Sighting device for firearms

Abstract

A sighting device for a firearm includes a housing and a near-infrared illuminator. The near-infrared illuminator is positioned in the housing and configured to output near-infrared light having an adjustable beam divergence to provide an adjustable illumination field. The near-infrared illuminator includes a divergence adjustment input positioned on an upper side of the housing, the divergence adjustment input being movable by a user to adjust the beam divergence.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 383,487, filed November 12, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to aiming devices for firearms, and more particularly, to aiming devices including lasers and / or illuminators. Background Technology

[0004] Aiming devices for firearms may include one or more aiming lasers capable of emitting both visible and near-infrared light, and may also include an illuminator emitting near-infrared light, the beam divergence of which can be adjusted to be greater than that of the aiming laser. This type of aiming device can be used, for example, by military and law enforcement personnel in hostile situations and environments. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide an aiming device that, among other advantages, has an ergonomic configuration for easy and intuitive operation of both the aiming laser and the illuminator, as well as for adjusting the beam divergence of the illuminator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses specific embodiments of a aiming device for firearms. In one embodiment, an aiming device for firearms includes a housing and a near-infrared illuminator. The near-infrared illuminator is positioned within the housing and configured to output near-infrared light with adjustable beam divergence to provide an adjustable illumination field. The near-infrared illuminator includes a divergence adjustment input positioned on the upper side of the housing, which can be moved by a user to adjust the beam divergence.

[0006] The aiming device may further include a visible aiming laser, a near-infrared aiming laser, and / or an on-device actuation input configured to receive input from a user to operate the near-infrared illuminator, the visible aiming laser, and / or the near-infrared aiming laser. The on-device actuation input may be located on the upper side of the housing. Both the divergence adjustment input and the on-device actuation input may be centrally located on the upper side of the housing, between the left and right sides of the housing. The divergence adjustment input may include a lever that can rotate within a range of motion between approximately 90 and 180 degrees to adjust the beam divergence. The range of motion of the lever may be substantially symmetrical about a line parallel to the axis of the near-infrared light output by the near-infrared illuminator. The near-infrared illuminator may include a near-infrared light source that outputs a beam of near-infrared light, and may include a photodiode, according to which the near-infrared light source operates to output a beam of near-infrared light with a desired power.

[0007] In particular implementations, a sighting device for a firearm includes a visible aiming laser, an infrared aiming laser, an infrared illuminator, a chassis, a divergence adjustment input, and an on-device actuation input. The visible aiming laser outputs a beam of visible light. The infrared aiming laser outputs a first beam of near-infrared light that is aligned with the beam of visible light. The infrared illuminator outputs a second beam of near-infrared light having an adjustable beam divergence. The chassis includes a base and a housing coupled to the base. The base is configured to be mounted to the firearm. The housing contains the visible aiming laser, the infrared aiming laser, and the infrared illuminator. The divergence adjustment input is configured to receive a user input for adjusting the beam divergence of the second beam of near-infrared light. The divergence adjustment input includes a slider that is moveable to receive the user input. The on-device actuation input is configured to receive another user input to operate the visible aiming laser, the infrared aiming laser, and the infrared illuminator.

[0008] The slider can be a lever that is rotatably moveable to receive the user input. The on-device actuation input can be a button that is depressible to receive the other user input. The lever and the on-device actuation input can be centrally positioned on an upper side of the housing that faces away from the base. The on-device actuation input can be positioned toward the user relative to the lever. The infrared illuminator can include a light source, adjustable optics that are moveable relative to the light source to adjust the beam divergence, and an adjustment mechanism that extends between the divergence adjustment input and the adjustable optics to transfer force and movement therebetween to adjust the beam divergence. The divergence adjustment input can include an upper portion having the slider configured as a rotatable lever, a middle portion that extends through the upper side of the housing from the upper portion, and a lower portion that extends into the housing and is radially offset relative to an axis of rotation of the divergence adjustment input. The adjustment mechanism can be coupled to the lower portion of the divergence adjustment input and the adjustable optics of the infrared illuminator. The sighting device can include a photodiode according to which the light source operates to output the second beam of near-infrared light having a desired power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sighting device coupled to a firearm.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a simplified top view of the sighting device of

[0012] Figure 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the sighting device.

[0013] Figure 4 is a right upper rear perspective view of the sighting device.

[0014] Figure 5 is a left lower front perspective view of the sighting device.

[0015] Figure 6A is a simplified top view of the near infrared illuminator subsystem of the sighting device in a first configuration.

[0016] Figure 6B is a simplified top view of the near infrared illuminator subsystem of the sighting device in a second configuration.

