Illuminated aiming system

Abstract

An illuminated sighting system for a firearm sight includes a first light conducting component having a first light conducting component viewing end emitting a first amount of emitted light providing a first visual sighting mark indicative of alignment of a firearm with a target, and a second light conducting component having a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual sighting mark indicative of alignment of the first visual sighting mark with the target. A second light conducting member viewing end emitting a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark indicating a misalignment of the firearm with the target; wherein the second light conducting member viewing end is disposed around the first light conducting member viewing end; and a lens operably coupled to the first light conducting member viewing end and the second light conducting member viewing end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to illumination aiming systems. Background Art

[0002] Firearm sights have evolved significantly recently, largely due to the widespread acceptance of red dot gun-mounted optics. However, proponents of traditional iron sights might argue that red dot optics are not without their drawbacks.

[0003] For example, red dot optics rely on battery-powered sight systems, which have limited battery life. They may also increase the overall bulk of a firearm, complicating concealment, and they may or may not fit in a traditional holster. Furthermore, red dot sights may add weight to a firearm, and adding a red dot sight may increase the likelihood of the firearm catching when drawn.

[0004] Additionally, cost can be a significant consideration, as most red dot sights are priced quite high. Mounting a red dot sight on a gun can also be an issue, as finding the right base plate and screws can be difficult.

[0005] Iron sights may offer more compactness than red dot sights, but learning to use them properly can be more difficult than with the single illuminated dot design of a traditional red dot sight. Additionally, cross-dominance and vision issues can make iron sights virtually useless for some gun owners. Utility Model Content

[0006] Disclosed herein is an illuminated aiming system for a firearm, comprising: a first light-conducting member having a first light-conducting member viewing end, wherein the first light-conducting member is configurable to (i) receive light from one or more light sources and (ii) internally transmit at least a portion of the light toward the first light-conducting member viewing end for emission as a first amount of emitted light providing a first visual aiming mark indicating alignment of the firearm with a target; and a second light-conducting member having a second light-conducting member viewing end, wherein the second light-conducting member is configurable to (i) receive light from one or more light sources and (ii) internally transmit at least a portion of the light toward the second light-conducting member viewing end for emission as a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark indicating misalignment of the firearm with the target. Notably, the second light-conducting member viewing end is disposed around the first light-conducting member viewing end. The illuminated aiming system further comprises a lens operably coupled to the first light-conducting member viewing end and the second light-conducting member viewing end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodiment of the illuminated aiming system of the present invention as a rear sight for a firearm.

[0008] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a particular embodiment of an illuminated aiming system exploded from a firearm is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A It is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the lighting and aiming system of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0011] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A rear view of a particular embodiment of the illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0012] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A A first side view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A second side view of a particular embodiment of the illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 2F yes Figure 2A A top view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 2G yes Figure 2A A bottom view of a particular embodiment of the illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 3A It is an exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of the lighting and aiming system of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A An exploded side view of a particular embodiment of an illumination aiming system is shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 4A It is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the first light conducting component and the second light conducting component of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A front view of a specific embodiment of the first light conducting member and the second light conducting member is shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A An angled side view of a particular embodiment of the first and second light conducting members shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 5A It is an exploded perspective view of a specific embodiment of the first light conducting component and the second light conducting component and the corresponding first light emitting element and the second light emitting element of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Exploded side views of specific embodiments of first and second light conducting members and corresponding first and second light emitting elements are shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A Exploded top view of a specific embodiment of the first and second light conducting members and the corresponding first and second light emitting elements shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 7A yes Figure 2B , wherein the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0026] Figure 7B Yes Figure 7A, a front view of a first visual aiming mark visible to the aiming eye when the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0027] Figure 7C yes Figure 2B , wherein the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is misaligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0028] Figure 7D Yes Figure 7C , a front view of a second visual aiming mark visible to the aiming eye when the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is not aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0029] Figure 7E yes Figure 2B , wherein the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is misaligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0030] Figure 7F Yes Figure 7E , a front view of a second visual aiming mark visible to the aiming eye when the aiming axis of the illumination aiming system is not aligned with the line of sight of the aiming eye.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a side view of a particular embodiment of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention coupled to a firearm, with both the illumination and aiming system of the present invention and the firearm being placed in a holster without mechanical interference.

