Turntable with zero-home lock

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a turret with a zero-backlash lock. The turret includes a turret screw, a cam pin chassis, a stop ring, and a turret cover. The cam pin chassis has a cam pin extending parallel to an axis from the chassis and is linearly movable within the chassis. The stop ring has a first surface and a second surface, the second surface including a helical groove terminating at first and second stop surfaces. The cam pin engages the helical groove. The screw extends through a central aperture of each of the turret cover, the stop ring, and the cam pin chassis such that they have a common axis of rotation. Rotation limits of the turret are defined by one of the first and second stops.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202180060703.1 (international application No. PCT / US2021 / 037632), filed on June 16, 2021, entitled "Turntable with Zero Lock".

[0002] Citation of relevant applications This application claims priority to and is non-provisional to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 039,791, filed June 16, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a turntable for observing optical mirrors. In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a turntable with zero-stop functionality. Background Technology

[0004] Over the past decade, long-range shooting has become increasingly popular in the United States and around the world. Forms of long-range shooting include long-range hunting, target shooting, competitions, law enforcement, and military applications. As long-range shooting gains popularity, shooters become more skilled, and the entire shooting industry is progressing.

[0005] One advancement in long-range shooting over the past decade has been the art of ballistics. As shooting has progressed, shooters have desired a way to accurately compensate their crosshairs for the bullet's true point of impact at long range. This would allow users to place the crosshairs directly on their intended point of impact without having to "delay" the target for trajectory (or bullet drop) compensation. Crosshair compensation is typically accomplished via a turntable system.

[0006] A dial is one of two or more dials located on the outer center portion of the rifle scope body. The dial is marked in increments and is used to adjust for changes in elevation and windage due to variations in the point of impact. Conventional dials have markings indicating how many clicks have been made on the dial, either for angular deviation or distance compensation for a given cartridge. A click is a single tactile adjustment increment on either the windage or elevation dial of the scope.

[0007] Turntables are typically marked at each scale, starting from "0" and increasing as you rotate the turntable. Often, but not always, the turntable can be rotated more than one full rotation. A common example of a turntable would be one that adjusts 15 MOA in one rotation, in 1 / 4 MOA increments, for a total of 60 positions (or click stops). The stops at each 1 / 4 MOA increment are clickers; people can usually hear and feel the clickers as they move from one stop to the next. If the turntable has a 15 MOA travel in one rotation, the typical marking system on the turntable would show each full MOA number as a hash mark, but at each intermediate 1 / 4 MOA mark you would only have a hash mark without a number. As a result, the user would see 0 to 14 listed on the turntable, while 15 MOA is actually a full rotation back to zero.

[0008] A drawback arises if you need to dial more than 15 MOA onto the turntable. In this case, the user must turn the turntable more than once and perform calculations to determine how many MOA have been dialed. For example, on the second turn or second rotation, if the turntable stops at position 5, you will be at 20 MOA (15 MOA + 5 MOA = 20 MOA).

[0009] For extremely long-range shooting, it may be necessary to allocate a compensation of 30 MOA or more to the turntable to properly adjust the crosshairs according to the bullet trajectory. One way to provide sufficient travel in the turntable would be to create a turntable with more than 30 MOA of travel in one rotation. Another method would be to allow the turntable to rotate more than one full rotation. Turntables with 3 or 4 or more rotations are not uncommon in the industry before mechanically using up all the total "travel" on the turntable.

[0010] The advantage of having 30 MOA travel per revolution is that you're less likely to need more than one revolution and can therefore simply look at the numbers and know where you've dialed without any calculations. The disadvantage of 30 MOA per revolution is that for a turntable of a given diameter, the 1 / 4 MOA increments are more closely spaced. This close proximity makes it harder for the user to feel each individual click and makes it easier to accidentally "skip" a click.

[0011] The only way to improve the click feel is to make the swivel diameter larger, resulting in a larger mechanical stop. However, this is a drawback for many scopes, as the goal is to keep the scope small, compact, and lightweight. Hunters, in particular, prefer more compact and lighter rifle scopes compared to tactical or competition shooters. Most hunting scopes have an ideal swivel size, click feel, and travel per revolution, meaning that somewhere around 15 MOA is usually the optimal swivel adjustment per revolution.

[0012] Another common use is when mounting a new rifle scope onto the rifle, thus "zeroing" the rifle. Many smartphone apps and other devices assist shooters in calculating ballistic compensation for a given range and environment; this is dialed into the turntable. For example, firing a .308 caliber rifle at 1000 yards might require dialing 30 MOA compensation into the turntable to align the crosshairs correctly with the rifle scope, thus compensating for the bullet's trajectory. After firing at a long-range target, the shooter typically returns the turntable to the "0" position.