[0017] Figure 6C is a simplified top view of the near infrared illuminator subsystem of the sighting device in a third configuration.

[0018] Figure 7A is a partial cutaway view of the sighting device illustrating the adjustable optical system of the near infrared illuminator subsystem.

[0019] Figure 7B is a partial cutaway view of the sighting device illustrating the near infrared light source and the adjustable optical system of the near infrared illuminator subsystem.

[0020] Figure 7C is a partial top view of the adjustable optical system of the near infrared illuminator subsystem.

[0021] Figure 8A is a simplified top view of the sighting device.

[0022] Figure 8B is a cutaway view of the sighting device without the secondary sighting device taken along line 8B-8B.

[0023] Figure 8C is a cutaway view of the sighting device with the secondary sighting device attached taken along line 8C-8C.

[0024] Figure 8D is a simplified top view of the sighting device with the cover device 886 coupled.

[0025] Figure 9 is a top view of the sighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] REFERENCE Figures 1-2 , schematically depicts a sighting device 100, with internal components depicted in dashed lines in Figure 2 . Further reference to Figures 3-5 , a particular embodiment of the sighting device 100 is illustrated.

[0027] The sighting device 100 is configured to be mounted to a firearm 110, such as a handgun, long gun, rifle, shotgun, carbine, machine gun, sniper rifle, submachine gun, or assault rifle. The sighting device 100 generally includes a chassis 120, electronics 130, a visible aiming laser subsystem 140, a near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and a near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160.

[0028] The chassis 120 is configured to be mounted to the firearm 110 and to contain or otherwise couple to the electronics 130, the visible aiming laser subsystem 140, the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160. For example, the chassis 120 includes a base 122, a housing 124, and an adjustment mechanism 126. The base 122 can be coupled to the firearm 110, for example, via one of various industry-standard mounting systems. The housing 124 can be formed, for example, of aluminum. The interior of the housing 124 can be waterproof according to any suitable standard. The housing 124 is coupled to the base 122 and defines an interior that contains the various components of the electronics 130, the visible aiming laser subsystem 140, the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 therein. The adjustment mechanism 126 is configured to adjust the orientation of one or more of the visible aiming laser subsystem 140, the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 relative to the firearm 110 (e.g., for windage and elevation, as discussed in further detail below).

[0029] The electronics 130 are configured to provide power to and control the visible aiming laser subsystem 140, the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160. The electronics 130 include, for example, a power source 132, inputs 134, and various other electronic components to facilitate power transmission and control (e.g., a printed circuit board and various electronic components, for example, to control and / or adjust the power delivery and changes between operating modes based on various inputs). The power source 132 can include, for example, one or more batteries. The inputs 134 are configured to receive inputs from a user to select different operating modes and to actuate the visible aiming laser subsystem 140, the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160.

[0030] Input 134 may include, for example, a mode selection input 134a, an on-device actuation input 134b, and / or a remote input 134c. Mode selection input 134a allows the user to select an operating mode of the aiming device 100. Different operating modes may include, for example, different combinations of selecting an output (i.e., which of subsystems 140, 150, 160 is operating) and a power setting (e.g., the output intensity of subsystems 140, 150, 160). Mode selection input 134a may be configured, for example, as a knob that rotates between different positions where one of the different operating modes can be selected. Mode selection input 134a may include locking features, such as a positioning screw, which, for example, prevents selection of various different modes (e.g., a higher power setting that may be unsafe for the eyes) by preventing rotation of mode selection input 134a. Figures 2-4 As shown, the mode selection input 134a can be positioned on the user-facing rear surface of the housing 124 during use. By positioning the mode selection input 134a on the user-facing rear surface of the housing 124, the user can easily identify the currently selected mode when positioning their eyes behind and looking toward the aiming device 100 during use (e.g., based on the position of the mode selection input 134a and any associated visual indications). Furthermore, positioning the mode selection input 134a on the rear surface of the housing 124 also keeps the upper side of the housing 124 uncluttered, making it more easily accessible to the user for other user inputs that the user may tend to use more frequently and / or during combat-related situations (e.g., to actuate the aiming device 100 and / or adjust the illumination of the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160, as discussed in further detail below).

