Enclosed reflective sight, assembly, system and method for firearms

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a closed reflective sight for one or more firearms. The enclosed reflective sight may be provided as part of an assembly that includes a mounting interface. The enclosed reflective sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly, and wherein the rearward bottom portion includes a lowermost surface of the enclosed reflective sight. The enclosed reflective sight includes an upper bottom surface forward of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflective sight, the upper bottom surface including an abutment surface for the mounting interface. When the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a gun, the lowest surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflective sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the gun than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed reflective sight.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 412,351, filed on September 30, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of optical sights for firearms. Background Art

[0004] A reflex sight is a non-magnified (1x) electronic optical sight for a firearm that is commercially available in open and closed reflex sights. An open reflex sight typically has a partially open housing with a single lens in the optical path of a user's eye (e.g., the shooter's eye) and an exposed light source on the housing. A closed reflex sight has a housing with multiple lenses in the optical path of the user's eye and a light source positioned within the housing that helps protect the light source from environmental influences such as dust and moisture.

[0005] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the housing of a closed reflex sight provides a field of view including a projected reticle to assist in aiming a corresponding firearm. Some closed reflex sights include a windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism within the housing below the field of view. Other closed reflex sights house a light source in a pivot tube that allows the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism to be positioned at the top of the housing or on one side in line with the field of view. In both configurations, the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanisms are operably configured to help a user match the bullet impact of a firearm to the aiming point of the closed reflex sight.

[0006] In typical operation, the sealed reflex sight is secured to the upper mounting surface of the firearm via a mounting interface at a location forward of the projecting rear sight (i.e., rear iron sight) of the firearm. In one known embodiment, the upper mounting surface may include an upper surface 555 of the firearm 550, whereby the mounting interface 525 is secured directly to the upper surface 555 via one or more threaded fasteners 556 forward of the rear sight 530 (see the mounting interface 525 releasably secured to the upper surface 555 of the pistol slide 575 in FIG. 1 ). As shown in FIG. 2 , in another known embodiment, an upper mounting surface 557 of a specific size and shape may be formed along the upper surface 555 of the firearm 550 to accommodate the mounting interface 525 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ). In this embodiment, the upper mounting surface 557 generally includes a bottom surface 570 positioned in front of the rear sight 530, a forward or front wall surface 571, and a rearward or rear wall surface 572, wherein the rearward or rear wall surface is operably configured as a mounting surface envelope to accommodate the mounting interface 525 to secure the enclosed reflex sight at a position in front of the rear sight 530, as shown in Figure 3.

[0007] In each of the above embodiments, the entire sealed reflex sight 500 is positioned between the rear end surface 538 and the front end surface 539 of the firearm 550 at a point on top of the mounting interface 525 in front of the rear sight 530, whereby the mounting interface 525 spaces the sealed reflex sight from the upper mounting surface of the firearm. Because the firing angle adjustment mechanism of the known sealed reflex sight 500 as shown in FIG. 3 operates in the vertical direction, the housing must include sufficient space to accommodate the firing angle adjustment mechanism. Unfortunately, the enlarged housing raises the location of the clear aperture or optical center 505 of the usable field of view of the enclosed reflex sight 500 relative to both the upper mounting surface of the firearm 550 (see bottom surface 570 of upper mounting surface 557 in FIG. 3 ) and the top of the original equipment (“OE”) standard height iron sights for a particular firearm, thereby preventing the rear and front sights from being used for co-witnessing purposes with the enclosed reflex sight 500 (see sight lines 540 and distance 541 of standard height rear and front sights 530, 531 in FIG. 3 ; also see the non-witnessing position between standard height iron sights 530, 531 and reticle 535 of enclosed reflex sight 500 in FIG. 4 ). To achieve co-witnessing, the standard height iron sights 530, 531 must be replaced with taller aftermarket rear and front sights 532, 533, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0008] With the above-described sealed reflex sight 500 design in mind, another sealed reflex sight 590 known in the art houses the electronics and adjustment mechanism in a rear section 591 that extends beyond the upper surface 555 of the firearm 550 behind the rear end surface 538 of the pistol slide 575, as shown in the simplified illustrations of Figures 6 and 7. However, as shown, the sealed reflex sight 590 of this embodiment may require adjustments in design to accommodate the pistol slide 575 geometry of a particular firearm 550. Alternatively, the corresponding firearm 550 does not employ a rear sight.

[0009] There is a need for an enclosed reflex sight that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages while also being operable with multiple firearm mounting footprints. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure provides an assembly comprising an enclosed reflex sight and a mounting interface; wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a rearward bottom portion, the rearward bottom portion accommodating an adjustment assembly of the enclosed reflex sight, and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight; wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises an upper bottom surface, the upper bottom surface being in front of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight, the upper bottom surface comprising an abutment surface for the mounting interface; and wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, then the lowermost surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0011] The present disclosure also provides an assembly comprising a sealed reflex sight and a mounting interface; wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the sealed reflex sight is positioned closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than at least a portion of the mounting interface, and the assembly is positioned forward of a rear end surface of the firearm.

[0012] The present disclosure also provides an assembly comprising a sealed reflex sight and a plurality of mounting interfaces; wherein each of the plurality of mounting interfaces is configured to secure the assembly to one or more firearms of a plurality of firearms, the plurality of firearms comprising a plurality of upper mounting surface footprints; wherein when the assembly is secured to the upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms, the assembly is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear end surface of the first firearm; and wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height, and the sealed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides a system comprising (1) at least one firearm and (2) an assembly comprising (a) an enclosed reflex sight and (b) at least one mounting interface; wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed reflex sight and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight; wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes an upper bottom surface that is forward of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight and includes an abutment surface for the at least one mounting interface; and wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0014] The present disclosure also provides a system comprising (1) at least one firearm, the at least one firearm comprising an upper mounting surface; and (2) an assembly, the assembly being securable to the upper mounting surface, the assembly comprising (a) an enclosed reflex sight and (b) at least one firearm mounting interface; wherein the assembly comprises a maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a maximum height that is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly; and wherein the assembly is positioned forward of a rear end surface of the firearm.

[0015] The present disclosure also provides a system comprising (1) a plurality of firearms, the plurality of firearms providing at least two different upper mounting surfaces; (2) a sealed reflex sight; and (3) a plurality of mounting interfaces, each of the plurality of mounting interfaces being configured to secure the sealed reflex sight to at least one of the at least two different upper mounting surfaces; wherein when the sealed reflex sight is secured to the at least one upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms through a first mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces, the sealed reflex sight is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear surface of the first firearm, wherein a lowest surface of the sealed reflex sight is closer to the at least one upper mounting surface than at least a portion of the first mounting interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art mounting interface 525 secured to an upper surface 555 of a pistol slide 575 of a firearm 550 .

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pistol slide 575 including a mounting surface 557 .

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of a prior art sealed type reflex sight 500 secured to a slide assembly of a semi-automatic pistol-type firearm 550 via a prior art mounting interface 525 .

[0019] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the enclosed reflex sight 500 of FIG. 1 in a non-witness position relative to the rear sight 530 and the front sight 531 of the firearm 550 .

[0020] 5 is a rear view of the enclosed type reflex sight of FIG. 1 including the taller prior art rear iron sight 532 and front iron sight 533 , the rear view showing the reticle 535 being witnessed together with the lower 1 / 3 of the rear iron sight 532 and the front iron sight 533 .

[0021] 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a prior art enclosed reflex sight 590 for a firearm 550 including a portion of the enclosed reflex sight 590 that is positioned beyond or beyond an upper mounting surface of the firearm 550 behind the pistol slide 575 when the firearm 550 is oriented in a firing position.

[0022] 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a prior art enclosed reflex sight 590 for a firearm 550 including a portion of the enclosed reflex sight 590 that is positioned beyond or beyond an upper mounting surface of the firearm 550 behind the pistol slide 575 when the firearm 550 is oriented in a firing position.

[0023] Figure 8 is a front top perspective view of one embodiment of an assembly of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A front bottom perspective view of the assembly.

[0025] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 Left side elevation view of the assembly.

[0026] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 Exploded view of the assembly.

[0027] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 An exploded view of a portion of an assembly.

[0028] Fig.13 yes Figure 8A sectional view of the housing of a closed type reflex sight of the assembly.

[0029] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 A sectional view of the housing of a closed type reflex sight of the assembly.

[0030] Fig.15 yes Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a portion of an enclosed reflex sight of an assembly.

[0031] Fig.16 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of a portion of an enclosed type reflex sight of an assembly.

[0032] Fig.17 Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a portion of an enclosed reflex sight of an assembly.

[0033] Fig.18 yes Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a portion of an enclosed reflex sight of an assembly.

[0034] Fig.19 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of a portion of an enclosed type reflex sight of an assembly.

[0035] Fig. 20 yes Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a portion of an enclosed reflex sight of an assembly.

[0036] Fig.21 yes Figure 8 Bottom perspective view of an enclosed reflex sight of an assembly.

[0037] Fig. 22 yes Figure 8 Left side elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight of the assembly.

[0038] Fig.23 yes Figure 8 Right side elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight of the assembly.

[0039] Fig.24 yes Figure 8 Left side elevation view of the assembly.

[0040] Fig.25 yes Figure 8 Right side elevation view of the assembly.

[0041] Fig.26 yes Figure 8 Exploded view of the adjustment assembly and base plate of an enclosed type reflex sight assembly.

[0042] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of an adjustment assembly.

[0043] Fig.28 yes Fig.26 A perspective view of the adjustment assembly.

[0044] Fig.29 yes Fig.26 A perspective view of the adjustment assembly.

[0045] Fig.30 yes Fig.26 A perspective view of the bottom plate of the .

[0046] Fig.31 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of a portion of an enclosed type reflex sight of an assembly.

[0047] Fig.32 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the mounting interface of the assembly.

[0048] Fig.33 yes Fig.32 Top view of the mounting interface.

[0049] Fig.34 yes Fig.32 Bottom view of the mounting interface.

[0050] Fig.35 is used with Figure 8 A perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting interface for an enclosed reflex sight assembly.

[0051] Fig.36 yes Fig.35 Top view of the mounting interface.

[0052] Fig.37 yes Fig.35 Bottom view of the mounting interface.

[0053] Fig.38 is used with Figure 8 A perspective view of one embodiment of a mounting interface for an enclosed reflex sight assembly.

[0054] Fig.39 yes Fig.38 Top view of the mounting interface.