[0013] Another important factor to understand is that in many situations, a shooter may be firing at a distant target and then another "opportunity target" suddenly appears at close range. It is well known that under stress, humans lose their fine motor skills and retain gross motor skills in most cases.

[0014] For the reasons discussed above, a turntable with "zero-lock" capability is a significant advantage. Therefore, there is a strong demand for zero-lock turntables that can address these concerns. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a turntable. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the turntable having a screw with a defined axis includes: a cam pin base having a central hole and securing a cam pin, wherein the screw extends through the central hole, the cam pin extends from the base parallel to the axis, and the cam pin is linearly movable within the cam pin base; a stop ring having a central hole, a first surface, and a second surface, the second surface including a helical groove terminating at the first and second stop surfaces, wherein the screw extends through the central hole and the cam pin engages the helical groove; and a turntable cover having a central hole, wherein the screw extends through the central hole such that the turntable cover, the stop ring, and the cam pin base have a common axis of rotation; and wherein the rotational limit of the turntable is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring.

[0016] In one embodiment, the turntable cover has a first surface having a groove terminating at a first stop surface and a second stop surface, and the first surface of the stop ring includes a pin, wherein the pin of the stop ring engages the groove of the turntable cover. In yet another embodiment, the stop ring has a second planar surface parallel to the first planar surface, and the pin extends perpendicularly from the second planar surface. In a further embodiment, the groove of the turntable cover extends from 300° to 720° around the screw of the turntable. In an even further embodiment, the helical groove extends from greater than 360° to 1080° around the screw of the turntable.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the stop ring has a first planar surface perpendicular to the axis, and the helical groove is defined in the planar surface. In yet another embodiment, the helical groove includes at least two concentric arcs respectively centered on the screw axis and substantially surrounding the axis, the helical groove including at least one transition portion connecting the at least two arcs. In another embodiment, the cam pin is radially movable. In yet another embodiment, the cam pin is linearly movable along at least a portion of a chord of the cam pin base.

[0018] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a rifle scope. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a rifle scope includes: a scope body; a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body; a turntable having a screw defining a screw axis and operatively connected to the optical element for changing the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw, the turntable including a cam pin base, a stop ring, and a turntable cover; wherein the cam pin base has a central hole and secures a cam pin, wherein the screw extends through the central hole, the cam pin extends from the base parallel to the axis, and the cam pin is linearly movable within the cam pin base; wherein the stop ring has a central hole, a first surface, and a second surface, the second surface including a helical groove terminating at the first and second stop surfaces, wherein the screw extends through the central hole and the cam pin engages the helical groove; wherein the turntable cover has a central hole, and the screw extends through the central hole such that the turntable cover, the stop ring, and the cam pin base have a common axis of rotation, and wherein the pin of the stop ring engages the groove.

[0019] In another embodiment, the rotational limits of the turntable are defined by the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring. In another embodiment, the turntable cover has a first surface having a groove terminating at a first and a second stop surface, and the first surface of the stop ring includes a pin, wherein the pin of the stop ring engages the groove of the turntable cover. In a further embodiment, the groove of the turntable cover extends from 300° to 720° around the screw of the turntable. In yet another embodiment, the rotational limits of the screw of the turntable are defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the turntable cover and one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring. In yet another embodiment, rotation of the turntable cover in a first direction causes the groove of the turntable cover to move in the first direction, and in response to the pin engaging one of the first and second stop surfaces of the groove, the turntable cover rotates further in the first direction, thereby causing rotation of the stop ring in the first direction. In another embodiment, rotation of the turntable cover in the second direction causes the groove of the turntable cover to move in the second direction, and in response to the pin engaging the other of the first stop surface and the second stop surface of the groove, the turntable cover rotates further in the second direction, thereby causing the stop ring to rotate in the second direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the helical groove extends from greater than 360° to 1080° around the screw of the turntable. In another embodiment, the helical groove includes at least two concentric arcs, each centrally located on and substantially surrounding the screw axis, and the helical groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two arcs. In a further embodiment, the turntable cover moves axially relative to the turntable, changing the turntable from a locked position to an unlocked position. Attached Figure Description

[0021] This disclosure is based on embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and is for illustrative purposes only. This disclosure is not limited to the details of the structure or arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. This disclosure can be practiced or implemented in other embodiments or in various other ways. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same components. In the drawings: Figure 1 An exemplary observation optics is illustrated in the form of a sight according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shows various representative parts of a scope.