[0032] Figure 9A It is a top view of a specific embodiment of the first light-conducting component of the illumination and aiming system of the present invention, wherein the length of the first light-conducting component includes a linear portion and a coiled portion.

[0033] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A 1 , but wherein the first light conducting member is entirely linear in length and therefore has no wraparound portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Now mainly refer to Figure 1A , which illustrates a method of using a particular embodiment of the present invention's illuminated aiming system (1), which is for use with a weapon such as a firearm (2) to assist in aiming the firearm (2) in both bright and low light conditions, whereby the illuminated aiming system (1) is particularly suitable for rapid target acquisition. When the firearm (2) is optimally aligned with the target (3), the shooter's aiming eye (5) can see a first visual aiming mark (4) (e.g., Figure 7A and 7BIn contrast, when there is a deviation from the optimal alignment, the shooter's aiming eye (5) may see a second visual aiming mark (6) that is different from the first visual aiming mark (4) (as shown in FIG. Figures 7C to 7F ); thus, the second visual aiming mark (6) can provide a visual warning to the shooter that the firearm (2) is not optimally aligned with the target (3).

[0035] Typically, when aligning the firearm (2) with the target (3), the shooter's aiming eye (5) will be visible to essentially only one or the other of the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6) at any one time, depending of course on the alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0036] While the present invention's illuminated aiming system (1) may be described herein for use with a firearm (2), it should be understood that the illuminated aiming system (1) may be used with many and varied weapons for aiming thereof, and is certainly not limited to firearms (2).

[0037] Now mainly refer to Figures 2A to 6 The illumination sighting system (1) comprises an elongated first light conductive member (7) having a first light conductive member length (8) disposed between opposing first light conductive member ends (9) and second ends (10), whereby the first light conductive member end (9) provides a first light conductive member viewing end (11) viewable by a shooter. An aiming axis (12) of the illumination sighting system (1) may extend axially through a center of the first light conductive member viewing end (11) (e.g., Figure 6 、 7A , 7C and 7E), whereby the aiming axis (12) may be substantially parallel to the barrel (13) of the firearm (2).

[0038] As used herein, the term "axial" and its derivatives mean in a direction generally parallel to or parallel to a longitudinal axis, such as the longitudinal axis of the first light-conducting component (7), the second light-conducting component (14), the illumination and aiming system (1), the firearm (2), etc.

[0039] The first light-conducting member (7) may be configured to (i) receive light (15) incident thereon from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward a viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member for emission as a first quantity of emitted light (17), the first quantity of emitted light providing a first visual aiming mark (4) indicating alignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3); when aligned, the first visual aiming mark (4) being within a shooter's line of sight (18) extending from the shooter's aiming eye (5) along a straight path to the target (3) (e.g., Figure 1A), thereby making the first visual aiming mark (4) visible to the shooter (as Figure 7A and 7B ). In addition, when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), the aiming axis (12) of the illumination aiming system (1) can be parallel to and coincide with the shooter's line of sight (18), or in other words, the aiming axis (12) can be positioned at an angle of approximately 0° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0040] With respect to certain embodiments, the first light conducting member (7) may be the same as or similar to the elongated light concentrator disclosed in US Patent Application No. 17 / 845,529, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0041] Mainly refer to Figures 2A to 6 The illuminated sighting system (1) further includes an elongated second light conductive member (14) having a second light conductive member length (19) disposed between opposing second light conductive member first ends (20) and second ends (21), whereby the second light conductive member first end (20) provides a second light conductive member viewing end (22) viewable by a shooter.