[0055] Fig.40 yes Fig.38 Bottom view of the mounting interface.

[0056] Fig.41is a rear elevational view of an embodiment of a sealed-type reflex sight of the present disclosure.

[0057] Fig.42 yes Fig.41 Front perspective view of an enclosed reflex sight.

[0058] Fig.43 yes Fig.41 Top view of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0059] Fig.44 yes Fig.41 Right side elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0060] Fig.45 yes Fig.41 Bottom view of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0061] Fig.46 yes Fig.41 Left side elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0062] Fig.47 yes Fig.41 Front elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0063] Fig.48 yes Fig.41 Bottom perspective view of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0064] Fig.49 yes Figure 8 Rear elevation view of the assembly.

[0065] Fig.50 yes Fig.49 A front top perspective view of the assembly.

[0066] Fig.51 yes Fig.49 A top view of the assembly.

[0067] Fig.52 yes Fig.49 Right side elevation view of the assembly.

[0068] Fig.53 yes Fig.49 Bottom view of the assembly.

[0069] Fig.54 yes Fig.49 Left side elevation view of the assembly.

[0070] Fig.55 yes Fig.49 Front elevation view of the assembly.

[0071] Fig.56yes Fig.49 A front bottom perspective view of the assembly.

[0072] Fig.57 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a semi-automatic pistol slide.

[0073] Fig.58 is fixed to Fig.57 Semi-automatic pistol slide Figure 8 Left side view of the assembly.

[0074] Fig.59 is fixed to Fig.57 Semi-automatic pistol slide Figure 8 A rear left perspective view of the assembly.

[0075] Fig.60 is fixed to Fig.57 Semi-automatic pistol slide Figure 8 A rear right perspective view of the assembly.

[0076] Fig.61 is a side-by-side comparison of the rear view, including: on the left, Figure 8 The assembly is fixed to Fig.57 The semi-automatic pistol slide is shown in FIG. 3 , and on the right side, the prior art enclosed reflex sight 500 is fixed to the Fig.57 Semi-automatic pistol slide.

[0077] Fig.62 yes Figure 8 Rear elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight of the assembly.

[0078] Fig.63 yes Figure 8 Right side elevation view of the enclosed reflex sight of the assembly.

[0079] Definitions used in this disclosure

[0080] 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; these 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, various changes and modifications of the principles as described and illustrated are contemplated herein.

[0085] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to specific embodiments. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. In this article, "gun" may include but is not limited to pistols, semi-automatic guns (e.g., semi-automatic rifles), bolt-action guns (e.g., bolt-action rifles), shotguns, revolvers, shoulder-fired bazookas, shoulder-fired rocket launchers, air rifles, and paintball guns. As understood by those skilled in the art, specific guns can be set to different barrel lengths. Non-limiting examples of pistols are provided in U.S. Patent No. US 4,539,889, entitled "Automatic Pistol with Counteracting Spring Control Mechanism" issued on September 10, 1985, and U.S. Patent No. US D918,328S, entitled "Handgun", issued on May 4, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Non-limiting examples of semi-automatic rifles are provided in U.S. Patent No. 9,777,975 B2, entitled “Semiautomatic Firearm,” issued on October 3, 2017, and U.S. Patent No. 7,775,150 B2, entitled “Law Enforcement Carbine with One Piece Receiver,” issued on August 17, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0086] In this disclosure, reference to an "optical sight" includes an optical sight for a firearm or a "firearm optical sight". Reference to one or more "commercially available" enclosed reflex sights and / or other optical sights includes those optical sights that are commercially available as of the writing of this disclosure. Here, "OE" stands for original equipment, and "OEM" stands for original equipment manufacturer. In this disclosure, the terms "button cell battery", "button cell", "button battery", "coin cell battery", "coin cell", "coin battery" may be used interchangeably.

[0087] Herein, the upper mounting surface of the firearm 550 used with the sealed-type reflex sight of the present disclosure is a mounting surface located between the rear sight 530 and the front end 539 of the firearm 550 along the upper surface 555 of the firearm 550 to locate the entire sealed-type reflex sight on the top of the firearm 550 in front of the rear sight 530. In an embodiment of a firearm 550 without a rear sight 530, the upper mounting surface of the firearm 550 for the sealed-type reflex sight of the present disclosure is a mounting surface located along the upper surface 555 of the firearm 550, from the rear end or near the upper surface 555 of the firearm 550 forward to the front end or near the upper surface 555 of the firearm 550 to locate the entire sealed-type reflex sight on the top of the firearm 550. For purposes of the present disclosure, the upper mounting surface 557 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be referred to herein as an “upper mounting surface envelope,” whereby when a rear sight 530 is included as part of a firearm 550, the sealed-type reflex sight of the present disclosure, either alone or as part of an assembly including a corresponding mounting interface, is an upper mounting surface inlay of an upper mounting surface envelope that positions the entire sealed-type reflex sight or assembly on top of the firearm 550 in front of the rear end surface 538 of the firearm 550 and also in front of the rear sight 530 of the firearm 550.

[0088] In the present disclosure, "illuminated reticle" refers to a reticle of an optical sight that can be illuminated via electrical components including a power supply of 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 bulbs, one or more fluorescent 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 one non-limiting embodiment, the reticle 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 reticle may be illuminated via a diode laser, such as a reticle of a holographic optical sight. In another embodiment, the reticle may be illuminated via a liquid crystal display ("LCD"). In another embodiment, the reticle may be illuminated via an organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display. In another embodiment, the reticle may be illuminated via a vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode ("VCSEL"). The LEDs of the present disclosure may include a monochromatic LED or a multi-color LED (e.g., a bi-color LED, a tri-color LED). The RCLEDs of the present disclosure may include monochromatic RCLEDs or multicolor RCLEDs. The LED arrays of the present disclosure may include one or more monochromatic LEDs, one or more multicolor LEDs, and combinations thereof. The RCLED arrays of the present disclosure may include one or more monochromatic RCLEDs, one or more bicolor RCLEDs, one or more tricolor RCLEDs, and combinations thereof. Exemplary LED and / or RCLED colors may include, but are not limited to, red, green, yellow, blue, cyan, orange, and combinations thereof. One or more other commercially available LED and / or RCLED colors may also be used as desired.

[0089] As used herein, the phrase "field of view" ("FOV") refers to the area visible or observable by an operator (e.g., a shooter) of an optical sight through an optical element or one or more lenses of an optical sight at a specific distance between the operator's eyes and the optical element or lenses of the optical sight. As used herein, "clear aperture" refers to the minimum diameter, width, or area within a sealed reflex sight that produces the optical viewing area of ​​the sealed reflex sight.

[0090] The phrase "joint witness" and similar terms refer to the interaction between the reticle of the optical sight and the iron sight of the corresponding gun. As understood by the technician, when the reticle of the optical sight is aligned with the iron sight of the corresponding gun, the optical sight contains a joint witness. As used in the present disclosure, the term "reticle" about a gun refers to a line and / or other mark or mark found on the optical element of the optical sight. An exemplary reticle used with a reflex sight (including a closed reflex sight) includes a bright mark, such as a bright point (e.g., a red dot or other colored point). With respect to the closed reflex sight of the present disclosure, the phrase "operable eye distance" refers to one or more distances between the shooter's eye and the front lens of the closed reflex sight for the proper operation of the reticle projected onto the front lens of the closed reflex sight that are effective. Therefore, the field of view of the lens of the closed reflex sight at the operable eye distance can be referred to as "operable field of view" or "clear aperture" in this article. The operable eye distance and the operable field of view can vary according to the optical sight and gun combination adopted. For example, the operable eye distance of an optical sight and pistol combination may be greater than the operable eye distance of an optical sight and rifle combination.

[0091] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an enclosed reflex sight system operable for co-witnessing with protruding iron sights of one or more firearms.

[0092] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an enclosed reflex sight assembly operable for co-witnessing with protruding iron sights of one or more firearms.

[0093] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a sealed type reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface, wherein the length of the firearm mounting interface is less than the length of the sealed type reflex sight, whereby when the assembly is mounted to a firearm, the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanisms of the sealed type reflex sight are positioned rearwardly of the firearm mounting interface and closer to the corresponding firearm than known commercially available sealed type reflex sights, whereby the sealed type reflex sight of the present invention is operable for co-witnessing with standard height iron sights.

[0094] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a sealed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface operably configured to provide a shorter and less bulky sealed reflex sight design when mounted to a firearm, such as a semi-automatic pistol, as compared to known commercially available sealed reflex sights.

[0095] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a sealed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface, wherein the firearm mounting interface is positioned forward of a rearmost portion of the sealed reflex sight when the sealed reflex sight is assembled to the firearm mounting interface.

[0096] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising an enclosed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface, wherein the maximum height of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly of the enclosed reflex sight and the firearm mounting interface. In other words, when the enclosed reflex sight is assembled to the firearm mounting interface, the distance between the optical center of the clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the bottom-most surface of the enclosed reflex sight and the distance between the optical center of the clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the bottom-most surface of the firearm mounting interface are the same as or substantially similar. Although the assembly of the present disclosure may be constructed to scale, in one embodiment of an assembly operably configured for use with a semi-automatic pistol-type firearm 550, any difference in the distance between the bottom-most surface of the enclosed reflex sight and the bottom-most surface of the firearm mounting interface is indistinguishable to the naked eye, including when the assembly is mounted to a firearm, e.g., see. Figures 58-60 As described above, while the assembly of the present disclosure may be constructed to scale, in one embodiment of an assembly operably configured for use with a semi-automatic pistol-type firearm 550, any measurable difference in distance from the optical center of the clear aperture of the sealed reflex sight to the bottom-most surface of the firearm mounting interface and to the bottom-most surface of the sealed reflex sight is a distance of or about 5.0 mm or less.

[0097] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising an enclosed reflex sight and a mounting interface for securing the enclosed reflex sight to at least a first firearm. In this embodiment, the enclosed reflex sight comprises a windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism in a rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight, wherein when the enclosed reflex sight is secured to the mounting interface, then the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned behind the mounting interface, and wherein the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism operates in a horizontal direction. The configuration of the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism operating in a horizontal direction allows the overall height of the enclosed reflex sight to be reduced compared to the height of prior art enclosed reflex sights.