[0023] Figure 3This is an exploded view of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4A This is a top perspective view of the turntable cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4B This is a bottom perspective view of the turntable cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4C This is a bottom view of the turntable cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5A This is a top perspective view of a zeroing locking ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5B This is a bottom perspective view of a zeroing locking ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5C This is a bottom view of a zeroing locking ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5D This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the zeroing locking ring according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5E This is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the zeroing locking ring according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6A This is an exploded top perspective view of the cam pin base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6B This is a top perspective view of a cam pin base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6C This is a top view of a cam pin base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6D This is a bottom perspective view of a cam pin base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6E This is a bottom view of a cam pin base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6F This is a cross-sectional view of a cam pin base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6G This is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the cam pin base in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6HShowing the second position Figure 6G Cam pin base.

[0040] Figure 7A This is a top perspective view of the assembled turntable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the upper part of the turntable cover removed.

[0041] Figure 7B for Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the assembled turntable.

[0042] Figure 8 This is another cross-sectional view of the assembled turntable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figures 9A to 9E The figure illustrates an exemplary first rotation amount of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figures 10A to 10C The figure illustrates an exemplary second rotation of a turntable in a state where the turntable is partially shown in cross-section and the turntable cover is removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figures 11A to 11B The figure illustrates an exemplary third rotation of a turntable in a state where the turntable is partially shown in cross-section and the turntable cover is removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Before detailing the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that this disclosure, in its application, is not limited to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The technology of this disclosure can be practiced or implemented in other embodiments or in various other ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate and therefore may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise stated. If there is a separation of at least two units between any lower and any higher value, the numerical range includes all values ​​starting from and including both the lower and higher values ​​in increments of one unit. For example, if the composition, physical, or other properties, such as molecular weight, melt index, temperature, etc., are from 100 to 1000, this means that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and subranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are explicitly enumerated. For ranges containing values ​​less than one or containing decimals greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), a unit may be considered as 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. For ranges containing single digits less than ten (e.g., 1 to 5), a unit is generally considered as 0.1. These are merely examples of specific expectations, and all possible combinations of values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered as explicitly stated in this disclosure.

[0048] As used in this article, "ballistics" is a way of calculating the trajectory of a bullet very precisely based on many factors.

[0049] As used in this article, "trajectory" refers to the long-distance bullet flight path influenced by gravity, air density, bullet shape, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, barrel torsion direction, barrel torsion rate, true orientation of the flight path, muzzle vertical angle, wind, and many other factors.

[0050] As used in this article, a "rotating table" typically refers to the rotating dial on a rifle scope. There are usually elevation and wind deflection tables. An elevation table adjusts the crosshair vertically, while a wind deflection table adjusts it horizontally. Using both elevation and wind deflection tables together allows the rifle scope's crosshair to be moved appropriately to compensate for bullet trajectories beyond the effective range.

[0051] Turntables typically feature stop increments, allowing you to adjust the compensation amount precisely. Turntable stops are usually measured in minutes of angle (MOA) or milliradians (MRAD), which are units of angle measurement that correlate with the amount of trajectory change of a bullet beyond its range. Both MOA and MRAD can be used, and the difference between MOA and MRAD is similar to the difference between using inches and centimeters to measure distance.

[0052] As used herein, in one embodiment, a "reticle" is the crosshair aiming point of your bullet. As used herein, a "reticle" is the aiming pattern of your bullet.

[0053] As used herein, the term "observation optics" refers to a device used by a shooter or observer to select, identify, or monitor a target. An "observation optics" may rely on visual observation of the target, or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-rays, gamma rays, isotopic particle radiation, night vision, vibration receivers including ultrasound, acoustic pulses, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance, gravity receivers, broadcast frequencies including radio waves, television and cellular receivers, or other images of the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter through the "observation optics" device may be static, or may be enhanced, for example, by magnification, enlargement, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored through the "observation optics" may be within the shooter's line of sight, tangent to the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. Images of a target acquired through an "observation optics scope" can be analog or digital, and can be shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within a network of more than one shooter and observer, for example via video, physical network cable or wire, IR, radio waves, cellular connections, laser pulses, optics, 802.11b, or other wireless transmissions, such as using protocols like HTML, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth™, Serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution methods. In one embodiment, the observation optics scope is a rifle scope. The term "observation optics scope" is used interchangeably with "optical scope."

[0054] As used in this article, zeroing refers to adjusting the turntable so that the crosshair is positioned at the expected point of impact when the turntable is set to the "0" position within a specified range (usually 100 yards). When the target is more than 100 yards away, the shooter will move their turntable "up" from the "0" position to compensate according to known ballistic mathematics.