[0031] The on-device actuation input 134b allows the user to actuate the aiming device 100 according to a selected mode. The on-device actuation input 134b may be, for example, a pressable button that operates the aiming device 100 according to the mode selected by the mode selection input 134a when pressed by the user and / or after multiple rapid, consecutive presses by the user (e.g., until the next press). Figures 2-4 As shown, the on-device actuation input 134b can be positioned on the upper side of the housing 124, for example, offset towards the rear half of the housing 124 and / or centered approximately in the middle between the left and right sides of the housing 124. By being positioned on the upper side of the housing 124, the on-device actuation input 134b is easily accessible to the user in a location where the user's supporting thumb would typically be positioned on top of the firearm 110 and the aiming device 100 during use of the firearm 110 itself. The central positioning of the on-device actuation input 134b facilitates use with both hands (e.g., whether the user's left or right hand is used as their supporting hand).

[0032] Remote input 134c is a connector configured to connect to remote actuation input device 102. Remote input 134c may be, for example, a crane-type connector. Remote actuation input device 102 may include a single input (e.g., a pressable button) that operates aiming device 100 in the same manner as actuation input 134b on the device (e.g., when pressed or after being pressed rapidly and repeatedly by the user until pressed again, depending on the selection mode).

[0033] Electronic device 130 also includes various means and components (not shown) for supplying power to and controlling the visible light aiming laser subsystem 140, the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150, and the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160.

[0034] The visible light targeting laser subsystem 140 typically includes a visible light laser 142 and a visible light laser optics 144, which cooperatively output and focus a beam of visible light 240a, which acts as a singularity of visible light, onto a target 280. The visible light beam is electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum (e.g., red or green), such as green (e.g., between approximately 500 and 540 nanometers, such as approximately 520 nanometers). The visible light laser 142 may, for example, be a laser diode having a low-power output of approximately 4 mW or less, a high-power output of 25 mW or less, and a fixed beam divergence of approximately 0.5 milliradians (mrad) or less. The visible light laser optics 144 may, for example, include one or more lenses disposed between the visible light laser 142 and the target 280 to filter or refract the visible light and / or protect the visible light laser 142. The visible aiming laser subsystem 140 may also include a control system 146 (e.g., a visible aiming control system) that adjusts the power supplied by the visible laser 142 for a consistent power output of visible light. The control system 146 may include a photodiode 146a and is configured with the visible laser 142, as described below with respect to the illuminator control system 166 and the photodiode 166a or a variant thereof in combination with the near-infrared light source 162. For example, the control system 146 may be configured with suitable components to operate in an analog or digital manner so that the visible aiming laser outputs near-visible light (e.g., a visible laser beam) with a corresponding desired output power.

[0035] The near-infrared targeting laser subsystem 150 typically includes a near-infrared laser 152 and a near-infrared laser optics 154, which cooperatively output and focus a beam of near-infrared light 250a, which serves as another singularity of near-infrared light, onto a target 280. The beam of near-infrared light is electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared spectrum, such as between approximately 800 and 900 nanometers, for example, approximately 840 nanometers. For example, the near-infrared laser 152 may be a laser diode. The visible light laser 142 may, for example, be a laser diode having a low power output of approximately 0.6 mW or less, a high power output of approximately 35 mW or less, and a fixed beam divergence of approximately 0.5 mrad or less. The near-infrared laser optics 154 may, for example, include one or more lenses disposed between the near-infrared laser 152 and the target 280 to filter and / or refract the near-infrared light and / or protect the near-infrared laser 152. The near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150 may also include a control system 156 (e.g., a near-infrared aiming (IR) control system) that adjusts the power supplied by the near-infrared laser 152 for a consistent power output of near-infrared light. The control system 156 may include a photodiode 156a and is configured with a visible light laser 152, as described below with respect to an illuminator control system 166 and a photodiode 166a or a variant thereof in conjunction with the near-infrared light source 162. For example, the control system 156 may be configured to operate in an analog or digital manner to cause the near-infrared aiming laser to output near-infrared light (e.g., a near-infrared laser beam) with a corresponding desired output power.

[0036] For example, the visible aiming laser subsystem 140 and the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150 are aligned with each other and with the firearm 110 such that the beams of visible light and near-infrared light illuminate the target 280 at a predetermined distance from the firearm 110 (e.g., the point of impact of a bullet or other projectile). For example, the visible laser 142 and the near-infrared laser 152 may be in a fixed orientation relative to each other, for example, fixedly coupled to a first optical chassis 128 and provided as a single module. The first optical chassis 128 may also be referred to as an internal chassis, aiming laser chassis, or optical platform. The first optical chassis 128 is adjustable relative to the firearm 110 via an adjustment mechanism 126 relative to a base 122. The adjustment mechanism 126 may, for example, include a windage input 126a and a height input 126b, which are rotated by the user to adjust the orientation of the visible laser 142 and the near-infrared laser 152 from left to right and up and down relative to the barrel of the firearm 110, respectively. The wind deflection input 126a and the height input 126b can be configured to require the use of tools to provide input (e.g., a screwdriver to turn the wind deflection input 126a and the height input 126b), and are therefore not operable without tools (e.g., directly by the user's fingers).