[0098] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising an enclosed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface. In another embodiment, when the enclosed reflex sight is secured to the firearm mounting interface and mounted to a firearm oriented in a firing position, a lowest bottom surface of a rearward facing portion of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned at an altitude or elevation lower than at least a portion of the firearm mounting interface. In another embodiment, when the enclosed reflex sight is secured to the firearm mounting interface and mounted to a firearm oriented in a firing position, a lowest bottom surface of a forward facing portion of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned at an altitude or elevation lower than at least a portion of the firearm mounting interface.

[0099] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a sealed reflex sight for a firearm and a mounting interface for the sealed reflex sight, wherein the sealed reflex sight includes a bottom surface having a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface. In this embodiment, when the sealed reflex sight and the mounting interface are mounted to a firearm oriented in a shooting position, the first bottom surface is positioned at one or more first altitudes or elevations and the second bottom surface is located at one or more second altitudes or elevations below the one or more first altitudes or elevations, and the first bottom surface includes an abutment surface for the mounting interface. In this embodiment, the mounting interface includes a bottom surface, wherein when the sealed reflex sight is secured to the mounting interface, the bottom surface of the mounting interface is in planar alignment or substantially planar alignment with the second bottom surface of the sealed reflex sight.

[0100] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a sealed reflex sight for a firearm and a mounting interface for the sealed reflex sight, wherein the sealed reflex sight includes a bottom surface having a front section bottom surface and a rear section bottom surface. In this embodiment, when the sealed reflex sight and the mounting interface are mounted to a firearm oriented in a shooting position, then the front section bottom surface is positioned at a first altitude or elevation, and the rear section bottom surface is positioned at a second altitude or elevation lower than the first altitude or elevation, and the front section bottom surface includes an abutment surface for the mounting interface. In this embodiment, the mounting interface includes a bottom surface, wherein when the sealed reflex sight is secured to the mounting interface, then the bottom surface of the mounting interface is in planar alignment or substantially planar alignment with the rear section bottom surface of the sealed reflex sight.

[0101] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a sealed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface, wherein the length of the firearm mounting interface is less than the length of the sealed reflex sight, whereby windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanisms of the sealed reflex sight are positioned rearward of the firearm mounting interface, and whereby each adjustment mechanism operates in a horizontal direction, which is effective to minimize the size of the sealed reflex sight of the present invention as compared to known commercially available sealed reflex sights that include one or more adjustment mechanisms and operate in a vertical direction.

[0102] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system comprising an enclosed reflex sight and a plurality of firearm mounting interfaces configured to be used with a plurality of firearms (e.g., a plurality of semi-automatic pistols), whereby the enclosed reflex sight can be used with a plurality of semi-automatic pistols. In other words, the system is operably configured such that the enclosed reflex sight can be used with one or more optical sight mounting footprints on a firearm known to the firearms industry at the time of the writing of this disclosure.

[0103] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a sealed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface whereby when mounted to a firearm, such as a semi-automatic pistol, and depending upon the semi-automatic pistol being used, an optical center of a clear aperture of the sealed reflex sight is positioned at a distance above the firearm that allows effective use of the sealed reflex sight for co-witnessing with a protruding iron sight.

[0104] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising an enclosed-type reflex sight and a chassis-type firearm mounting interface, wherein the length of the chassis-type firearm mounting interface is less than the length of the enclosed-type reflex sight, whereby the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism of the enclosed-type reflex sight is positioned rearward of the chassis-type firearm mounting interface, and whereby the enclosed-type reflex sight is releasably fastened to the chassis-type firearm mounting interface and a corresponding firearm by one or more fasteners at one or more locations forward of the location of the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism.

[0105] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system comprising: (1) an enclosed reflex sight for a firearm, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a forward bottom surface and a rearward bottom surface, wherein the rearward bottom surface is the lowest outer surface of the enclosed reflex sight; and (2) a firearm, the firearm including an upper surface that is machined or milled to include a mounting interface for the forward bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0106] Figure 8-31 An embodiment of an assembly 10 of the present disclosure is shown, which is operably configured for use with a firearm 550 (including, but not limited to, a semi-automatic pistol). In this embodiment, the assembly 10 (also referred to herein as a "sealed reflex sight assembly 10") includes a sealed reflex sight 11 and at least one mounting interface 14 for mounting or otherwise releasably securing the sealed reflex sight to one or more firearms 550. Specifically, the sealed reflex sight 11 includes a main housing 12 (or "housing 12"), which can be releasably secured to the mounting interface 14 by one or more fasteners 15, wherein the mounting interface 14 can be releasably secured to the one or more firearms 550 by one or more firearm rail mounts (e.g., one or more dovetail mounts), one or more fasteners, one or more intermediate mounting interfaces, and combinations thereof.

[0107] Specific reference Fig.11 and 12 The sealed reflex sight 11 comprises a first non-magnifying optical element (hereinafter referred to as the "front lens 16") disposed in a forward portion of the housing 12 and a second non-magnifying optical element (hereinafter referred to as the "rear lens 18") disposed in a rearward portion of the housing 12. Suitably, the front lens 16 and the rear lens 18 are sealed within the housing 12, thereby providing an optical space 34 therebetween, including an optical path 199 therethrough (see Fig.10 ). Although the one or more operating components may vary depending on the desired operation of a particular enclosed reflex sight 11, in one embodiment, the one or more operating components include at least a control circuit system, an illumination system for a projected reticle, a power input system, and a windage and angle adjustment mechanism. In another embodiment, the enclosed reflex sight 11 may also include one or more input / output ports, buttons, dials, switches, and combinations thereof.

[0108] Special References Fig.11 and 12, the control circuit system may include one or more main or primary printed circuit boards 20 ("PCB 20") containing one or more design specifications including a patterned arrangement of the printed circuit system and solid-state electronic components mounted to a surface of the PCB 20. As discussed further below, the PCB 20 of the enclosed type reflex sight 11 of the present disclosure is operably configured to control or regulate the output power, output voltage, and current rate or pulse width modulation of the enclosed type reflex sight 11 when power is supplied via a power input system. A suitable PCB 20 may include an integrated circuit 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 enclosed reflex sight 11. 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 circuit systems, a read-only memory ("ROM"), one or more voltage regulator circuits, one or more resistors, and combinations thereof. The 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 wireless control circuits, one or more power regulation circuits, and combinations thereof.

[0109] In one embodiment, the PCB 20 may be secured within the housing 12 by one or more retaining clips, one or more threaded fasteners, one or more adhesives, and combinations thereof as are known in the art of optical sights. Fig.11 In the illustrated embodiment, the PCB 20 includes one or more through holes 21 for receiving one or more threaded fasteners 23 therethrough to releasably secure the PCB 20 to the threaded holes 52 of the housing 12 (see FIG. Fig.15 ). In order to protect the PCB 20 and other operating components within the housing 12, the enclosed reflex sight 11 includes a cover or plate member 22, which is fixed to a corresponding mating surface of the housing 12 corresponding in size and shape to the plate member 22 (see Fig. 20 In one embodiment, one or more adhesives are disposed along the perimeter of the inner surface 24 of the board member 22 to adhere the perimeter of the inner surface 24 to the mating surface 68, thereby providing a continuous seal to isolate the PCB 20 and other components in the housing 12 from environmental influences such as dust and moisture.

[0110] The lighting system of this embodiment includes at least an emitter assembly 25 that is electrically connected to the PCB 20 and can be fixed to the emitter assembly carrier 29, a lighting circuit system that is electrically connected to the emitter assembly 25, including a lighting PCB 32, and one or more user controls 36 that are mechanically connected to the PCB 32. In this embodiment, the emitter assembly 25 includes an emitter PCB 26 and one or more lighting sources 27 that are electrically connected to the emitter PCB 26. As is common in circuit systems, the emitter assembly 25 is electrically connected to the PCB 20 through one or more electrical connectors (such as one or more wire leads 28 that provide power and logic signals to the emitter PCB 26).

[0111] In one embodiment, the one or more illumination sources 27 may include one or more LEDs, one or more RCLEDs, and combinations thereof. For purposes of discussion, a non-limiting emitter assembly 25 of the present disclosure may include one or more RCLEDs 27 that are operably configured to generate a desired reticle on the inner surface of the front lens 16. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of RCLEDs, each individual RCLED of the one or more RCLEDs 27 has a positive lead at one end of the RCLED and a negative lead at the opposite end of the RCLED, thereby providing electrical communication between the one or more RCLEDs 27 and the emitter PCB 26.

[0112] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art of enclosed reflex sights, the emitter assembly 25 is positioned within the housing 12 at a location operable to project an operable reticle onto the inner surface 19 of the front lens 16. Thus, the one or more RCLEDs 27 of the emitter assembly 25 may be provided in a size and shape that is effective to project a reticle of a desired angular measurement onto the inner surface 19 of the front lens 16 to provide an observable reticle for the enclosed reflex sight 11 at a predetermined operable eye distance based on (1) the size of the front lens 16 and (2) the distance between the front lens 16 and the projection point of the one or more RCLEDs 27. In another embodiment, the one or more RCLEDs 27 of the emitter assembly 25 may be provided in a size and shape that is effective to project a reticle of a desired angular measurement onto the inner surface 19 of the front lens 16 based on (1) the size of the front lens 16 and (2) the distance between the one or more RCLEDs 27 and a dichroic coating disposed between the first lens element and the second lens element of the front lens 16. In one embodiment of an emitter assembly 25 that includes one or more LEDs and an accompanying light blocking or shielding element, one or more openings in the light blocking plate can be provided in a size and shape that is effective for projecting a graticule of a desired angular measurement onto the inner surface 19 of the front lens 16 based on (1) the size of the front lens 16 and (2) the distance between the front lens 16 and the one or more openings in the light blocking plate.

[0113] Suitably, the one or more user controls 36 are positioned along the housing 12 for manual operation, thereby allowing a user to manually control the illumination intensity or brightness of the one or more illumination sources 27 and the corresponding reticle of the enclosed reflex sight 11. In one embodiment, the illumination PCB 32 may include (1) a positive setting switch 50 (or "first push switch 50") operably configured to cycle the one or more illumination sources 27 through a series of increasing reticle illumination brightness settings; and (2) a negative setting switch 51 (or "second push switch 51") operably configured to cycle the one or more illumination sources through a series of decreasing reticle illumination brightness settings.

[0114] refer to Fig.11In one embodiment, one or more user controls 36 may be provided as a touch pad member 36 having a first designated push button 54 (or "first designated push area 54"), the first designated push button being operably configured to be manually pressed inward to actuate the first push switch 50; and a second designated push button 55 (or "second designated push area 55"), the second designated push button being operably configured to be manually pressed inward to actuate the second push switch 51. In one embodiment, the touch pad member 36 may be constructed of one or more flexible materials. In another embodiment, at least the first designated push button 54 and the second designated push button 55 of the touch pad member 36 may be constructed of one or more flexible materials. Suitable flexible materials include one or more polymer materials, one or more metals, and combinations thereof.