[0042] The second light-conducting member (14) may be configured to (i) receive light (15) incident thereon from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward a viewing end (22) of the second light-conducting member for emission as a second amount of emitted light (23), the second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark (6) indicative of misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3); when misaligned, the first visual aiming mark (4) may fall outside the shooter's line of sight (18), and correspondingly, the first visual aiming mark (4) is not visible to the shooter. However, when the firearm (2) is misaligned with the target (3), the second visual aiming mark (6) may be within the shooter's line of sight (18), thereby making the second visual aiming mark (6) visible to the shooter (e.g., Figures 7C to 7F ). Thus, the shooter can reposition the firearm (2) (and correspondingly, the aiming axis (12)) until the first visual aiming mark (4) appears within the shooter's line of sight (18), indicating that the repositioning results in alignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0043] Of course, in use, the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) can be oriented toward the shooter so that his aiming eye (5) can see the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6).

[0044] Now mainly refer to Figures 4A to 4CObviously, for use with the present invention, the second light-conducting member inspection end (22) can be arranged around, for example, completely around, the first light-conducting member inspection end (11). In other words, the second light-conducting member inspection end (22) can radially surround, for example, completely radially surround, the first light-conducting member inspection end (11). Subsequently, the second light-conducting member inspection end (22) can include an opening (24) extending axially therethrough; correspondingly, the second light-conducting member inspection end (22) can have an annular or ring-shaped area. The first light-conducting member inspection end (11) can be received within the opening (24) to arrange the second light-conducting member inspection end (22) around the first light-conducting member inspection end (11).

[0045] With regard to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member viewing end (22) may be concentrically disposed around the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0046] With regard to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member viewing end (22) may be coaxially disposed about the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0047] Regarding certain embodiments, the second light conducting member viewing end (22) including the annular region (25) may have a constant radial portion (26) surrounding the first light conducting member viewing end (11) between its inner surface (27) and outer surface (28) (e.g. Figure 7B 、 7D and 7F).

[0048] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 Regarding certain embodiments, the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) may be coplanar or flush.

[0049] The first light-conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting component viewing end (22), and correspondingly the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6), can provide different images to indicate the respective alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3). With respect to certain embodiments, the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6) can be visible in an illumination field (29), which can be a visible area of ​​the illumination aiming system (1) that indicates the alignment or misalignment when viewed by the shooter. With respect to certain embodiments, the illumination field (29) can include a circular area of ​​light. Typically, when aligning the firearm (2) with the target (3), substantially only one or the other of the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6) is visible in the illumination field (29) (or fills the illumination field) at any one time, depending of course on the alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0050] As a non-limiting example, the first visual aiming mark (4) and the second visual aiming mark (6) may include different colors of light that are perceptible to the shooter. Again as a non-limiting example, the first visual aiming mark (4) may be a green circle that indicates alignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3), and the second visual aiming mark (6) may be a red circle that indicates misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0051] In order to arrange the second light conducting member viewing end (22) around the first light conducting member viewing end (11), the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be arranged adjacent to or in close proximity to the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof) and in particular adjacent to or in close proximity to the first light conducting member outer surface (30), at least close to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). With regard to a particular embodiment, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be arranged around, for example, completely around, the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least close to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). Subsequently, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may include an opening (24) extending axially therethrough, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the second light conducting member (14) between the second light conducting member first end (20) and the second end (21), whereby the opening (24) may be defined by the second light conducting member inner surface (27). Correspondingly, the second light-conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) can be configured as an annular or ring-shaped member. The first light-conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof) can be received in the opening (24) to position the second light-conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) around the first light-conducting member (7), at least close to the first light-conducting member inspection end (11) and the second light-conducting member inspection end (22). Therefore, the first light-conducting member outer surface (30) can be adjacent to or in close proximity to the second light-conducting member inner surface (27), at least close to the first light-conducting member inspection end (11) and the second light-conducting member inspection end (22).

[0052] In other words, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may radially surround, for example completely radially surround, the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least close to the first light conducting member inspection end (11) and the second light conducting member inspection end (22).

