights 5, 6, 7 described above).

[0137] Common commercially available optical sights 5, 6, 7 for projectile launching devices including such battery boxes 10, rotating dials 20 and battery covers 15 are generally constructed of one or more materials that are resistant to cracking, breaking, excessive bending and deformation caused by ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other external mechanical and chemical influences and various impacts and other loads that may be applied to the optical sights 5, 6, 7. Common construction materials for one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7 include one or more metals, one or more plastics, one or more composite materials, and combinations thereof. Exemplary metals include machined metals or cast metals, including aluminum, anodized aluminum, steel, various alloys, titanium, one or more conductive metals, and combinations thereof. In addition, the battery box 10 constructed of one or more metals may include a chrome-plated surface finish as required. Exemplary conductive metals may include, but are not limited to, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, zinc, nickel, chromium, and combinations thereof. Exemplary plastics used in the construction of optical sights include one or more injection molded polymers. Exemplary composite materials include, but are not limited to, glass-filled polymers, such as glass-filled nylon. Thus, the body 101 and / or battery cover 105 of the device 100 of the present disclosure may be constructed from one or more of the above materials, including materials that are the same or similar to one or more specific optical sight battery packs 10. In one non-limiting embodiment of the device 100, the body 101 may be constructed from aluminum, the battery cover 105 may be constructed from aluminum, the negative terminal 128 may be constructed from plated steel, the insulator ring 129 may be constructed from nylon plastic, the positive terminal 127 may be constructed from plated aluminum, the negative contact spring 132 may be constructed from plated stainless steel, the negative battery contact 125 may be constructed from plated stainless steel, the positive contact ring 126 may be constructed from plated aluminum, the second positive contact 160 may be constructed from plated stainless steel, and the exposed contacts 167, 170, and 172 of the PCB 120 may include gold-plated copper traces. In one non-limiting embodiment, the conductor portions of the device 100 may be plated with chemical nickel.

[0138] Figure 27 to Figure 29 A non-limiting example of a device 100 of the present disclosure is provided, the device being operably configured for use with a coin cell battery pack 10 of one or more optical sights (including one or more optical sights 5, 6, 7 described above), the device 100 including one or more input components. For example, Fig. 27 An embodiment of the device 100 comprising at least one user input component comprising a button 280 is illustrated. Fig.28 An embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated that includes at least one user input component including a switch 282 in the form of a rotary dial switch. Fig.29 An embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated that includes at least one user input component including a biometric security scanner 284 . Figure 27 to Figure 29 The embodiments of each include a control circuit 109 having a design specification that effectively performs a specific additional operating function based on one or more user input components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the design specifications of the control circuit 109 may vary based on the one or more user input components included and the one or more additional operating functions of the specific device 100.

[0139] In addition to operating with an optical sight for one or more projectile launching devices, it is also contemplated that the device 100 of the present disclosure may be operably configured for use with one or more other devices that include a removable battery or other removable power source, including but not limited to one or more radio devices, one or more handheld communication devices, one or more cameras, one or more rangefinders, one or more night vision weapon sights, one or more flashlights, one or more laser pointers, one or more headphones, one or more medical devices, one or more toys, one or more remote controls, one or more key chains, one or more holiday decorations, and one or more flameless candles.

[0140] refer to Fig.30 In another embodiment, the device 100 of the present disclosure may be operably configured for use with an optical sight 8 that is similar to the optical sights 5, 6, 7, but has a battery box 10 having an outer threaded surface 22 for receiving a corresponding inner threaded surface of a battery cover 15. In this embodiment, the body 101 of the device 100 suitably includes an inner threaded surface that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the outer threaded surface 22 of the battery box 10.

[0141] In yet another embodiment, the device of the present disclosure may also be operably configured for use with one or more optical sights that include an elongated cylindrical type battery compartment. A non-limiting example of an optical sight that includes a cylindrical type battery compartment includes the Aimpoint® 9000SC-NV 1000, commercially available from Aimpoint AB located in Malmö, Sweden. TM2 MOA – Red Dot Reflex Sight. Another non-limiting example of an optical sight 205 including an elongated cylindrical type battery compartment for housing cylindrical batteries is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,939,229 B2, entitled “GunScope with Battery Compartment,” published on April 10, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Fig.31 Another non-limiting example of an optical sight including an elongated cylindrical type battery box is illustrated in the drawings, hereinafter collectively referred to as "optical sight 205." As described below, the device 200 of this embodiment is operably configured to electrically communicate with a cylindrical battery 295 contained in a cylindrical type battery box 210 of the optical sight 205 in a manner that effectively adds one or more operating functions to the optical sight 205.