[0115] like Fig.11 As shown, in one embodiment, the first designated push button 54 and the second designated push button 55 of the touch pad member 36 can each include one or more numbers, one or more symbols, one or more color indicators, one or more words indicating the function of each of the push buttons 54 and 55. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the first designated push button 54 includes a plus sign symbol ("+") indicating the increase reticle illumination brightness setting of the first push switch 50, and the outer surface of the second designated push button 55 includes a minus sign symbol ("-") indicating the decrease reticle illumination brightness setting of the second push switch 51. In another embodiment, the push button 54 can include an upward pointing arrow or other indicator, and the push button 55 can include a downward pointing arrow or other indicator. In operation, the user can press the first designated push button 54 inwardly to actuate the first push switch 50 so as to cycle the one or more illumination sources 27 through a plurality of increase illumination brightness settings, and press the second designated push button 55 inwardly to actuate the second push switch 51 through a plurality of decrease illumination brightness settings. In one embodiment, first push switch 50 and second push switch 51 may also include ON and OFF settings that are implemented when cycling through reticle illumination brightness settings. In one embodiment, at least one push button 54 and / or 55 may be operably configured to cycle through a plurality of reticle configurations displaying different markings.

[0116] Further references Fig.11, the first side 13 of the housing 12 includes a cavity-type mating surface 30, which is operably configured to receive an illumination PCB 32 and a touch pad member 36 therein. As shown, the mating surface 30 includes a planar bottom plate 33, which is operably configured as a contact surface for the illumination PCB 32; and an opening 35 in the bottom plate 33, which provides electrical communication between the illumination PCB 32 and the emitter assembly 25 and the PCB 20 positioned within the housing 12 through an electrical connector or solder joint disposed through the opening 35. An exemplary electrical connector may include a PCB wire-to-board connector, which includes a wire and / or ribbon cable assembly as known in the printed circuit board art. In another embodiment, the mating surface 30 may include a non-planar bottom plate. In another embodiment, the mating surface 30 may include a plurality of openings therethrough.

[0117] In one embodiment, the lighting PCB 32 can be fixed to the base plate 33 of the mating surface 30 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the lighting PCB 32 can be set in a fixed position by the touch pad member 36 when fixed to the housing 12, such as Figure 8 , 10 20. In this embodiment, the lighting PCB 32 is placed across the opening 35 in the bottom plate 33, wherein the first push switch 50 and the second push switch 51 are positioned to be separated at positions aligned with the push buttons 54 and 55 of the touch pad member 36 to provide operable contact between the pressed push button 54 or 55 and the corresponding push switch 50 or 51.

[0118] In one embodiment, the touch pad member 36 may include an outer perimeter 37 having a size and shape corresponding to the mating surface 30, thereby providing a seal between the outer perimeter and the mating surface when assembled. In one embodiment, the touch pad member 36 may be secured to the mating surface 30 by a snap-fit ​​connection. In another embodiment, the touch pad member 36 may be secured to the mating surface 30 by one or more adhesives, such as applying one or more adhesives along the outer perimeter 37 of the touch pad member 36 to seal the outer perimeter 37 to the mating surface 30.

[0119] refer to Fig.12, the power input subassembly of the enclosed reflex sight 11 may include a cylindrical battery compartment 38 that is operably configured to hold a circular coin-type cell battery 43, as is known in the optical sight art. In one embodiment, the battery compartment 38 may be positioned on the second side 17 of the housing 12 as shown, and includes an assembly of a battery compartment assembly (typically included as part of the coin-type cell battery compartment 38). In this embodiment, the second side 17 of the housing 12 includes a circular opening having a raised circular perimeter 39 extending from the second side 17 of the housing 12 as a circular sidewall to provide a cavity at a distance having an inner dimension suitable for accommodating the battery compartment assembly and at least one coin-type cell battery 43 therein during operation. Since commercially available coin-type cell batteries known at the time of the writing of this disclosure are produced in a variety of sizes (i.e., various diameters and heights), the raised circular perimeter 39 and the battery compartment assembly housed therein can be manufactured to hold a predetermined size of coin-type cell battery 43 to power the enclosed reflex sight 11 in accordance with the voltage requirements of the control circuit system of the enclosed reflex sight 11.

[0120] An exemplary battery compartment assembly housed within the raised circular perimeter 39 includes at least a battery compartment PCB 45 having a negative terminal 46 for a coin cell battery 43 that can be attached to the battery compartment PCB 45, a positive terminal 47 or "positive terminal ring 47" for the coin cell battery 43; a PCB retaining ring 48 for retaining the battery compartment PCB 45 and the positive terminal ring 47 within the battery compartment 38; and a removable threaded battery cover 42 containing a removable polymer seal 44 (e.g., a rubber O-ring) to seal the coin cell battery 43 within the battery compartment 38 to protect the coin cell battery 43 from environmental influences such as dust and moisture. In this embodiment, the battery compartment PCB 45, the positive terminal ring 47, the PCB retaining ring 48, and the removable seal 44 are each provided as a circular member having an outer diameter suitable for operating with the inner surface 41 of the raised circular perimeter 39 and a coin cell battery 43 of known size. For example, as is known in the art of optical sight coin cell battery compartments, the negative terminal 46 (or "negative contact plate") is operably configured to contact the anode case of the coin cell battery 43, and the positive terminal ring 47 includes an inner surface that is operably configured to contact the positive terminal (such as the cathode case of the coin cell battery 43) to complete the circuit when the coin cell battery 43 is received within the battery compartment 38. A description of coin cell batteries used with optical sight instruments and a description of coin cell battery compartments for optical sights is provided in U.S. Patent No. US11,236,971B2, entitled "Solar Powered Cap Assembly for Optical Sighting Systems," issued on February 1, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0121] In one non-limiting embodiment, the dimensions of the interior surface of the battery compartment 38 may be adapted to accommodate a CR2032 3.0 volt (20.0 mm x 3.2 mm) coin-type lithium battery as a power source for the enclosed reflex sight 11. In another non-limiting embodiment, the dimensions of the interior surface of the battery compartment 38 may be adapted to accommodate a CR1632 3.0 volt (16.0 mm x 3.2 mm) coin-type lithium battery as a power source for the enclosed reflex sight 11.

[0122] Further references Fig.12, the components of the above-described power input subassembly are assembled together within the battery compartment 38 by placing the assembled battery compartment PCB 45 and negative terminal 46 against the floor 38A of the battery compartment 38, with the positive terminal ring 47 sandwiched between the battery compartment PCB 45 and the PCB retaining ring 48. In one embodiment, the positive terminal ring 47 may include an outwardly facing annular flange 47A that is operably configured as an abutment surface for the PCB retaining ring 48. In one embodiment, the PCB retaining ring 48 may include an externally threaded surface 48A that is operably configured to be threadedly connected to the threaded inner surface 41 of the raised periphery 39 of the battery compartment 38, whereby the PCB retaining ring 48 may be threadedly connected to the threaded inner surface 41 in a manner that is effective to form a close fit of the battery compartment PCB 45, the positive terminal ring 47, and the PCB retaining ring 48 within the battery compartment 38. As Fig.12 As further shown in the figure, the battery cover 42 may include a threaded surface 49 along the outer periphery of the battery cover 42 to threadably engage with the threaded inner surface 41 of the raised periphery 39 of the battery compartment 38 in a manner that can effectively secure the coin-type unit battery 43 in the battery compartment 38 and maintain the circuit during operation of the enclosed reflex sight 11. In another embodiment, the outer surface 40 of the raised periphery 39 may include a threaded surface for threadably engaging with the corresponding threaded inner surface of the battery cover 42.

[0123] In one embodiment, each of the negative terminal 46 and the positive terminal 47 for the coin cell battery 43 is in electrical communication with the battery compartment PCB 45 through direct contact, and the battery compartment PCB 45 may be in electrical communication with the PCB 20 through electrical wiring or a rigid-flex connector.

[0124] Suitably, the windage and firing angle adjustment mechanism is provided as an assembly of components that are operably configured to manually adjust the launcher assembly carrier 29 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. As described below, by configuring the windage and firing angle adjustment mechanism to operate in a horizontal manner, the windage and firing angle adjustment can be positioned within the housing 12 at the same or nearly the same elevation as the mounting interface 14 positioned below the forward portion of the enclosed reflex sight 11, rather than being positioned above the mounting interface as shown in the prior art described above. Thus, the assembly 10 of the present disclosure is operably configured as a low-profile enclosed reflex sight 11 to be witnessed with the standard iron sights of the firearm to which the assembly 10 is mounted.

[0125] refer to Fig.13 and 14 The housing 12 of the present disclosure generally comprises a box-shaped inner surface, which includes a top or upper surface 60, a bottom plate or bottom surface 61, a left side wall or left side surface 62 (see Fig.12) and a right side wall or right side surface 63. In this embodiment, the forward portion of the interior surface of the housing 12 includes a front mating receptacle 56 for securing and aligning the front lens 16 to the interior surface of the housing 12, and the rearward portion of the interior surface of the housing 12 includes a rear mating receptacle 57 for securing and aligning the rear lens 18 to the interior surface of the housing 12.

[0126] In one embodiment, one or more adhesives and / or fluid sealants may be included along the front mating receptacle 56 to form a seal along the perimeter 254 of the front lens 16, and along the rear mating receptacle 57 to form a seal with the perimeter 255 of the rear lens 18. In another embodiment, one or more seals may be positioned between the front mating receptacle 56 and the perimeter 254 of the front lens 16, and between the rear mating receptacle 57 and the perimeter 255 of the rear lens 18.

[0127] Further references Fig.13 and 14 The bottom of the housing 12 includes a first main body member 64, which has an upper surface, the upper surface includes a horizontal surface of the bottom surface 61 of the housing 12, and the horizontal surface includes a portion of the bottom surface 61, the portion including the bottom portion, the front mating receptacle 56, and the rear mating receptacle 57. The bottom of the housing 12 also includes a second main body member 69, which has an outer surface that forms a portion of the bottom outer surface 53 of the housing 12 and an inner surface 65 that forms a portion of the bottom surface 61 of the housing 12. In this embodiment, the inner surface 65 includes a funnel-shaped inclined surface that extends downward from the innermost flange 58 of the front mating socket 56 to a transition portion 66, wherein the transition portion is characterized by a vertical surface 67 extending downward from the transition portion 66 to form a portion of the forward side wall of a compartment 70 for holding a launcher assembly carrier 29 and a windage and angle adjustment mechanism (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "adjustment assembly 100"), wherein the windage and angle adjustment mechanism is operably configured to enable the launcher assembly 25 to move vertically and horizontally within the compartment 70.