[0053] With respect to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be concentrically disposed around the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least proximate the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22).

[0054] With respect to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may be coaxially disposed around the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof), at least proximate the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22).

[0055] With respect to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) (or a portion thereof) may have a constant radial portion (26) surrounding the first light conducting member (7) (or a portion thereof) between its inner surface (27) and outer surface (28), at least proximate the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22).

[0056] Regarding construction, the light conducting member (7) (14) can be made of many and varied light conducting materials as light pipes or optical fibers, including but not limited to plastics (e.g., polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, TEFLON, TM , nylon, polystyrene, polyurethane, acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, polymethyl methacrylate or the like, or a combination thereof), whereby one or more additives may be added to the material to aid light conductivity. Due to the light-conducting material and / or configuration of the light-conducting member (7)(14), total internal reflection, substantial internal reflection or a desired amount of internal reflection of light (15) incident on the light-conducting member (7)(14) may be achieved, thereby allowing corresponding transmission of all, substantially all or a desired amount of the light (15) internally toward the viewing end (11)(22) of the light-conducting member for emission as an amount of emitted light (17)(23) that provides a visible aiming mark (4)(6).

[0057] In certain embodiments, the light-conducting member (7) (14) may include a cladding or layer of material having a lower refractive index that contacts, for example, surrounds, a core light-conducting material (or optical fiber) having a higher refractive index. The difference in refractive index causes total internal reflection to occur at the core-cladding boundary along the length of the optical fiber; accordingly, the light (15) is transmitted through the optical fiber and does not escape through the sides of the optical fiber. The cladding then serves to confine the light (15) to the core of the light-conducting member (7) (14).

[0058] With respect to certain embodiments, the light-conducting member (7)(14) may include or contain one or more dopants, colorants, or combinations thereof, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The dopants, colorants, or combinations thereof may cause the amount of emitted light (17)(23) and the visual aiming mark (4)(6) to have a color that is perceptible to the shooter.

[0059] With respect to manufacturing, the light-conducting member (7)(14) can be molded, extruded, cast, or otherwise fabricated into many and varied elongated configurations having various lengths, widths, and thicknesses, whereby exemplary cross-sectional configurations can include circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or the like. As an illustrative example, the elongated light-conducting member (7)(14) can be configured as a cylinder or can have a generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross-section. With respect to these particular embodiments, the light-conducting member viewing end (11)(22) can have a generally circular region that can provide a generally circular visual aiming mark (4)(6).

[0060] As stated above, the light conducting member (7)(14) can (i) receive light (15) incident thereon from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward the light conducting member viewing end (11)(22) for emission as emitted light (17)(23) that provides an amount of visible targeting marker (4)(6). With respect to certain embodiments, the light (15) can be incident on a light conducting member outer surface (30)(28) such that it receives the light (15) for internal transmission within the light conducting member (7)(14), whereby the light conducting member outer surface (30)(28) can include an outer surface defining (i) a light conducting member sidewall extending along the light conducting member length (8)(19) between the light conducting member first end (9)(20) and the second end (10)(21), and / or (ii) the light conducting member second end (10)(21), depending on the embodiment.

[0061] With respect to certain embodiments, the light-conducting member (7) (14) may be configured to have a significant (or substantially or sizable or large or sufficient) light-conducting member outer surface area to facilitate receipt of a correspondingly large amount of light (15), which results in emitted light (17) (23) having a desired amount of brightness; as will be understood, the light-conducting member outer surface area may be proportional to the amount of emitted light (17) (23) and, correspondingly, proportional to the brightness of the visible aiming mark (4) (6).

[0062] Subsequently, the light conductive member (7) (14) may be provided with a length, width, thickness and / or configuration that provides a substantial light conductive member exterior surface area. As an illustrative example, the light conductive member (7) (14) may include a light conductive member length (8) (19) having a coiled portion (31) that gathers or compresses the light conductive member length (8) (19) relative to the same light conductive member (7) (14) having a completely linear light conductive member length (8) (19) (e.g., Figure 9A and 9BThus, the former may have a shorter light-conducting member footprint length (32) than the latter. With respect to certain embodiments, the coiled portion (31) may be close to and / or include the light-conducting member second end (10) (21).