[0055] As used in this article, zeroing lock is a mechanism that allows the user to set a mechanical stop in the turntable after the rifle has been zeroed at 100 yards, or any distance required for the "zero" range. In this case, if you are shooting at a target at 900 yards and then a target suddenly appears at 100 yards, the user can simply turn the turntable "down" until it mechanically stops for zeroing lock. The user doesn't have to worry about looking at the numbers on the turntable, counting rotations, or trying to stop at the precise click point where it was originally zero. This allows the user to rely solely on feel and gross motor skills, rather than fine motor skills.

[0056] Figure 1The illustration shows an exemplary rifle scope, while Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the various internal components of a rifle scope. More specifically, the rifle scope 10 has a body 12 that surrounds... Figure 2 The optical components, generally shown as 8, include, as in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an objective lens 20, a reticle 2, a variable power optical component 3, and an eyepiece 5. In the illustrated embodiment, more than one optical component is contained within a movable optical element such as an erector tube.

[0057] The scope body 12 is an elongated tube with a larger opening at its front portion 14 and a smaller opening at its rear portion 16. An eyepiece 18 is attached to the rear portion 16 of the scope body 12, while an objective lens 20 is attached to the front portion. The central axis of the optical element 8 defines the optical axis of the scope.

[0058] Elevation dial 22 and wind deflection dial 24 are two scales located on the outer center of the scope body 12. They are marked with increments of 34 on their outer peripheries 30 and 32, and are used to adjust the elevation and wind deflection of the optics for changes in the point of impact. These dials protrude from the dial housing 36. The dials are arranged such that the rotation axis 26 of the elevation dial is perpendicular to the rotation axis 28 of the wind deflection dial. The markings typically include scale lines (each scale line corresponding to a click, with larger scale lines at selected intervals) and numbers indicating the adjustment angle or distance for bullet drop compensation.

[0059] The optics are adjusted by rotating the rotary table one or more times. A click is a tactile adjustment increment on the wind deflector or elevation rotary table of a rifle scope, with each click corresponding to one of the markings 34. In one embodiment, a click changes the scope's point of impact by 0.1 MRAD. In another embodiment, a click changes the scope's point of impact by 1 / 4 inch per 100 yards. In other embodiments, a click can take other values, such as 1 / 2 inch, other milliradians (OA), etc. As used herein, an arcminute (MOA) is a unit of measurement for a circle, which is 1.0472 inches per 100 yards. Traditionally, it is referred to as 1 inch per 100 yards, 2 inches per 200 yards, 5 inches per 500 yards, 1 / 2 inch per 50 yards, etc.

[0060] Figure 3This is an exploded view of an exemplary turntable 200. The turntable 200 is a cylinder composed of a turntable cover 300, a zeroing locking ring 400, and a cam pin base 500. The turntable cover 300, the zeroing locking ring 400, and the cam pin base 500 each have coaxial center holes 320, 420, and 520, respectively, and have a diameter just larger than that of the turntable screw 600 (not shown), allowing the turntable cover 300, the zeroing locking ring 400, and the cam pin base 500 to rotate freely about the turntable screw 600. The axes of rotation of the turntable cover 300, the zeroing locking ring 400, the cam pin base 500, and the turntable screw 600 are therefore collinear.

[0061] Figures 4A to 4C A more detailed diagram shows the turntable cover 300. Specifically, the turntable cover 300 is shown with the top cover 301 removed. The top 305 of the turntable cover 300 defines a recess 310 having a central portion 315 and a groove portion 318. The central portion 315 rises above the groove portion 318 but does not extend as high as the top 305. The central portion 315 also defines a central bore 320. The central bore 320, the central portion 315, and the groove portion 318 are coaxial.

[0062] The inner surface of the recess 310 and the bottom of the groove portion 318 are smooth, as are the inner vertical surface 317, inner vertical surface 319, and upper surface 321 of the raised central portion 315. The lower edge 323 of the central hole 320 is toothed.

[0063] The outer surface 325 of the turntable cover 300 has an upper tactile portion 330 and a lower smooth portion 335. For user convenience, the upper tactile portion 330 is textured and provides tactile feedback when using the turntable 200 in low light or in low visibility conditions.

[0064] Special reference Figure 4B and Figure 4C The bottom 350 of the turntable cover 300 defines a recess 355 having a generally flat surface 360 ​​with a groove 370. A central hole 320 extends through the recess 355, creating a channel through the turntable cover 300. The sidewalls 358 of the recess 355 are generally perpendicular to the flat surface 360 ​​and have a smooth portion 357 and a toothed portion 359. The recess 390 is configured to extend through the upper tactile portion 330 of the outer surface 325 when the recess 390 extends beyond other tactile features of the upper tactile portion 330.