[0128] refer to Fig.15 , the compartment 70 is provided as an open space with peripheral side walls 71-74 in a rectangular configuration and an upper surface or roof 75 disposed therebetween. In this embodiment, the compartment 70 includes an inner surface having a plurality of engagement surfaces for receiving an adjustment assembly 100 of a particular size and shape adjacent thereto when the adjustment assembly 100 is sealed within the compartment by a bottom plate 76 fastened to the housing 12 (see Fig.21), wherein the bottom plate 76 serves as the bottom plate of the compartment 70 during operation of the enclosed reflex sight 11. In another embodiment, the configuration of the compartment 70 can be varied to accommodate transmitter assemblies 25 and / or adjustment assemblies 100 of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0129] refer to Fig.14 and 16 In one embodiment, the inner surface of the forward sidewall 74 of the compartment 70 may include forward engagement members 77 and 78 on opposite sides of the transition portion 66 and the vertical surface 67. In this embodiment, the engagement members 77 and 78 extend downward from the top 75 from a point above the transition portion 66, whereby the engagement members 77 and 78, the transition portion 66 and the top 75 form an opening between the compartment 70 and the optical space 34 of the housing 12. Suitably, the transmitter assembly 25 is positioned at a point in the compartment 70 where an operable reticle can be effectively projected onto the inner surface 19 of the front lens 16 through the opening without obstruction.

[0130] refer to Figure 15-20 , the forward engagement members 77 and 78 include vertical forward engagement surfaces 79 and 80 to receive the front portion of the adjustment assembly 100 adjacent thereto. The compartment 70 includes one or more rear engagement members 81, the one or more rear engagement members including one or more vertical rear engagement surfaces 82-84, the one or more vertical rear engagement surfaces being operably configured to receive at least a portion of the rear portion of the adjustment assembly 100 adjacent thereto. In this embodiment, the left side wall 71 includes an inner surface 85 for receiving at least a portion of the left side portion of the adjustment assembly 100 adjacent thereto, and the right side wall 73 includes an inner surface 86 for receiving at least a portion of the right side portion of the adjustment assembly 100 adjacent thereto. The compartment 70 may also include one or more intermediate engagement members 87 and 88 extending from the top 75, the one or more intermediate engagement members having one or more vertical surfaces (e.g., see Fig.14 The vertical surfaces 89 and 90 in the embodiment of the present invention are configured to receive one or more other parts of the adjustment assembly 100 adjacent thereto (see Fig.19 and 20 70 in an embodiment of the adjustment assembly 100 housed in the compartment 70).

[0131] like Fig. 20 As shown, in one embodiment, the forward engagement surfaces 79 and 80 and one or more rear engagement members 81 (see Fig.16 ) may include threaded fastener holes 91-94 to receive bottom plate fasteners 95 to releasably secure bottom plate 76 to compartment 70 (see Fig.30 through hole 96 of the bottom plate 76 in the bottom plate 76).

[0132] As described above, the adjustment assembly 100 of the present disclosure includes a windage adjustment mechanism and a firing angle adjustment mechanism, both of which operate along a horizontal path of the launcher assembly carrier 29 that can effectively drive the adjustment assembly 100 vertically upward and downward and horizontally left and right. The configuration of the windage adjustment mechanism and the firing angle adjustment mechanism allows the compartment 70 to be positioned at a point behind the bottom of the housing 12, whereby the bottom surface 98 of the compartment 70, i.e., the bottom surface of the peripheral side walls 71-74, is the lowest surface of the housing 12 and the lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight 11 (see Fig. 22 plane P1 in Fig.23 In other words, the configuration of the windage adjustment mechanism and the angle adjustment mechanism provides an adjustment assembly 100 that can be positioned in a compartment 70 that includes a flat surface or substantially flat surface that forms a flat surface with the bottom surface 99 of the mounting interface 14 when assembled (see Fig.24 The bottom surface 98 of the plane P2 in FIG. Fig.24 and 25 As shown, the mounting interface 14 does not extend the entire length of the enclosed reflex sight 11. Instead, the entire adjustment assembly 100 is positioned within the compartment 70 at a location behind the mounting interface 14, wherein at least a portion of the adjustment assembly 100 is positioned below the uppermost surface 157 of the mounting interface 14. Thus, the bottom surface 200 of the assembly 10 includes both the lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight 11 (i.e., the bottom surface 98) and the bottom surface 99 of the mounting interface 14, wherein the bottom surface 200 of the assembly 10 includes a planar surface or a substantially planar surface that is operably configured as an abutting surface with the bottom surface 570 of the upper mounting surface 557 of one or more firearms 550. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 98 may be referred to as the rearward-facing bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight 11, and the bottom surface 179 of the housing 12 forward of the bottom surface 98 may be referred to as the forward-facing bottom surface of the housing 12 (see Fig.23 ). In one embodiment, the bottom surface 179 may be referred to as a first bottom surface or an upper bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight 11, and the bottom surface 98 may be referred to as a second bottom surface or a lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight 11. In one embodiment, the bottom plate 76 may be referred to as a portion of the bottom surface 98. In one embodiment, the plate member 22 may be referred to as a portion of the forward bottom surface 179 of the enclosed reflex sight 11. Additionally, the rear surface 300 of the enclosed reflex sight 11 may be referred to as a rear surface of the assembly 10 and the front surface 301 of the mounting interface 14 may be referred to as a front surface of the assembly 10. Reference Figures 57-60, the front surface 301 can be adjacent to or abut at least a portion of the front wall surface 571 of the upper mounting surface 557 , and the rear surface 300 can be adjacent to or abut at least a portion of the rear wall surface 572 of the upper mounting surface 557 of the firearm 550 .

[0133] Figure 26-28 An embodiment of an adjustment assembly 100 operable with the housing 12 as described above is depicted. The adjustment assembly 100 includes an assembly of components including a wedge, an inclined planar surface or ramp, a threaded member, and a biasing member assembled in a manner whereby the width of the adjustment assembly 100 is greater than the height suitable for operation within the compartment 70 as described above. As previously discussed above, the inner surface 97 of the bottom plate 76 serves as the floor of the compartment 70. Thus, the bottom plate 76 is operably configured as a support surface for the adjustment assembly 100 and may be considered a part of the adjustment assembly 100 for purposes of this disclosure.

[0134] refer to Fig.26 , the adjustment assembly 100 includes a firing angle ramp member 102 and a launcher seat 104, the launcher seat having a bottom-facing ramp surface 101, the bottom-facing ramp surface being operably configured to ride on a corresponding ramp surface 103 of the firing angle ramp member 102. As shown, the launcher seat 104 also includes a forward lug-type support surface 105 ("forward lug 105") for holding the launcher assembly carrier 29, the forward lug-type support surface acting as a support for holding the launcher assembly 25.

[0135] In addition to the launcher assembly carrier 29, the windage adjustment of the launcher assembly 25 is achieved through a windage adjustment assembly, which includes (1) a threaded windage drive screw 110; (2) a threaded windage adjustment key 112 for threaded engagement with the windage drive screw 110; (3) a threaded windage retaining ring 114, which is used to threadedly engage with the windage adjustment key 112; (4) an O-ring seal 116 that can be attached to the windage adjustment key 112; and (5) a windage wedge member 118, which is operably configured to offset the launcher assembly carrier 29 and the windage drive screw 110, as described below.

[0136] In addition to the launcher assembly carrier 29, the launch angle ramp member 102 and the launcher seat 104, the launch angle adjustment of the launcher assembly 25 is achieved through an launch angle adjustment component, which includes (1) a threaded launch angle drive screw 120, (2) a threaded launch angle retaining ring 122, (3) a threaded launch angle adjustment key 124 and (4) an O-ring seal 126 of the launch angle adjustment key 124.

[0137] In this embodiment, the launcher assembly carrier 29 includes a central support member 108 having opposing abutment members, such as a first abutment member 106 having a first wedge-shaped contact surface 128, which is operably configured to communicate with the wedge-shaped contact surface 111 of the head 117 of the windage drive screw 110; and an opposing second abutment member 107 having a second wedge-shaped contact surface 129, which is operably configured to communicate with the wedge-shaped contact surface 119 of the windage wedge member 118. As shown, the central support member 108 includes a front planar member 115 to receive the launcher assembly 25 adjacent thereto by one or more adhesives. Suitably, the first abutment member 106 and the second abutment member 107 are spaced apart a distance effective to maintain the forward shoulder 105 at the abutment therebetween, thereby preventing undesired lateral movement of the launcher mount 104 when the launcher mount 104 is biased by the firing angle ramp member 102, as described below. Thus, in one embodiment, the transmitter assembly carrier 29 may be considered to be part of the windage adjustment mechanism of the adjustment assembly 100 .

[0138] Still refer to Fig.26 , the adjustment assembly 100 includes a plurality of bias springs and corresponding plungers that apply tension to the inner surface of the compartment 70 to help maintain the windage adjustment assembly and the angle adjustment assembly in a desired position within the compartment 70 during operation of the adjustment assembly 100. For example, the first body member 128 of the launcher assembly carrier 29 includes a vertical hole 130 to receive a bias spring 131 and a plunger 132 therein, and the second body member 107 includes a vertical hole 134 to receive a bias spring 135 and a plunger 136 therein to bias the launcher assembly carrier 29 to be separated from the top 75 of the compartment 70. Similarly, the launcher mount 104 includes one or more vertical holes 138 and 139, each of which is operably configured to receive a bias spring and a plunger therein to bias the launcher mount 104 to be separated from the top 75 (see bias springs 140, 141 and plungers 142, 143). In other words, when adjustment assembly 100 is secured within compartment 70, transmitter assembly carrier 29 and transmitter mount 104 are biased toward bottom plate 76. In one embodiment, interior surfaces 85 and 86 and top 75 may include cavities (not shown) to retain the distal ends of corresponding plungers.