[0037] The near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 typically includes a near-infrared light source 162 and an adjustable optical system 164, which cooperate to output a beam of near-infrared light with adjustable beam divergence to provide an adjustable illumination field 266. The near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 is typically configured for use in close-range (e.g., up to approximately 20 meters) and / or enclosed environments (e.g., inside buildings). The near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 may also include a control system 166 (e.g., an illuminator subsystem control system), discussed in further detail below, which adjusts the power supplied by the near-infrared light source 162 for a consistent power output of near-infrared light.

[0038] Near-infrared light source 162 and adjustable optical system 164 are coupled to a second optical chassis 168, which is adjustablely mounted to base 122 via another adjustment mechanism 170, thereby mounting the firearm 110. Optical chassis 168 may also be referred to as an internal chassis, illuminator chassis, or optical platform. Adjustment mechanism 170 may include, for example, a windage input 170a and an altitude input 170b, which are rotated by the user to adjust the orientation of the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 relative to the barrel of firearm 110 from left to right and up and down, respectively. Windage input 170a and altitude input 170b may be configured to require tools to provide input (e.g., a screwdriver to rotate inputs 170a, 170b), and are therefore inoperable without tools (e.g., directly by the user's fingers). Adjustment mechanisms 126 and 170 are operationally independent of each other, such that the orientation of the first optical chassis 128 (i.e., including the visible aiming laser subsystem 140 and the near-infrared aiming laser subsystem 150) and the second optical chassis 168 (i.e., including the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160) is independently adjustable relative to the firearm 110.

[0039] The near-infrared source 162 can be, for example, a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a low power output of about 2.4 mW or less and a high power output of about 85 mW or less. Compared with other types of lasers, the use of VCSEL lasers allows for a smoother transition from bright illumination within the illumination field 266 to unilluminated outside the illumination field 266 and / or greater visual uniformity (e.g., less grainy appearance).

[0040] Adjustable optical system 164 is configured to provide adjustable beam divergence to near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 to provide an adjustable illumination field 266. Illumination field 266 can be adjustable, for example, between a minimum illumination field with a beam divergence between approximately 5 and 25 mrad (e.g., between approximately 10 and 20 mrad, such as approximately 15 mrad) and a maximum illumination field 26 with a beam divergence between approximately 80 and 130 mrad (e.g., between approximately 95 and 115 mrad, such as approximately 105 mrad). The ratio of the maximum to the minimum illumination field (e.g., their beam divergence) can be, for example, between approximately 25:1 and 3:1, such as between approximately 10:1 and 5:1, or approximately 7:1.

[0041] As described above, the control system 166 of the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 is configured to adjust the power input to the near-infrared light source 162, thereby adjusting the power of the near-infrared light output therefrom. Characteristics of the near-infrared light source 162, such as threshold current (i.e., the current required to provide laser output) and slope efficiency (i.e., output power versus input power), vary with temperature, such that a particular input current may result in no laser output or a different power output at different temperatures. For the aiming device 100, the envisioned operating environment temperature range is from approximately -30 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius, which may result in no output, unusable output, or an output different from the user's expected output in such different environments.

[0042] The control system 166 may include, for example, a photodiode 166a, which supplies power (e.g., current) to the near-infrared light source 162, thereby adjusting the power (e.g., amplitude) of the near-infrared light output by the near-infrared light source 162. The photodiode 166a outputs a photocurrent (e.g., a photooutput current) based on the power of the near-infrared light output from the near-infrared light source 162 and detected by the photodiode 166a. The output of the photodiode 166a is then used to adjust or otherwise control the input power (e.g., current) to the near-infrared light source 162, thereby outputting near-infrared light with a desired power. The control system 166 may be implemented entirely in hardware and is analog (e.g., without using a microcontroller or other computing device), for example, including suitable circuitry (e.g., load resistors and amplifiers) for driving the input power to the near-infrared light source 162 to output near-infrared light based on the output of the photodiode 166a, such that the output of the photodiode 166a reaches a set value (e.g., within approximately 10, 5, 3 mW or less). The setting value can be a current or voltage value corresponding to the desired power of the near-infrared light output by the near-infrared light source 162. The setting value can, for example, correspond to the desired power of the near-infrared light between 70 and 100 mW (e.g., between 75 and 90 mW, such as between 80 and 85 mW), or other suitable power of the near-infrared light output by the near-infrared light source 162. This setting value can be configurable; for example, a user can select between two different setting values ​​(via input).