[0065] The groove 370 is recessed into the flat surface 360 ​​of the recess 355 and is radially positioned between the hole 320 and the sidewall 358. The groove 370 is generally circular, with the terminating ends 372 and 374 close together so as not to make the circle complete. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 370 has a uniform radius and the terminating ends 372 and 374 are adjacent to each other. However, in a further embodiment, the terminating ends 372 and 374 may be offset (e.g., the groove 370 has inconsistent radii).

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 370 extends approximately 330° around the bottom surface 360 ​​of the turntable cover 300. In a further embodiment, the groove 370 extends from 300°, or 310°, or 320°, or 330° to 335°, or 340°, or 345°, or 350°, or 355°, or 360°, or 450°, or 540°, or 630°, or 720°. In yet another embodiment, the groove 370 extends from 300°, or 310°, or 320°, or 330° to 335°, or 340°, or 345°, or 350°, or 355°, or 360°.

[0067] Figures 5A to 5C The figure illustrates a stop ring 400. The top 402 of the ring 400 has a smooth upper surface 405 defining a central hole 420 with a smooth inner surface 422. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 405 is a generally planar surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation / screw axis. The outer surface of the ring 400 has a channel 425 around its circumference. A pin 410 extends upward from the upper surface 405. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pin 410 extends perpendicularly from the surface 405, parallel to the axis of rotation / screw axis. The pin 410 has an upper portion 412 and a lower portion 414 separated by a groove 416. The upper portion 412 of the pin 410 interferes with a groove 370 on the bottom 350 of the turntable cover 300. That is, the width of the groove 370 is just greater than the head 412 of the pin 410, allowing the pin 410 to slide easily within the groove 370.

[0068] The bottom 430 has a generally flat surface 440 with a helical groove 435. In the particular embodiment shown, the flat surface 440 is a generally planar surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation / screw axis. The flat surface 440 is parallel to surface 405. The helical groove 435 is defined in the planar surface and has terminating ends 437, 439. As will be described in further detail below, the terminating ends 437, 439 serve as stopping surfaces. In the embodiment shown, the helical groove 435 overlaps itself at the transition 445 to allow the helical groove 435 to advance more than 360° around the stop ring 400. That is, the helical groove 435 has an inconsistent radius. In other words, the helical groove 435 is shown to consist of two concentric arcs, each arc centered on and substantially surrounding the axis of rotation / screw axis. The transition 445 connects the two arcs. In other embodiments, the helical groove may be made of more than two arcs and more than one transition portion, such as Figures 5D to 5E As shown.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the helical groove 435 extends approximately 660° around the stop ring 400. In a further embodiment, the helical groove 435 extends from greater than 360°, or 450°, or 540°, or 630° to 660°, or 680°, or 700°, or 710°, or 720°, or 810°, or 900°, or 990°, 1020°, or 1080°. In yet another embodiment, the helical groove 435 extends from greater than 360°, or 450°, or 540°, or 630° to 660°, or 680°, or 700°, or 710°, or 720°.

[0070] In combination, the stop ring 400 and the turntable cover 300 allow a total rotational limit from 660°, or 705°, or 750°, or 795°, or 840° to 885°, or 930°, or 975°, or 1020°, or 1065°, or 1080°, or 1170°, or 1260°, or 1350°, or 1440°.

[0071] The top 402 and the bottom 430 are separated by a groove around the circumference of the zero-locking ring 400.

[0072] Further reference Figure 5D and Figure 5E In some embodiments, the stop ring 400' is designed as the only component containing helical grooves. That is, in embodiments, the turntable cover 300 does not have grooves (e.g., such as...). Figure 4B and Figure 4CThe groove 370 is shown. In such an embodiment, the helical groove 435' extends approximately 1020° around the stop ring 400'. In a further embodiment, when no groove is provided in the turntable cover 300, the helical groove 435' extends from greater than 660°, or 680°, or 700°, or 710°, or 720°, or 810°, or 900°, or 990°, or 1020°, or 1080°. Furthermore, in embodiments where the turntable cover 300 has no groove, the stop ring 400' does not include a pin on its upper surface. In the particular embodiment shown, an opening 410' is provided. A fixing structure can engage the opening 410' to secure the stop ring 400' to the turntable cover 300.

[0073] Figures 6A to 6F An embodiment of a cam pin base 500 is shown. The cam pin base 500 is cylindrical and has a top 502 defining a recess 504. The recess 504 has a smooth surface 506 and smooth sidewalls 504. A notch 510 is positioned on the inner periphery of the top 502. The outer sidewall 525 of the cam pin base 500 has a toothed portion 526 and a smooth portion 527. A groove 535 extends around the circumference of the outer sidewall 525 to separate the toothed portion 526 from the smooth portion 527.