[0142] refer to Fig.32 , a common cylindrical battery case 210 includes: (1) an open end having a threaded inner surface 212 for threaded connection with a threaded surface 216 of a battery cover 215; (2) a closed end including a positive contact 214 for electrical connection with a raised positive terminal 296 of a cylindrical battery 295, as shown; and (3) a cylindrical sidewall inner surface 218 disposed between the open end and the closed end. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the battery cover 215 includes a negative contact 220 that is operably configured to be electrically connected to a negative terminal 297 of a cylindrical battery 295 when the battery cover 215 is screwed onto the battery case 210 as shown.

[0143] refer to Fig.33 In one embodiment, the device 200 can be operably configured as a replacement battery cover for the battery compartment 210 of the optical sight 205, and can be operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the optical sight 205. In another embodiment, the device 200 can be configured as an OE battery cover for the battery compartment 210 of the optical sight 205.

[0144] In one embodiment, the device 200 can be configured as an assembly including: (1) a negative contact 228; (2) a negative contact spring 232; (3) an insulator ring 229; (4) an annular negative terminal 233; (5) a control circuit including at least one PCB 248; and (6) an outer cover 241. In this embodiment, the negative contact 228 is configured as a hat-shaped member including a sidewall 236 having a first outer diameter, a closed end 235, and an outward annular flange 237 having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. For assembly purposes, the negative contact 228 is disposed within an annular insulator ring 229, which includes an inward annular flange 240 that is operably configured to overlap the outward annular flange 237 in a manner effective to retain the negative contact 228 disposed within the insulator ring 229. The insulator ring 229 also includes an outer threaded surface 238 that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the first inner threaded surface 242 of the negative terminal 233. The negative terminal 233 includes an outer threaded surface 243 that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the threaded inner surface 212 of the battery case 210. The negative terminal 233 also includes a second inner threaded surface 245 that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the outer threaded surface 247 of the cylindrical neck 246 of the outer cover 241.

[0145] The inner surface of the negative terminal 233 also includes a non-threaded surface 244 disposed between the first inner threaded surface 242 and the second inner threaded surface 245, which is operably configured as an abutment surface or seat for the outer peripheral surface 249 of the PCB 248. Although the non-threaded surface 245 is not limited to a particular configuration, as shown in FIG. Fig.33 As shown, the non-threaded surface 245 can be configured to effectively serve as a right angle surface for the outer peripheral surface 249 of the PCB 248 and the abutment surface of the second side.

[0146] When properly assembled, the closed end 235 of the negative contact 228 abuts the negative terminal 297 of the cylindrical battery 295, and the first side 253 of the PCB 248 abuts the second side 231 of the insulator ring 229. In addition, the second side 256 of the PCB 248 is operably configured as an abutment surface for the inner surface 250 of the outer cover 241. In another embodiment, the assembled device 200 can include a space between the inner surface 250 of the outer cover 241 and the second side 256 of the PCB 248.

[0147] In this embodiment, the outer cover 241 includes a flange 251 having a first side 263 that is operably configured to abut against the outer peripheral surface 217 at the open end of the battery case 210. In order to prevent moisture and / or dust from entering the battery case 210 of the device 200, the device 200 may also include a seal 255 disposed between the flange 251 of the outer cover 241, the inner surface 218 of the battery case 210, and the outer surface 257 of the negative terminal 233, such as Fig.33 As shown. In this embodiment, the outer surface 257 of the negative terminal 233 includes an angled surface that is operably configured to receive a portion of the seal 255, as shown. In another embodiment, the outer surface 257 may include a groove or grooved surface. Suitable seals 255 include, but are not limited to, rubber O-rings, rubber annular gaskets, and combinations thereof.

[0148] In another embodiment, the outer cover 241 can be configured as a raised, flangeless cylindrical member or as a flangeless cylindrical member flush or substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface 217 of the battery case 210. In addition, the outer surface 252 of the outer cover 241 may include a shape similar to Fig.10 One or more grooved surfaces 119 shown and / or similar to the one or more grooved surfaces 119 Fig.13 The tool cavity 112 is shown as a tool cavity to assist in rotating the device 200 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions when screwing the device 200 onto and off of the corresponding battery compartment 210.