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the control system 166 may operate digitally, for example, by converting the output of photodiode 166a into a digital value, based on which a microcontroller or other processor controls the input power to the near-infrared light source 162 to achieve the desired or set power output of near-infrared light.

[0044] Photodiode 166a can be combined with near-infrared light source 162 to form a common component, with various analog and / or digital components electrically connected to it (e.g., connected to a circuit board to which photodiode 166a and near-infrared light source 162a are mounted).

[0045] Still referencing Figure 2 And refer to other sources Figures 6A-6CThe adjustable optical system 164 typically includes an adjustable optics element 264a (e.g., a lens), a divergence adjustment input 264b, and an adjustment mechanism 264c configured to move the adjustable optics element 264a relative to the near-infrared light source 162 based on the divergence adjustment input 264b to adjust the beam divergence, thereby providing a desired illumination field 266. The adjustable optics element 264a is a lens whose position is adjustable along the axis of the near-infrared light output beam of the near-infrared light source 162 (e.g., the illuminator beam axis) to refract the near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source 162 and change the beam divergence of the near-infrared light emitted from the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160. The divergence adjustment input 264b is disposed on the upper side of the housing 124 and is movable relative to the upper side of the housing (e.g., rotatably and / or translationally). The adjustment mechanism 264c converts the movement of the divergence adjustment input 264b into the movement of the adjustable optics 264a (e.g., the movement of the divergence adjustment input 264b moves the adjustable optics 264a axially relative to the near-infrared light source 162). Other aspects of the adjustable optical system 164 are discussed in further detail below.

[0046] The near-infrared light source 162 is fixedly coupled to the second optical chassis 168. For example, the adjustable optical system 164 may also include a fixed frame structure 664d, which is a generally tubular structure in which the near-infrared light source 162 is fixedly coupled toward its rear end, and which is in turn fixedly coupled to the second optical chassis 168. The second optical chassis 168 may, for example, be configured as a tubular structure in which the fixed frame structure 664d is received. A fixed lens 664e may also be fixedly coupled to the fixed frame structure 664d at its front end between the near-infrared light source 162 and the adjustable lens 264a. The fixed lens 664e may be used to filter near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source 162, refract near-infrared light emitted by the near-infrared light source 162, and / or otherwise protect the near-infrared light source 162.

[0047] Adjustable optics 264a are movably coupled to a second optical chassis 168. For example, the adjustable optical system 164 may also include a movable frame 664f, which is a generally tubular structure in which the adjustable optics 264a is fixedly coupled. The movable frame 664f is positioned within the front end of the second optical chassis 168 and configured to slide axially therein (i.e., relative to the illuminator beam axis). The movable frame 664f and the second optical chassis 168 may be further configured to prevent relative rotation between them.

[0048] In the example shown, the divergence adjustment input 264b is configured as a rotatable lever, which is configured to be rotated (e.g., pivoted) by a user relative to the upper side of the housing 124. The divergence adjustment input 264b may, for example, include a slider of a lever 664g configured to extend radially outward from its central portion and a rotation axis about which the divergence adjustment input 264b rotates. The divergence adjustment input 264b (e.g., its lever 664g) is configured to be operated by a user pressing the lever 664g with a single finger, unlike a conventional knob that must be gripped with two fingers (i.e., on either side) for rotation.

[0049] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the divergence adjustment input 264b can be centrally located on the upper side of the housing 124, approximately in the middle between the left and right sides of the housing 124. The central positioning of the divergence adjustment input 264b facilitates its use with both hands (e.g., whether the user's left or right hand). By being positioned on the upper side of the housing 124, the divergence adjustment input 264b is easily accessible to the user in a location where the user's supporting hand's thumb would typically be positioned on top of the firearm 110 and the aiming device 100 during use of the firearm 110 itself (e.g., compared to a knob located on the front surface of the housing 124). The divergence adjustment input 264b can also be positioned in front of the on-device actuation input 134b (i.e., such that the on-device actuation input 134b is between the user and the divergence adjustment input 264b).

[0050] The lever 664g of the divergence adjustment input 264b can extend rearward toward the user and sweep across a range of motion (e.g., between 90 and 180 degrees, such as approximately 120 degrees or other suitable angular range) to adjust the beam divergence, thereby providing the desired illumination field 266. The range of motion of the lever 664g can be substantially symmetrical about the left and right sides of the housing 124. For example, approximately half of the range of motion of the lever 664g can be about to each of the left and right sides of the centerline of the housing 124, which is parallel to the illuminator beam axis.