[0139] In this embodiment, the angle ramp member 102 includes a raised body member 145 that includes a horizontal hole 146 to receive a bias spring 147 and a plunger 148 therein to bias the angle ramp member 102 away from the inner surface 85 of the left side wall 71. The windage wedge member 118 also includes one or more horizontal holes 150 and 151 (see Fig.29) to accommodate a biasing spring and a plunger therein so that the wind deflection wedge member 118 is biased to be separated from the inner surface 86 of the right side wall 73 (see biasing springs 152, 153 and plungers 154, 155).

[0140] Reference again Fig.17 and 18 , the adjustment assembly 100 is further secured to the compartment 70 by a windage adjustment key 112 and an angle of fire adjustment key 124, each of which communicates with an aperture in the housing 12. In particular, the left side wall 71 includes an aperture 158 having an inner cylindrical peripheral surface to cooperate with the circular head 113 of the windage adjustment key 112, and the right side wall 73 includes an aperture 159 having an inner cylindrical peripheral surface to cooperate with the circular head 125 of the angle of fire adjustment key 124. In particular, the windage adjustment key 112 includes a circular detent 161 and a corresponding bias spring 162 radially disposed in a hole 165 of the circular head 113, and the angle of fire adjustment key 124 includes a circular detent 166 and a corresponding bias spring 167 radially disposed in a hole 168 of the circular head 125 to cooperate with a raised spline disposed at 360.0 degrees along the inner peripheral surface of each of the apertures 158 and 159 (see Fig.17 and 18 In operation, the pawls 161 and 166 operate as ball plungers that are biased between the raised teeth 160 and 170 under the spring tension necessary to hold the windage adjustment key 112 and the angle of fire adjustment key 124 in a fixed position until manually rotated to disengage the pawls 161 and 166 when adjusting the windage and / or angle of fire. In addition, the configuration of the pawls 161, 166 and the raised teeth 160, 170 causes the user to hear and / or feel a click when rotating the windage adjustment key 112 and the angle of fire adjustment key 124.

[0141] In one embodiment, the circular heads 113 and 125 of the windage adjustment key 112 and the angle adjustment key 124 may each include an actuator 172, 173 to facilitate manual rotation of the adjustment keys 112 and 124, for example, using a flat-blade screwdriver or an adjustment tool known in the optical sight art. In addition, the shank of each of the adjustment keys 112 and 124 may include a concentric groove adjacent to the circular head 112 and 125 to retain the O-ring seals 116, 126 to form a seal along the inner surfaces 177, 178 of the apertures 158 and 159 to prevent environmental influences such as dust and moisture from entering the housing 12 through the apertures 158 and 159 (see Fig.26 Grooves 175 and 176 in it).

[0142] In one embodiment, the windage retention ring 114 is permanently fixed to the outer threaded surface 156 of the adjustment key 112, and the angle retention ring 122 is permanently fixed to the outer threaded surface 137 of the adjustment key 124, whereby the windage retention ring 114 and the angle retention ring 122 are operably configured to further secure the adjustment assembly 100 to the housing 12 by similarly acting as a stop-type member that prevents the windage adjustment key 112 and the angle adjustment key 124 from exiting the apertures 158, 159. For example, referring to Fig. 27 The angle adjustment key 124 shown, the inner surface 178 of the aperture 159 includes a concentric flange 169, which is operably configured as an abutment surface of the angle retention ring 122, whereby the concentric flange 169 and the angle retention ring 122 collectively serve as a stopper to catch the head 174 of the angle drive screw 120, thereby preventing the angle adjustment key 124 from being drawn out of the housing 12 through the aperture 159. The angle retention ring 122 and the flange 169 are also operably configured to keep the outer surface 133 of the circular head 125 of the angle adjustment key 124 flush with the adjacent outer surface of the housing 12 (see Fig.21 A similar flange in the inner surface 177 of the aperture 158 and the windage retention ring 114 operate as described above to prevent the head 117 of the windage drive screw 110 from being drawn out of the housing 12 through the aperture 158 .

[0143] In order to minimize the overall size of the enclosed reflex sight 11, the housing 12 materials (including the base plate 76 and the adjustment assembly 100 components) are appropriately configured to allow the desired function of the enclosed reflex sight 11 without structural failure of one or more of the housing 12, base plate 76 and adjustment assembly 100 components. For example, the perimeter of the base plate 76 and the perimeter of the opening of the compartment 70 may include corresponding indexing features 181, 182 and 183, 184 (see Fig.30 and 31 ) so that the material thickness of the bottom plate 76 and the bottom surface 98 of the compartment 70 is increased at the junction 185 between the bottom plate 76 and the bottom surface 98 to provide structural strength to the lowermost portion of the flange in each of the apertures 158 and 159 (see Fig. 27 ).

[0144] In order to vertically adjust the launcher assembly 25 up and down, the firing angle adjustment key 124 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise to act on the outer thread surface 121 to guide the firing angle drive screw 120 in a linear direction. The firing angle adjustment key includes a shaft having: (1) an inner thread surface 127, which is threadedly connected to the outer thread surface 121 of the shaft of the firing angle drive screw 120; and (2) an outer thread surface 137, which is threadedly connected to the inner thread surface 144 of the firing angle retaining ring 122. For example, in order to linearly guide the launcher assembly 25 in the upward direction (see Fig.28 The angle adjustment key 124 can be rotated counterclockwise to linearly guide the head 174 of the angle drive screw 120 toward the inner surface 85 of the left side wall 71 to abut against the right vertical surface 109 of the angle ramp member 102 (see Fig.28 The transmitter seat 104 is guided upwardly (see directional arrow A2 in FIG. 1 ) so that the ramp surface 103 of the firing angle ramp member 102 acts on the ramp surface 101 of the transmitter seat 104 to push the transmitter seat 104 upwardly through the sliding connection between the ramp surface 101 and the ramp surface 103 (see directional arrow A1). When the transmitter seat 104 is guided in the upward direction, the transmitter assembly carrier 29 and the transmitter assembly 25 fixed thereto are simultaneously guided in the upward direction by a distance equal to the distance traveled by the transmitter seat 104. Suitably, the pawl 166 and the bias spring 167 are operably configured to engage the raised spline 170 to help fix the positioning of the transmitter assembly 25, the bias springs 152, 153 and the plungers 154, 155 during use of the sealed type reflex sight 11.

[0145] In order to guide the launcher assembly 25 in a downward direction (see Fig.28 The firing angle adjustment key 124 can be rotated clockwise as needed to linearly guide the firing angle drive screw 120 toward the inner surface 86 of the right side wall 73, thereby linearly guiding the firing angle ramp member 102 toward the inner surface 86 of the right side wall 73 at the same time by the biasing force of the biasing spring 147 engaged with the firing angle drive screw 120, thereby allowing the launcher seat 104 to slide down the ramp surface 103 to the desired firing angle of the launcher assembly 25. Therefore, the rotational movement of the firing angle adjustment key 124 is converted into the linear movement of the launcher assembly 25.

[0146] To adjust the launcher assembly 25 horizontally to the left and right, the windage adjustment key 112 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise to act on the outer threaded surface 149 to guide the windage drive screw 110 in a linear direction. The windage adjustment key includes a shaft having: (1) an inner threaded surface (not shown) similar to the inner threaded surface 127, which is threadedly connected to the outer threaded surface 149 of the shaft of the windage drive screw 110; and (2) an outer threaded surface 156, which is threadedly connected to the inner threaded surface 171 of the windage retaining ring 114. For example, to linearly guide the launcher assembly 25 toward the inner surface 86 of the right side wall 73 (see Fig.29 According to the direction arrow A5 in the figure, the windage adjustment key 112 can be rotated counterclockwise to guide the wedge contact surface 111 of the head 117 of the windage drive screw 110 to linearly abut against the first wedge contact surface 128 of the first adjacent member 106 of the launcher assembly carrier 29 to guide the launcher assembly carrier 29 toward the inner surface 86 of the right side wall 73, and further linearly guide each of the launcher assembly carrier 29 and the windage wedge member 118 toward the inner surface 86 of the right side wall 73.

[0147] To guide the launcher assembly 25 toward the inner surface 85 of the left side wall 71 (see Fig.29 The windage adjustment key 112 may be rotated clockwise as required to linearly guide the windage drive screw 110 toward the inner surface 85 of the left side wall 71, whereby the biasing force of the biasing springs 152, 153 of the windage wedge member 118 guides the wedge surface 119 of the windage wedge member 118 against the second wedge surface 129 of the second adjacent member 107, which further guides the first wedge surface 128 of the first adjacent member 106 against the wedge surface 111 of the head 117 of the windage drive screw 110 in a sliding action until the launcher assembly 25 achieves the desired position within the compartment 70. Thus, the rotational motion of the windage adjustment key 112 is converted into the linear motion of the launcher assembly 25.

[0148] As described above, when the mounting interface 14 is assembled to the enclosed reflex sight 11, the mounting interface 14 of the assembly 10 is positioned in front of the adjustment assembly 100 housed in the compartment 70. Therefore, the attachment point on the enclosed reflex sight 11 for receiving the mounting interface 14 of the present disclosure is also positioned in front of the adjustment assembly 100 of the enclosed reflex sight 11. Fig.11 and 15As shown, the housing 12 includes two forward attachment points for the mounting interface 14, which are provided as fastener holes 187 and 188, which are vertically disposed through the first body member 64 of the housing 12 in front of the front lens 16. The housing 12 further includes a left side attachment point for the mounting interface 14, which is provided as a horizontal threaded fastener hole 189, which is located in front of the adjustment assembly 100 at a point higher along the housing 12 than the bottom surface 98 (see Fig. 22 ) ; and a right side attachment point for mounting interface 14, the right side attachment point being provided as a horizontal threaded fastener hole 190, the horizontal threaded fastener hole being positioned in front of adjustment assembly 100 at a point higher along housing 12 than bottom surface 98 (see Fig.23 ).like Fig. 22 and 23 As further shown, fastener holes 187 and 188 are also positioned at higher points along housing 12 than bottom surface 98 .

[0149] As described above, the enclosed reflex sight 11 of the present disclosure may be used as part of an assembly 10 having one or more mounting interfaces 14 that are operably configured to be used with a plurality of upper mounting surface footprints known in the art of firearms, including one or more upper mounting surface 557 footprints on a semi-automatic pistol slide, such as one or more machined, drilled, or milled surfaces on a semi-automatic pistol slide. Non-limiting examples of upper mounting surface 557 footprints with which the one or more mounting interfaces 14 may be configured to be used include one or more dovetail footprints, Glock, Inc., Smyrna, Georgia, USA, and Glock, Inc., Smyrna, Georgia, USA. Modular Optical System Board Footprint (or “ MOS” board footprint) and Trijicon, Inc., Wixom, Michigan, USA Reflex sights take up space.