[0149] Suitably, the device 200 of this embodiment is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the optical sight 205 when the device 200 is in electrical communication with the cylindrical battery 295 housed in the battery compartment 210 of the optical sight 205 to power the PCB 248. The one or more operating functions to be added to the optical sight 205 may include one or more operating functions as described above in the discussion of the device 100. For example, in one embodiment, the device 200 may be operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the optical sight 205 when the device 200 is in electrical communication with the battery compartment 210 (e.g., Fig.33248) adds motion sensing automatic on / off functionality to the optical sight 205 for operation as described above. In such embodiments, the PCB 248 may include an MCU as described above, a motion sensor 260, and one or more other PCB components 154 as described above for achieving the desired performance of the control circuitry of the device 200. Additionally, the PCB 248 may include a circular exposed contact similar to the inner circular exposed contact 170 described above, which is operably configured to be in electrical communication with a negative contact spring 232 biased against both the negative contact 228 and the exposed contact on the PCB 248 when the device 200 is assembled as shown. In operation, another portion of the circuitry of the device 200 is implemented through other contact surfaces of the battery compartment 210, such as the threaded inner surface 212 or the negative terminal 233.

[0150] The device 200 of this embodiment can be constructed of one or more materials as described above, and include one or more colors, color combinations, patterns, and / or surface textures as described above with respect to the device 100. In one non-limiting embodiment of the device 200, the negative contact 228 can be constructed of anodized aluminum, the negative contact spring 232 can be constructed of anodized stainless steel, the insulator ring 229 can be constructed of nylon plastic, and the negative terminal 233 can be constructed of gold-plated copper, and the outer cover 241 can be constructed of anodized aluminum.

[0151] In another embodiment where the device 200 is provided as part of an OE optical sight, the device 200 may be provided as a snap-on type cover configuration or a quarter-turn type locking cover configuration.

[0152] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus 200 may be provided, the apparatus comprising Fig.32 215, wherein the negative contact and control circuitry (e.g., at least one PCB 248) are secured to an inner surface of the device 200 (with the battery cover 215 shown in FIG. Fig.32 The position of the negative contact 220 is similar).

[0153] The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments.

[0154] Example 1

[0155] In a first non-limiting embodiment, as referenced Figures 10 to 29The device 100 of the present disclosure discussed can be operably configured for use with one or more optical sights described in the following patent applications: U.S. Patent No. US10,488,156 B2, entitled “Optical System Accessory with Cant Indication,” published on November 26, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. US9,982,965 B2, entitled “Inner Red-Dot Gun Sighting Device Powered by Solar Cell and Provided with Micro-CurrentLED Light Source,” published on May 29, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. US9,316,460 B2, entitled “One Hand Operational Combo Sight Device,” published on April 19, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2021 / 0247163, entitled “Telescopic Sight Having Ballistic Group Storage,” published on August 12, 2021 A1, which patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0156] Example 2

[0157] In a second non-limiting embodiment, Fig.34 A simplified electrical block diagram is provided in Fig.16 An implementation scheme of the control circuit 109 of the device 100 includes a motion sensor 152 and an MCU 150, wherein the MCU includes a time delay relay circuit 155 and a battery voltage measurement circuit 157 connected in parallel with the existing lighting circuit 600 of the corresponding optical sight 5, 6 or 7.

[0158] Example 3

[0159] In a third non-limiting embodiment, Fig.35 A simplified electrical block diagram is provided in Fig.16 An implementation scheme of the control circuit 109 of the device 100 includes a motion sensor 152 and an MCU 150, wherein the MCU includes a time delay relay circuit 155 and a battery voltage measurement circuit 157 connected in series with an existing lighting circuit 600 corresponding to the optical sight 5, 6 or 7.

[0160] Although the present disclosure is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and specific implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functions described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the specific embodiments in which they are described, but can be applied to one or more other embodiments, alone or in various combinations, whether or not those embodiments are described, and whether or not those features appear as part of the described embodiments. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the embodiments described herein.

[0161] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and phrases used in this disclosure and variations thereof should be understood as open ended, rather than limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be understood as "including but not limited to," etc., the term "example" is used to provide an illustrative example of the item in question, rather than an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and the term "a" or "an" should be understood as "at least one," "one or more," "one or a plurality," etc.

[0162] Embodiment 1. An accessory for use with a battery-powered device, the accessory comprising:

[0163] (a) a battery case, the battery case comprising electrical input contacts;

[0164] (b) a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; and

[0165] (c) electrical output contacts for circuit control;

[0166] (d) wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source and when the accessory is in electrical communication with the battery powered device, then the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the battery powered device.