[0074] A central hole 520 extends through surface 506. In the illustrated embodiment, the central hole 520 has three lobes 521a, 521b, and 521c connected to and extending from the central hole 520. An opening 523 in a smooth portion 527 of the outer sidewall 525 opens into a slot 522 extending through surface 506. The slot 522, located between two lobes 521b and 521c in the illustrated embodiment, opens into the central hole 520 through a smooth sidewall 530. The upper portion of the slot 522 opens through the smooth surface 530.

[0075] The dove 552 is slidable within the slot 522. The dove 552 has an opening 554 in which the cam pin 550 is located. The cam pin 550 is cylindrical and has a diameter just smaller than the width of the helical groove 435 of the zero-locking ring 400. The opening 554 in the dove 552 is just larger than the diameter of the cam pin 550. The slot 522 and the opening 523 have diameters just larger than the diameter of the dove 552. The slot 522 extends radially from the axis of the turntable screw (not shown). This arrangement allows radial movement of the cam pin 550, such as... Figure 6F As shown. When the cam pin 550 engages the helical groove 435, the cam pin 550 can track along the helical groove 435 as it extends radially outward or inward depending on the direction of travel.

[0076] The bottom 560 of the cam pin base 500 is a generally smooth surface 561, having a channel 562 extending less than 360° around the cam pin base 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 562 intersects each of the three lobes 521a, 521b, 521c but not the area of ​​the hole 523 / slot 522. Figure 7B As shown, the lobes 521a, 521b, 521c and channel 562 engage with and interact with the other parts of the turntable to achieve their functions.

[0077] In other embodiments, such as in Figure 6G and Figure 6H As shown, the cam pin base 500' can be configured such that the cam pin moves relative to the cam pin base 500' in a non-radial manner.

[0078] like Figure 6G and Figure 6H As shown, the center hole (shown with the turntable screw engaged) extends through the center of the cam pin base 500'. Unlike the cam pin base 500, the center hole does not have three lobes. Instead, the center hole is a single circular hole. This design provides an increased surface area on which the cam pin (not shown) can travel. The opening 523' in the outer wall 525' opens into the slot 522' that passes through the surface 506'.

[0079] The dove 552' can slide within the slot 522', as... Figure 6G and 6H As shown. The dove 552' has an opening 554', in which the cam pin (not shown) will be located. When the slot 522 of the cam pin base 500 extends radially from the axis of the turntable screw, the slot 522' of the cam pin base 500' extends linearly across a portion of the chord of the circular cam pin base 500'. By using the chord of the cam pin base 500', the dove 552' and the cam pin (not shown) are able to travel a distance greater than the radius, and allow additional rotation of the helical groove of the stop ring about the axis. For example, in Figure 6G In the diagram, the tenon 552' is shown resting completely against the right side of the slot 522' (in the indicated orientation), and... Figure 6H The image shows the tenon 552' extending from the opening 523'.

[0080] Figures 7A to 7B The diagram illustrates the function of the zeroing locking channel 370 of the turntable cover 300. A cam pin base 500 and a stop ring 400 are shown mounted around the turntable screw 600, with the turntable cover 300 secured to the cam pin base 500 and the stop ring 400 to complete the turntable 200. The remaining components of the turntable 200 that contribute to its function (e.g., adjustment of optical elements) are generally designated by the number 650. Pin 410 engages groove 370, which, as... Figure 7B The center portion 315 protrudes into the raised area. Rotation of the turntable cover 300 causes the groove 370 to move relative to the pin 410 until the pin engages with the stopping surfaces 372, 374.

[0081] The depth of the groove 370 and the height of the pin 410 allow for a space 700 between the end of the pin 410 and the upper surface of the groove 370. Figure 7B The view also shows the installed turntable cover 750. Cover 750 is secured to the turntable screw 600. Cover 750 is positioned such that spaces 702, 703 are provided between cover 750 and turntable cover 300. Spaces 700, 702, 703 allow restricted axial movement of turntable cover 300. This axial movement allows for locking / unlocking of turntable 200. That is, as... Figure 7B As shown, the turntable is in its locked position and the turntable cover 300 is not freely rotating. Lifting the turntable cover 300 until the axial movement of the cover 750 stops unlocks the turntable 200, meaning the turntable cover 300 is now freely rotating.

[0082] Figure 8 for Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the assembled turntable, but cut at different locations to show the helical groove 435 of the cam pin 550 engaging the stop ring 400. Figure 8 As shown, with the dove 552 radially inward in the hole 523, the cam pin 550 is shown engaging the innermost part of the helical groove 435 through a slot.