[0051] As an alternative to configuring the divergence adjustment input 264b as a rotating lever, the divergence adjustment input 264b can be configured in other ways, such as as a slider, which utilizes any suitable mechanism to translate from left to right or back and forth to transmit force and movement between the divergence adjustment input 264b and the adjustable optics 264a (e.g., a cam mechanism in the case of left-to-right movement or a fixed link in the case of back and forth movement). In each case, the slider can be configured to be moved by a single finger of the user (i.e., without the need for a grip between fingers) and can be centrally positioned (e.g., moving along the centerline of the housing 124 and / or having substantially equal ranges of motion to the left and right of the centerline).

[0052] Refer again Figure 2 and Figures 6A-6C The adjustment mechanism 264c is configured to extend between and coupled to a rigid link of the divergence adjustment inputs 264b. The adjustment mechanism 264c may extend, for example, generally forward and laterally from the divergence adjustment inputs 264b (e.g., from their central positions relative to the left and right sides of the housing 124) to the movable frame 664f (e.g., to laterally offset positions of the near-infrared illuminator subsystem 160 relative to the left and right sides of the housing 124). In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 264c may be configured in any other suitable manner to transmit force and movement from the divergence adjustment inputs 264b to the adjustable optics 264a (e.g., cams, links, etc.).

[0053] The first end of the adjustment mechanism 264c is connected to a bottom protrusion 664h of the divergence adjustment input 264b, which extends generally downward relative to the lever 664g and into the housing 124. The bottom protrusion 664h is radially offset from the axis of rotation of the divergence adjustment input 264b (e.g., the lever 664g) about which it rotates, such that rotation of the divergence adjustment input 264b about its axis of rotation causes the first end of the adjustment mechanism 264c to move in a generally axial direction (i.e., relative to near-infrared light emitted from the near-infrared light source 162).

[0054] The second end of the adjustment mechanism 264c is connected to the movable frame 664f. When the adjustment mechanism 264c moves due to the divergence adjustment input 264b during rotation, the second end of the adjustment mechanism 264c applies a force to the movable frame 664f, causing the movable frame 664f to be in a forward position within the second optical chassis 168. Figure 6B (as shown) and the backward position ( Figure 6C The forward and backward positions can be axially moved between the two positions shown, which correspond to narrow and wide illumination fields 266, respectively.

[0055] The adjustment mechanism 264c can be coupled to the divergence adjustment input 264b and / or the movable frame 664f to provide compliance therebetween, such as rotational and / or radial compliance with the divergence adjustment input 264b and / or rotational compliance with the movable frame 664f.

[0056] Further reference Figures 7A-7C Other aspects of the adjustable optical system 164 are shown and described, including the divergence adjustment input 264b, the movable frame 664f, and the adjustment mechanism 264c.

[0057] The divergence adjustment input 264b is configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the housing 124. The divergence adjustment input 264b also includes an upper portion 764i extending radially from the lever 664g and a middle portion 764j extending axially downward from the upper portion 764i. The upper portion 764i extends radially outward from the middle portion 764j and includes a bottom side of an upper surface facing the upper side of the housing 124. To radially constrain the divergence adjustment input 264b and / or define the rotation axis relative to the housing 124, the upper portion 764i of the divergence adjustment input 264b (i.e., from which the lever 664g extends radially) may mate with a complementary portion of the upper side of the housing 124. For example, the divergence adjustment input 264b and the upper side of the housing 124 may each include complementary flanges 764k and 724a, which are circular and extend radially to engage with each other. A gasket 770 made of a friction-reducing material may be disposed between the lower side of the upper portion 764i of the divergence adjustment input 264b and the interface portion on the upper side of the housing 124 (e.g., on the upper surface of flange 724a, which engages the bottom surface of the channel in the upper portion 764i of the divergence adjustment input 264b defined by flange 764k). Instead of or in addition to the flanges 764k, 724a that radially constrain the divergence adjustment input 264b and / or define the axis of rotation, the intermediate portion 764j of the divergence adjustment input 264b may define a circular outer periphery that engages the inner periphery of the circular hole 724b of the housing 124. A seal 772, such as an O-ring seal, may be disposed between the surface of the intermediate portion 764j (e.g., in its circumferential channel) and the circular hole 724b to prevent water from entering the interior of the housing 124. The bottom protrusion 664h extends downward from the middle part 764j of the divergence adjustment input 264b.

[0058] The divergence adjustment input 264b is axially constrained relative to the housing 124 about its axis of rotation. For example, a clamp 774 (e.g., a C-clamp or E-clamp) may be received in a circumferential channel in the middle portion below the lower surface of the upper side of the housing 124. The divergence adjustment input 264b is thus constrained, with the upper side of the housing 124 positioned between the upper portion 764i of the divergence adjustment input and the clamp 774. The axis of rotation of the divergence adjustment input 264b is substantially perpendicular to the illuminator beam axis.