[0167] Embodiment 2. An accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein when the battery box is electrically connected to one or more batteries, and wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of a battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

[0168] Embodiment 3. An accessory according to Embodiment 2, wherein the accessory comprises a main body that can be removably attached to the battery box of the battery-powered device, wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of the battery-powered device, the electrical output contacts controlled by the circuit are in electrical contact with the electrical input contacts of the battery box of the battery-powered device.

[0169] Embodiment 4. An accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein when one or more removable batteries are located in the battery box, wherein when the electrical input contact is electrically connected to the one or more removable batteries, and wherein when the electrical output contact controlled by the circuit is electrically contacted with the electrical input contact of the battery box of the battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

[0170] Embodiment 5. An accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein when the battery box is electrically connected to one or more batteries, and wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to a coin-type cell battery box of the battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

[0171] Embodiment 6. The accessory of Embodiment 1, wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with the coin cell battery compartment of the battery powered device, the circuit controlled electrical output contacts are in electrical contact with the battery powered device compartment electrical input contacts.

[0172] Embodiment 7. The accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein the control circuit comprises one or more motion sensors, one or more timers, one or more time delay relay circuits, one or more power regulation circuits, and combinations thereof.

[0173] Embodiment 8. An accessory according to embodiment 7, wherein the one or more operational functions include a motion sensing automatic power on / off function.

[0174] Embodiment 9. An accessory according to Embodiment 7, wherein the control circuit is operably configured to deactivate the circuit-controlled electrical output contact after a set time period of no movement of the accessory is reached, thereby placing the accessory in a closed position, and wherein the control circuit is operably configured to activate the circuit-controlled electrical output contact when the control circuit detects movement of the accessory.

[0175] Embodiment 10. The accessory of Embodiment 1, wherein the accessory includes one or more low battery indicators, and wherein the control circuit includes one or more voltage sensors, one or more voltage measurement circuits, and combinations thereof.

[0176] Embodiment 11. An accessory according to Embodiment 10, wherein the control circuit is operably configured to indicate low battery voltage by periodically alternating the on / off state of an electrical output contact controlled by the circuit when the one or more voltage measurement circuits determine that the battery voltage is less than a set value of the battery voltage.

[0177] Embodiment 12. An accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein the control circuit includes one or more motion sensors, one or more tilt sensors, one or more light sensors, one or more thermal sensors, one or more image sensors, one or more capacitive touch sensors, one or more biometric recognition sensors, one or more time delay relay circuits, one or more clock circuits, one or more counter circuits, one or more wireless control circuits, one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more digital-to-analog converters, one or more power regulation circuits, one or more voltage sensors, circuits that perform logic functions, one or more electromagnetic sensors, one or more global positioning system antennas, and combinations thereof.

[0178] Embodiment 13. An accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein the battery-powered device includes a battery-powered device battery box, the battery-powered device battery box is operably configured to accommodate one or more removable batteries in electrical contact therewith, and wherein the battery box of the accessory is operably configured to accommodate the one or more removable batteries in electrical contact therewith, for powering the accessory and the battery-powered device when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of the battery-powered device.

[0179] Embodiment 14. An accessory according to embodiment 1, wherein the control circuit includes a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board includes a microcontroller unit and a motion sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, wherein the motion sensor is operably configured to detect movement of the accessory, and wherein the microcontroller unit is programmed to turn off the accessory when no movement of the device is detected within a specific time period, and is programmed to turn on the accessory when the motion sensor detects movement of the accessory.

[0180] Embodiment 15. The accessory of Embodiment 1, further comprising a battery compartment cover removably attachable to the battery compartment.

[0181] Embodiment 16. An accessory as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the battery-powered device is a firearm optical sight.

[0182] Embodiment 17. An accessory for use with a device having a coin cell battery compartment, the accessory comprising:

[0183] (a) a battery pack comprising electrical input contacts operable with a coin-type cell battery;

[0184] (b) battery compartment cover;

[0185] (c) a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; and

[0186] (d) electrical output contacts for circuit control;

[0187] (e) wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with the coin cell battery, and when the accessory is in electrical contact with the coin cell battery compartment of the device, then the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the device.

[0188] Embodiment 18. An accessory according to Embodiment 17, wherein the device is a firearm optical sight.