[0083] To zero a rifle scope (or other observation optics), the user removes the turntable cover 300 from turntable 200, and subsequently removes the stop ring 400. The turntable cover 300 is replaced (stop ring 400 omitted). The rifle scope can then be zeroed without interfering with the mechanical stopping mechanism. Because the turntable cover 300 is mechanically connected to the turntable screw 600, rotation of the turntable cover 300 causes rotation of the turntable screw 600, which translates to adjust the reticle. The rotation of the turntable cover 300 thus adjusts the reticle to move linearly closer to or further away from turntable 200. Once the rifle scope is zeroed, the turntable cover 300 is removed and the stop ring 400 is replaced. The stop ring 400 is rotated clockwise until the cam pin 550 contacts the innermost stop surface 437 of the helical groove 435. For the illustrated embodiment, this is the starting position of the stop ring 400.

[0084] Once the stop ring 400 is properly positioned, the turntable cover 300 is replaced. The turntable cover 300 is specifically aligned on the turn 200 such that its "0" mark (or other desired mark) is vertically aligned with a fixed mark on the base of the turntable or the rifle scope body. When the orientation is thus properly determined, the pin 410 on the stop ring 400 is positioned in the channel 370 in the most counterclockwise possible position, i.e., against the stop surface 374 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0085] exist Figures 9A to 9E The diagram shows the initial rotation of the turntable cover 300 as it completes its first rotation in a counter-clockwise direction for adjustment. When the user intends to fire at a target in the extended range, the turntable cover 300 is illuminated until it is stopped by the turntable hood 750 to unlock the turntable 200. Upon proper zeroing, the initial clockwise rotation of the turntable cover 300 is limited by the engagement of the pin 410 of the stop ring 400 with the stop surface 347 of the channel 370 of the turntable cover 300, as shown... Figure 9A As shown. With the turntable cover 300 rotating counterclockwise, as... Figures 9B to 9E As shown, channel 370 moves relative to pin 410 (i.e., pin 410 and therefore stop ring 400 remain stationary) to complete the first rotation until pin 410 engages stop surface 372. In the illustrated embodiment, this is approximately 330° of rotation. After engagement of stop surface 372, further counterclockwise rotation of turntable cover 300 will also cause rotation of stop ring 400.

[0086] Figures 10A to 10C The diagram illustrates the second rotation of the adjustment. As the turntable cover 300 continues to rotate counter-clockwise... Figure 9E As shown, the stop ring 400 rotates together with the turntable cover 300. As the stop ring 400 rotates, the cam pin 550 slides from the innermost stop surface 437 across the helical groove 435 of the stop ring 400 and across the transition portion 445, as... Figure 10C As shown, when the cam pin 550 slides in the helical groove 435, the dowel 552 moves axially in the slot 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotation of this adjustment is approximately 330°, resulting in a total rotation of approximately 660° to that point.

[0087] As the turntable cover 300 rotates further counterclockwise, the cam pin 550 continues to travel in the helical groove 435 through the transition portion 445 and to the stop surface 439 (i.e., the outermost stop surface in the illustrated embodiment), as... Figures 11A to 11B As shown. Stop surface 439 prevents further counterclockwise rotation beyond this point, and the turntable cover 300 has rotated an additional approximately 330°, or a total of approximately 990°, or a total of approximately 3 revolutions.

[0088] Once the rifle scope is properly adjusted along any point along the adjustment continuum provided by the turntable 200, the turntable cover 300 is pushed down to its locked position, and the user is able to set and aim to fire. To return to zero, the turntable cover 300 is moved up to the unlocked position and rotated clockwise. The initial rotation of the turntable cover 300 moves the channel 370 relative to the pin 410, and this movement continues until the pin 410 of the zeroing locking ring 400 engages the stop surface 347 of the channel 370. If the turntable 200 is adjusted such that a second or third rotation is used in the illustrated embodiment, the user continues to rotate the turntable cover 300 clockwise to push the cam pin 550 back through the helical groove 435 until it reaches the end of its travel, i.e., until it reaches the innermost stop surface 437. Once clockwise rotation of the turntable cover 300 is prevented, the turntable returns to its initial zero position.

[0089] Although Figures 7A to 11B It is described as using a turntable cover 300, a zeroing locking ring 400, and a cam pin base 500, but it will be understood that the zeroing locking ring 400 and / or the cam pin base 500 can be replaced with a stop ring 400' and / or the cam pin base 500' respectively, with minimal changes to the design of the remaining components.