[0150] Figure 32-34 A first non-limiting embodiment of the mounting interface 14 of the present disclosure is illustrated, the mounting interface being operably configured to MOS board takes up space for use together. Figure 8-10 Depicted Figure 32-34 An embodiment of a mounting interface 14 assembled to the enclosed reflex sight 11 of the present disclosure.

[0151] Figure 35-37A second non-limiting embodiment of the mounting interface 14 of the present disclosure is illustrated, the mounting interface being operably configured to The reflex sight is used in conjunction with an embodiment that occupies space. Figure 38-40 The present disclosure is operatively configured to A third non-limiting embodiment of a mounting interface for use with another embodiment of a reflex sight footprint.

[0152] Common to each embodiment of the mounting interface 14 is an upper surface 192 and a bottom surface 99. Suitably, at least a portion of the upper surface 192 is operably configured as an abutment surface for at least a portion of the enclosed reflex sight 11 (e.g., at least a portion of the bottom surface 179 of the enclosed reflex sight 11). Likewise, at least a portion of the bottom surface 99 is operably configured as an abutment surface for at least a portion of the bottom surface 570 of the upper mounting surface 557 of the firearm 550.

[0153] Also common to each embodiment of the mounting interface 14 is a pattern of fastener holes that corresponds to the pattern of fastener holes 187, 188, 189, 190 of the sealed type reflex sight 11. For example, each embodiment of the mounting interface 14 includes two forward vertical threaded fastener holes 194 and 195 that correspond to fastener holes 187 and 188, a left horizontal fastener hole 196 that corresponds to threaded fastener hole 189, and a right horizontal fastener hole 197 that corresponds to threaded fastener hole 190. As shown, the fastener hole 196 is disposed through a raised left side wall 201 of the mounting interface 14, and the fastener hole 197 is disposed through a raised right side wall 202 of the mounting interface 14. In addition to providing a base for providing fastener holes 196 and 197, the left side wall 201 and the right side wall 202 are operably configured to hold up the corresponding sealed type reflex sight 11 when assembled to help keep the sealed type reflex sight 11 in a fixed position during operation. Fastener holes 194 and 195 may be referred to herein as front mounts, and fastener holes 196 and 197 may be referred to as side mounts for fasteners (eg, threaded screws).

[0154] As further depicted, each embodiment of the mounting interface 14 may include one or more through holes corresponding to the mounting standards (e.g., fastener hole pattern and receptacle pattern) of a particular firearm mounting footprint for receiving a corresponding fastener 186. For example, Figure 32-34 The embodiment includes two opposing countersunk apertures 205 and 206 disposed at or near the center of the mounting interface 14, corresponding to the fastener holes of the firearm. Figure 35-37 The embodiment of includes two opposing countersunk apertures 207 and 208 disposed at a rearward portion of the mounting interface 14 . Figure 38-40The embodiment includes two opposing raised countersunk apertures 209 and 210 disposed at a rearward portion of the mounting interface 14. In one embodiment, the fastener holes of the mounting interface 14 may also be referred to as bolt holes or screw holes.

[0155] The housing 12, the mounting interface 14 and the components comprising the adjustment assembly 100 may be constructed of one or more materials that are resistant to one or more operations and / or as required by law or regulation. Suitable construction materials may include, but are not limited to, materials that are resistant to fragmentation, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping due to ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other external mechanical and chemical influences and physical influences. Suitably, the construction materials may include one or more metals, plastics, rubbers, wood, filled composite materials and combinations thereof. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, hardened steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, brass, titanium and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, glass-filled polymers, durable plastic composites and combinations thereof. A suitable glass-filled polymer includes, but is not limited to, glass-filled nylon. One or more adhesives and / or sealants may be used to fix and / or seal one or more components described herein. In addition, one or more heat treatments and / or one or more coatings may be applied to the housing 12, the mounting interface 14 and one or more other components described herein.

[0156] The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments.

[0157] Example 1

[0158] In a first non-limiting example, an embodiment of a sealed reflex sight 11 is provided, such as Figures 41-48 The outer surface of the housing 12 is not limited to the decorative configuration shown, but may vary in another embodiment of the housing 12.

[0159] Example 2

[0160] In a second non-limiting example, Figure 49-56 The assembly 10 is shown mounted within the upper mounting surface 557 of a pistol slide 575 (see Figures 57-60 ), and the elevation or height 580 of the lowest portion 560 of the rear lens 18 is compared to the elevation or height 581 of the highest surface of the standard height rear sight 577 of the pistol slide 575. Fig.61 As shown, the elevation or height of the lowest portion 560 of the rear lens 18 is lower than the elevation or height 581 of the highest surface of the standard height rear sight 577 .

[0161] The assembly 10 is removed from the pistol slide 575 and replaced with the sealed reflex sight 500 as described with reference to FIGS. 3-5. The elevation or height 582 of the lowest portion 515 of the rear lens 516 of the sealed reflex sight 500 is compared to the elevation or height 581 of the highest surface of the standard height rear sight 577 of the pistol slide 575. Fig.61 As shown, the elevation or height of the lowest portion 515 of the rear lens 516 is higher than the elevation or height 581 of the highest surface of the standard height rear sight 577 .

[0162] Example 3

[0163] refer to Fig.62 and 63 In a third non-limiting example, Figures 58-60 The enclosed reflex sight 11 of the illustrated assembly 10 may include the dimensions shown in Table 1.

[0164] Table 1

[0165] D1: 6.44 mm (0.25 inches);

[0166] D2: 31.63mm (1.25 inches);

[0167] D3: 26.42mm (1.04 inches);

[0168] D4: 45.21 mm (1.78 inches); and

[0169] D5: 2.15 mm (0.08 inches).

[0170] The assemblies 10 and systems of the present disclosure may be described in accordance with one or more of the following embodiments.

[0171] Embodiment 1. A combination comprising:

[0172] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0173] Installation interface;

[0174] wherein the enclosed-type reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed-type reflex sight, and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight;

[0175] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises an upper bottom surface forward of the rearward facing bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight, the upper bottom surface including an abutment surface for the mounting interface; and

[0176] Wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed type reflex sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed type reflex sight.

[0177] Embodiment 2. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0178] Embodiment 3. An assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the assembly includes a maximum height, and wherein the height of the enclosed reflex sight from the highest surface of the enclosed reflex sight to the lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly.

[0179] Embodiment 4. An assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein a first distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and a lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a second distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and a lowest surface of the mounting interface.

[0180] Embodiment 5. An assembly comprising:

[0181] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0182] Installation interface;

[0183] wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the sealed-type reflex sight is positioned closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than at least a portion of the mounting interface, and the assembly is positioned forward of a rear end surface of the firearm.

[0184] Embodiment 6. The assembly of Embodiment 5, wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0185] Embodiment 7. An assembly according to embodiment 5, wherein the distance between the optical center of the clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to the distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and the bottommost portion of the mounting interface.

[0186] Embodiment 8. The assembly of Embodiment 5, wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a first length and the mounting interface comprises a second length, the second length being less than the first length.

[0187] Embodiment 9. The assembly of embodiment 5, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a windage adjustment mechanism and a firing angle adjustment mechanism positioned rearward of the mounting interface.

[0188] Embodiment 10. An assembly comprising:

[0189] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0190] Multiple installation interfaces;

[0191] wherein each mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces is configured to secure the assembly to one or more firearms of a plurality of firearms, the plurality of firearms comprising a plurality of upper mounting surface footprints;

[0192] wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms, then the assembly is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear end surface of the first firearm; and

[0193] Wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0194] Embodiment 11. The assembly of Embodiment 10, wherein when the assembly is secured to the upper mounting surface of the first firearm, then the mounting interface of the assembly is positioned forward of at least a portion of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0195] Embodiment 12. An assembly according to embodiment 10, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a rear bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed reflex sight, and wherein the rear bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0196] Embodiment 13. An assembly comprising:

[0197] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0198] a plurality of mounting interfaces, each mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces being configured to secure the enclosed type reflex sight to one or more firearms of a plurality of firearms, the plurality of firearms comprising a plurality of upper mounting surface footprints;

[0199] wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms, then the assembly is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear end surface of the first firearm; and

[0200] Wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0201] Embodiment 14. An assembly comprising:

[0202] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0203] a mounting interface for fixing the enclosed reflex sight to an upper mounting surface of a firearm;

[0204] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a first bottom surface at a first altitude or elevation and a second bottom surface at a second altitude or elevation, the second altitude or elevation being lower than the first altitude or elevation; and

[0205] Wherein when the assembly of the sealed reflex sight and the mounting interface are in a fixed position on the upper mounting surface of the firearm, the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface of the sealed reflex sight are positioned in front of the rear end surface of the firearm.

[0206] Embodiment 15. The assembly of Embodiment 14, wherein the mounting interface includes an upper surface operably configured as an abutment surface for the first bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0207] Embodiment 16. An assembly comprising:

[0208] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0209] a mounting interface for fixing the enclosed reflex sight to an upper mounting surface of a firearm;

[0210] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a first bottom surface at a first altitude or elevation and a second bottom surface at a second altitude or elevation, the second altitude or elevation being lower than the first altitude or elevation; and

[0211] Wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm including a protruding rear sight, the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface of the sealed reflex sight are positioned in front of the protruding rear sight.

[0212] Embodiment 17. The assembly of Embodiment 16, wherein the mounting interface includes an upper surface operably configured as an abutment surface for the first bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0213] Embodiment 18. An assembly according to Embodiment 16, wherein the mounting interface includes a bottom surface, the bottom surface is operably configured as an abutment surface for an upper mounting surface of the firearm, and wherein when the assembly is secured to the upper mounting surface of the firearm, the second bottom surface of the enclosed reflex sight is aligned planarly or substantially planarly with the bottom surface of the mounting interface.

[0214] Embodiment 19. An assembly comprising:

[0215] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0216] Installation interface;

[0217] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a lowermost surface;

[0218] wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, then the entire assembly is positioned on top of the firearm; and

[0219] Wherein when the firearm is oriented in a firing position, then the lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned at an altitude or elevation below at least a portion of the mounting interface.

[0220] Embodiment 20. The assembly of Embodiment 19, wherein the assembly comprises a maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight comprises a maximum height that is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly.