[0189] Embodiment 19. A method of providing one or more operational functions to a battery-powered device powered by one or more removable batteries, the method comprising:

[0190] (a) placing an accessory in electrical communication with a battery compartment of a battery powered device, the accessory comprising:

[0191] (1) A body that can be removably attached to the battery compartment of the battery-powered device, the body comprising:

[0192] (i) a battery case, the battery case comprising electrical input contacts;

[0193] (ii) a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; and

[0194] (iii) electrical output contacts for circuit control;

[0195] (iv) wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source and when the accessory is in electrical communication with a battery compartment of the battery powered device, then the control circuit is operably configured to add the one or more operational functions to the battery powered device.

[0196] Embodiment 20. A method of providing one or more operational functions to a battery-powered firearm optical sight powered by one or more removable batteries, the method comprising:

[0197] (a) electrically connecting an accessory to a firearm optical sight battery box of the firearm optical sight, the accessory comprising:

[0198] (1) A body that can be removably attached to the firearm optical sight battery box, the body comprising:

[0199] (i) a battery case, the battery case comprising electrical input contacts;

[0200] (ii) a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; and

[0201] (iii) electrical output contacts for circuit control;

[0202] (iv) wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source and when the accessory is in electrical communication with a firearm optical sight battery pack, the control circuit is operably configured to add the one or more operational functions to the firearm optical sight.

[0203] Embodiment 21. A method according to embodiment 19 and embodiment 20, wherein the one or more operating functions include a motion sensing automatic on / off function, a light sensing function, a heat sensing function, an impact sensing function, one or more information digital display functions, a video recording function, an audio recording function, a voice recognition function, a microphone function, an audible speaker function, one or more clock functions, one or more timer functions, one or more lighting functions, such as one or more indicator light functions, one or more flash functions, one or more wireless connection functions, i.e., wired alternative communication technology, an electrical communication port or interface function, and combinations thereof.

[0204] Embodiment 22. An accessory for use with a firearm optical sight, the accessory comprising:

[0205] (a) a battery case comprising a positive battery contact and a negative battery contact; and

[0206] (b) control circuit;

[0207] (c) wherein when a coin cell battery is in electrical contact with the positive battery contact and the negative battery contact, and when the accessory is in electrical communication with a coin cell battery compartment of the firearm optical sight, the control circuit is operably configured to provide a motion sensing automatic on / off power function to the firearm optical sight.

[0208] Embodiment 23. An accessory capable of operating with a firearm optical sight battery box, the accessory comprising:

[0209] (a) a battery compartment; and

[0210] (b) a control circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected to the battery box;

[0211] (c) wherein the accessory is operably configured to maintain electrical connection with a positive contact and a negative contact of the firearm optical sight battery pack of the firearm optical sight; and

[0212] (d) wherein the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the firearm optical sight.

[0213] Embodiment 24. An accessory capable of operating with a firearm optical sight battery box, the accessory comprising:

[0214] (a) Battery compartment;

[0215] (b) a control circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected to the battery box;

[0216] (c) a positive power output contact in electrical communication with the control circuit; and

[0217] (d) a negative power output contact, the negative power output contact being in electrical communication with the control circuit;

[0218] (e) wherein the positive power output contact is operably configured to be in electrical communication with a positive input contact of a firearm optical sight battery box, and the negative power output contact is operably configured to be in electrical communication with a negative input contact of the firearm optical sight battery box; and

[0219] (f) wherein the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the firearm optical sight.

[0220] Embodiment 25. An accessory for use with a firearm optical sight, the accessory comprising:

[0221] (a) A body removably attachable to a coin cell battery compartment of the firearm optical sight, the body comprising:

[0222] (1) Battery box;

[0223] (2) a control circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected to the battery box;

[0224] (3) a positive power output contact, the positive power output contact being electrically connected to the control circuit; and

[0225] (4) a negative power output contact, the negative power output contact being electrically connected to the control circuit;

[0226] (5) wherein the positive power output contact is operably configured to be in electrical communication with a positive contact of a coin-type battery pack of the firearm optical sight, and wherein the negative power output contact is operably configured to be in electrical communication with a negative contact of the coin-type battery pack of the firearm optical sight to power the firearm optical sight; and

[0227] (6) wherein the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more functions to the firearm optical sight.

[0228] Embodiment 26. A system comprising:

[0229] (a) firearms;

[0230] (b) an optical sight operably secured to the firearm, the optical sight including an illuminated sight line and a coin cell battery compartment; and

[0231] (c) Annexes, which include:

[0232] (1) A battery case, the battery case comprising electrical input contacts;

[0233] (2) a control circuit electrically connected to the electrical input contact; and

[0234] (3) Electrical output contacts for circuit control;

[0235] (4) Wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source and when the accessory is in electrical communication with the optical sight, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operational functions to the optical sight.