[0063] Now with respect to the receipt of light (15) by the light-conducting member (7) (14), the corresponding light source (16) may include one or more of any light sources that emit light (15) in one or more of the ultraviolet spectrum, the visible spectrum, or the infrared spectrum, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0064] With respect to certain embodiments, the light source (16) can be ambient light, meaning light from a surrounding area or environment. As an illustrative example, the ambient light source (16) can be sunlight incident on an outer surface (30) (28) of the light-conducting member, whereby the light-conducting member (7) (14) can transmit at least a portion of the sunlight internally toward the light-conducting member viewing end (11) (22) for emission as emitted light (17) (23) that provides an amount of visible aiming mark (4) (6) that indicates, for example, alignment (first visible aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visible aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3) in bright light conditions.

[0065] For use in low light conditions and / or for supplementation in bright light conditions, the illuminated aiming system (1) may further comprise at least one light emitting element (33), such as an artificial or man-made light emitting element (33), which is positioned close to the light-conducting member (7) (14), whereby the light emitting element (33) can provide a light source (16) and corresponding light (15) for incident on the light-conducting member (7) (14). The light-conducting member (7) (14) can then internally transmit at least a portion of this light (15) towards the light-conducting member viewing end (11) (22) for emission as emitted light (17) (23) of an amount providing a visual aiming mark (4) (6) indicating alignment (first visual aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visual aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0066] The light emitting element (33) may include or may be selected from the group consisting of: a light emitting diode, a luminescent paint, a chemiluminescent element, an electroluminescent conductor, a radioluminescent element or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0067] With respect to certain embodiments, the light emitting element (33) may be a radiation emitting element comprising a radionucleotide that emits beta radiation. As an illustrative example, the radionucleotide may comprise tritium, and the light emitting element (33) may be configured as a gaseous tritium light source, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The gaseous tritium light source may comprise a glass form, such as a capillary tube, which may be coated internally with a luminescent substance (e.g., zinc sulfide powder) and filled with tritium gas, whereby the luminescent coating may convert the kinetic energy of electrons into light. Kinetic energy may be generated from the tritium gas; the tritium nuclei slowly decay, thereby emitting electrons in the process. When the electrons strike the luminescent coating, the energy is emitted in the form of light (15). As an illustrative example, a gaseous tritium light source suitable for use in the present invention may be obtained from mb-microtec GmbH, headquartered in Switzerland, or the like.

[0068] With respect to certain embodiments, the light emitting element (33) may be positioned adjacent to the light conductive member (7) (14) or a portion thereof, such as adjacent to a light conductive member length (8) (19) defined by a side wall of the light conductive member extending between a first end (9) (20) and a second end (10) (21) of the light conductive member.

[0069] With respect to a particular embodiment, the light emitting element (33) may be positioned adjacent to the outer surface (30) (28) of the light conducting member or a portion thereof; thereafter, at least a portion of the light (15) incident on the outer surface (30) (28) of the light conducting member may be passed internally toward the viewing end (11) (22) of the light conducting member for emission as an amount of emitted light (17) (23) providing a visual aiming mark (4) (6) indicating alignment (first visual aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visual aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3) even in low light conditions or in the absence of light.

[0070] With respect to other specific embodiments, the light emitting element (33) may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface (27) of the light conducting member or a portion thereof; thereafter, at least a portion of the light (15) incident on the inner surface (27) of the light conducting member may be passed internally toward the viewing end (11) (22) of the light conducting member for emission as an amount of emitted light (17) (23) providing a visual aiming mark (4) (6) indicating alignment (first visual aiming mark (4)) or misalignment (second visual aiming mark (6)) of the firearm (2) with the target (3) even in low light conditions or in the absence of light.