[0221] Embodiment 21. An assembly according to embodiment 19, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a clear aperture having an optical center, and wherein the distance between the optical center of the clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to the distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and the bottom-most portion of the mounting interface.

[0222] Embodiment 22. An assembly comprising:

[0223] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0224] Installation interface;

[0225] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a lowermost surface;

[0226] wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, and when the firearm is oriented in a firing position, then the lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned at an altitude or elevation below at least a portion of the mounting interface; and

[0227] Wherein when the assembly is secured to the upper mounting surface of a firearm including a protruding rear sight, then the entire assembly is positioned in front of the protruding rear sight of the firearm.

[0228] Embodiment 23. An assembly comprising:

[0229] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0230] Installation interface;

[0231] Wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the sealed-type reflex sight is positioned at a distance from the upper mounting surface of the firearm that is less than a distance from at least a portion of the mounting interface to the upper mounting surface, and the assembly is positioned forward of a rear end surface of the firearm.

[0232] Embodiment 24. An assembly comprising:

[0233] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0234] Installation interface;

[0235] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a lowermost surface; and

[0236] wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm oriented in a firing position, the lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned at an elevation below at least a portion of the mounting interface and the assembly is positioned forward of a rear end surface of the firearm.

[0237] Embodiment 25. A system comprising:

[0238] At least one firearm; and

[0239] An assembly comprising:

[0240] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0241] at least one mounting interface;

[0242] wherein the enclosed-type reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed-type reflex sight, and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight;

[0243] wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises an upper bottom surface forward of the rearward facing bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight, the upper bottom surface including an abutment surface for the at least one mounting interface; and

[0244] Wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed type reflex sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed type reflex sight.

[0245] Embodiment 26. The system of Embodiment 25, wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0246] Embodiment 27. A system according to embodiment 25, wherein a first distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the bottom surface of the rear bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a second distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and the bottommost surface of the at least one mounting interface.

[0247] Embodiment 28. The system of Embodiment 25, wherein the system comprises two or more mounting interfaces.

[0248] Embodiment 29. A system comprising:

[0249] at least one firearm comprising an upper mounting surface; and

[0250] An assembly, the assembly being securable to the upper mounting surface, the assembly comprising:

[0251] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0252] at least one firearm mounting interface;

[0253] wherein the assembly comprises a maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a maximum height that is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly; and

[0254] Wherein the assembly is positioned forward of the rear end surface of the firearm.

[0255] Embodiment 30. The system of Embodiment 29, wherein the system comprises two or more firearm mounting interfaces.

[0256] Embodiment 31. The system of Embodiment 30, wherein each of the two or more firearm mounting interfaces is configured for use with a different upper mounting surface footprint.

[0257] Embodiment 32. The system of Embodiment 29, wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

[0258] Embodiment 33. A system according to embodiment 29, wherein a first distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and a lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a second distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and a bottom-most portion of the at least one firearm mounting interface.

[0259] Embodiment 34. The system of Embodiment 29, wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a first length and the mounting interface comprises a second length, the second length being less than the first length.

[0260] Embodiment 35. The system of Embodiment 29, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a windage adjustment mechanism and a firing angle adjustment mechanism positioned behind the at least one firearm mounting interface.

[0261] Embodiment 36. The system of Embodiment 29, wherein when the assembly is secured to the at least one firearm, then the at least one firearm mounting interface is positioned forward of at least a portion of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0262] Embodiment 37. A system comprising:

[0263] a plurality of guns providing at least two different upper mounting surfaces;

[0264] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0265] a plurality of mounting interfaces, each mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces being configured to secure the enclosed reflex sight to at least one upper mounting surface of the at least two different upper mounting surfaces;

[0266] Wherein when the enclosed-type reflex sight is secured to the at least one upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms through a first mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces, the enclosed-type reflex sight is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear surface of the first firearm, wherein a lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight is closer to the at least one upper mounting surface than at least a portion of the first mounting interface.

[0267] Embodiment 38. The system of Embodiment 35, wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed reflex sight, the rearward bottom portion including the lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

[0268] Embodiment 39. A system comprising:

[0269] At least one firearm; and

[0270] An assembly comprising:

[0271] Sealed reflex sights; and

[0272] at least one mounting interface;

[0273] wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism, the windage and angle of fire adjustment mechanism being positioned in a rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight;

[0274] wherein when the assembly is mounted to at least one firearm oriented in a firing position, a bottom surface of the rearward-facing bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned at an elevation lower than at least a portion of the mounting interface; and

[0275] The rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is positioned forward of the rear end surface of the firearm.

[0276] Embodiment 40. A system comprising:

[0277] a plurality of guns providing at least two different upper mounting surfaces;

[0278] One or more enclosed reflex sights; and

[0279] a plurality of mounting interfaces, each mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces being operably configured to secure at least one of the one or more enclosed-type reflex sights to at least one upper mounting surface of one or more firearms of the plurality of firearms;

[0280] Wherein when a first enclosed-type reflex sight of the one or more enclosed-type reflex sights is secured to a first firearm of the plurality of firearms via a first mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces and when the first firearm is oriented in a shooting position, the enclosed-type reflex sight includes a lowest surface positioned at an altitude or elevation lower than at least a portion of the first mounting interface; and the first enclosed-type reflex sight is positioned on a top of the first firearm, in front of a rear end surface of the first firearm.

[0281] Embodiment 41. A method for aiming a firearm at a target, comprising presenting the firearm at the target, the firearm comprising an enclosed reflex sight and a firearm mounting interface assembly, wherein a maximum height of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a maximum height of the assembly of the enclosed reflex sight and the firearm mounting interface.

[0282] Although the present disclosure is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functions described in one or more individual embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the specific embodiments described in conjunction therewith, but may be applied to one or more other embodiments, alone or in various combinations, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether or not such features are presented as part of the described embodiments. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

[0283] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used in this disclosure and their variations 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 "one" or "an" should be understood as "at least one", "one or more", "one or a plurality", etc.

[0284] 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 by the claims.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: Sealed reflex sights; and Installation interface; wherein the enclosed-type reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed-type reflex sight, and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight; wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes an upper bottom surface forward of the rearward facing bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight, the upper bottom surface including an abutment surface for the mounting interface; and Wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed type reflex sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed type reflex sight.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly includes a first maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the assembly includes a maximum height, and wherein a height of the enclosed-type reflex sight from an uppermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight to the lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein a first distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a second distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and a bottom-most surface of the mounting interface.

5. An assembly comprising: Sealed reflex sights; and Installation interface; wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the sealed-type reflex sight is positioned closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than at least a portion of the mounting interface, and the assembly is positioned forward of a rear end surface of the firearm.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the assembly includes a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight includes a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein a distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the lowest surface of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and a bottom-most portion of the mounting interface.

8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a first length and the mounting interface comprises a second length, the second length being less than the first length.

9. The combination of claim 5, wherein the sealed reflex sight includes a windage adjustment mechanism and a firing angle adjustment mechanism positioned rearwardly of the mounting interface.

10. An assembly comprising: Sealed reflex sights; and Multiple installation interfaces; wherein each mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces is configured to secure the assembly to one or more firearms of a plurality of firearms, the plurality of firearms comprising a plurality of upper mounting surface footprints; wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms, then the assembly is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear end surface of the first firearm; and Wherein the assembly comprises a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight comprises a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein when the assembly is secured to the upper mounting surface of the first firearm, then the mounting interface of the assembly is positioned forward of at least a portion of the enclosed reflex sight.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed reflex sight, and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

13. A system comprising: At least one firearm; and An assembly comprising: Sealed reflex sights; and at least one mounting interface; wherein the enclosed-type reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed-type reflex sight, and wherein the rearward bottom portion defines a lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight; wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises an upper bottom surface forward of the rearward facing bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight, the upper bottom surface including an abutment surface for the at least one mounting interface; and Wherein when the assembly is secured to an upper mounting surface of a firearm, the lowermost surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed type reflex sight is closer to the upper mounting surface of the firearm than the upper bottom surface of the enclosed type reflex sight.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the assembly includes a first maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein a first distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the enclosed reflex sight and the bottom surface of the rearward bottom portion of the enclosed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a second distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and a bottom-most surface of the at least one mounting interface.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the system comprises two or more mounting interfaces.

17. A system comprising: at least one firearm comprising an upper mounting surface; and An assembly capable of being secured to the upper mounting surface, the assembly comprising: Sealed reflex sights; and at least one firearm mounting interface; wherein the assembly comprises a maximum height, and wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a maximum height that is the same as or substantially similar to the maximum height of the assembly; and Wherein the assembly is positioned forward of the rear end surface of the firearm.

18. The system of claim 17, comprising two or more firearm mounting interfaces.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the two or more firearm mounting interfaces is configured for use with a different upper mounting surface footprint.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the assembly includes a first maximum height and the enclosed reflex sight includes a second maximum height, the second maximum height being the same as or substantially similar to the first maximum height.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein a first distance between an optical center of a clear aperture of the sealed reflex sight and a lowermost surface of the sealed reflex sight is the same as or substantially similar to a second distance between the optical center of the clear aperture and a lowermost portion of the at least one firearm mounting interface.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the enclosed reflex sight comprises a first length and the mounting interface comprises a second length, the second length being less than the first length.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the sealed reflex sight includes a windage adjustment mechanism and a firing angle adjustment mechanism positioned behind the at least one firearm mounting interface.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein when the assembly is secured to the at least one firearm, then the at least one firearm mounting interface is positioned forward of at least a portion of the enclosed reflex sight.

25. A system comprising: a plurality of guns providing at least two different upper mounting surfaces; Sealed reflex sight; as well as a plurality of mounting interfaces, each mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces being configured to secure the enclosed reflex sight to at least one upper mounting surface of the at least two different upper mounting surfaces; Wherein when the enclosed-type reflex sight is secured to the at least one upper mounting surface of a first firearm of the plurality of firearms through a first mounting interface of the plurality of mounting interfaces, the enclosed-type reflex sight is positioned on top of the first firearm, in front of a rear surface of the first firearm, wherein a lowermost surface of the enclosed-type reflex sight is closer to the at least one upper mounting surface than at least a portion of the first mounting interface.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the enclosed reflex sight includes a rearward bottom portion that accommodates an adjustment assembly of the enclosed reflex sight, the rearward bottom portion including the lowermost surface of the enclosed reflex sight.

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