[0236] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.The embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limitations of the present invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An accessory for use with a battery powered device, the accessory comprising: a battery case, the battery case comprising electrical input contacts; a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; as well as Electrical output contacts for circuit control; Wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source and when the accessory is in electrical communication with the battery powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery powered device.

2. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein when the battery box is electrically connected to one or more batteries, and wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of a battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

3. An accessory according to claim 2, wherein the accessory includes a main body that can be removably attached to the battery box of the battery-powered device, wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of the battery-powered device, the electrical output contact controlled by the circuit is electrically contacted with the electrical input contact of the battery box of the battery-powered device.

4. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein when one or more removable batteries are located in the battery box, wherein when the electrical input contact is electrically connected to the one or more removable batteries, and wherein when the circuit-controlled electrical output contact is electrically contacted with the battery box electrical input contact of the battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

5. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein when the battery box is electrically connected to one or more batteries, and wherein when the accessory is electrically connected to a coin-type unit battery box of the battery-powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the battery-powered device.

6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with the coin cell battery compartment of the battery powered device, the circuit controlled electrical output contacts are in electrical contact with the battery powered device compartment electrical input contacts.

7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises one or more motion sensors, one or more timers, one or more time delay relay circuits, one or more power regulation circuits, and combinations thereof.

8. The accessory of claim 7, wherein the one or more operational functions include a motion sensing automatic on / off power function.

9. An accessory according to claim 7, wherein the control circuit is operably configured to deactivate the circuit-controlled electrical output contact after a set time period of no movement of the accessory is reached, thereby placing the accessory in a closed position, and wherein the control circuit is operably configured to activate the circuit-controlled electrical output contact when the control circuit detects movement of the accessory.

10. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory includes one or more low battery indicators, and wherein the control circuit includes one or more voltage sensors, one or more voltage measurement circuits, and combinations thereof.

11. An accessory according to claim 10, wherein the control circuit is operably configured to indicate low battery voltage by periodically alternating the on / off state of the electrical output contacts controlled by the circuit when the one or more voltage measurement circuits determine that the battery voltage is less than a set value of the battery voltage.

12. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises one or more motion sensors, one or more tilt sensors, one or more light sensors, one or more thermal sensors, one or more image sensors, one or more capacitive touch sensors, one or more biometric recognition sensors, one or more time delay relay circuits, one or more clock circuits, one or more counter circuits, one or more wireless control circuits, one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more digital-to-analog converters, one or more power regulation circuits, one or more voltage sensors, circuits that perform logic functions, one or more electromagnetic sensors, one or more global positioning system antennas, and combinations thereof.

13. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the battery-powered device includes a battery-powered device battery box, the battery-powered device battery box is operably configured to accommodate one or more removable batteries in electrical contact therewith, and wherein the battery box of the accessory is operably configured to accommodate the one or more removable batteries in electrical contact therewith, for powering the accessory and the battery-powered device when the accessory is electrically connected to the battery box of the battery-powered device.

14. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board includes a microcontroller unit and a motion sensor electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, wherein the motion sensor is operably configured to detect movement of the accessory, and wherein the microcontroller unit is programmed to turn off the accessory when no movement of the device is detected within a specific time period, and is programmed to turn on the accessory when the motion sensor detects movement of the accessory.

15. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a battery compartment cover removably attachable to the battery compartment.

16. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the battery powered device is a firearm optical sight.

17. An accessory for use with a device having a coin cell battery compartment, the accessory comprising: a battery case including electrical input contacts operable with a coin-type cell battery; Battery compartment cover; a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; as well as Electrical output contacts for circuit control; Wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with the coin cell battery, and when the accessory is in electrical contact with the coin cell battery compartment of the device, then the control circuit is operably configured to add one or more operating functions to the device.

18. The accessory of claim 17, wherein the device is a firearm optical sight.

19. A method of providing one or more operational functions to a battery powered device powered by one or more removable batteries, the method comprising: An accessory is electrically connected to a battery compartment of a battery powered device of the battery powered device, the accessory comprising: A body removably attachable to the battery compartment of the battery powered device, the body comprising: a battery case, the battery case comprising electrical input contacts; a control circuit in electrical communication with the electrical input contact; and Electrical output contacts for circuit control; Wherein when the accessory is in electrical communication with a power source and when the accessory is in electrical communication with a battery compartment of the battery powered device, the control circuit is operably configured to add the one or more operating functions to the battery powered device.

Images