[0059] refer to Figure 7B As previously described, the adjustment mechanism 264c is configured to axially move the adjustable optics 264a along the illuminator beam axis. The adjustment mechanism 264c is coupled to a movable frame 664f, in which the adjustable optics 264a is coupled. As previously described, the movable frame 664f moves axially within the second optical chassis 168.

[0060] Adjustment mechanism 264c is coupled to the upper side of movable frame 664f, for example, via threaded fastener 776. Threaded fastener 776 extends through an orifice in adjustment mechanism 264c and an axial slot 768a in the upper side of the second optical chassis 168 to be received by and coupled to the movable frame 664f. Threaded fastener 776 also extends through spacer 778, which itself extends through adjustment mechanism 264c and axial slot 768a. Spacer 778 is compressed between the head of threaded fastener 776 and the upper surface of movable frame 664f. Spacer 778 includes a radially extending flange that is sufficiently spaced from movable frame 664f to prevent excessive friction (e.g., engagement) between adjustment mechanism 264c and the second optical chassis 168 (e.g., its upper surface). As the divergence adjustment input 264b rotates to move the adjustment mechanism 264c, the threaded fastener 776 and the spacer 778 translate through the axial slot 768a, and the movable frame 664f including the adjustable optics 264a translates axially within the second optical chassis 168.

[0061] refer to Figures 8A-9 The aiming device 100 is further configured to include various attachments on or near its front side. More specifically, the aiming device 100 includes attachment posts 880 on the upper and lower sides of the housing 124 (see, for example, see...). Figure 5 (Shown but not marked) The attachment post can be used to attach the cover 882 over the visible laser optics 144, the infrared laser optics 154, and / or the adjustable optical system 164. The cover 882 can, for example, block all emitted light or include filters that filter the light emitted by the visible laser 142, the near-infrared laser 152, and / or the near-infrared light source 162 (e.g., to selectively prevent the emission of light that may be harmful to the eyes, to output light of a desired wavelength, and / or to make the emitted light helpful for others to identify the user of the aiming device 100, for example by outputting light in a recognizable pattern (e.g., shape). The cover 882 is attached to the aiming device 100 by a resilient portion 882a that extends to the attachment post 880 on the upper and lower sides of the housing and includes an aperture (not shown) received in the head of one of the attachment posts 880. Thus, the resilient portion 882a is positioned and held between the surface of the housing 124 and the head of the attachment post 880.

[0062] Instead of or in addition to the attachment cap 882, the attachment post 880 may be configured to directly attach a secondary aiming device 884 (e.g., an iron sight) or an adapter (not shown) for indirectly attaching another secondary aiming device (not shown, such as a miniature red dot sight) to the aiming device 100. For example, see reference... Figure 8B and Figure 8CThe attachment post 880 on the upper side of the housing 124 can be configured as a threaded fastener, removable from a threaded orifice 824c of the housing 124. The threaded orifice 824c can be configured as a threaded blind hole, which is sealed to the interior of the housing 124 to prevent water ingress. (Reference) Figure 8B When only the cover 882 is attached, the threaded fastener can have a relatively short length, taking into account only that the elastic portion 882a of the cover 882 is located between the head of the threaded fastener and the upper side of the housing 124. (See reference) Figure 8C In the case of attaching the cover 882 and the secondary aiming device 884, the threaded fastener may have a relatively long length, taking into account that the elastic portion 882a of the cover 882 and the mounting portion 884a of the secondary aiming device 884 are located between the head of the threaded fastener and the upper side of the housing 124.

[0063] The upper side of housing 124 further includes a positioning feature 824d configured to reliably position and / or orient the secondary aiming device 884 or adapter to housing 124. As shown, positioning feature 824d may be configured as a recess (e.g., a depression) in the upper side of housing 124. The secondary aiming device 884 (or adapter) includes a corresponding positioning feature 884b that mates with (e.g., is received therein) the positioning feature 824d of housing 124 to position the secondary aiming device 884 (or adapter) relative to housing 124 in a predetermined arrangement (i.e., position and orientation). Positioning features 824d, 884b are configured (e.g., shaped) relative to each other and in conjunction with attachment post 880 and mounting portion 884a to prevent relative movement (i.e., translation and rotation) between the secondary aiming device 884 and aiming device 100.