[0090] While several embodiments of a turntable and rifle scope with zeroing-locking features have been described in detail, modifications and variations are obviously possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With regard to the foregoing description, it should be understood that the optimal dimensional relationships of the disclosed technical parts, including variations in size, material, shape, form, function and operation, assembly and use, are considered obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those shown in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be included in the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered merely an illustration of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since many modifications and variations are readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact structures and operations shown and described, and therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalent alternatives falling within the scope of the invention can be relied upon.

Claims

1. A turntable having a screw defining an axis, the turntable comprising: A cam pin base has a central hole for fixing a cam pin, wherein a screw extends through the central hole, the cam pin extends from the base parallel to the axis, and the cam pin is capable of linear movement within the cam pin base; A stop ring having a central bore, a first surface, and a second surface, the second surface including a helical groove terminating at the first and second stop surfaces, wherein the screw extends through the central bore and the cam pin engages the helical groove; and A turntable cover having a central hole, wherein the screw extends through the central hole such that the turntable cover, the stop ring, and the cam pin base have a common axis of rotation; The rotation limit of the turntable is defined by one of the first stop surface and the second stop surface of the stop ring.

2. The turntable of claim 1, wherein, The turntable cover has a first surface having a groove terminating at a first stop surface and a second stop surface, and the first surface of the stop ring includes a pin, wherein the pin of the stop ring engages the groove of the turntable cover.

3. The turntable according to claim 2, wherein, The stop ring has a second planar surface parallel to the first planar surface, and the pin extends perpendicularly from the second planar surface.

4. The turntable according to claim 2, wherein, The groove of the turntable cover extends from 300° to 720° around the screw of the turntable.

5. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The spiral groove extends from more than 360° to 1080° around the screw of the turntable.

6. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The stop ring has a first planar surface perpendicular to the axis, and the helical groove is defined in the planar surface.

7. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The helical groove includes at least two concentric arcs that are centrally located on the screw axis and substantially surround the axis, and the helical groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two arcs.

8. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The cam pin is movable radially.

9. The turntable according to claim 1, wherein, The cam pin is capable of moving linearly along at least a portion of the chord of the cam pin base.

10. A rifle sight comprising the turntable according to claim 1.

11. A rifle scope, comprising: The scope itself; A movable optical element that defines an optical axis connected to the scope body; A turntable having a screw defining a screw axis and operatively connected to the optical element for changing the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw, the turntable including a cam pin base, a stop ring, and a turntable cover; The cam pin base has a central hole for fixing the cam pin, wherein the screw extends through the central hole, the cam pin extends from the base parallel to the axis, and the cam pin can move linearly within the cam pin base; The stop ring has a central hole, a first surface, and a second surface, the second surface including a helical groove terminating at the first and second stop surfaces, wherein the screw extends through the central hole and the cam pin engages the helical groove; and The turntable cover has a central hole, and the screw extends through the central hole so that the turntable cover, the stop ring, and the cam pin base have a common axis of rotation.

12. The rifle sight according to claim 11, wherein, The rotational limit of the turntable is defined by one of the first stop surface and the second stop surface of the stop ring.

13. The rifle sight according to claim 11, wherein, The turntable cover has a first surface having a groove terminating at a first stop surface and a second stop surface, and the first surface of the stop ring includes a pin, wherein the pin of the stop ring engages the groove of the turntable cover.

14. The rifle sight according to claim 13, wherein, The groove of the turntable cover extends from 300° to 720° around the screw of the turntable.

15. The rifle sight according to claim 13, wherein, The rotational limit of the turntable is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring and one of the first and second stop surfaces of the turntable cover.

16. The rifle sight according to claim 13, wherein, Rotation of the turntable cover in a first direction causes the groove of the turntable cover to move in the first direction, and wherein, in response to the pin engaging one of the first stop surface and the second stop surface of the groove, the turntable cover is further rotated in the first direction, thereby causing the stop ring to rotate in the first direction.

17. The rifle sight according to claim 16, wherein, The rotation of the turntable cover in the second direction causes the groove of the turntable cover to move in the second direction, and wherein, in response to the pin engaging the other of the first stop surface and the second stop surface of the groove, the turntable cover is further rotated in the second direction, thereby causing the stop ring to rotate in the second direction.

18. The rifle sight according to claim 11, wherein, The spiral groove extends from more than 360° to 1080° around the screw of the turntable.

19. The rifle sight according to claim 11, wherein, The helical groove includes at least two concentric arcs that are centrally located on the screw axis and substantially surround the axis, and the helical groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two arcs.

20. The rifle sight according to claim 11, wherein, The axial movement of the turntable cover relative to the turntable changes the turntable from a locked position to an unlocked position.

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