[0064] refer to Figure 8D In another example, the cover device 886 may be mounted to the aiming device 100 via an attachment post 880 and a positioning feature 824d, as described for the secondary aiming device 884 (e.g., including a mounting portion 884a and a positioning feature 884b). The cover device 886 may include one or more covers 886a that are movable relative to the mounting portion 884a, thereby allowing the aiming device 100 to move between a retracted or inactive position (dashed line) and an active position (solid line).

[0065] For example, one or more covers 886a may be configured as previously described with respect to visible light laser 142, near-infrared laser 152 and / or near-infrared light source 162 (e.g., to block all light, filter light to prevent harmful wavelengths, filter light to output a desired wavelength, and / or output light in a recognizable pattern). Covers 886a may be used alone or in combination with cover 882.

[0066] As shown, cover 886a can move and remain in a retracted position and a used position, for example, by pivoting about one or more substantially vertical axes (as shown), longitudinal axes (i.e., in the direction of light emission from visible laser 142), or transverse axes (i.e., generally horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of light emission from visible laser 142). For example, cover 886a can be coupled to and extend from arms (shown; not labeled), which are pivotally coupled to mounting portion 884a. Cover 886a can be held in the retracted position and / or used position in any suitable manner (e.g., using pawls, magnets, springs, or combinations thereof). In the used position, cover 886a can be positioned adjacent to (e.g., in front of) and further in contact with portions of one of cover 882 or housing 124 surrounding the areas through which visible laser 142, near-infrared laser 152, and / or near-infrared light source 162 emit light.

[0067] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, in accordance with the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures permitted by law.

Claims

1. A aiming device for firearms, comprising: case; as well as A near-infrared illuminator, located within the housing and configured to output a beam of near-infrared light with adjustable beam divergence to provide an adjustable illumination field; The near-infrared illuminator includes a divergence adjustment input located on the upper side of the housing, which can be moved by the user to adjust the beam divergence.

2. The aiming device of claim 1 further includes a visible aiming laser, a near-infrared aiming laser, and an on-device actuation input configured to receive input from the user to operate the near-infrared illuminator, the visible aiming laser, and the infrared aiming laser, the on-device actuation input being located on the upper side of the housing; The divergence adjustment input and the actuation input on the device are both centrally located on the upper side of the housing and between the left and right sides of the housing; and The divergence adjustment input includes a lever that is rotatable within a range of motion between approximately 90 and 180 degrees to adjust the beam divergence, and the range of motion of the lever is substantially symmetrical about a line parallel to the axis of the near-infrared light beam.

3. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the divergence adjustment input is centrally located on the upper side of the housing and between the left and right sides of the housing.

4. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the divergence adjustment input comprises a lever rotatable to adjust the illumination field within a range of motion between approximately 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

5. The aiming device according to claim 4, wherein the range of motion of the lever is substantially symmetrical about a line parallel to the axis of the near-infrared light beam.

6. The aiming device of claim 4, wherein the lever is configured to be moved by a single finger of the user without gripping.

7. The aiming device of claim 1, further comprising an on-device actuation input configured to receive input from the user to operate the near-infrared illuminator, the on-device actuation input being located on the upper side of the housing.

8. The aiming device according to claim 7, wherein the divergence adjustment input and the actuation input on the device are both centrally located on the upper side of the housing and between the left and right sides of the housing.

9. The aiming device of claim 7, wherein the aiming device does not include any other physical inputs on the upper side of the housing that would allow operation without tools.

10. The aiming device according to claim 1 further includes a visible aiming laser and a near-infrared aiming laser.

11. The aiming device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 or 10, further comprising a photodiode, wherein the near-infrared illuminator operates according to the photodiode to output a beam of near-infrared light having a desired output power.

12. The aiming device of claim 11, wherein the near-infrared illuminator comprises a near-infrared light source and a control system having the photodiode, and the control system adjusts the input power of the near-infrared light source according to the photodiode to output the beam of near-infrared light having the desired output power.

13. The aiming device according to claim 11 further includes a visible aiming laser and a second photodiode, the visible aiming laser operating according to the second photodiode, and a near-infrared aiming laser and a third photodiode, the near-infrared aiming laser operating according to the third photodiode.

14. The aiming device of claim 1, further comprising a chassis having a base and the housing coupled to the base, the base being configured to be mounted to the firearm, and the housing containing the infrared illuminator.

15. The aiming device of claim 14, further comprising a visible light and a near-infrared aiming laser contained in the housing, and an actuation input on the means positioned on the upper side of the housing, the actuation input being configured to operate the visible light aiming laser, the infrared aiming laser, and the infrared illuminator, the divergence adjustment input adjusting the beam divergence when the infrared illuminator is operated.

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