[0071] With respect to certain embodiments having a light emitting element (33) disposed adjacent to the light conducting member inner surface (27), the light emitting element (33) may be located within a cavity (34), such as a longitudinal hole, disposed within or contained within the light conducting member (7) (14), as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,925,237 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,088,274 and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,760,877, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. With respect to certain embodiments, the cavity (34) may be partially or completely defined by the light conducting member inner surface (27); thus, the light conducting member inner surface (27) may provide one or more cavity walls that define the cavity (34) disposed within the light conducting member (7) (14).

[0072] With respect to a particular embodiment, the illumination aiming system (1) may include only one light emitting element (33) disposed adjacent to both the first light conducting member (7) and the second light conducting member (14), whereby this light emitting element (33) may provide a light source (16) and corresponding light (15) for incident on both the first light conducting member (7) and the second light conducting member (14), which may then be emitted to provide respective first and second visual aiming marks (4, 6). As an illustrative example of this embodiment, the light emitting element (33) may be disposed adjacent to both the first light conducting member outer surface (30) and the second light conducting member outer surface (28) to provide corresponding light (15) for incident on both the first light conducting member outer surface (30) and the second light conducting member outer surface (28). As another illustrative example of this embodiment, the light emitting element (33) may be located within a chamber (34) disposed within one of the first light conducting member (7) or the second light conducting member (14) to provide corresponding light (15) for incident on the corresponding light conducting member inner surface (27); in addition, this light emitting element (33) may be further disposed adjacent to the other of the first light conducting member outer surface (30) or the second light conducting member outer surface (28) to provide corresponding light (15) for incident on the corresponding light conducting member outer surface (30) (28).

[0073] Now mainly refer to Figures 5A to 5CRegarding other specific embodiments, the illumination aiming system (1) may include a plurality of light emitting elements (33), such as a first light emitting element (35) disposed adjacent to the first light conducting member (7), the first light emitting element (35) providing light (15) incident on the first light conducting member (7) and subsequently emitted from the first light conducting member viewing end (11), thereby generating the first visible aiming mark (4). In addition, the illumination aiming system (1) may further include a second light emitting element (36) disposed adjacent to the second light conducting member (14), the second light emitting element (36) providing light (15) incident on the second light conducting member (14) and subsequently emitted from the second light conducting member viewing end (22), thereby generating the second visible aiming mark (6). As an illustrative example of this embodiment, a first light emitting element (35) may be positioned adjacent to the first light conducting member outer surface (30) to provide corresponding light (15) incident thereon, and a second light emitting element (36) may be located within a chamber (34) positioned within the second light conducting member (14) to provide corresponding light (15) incident on the second light conducting member inner surface (27).

[0074] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 With respect to certain embodiments, the second light conducting member (14) may include (i) a cavity (34) and a corresponding second light emitting element (36) disposed therein, and (ii) the aforementioned opening (24), the opening axially extending through the second light conducting member and receiving the first light conducting member (7) to position the second light conducting member (14) around the first light conducting member (7), at least proximate to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22). Depending on the embodiment, the cavity (34) and the opening (24) may be in communication with each other or may each be separately enclosed.

[0075] Now mainly refer to Figure 3A 、 3B and 6 to 7F, the illumination sighting system (1) may further include a lens (37) disposed in axially spaced relation to the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting member viewing end (22). In use, the lens (37) may be disposed between: (i) the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting member viewing end (22), and (ii) the shooter's aiming eye (5); when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), the shooter's line of sight (18) may pass through the lens (37), and in particular, through the center of the lens (37), and through the center of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) (and correspondingly, the center of the first visible aiming mark (4)) to the target (3). Subsequently, the center of the lens (37) may be axially aligned with the center of the first light-conducting member viewing end (11); thus, the aiming axis (12) may pass axially through the center of the lens (37).

[0076] The lens (37) can be configured to magnify the area of ​​the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member and correspondingly magnify the first amount of emitted light (17) to fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter, whereby the illuminated field (29) can be in the image plane (38). Thus, this filled illuminated field (29) can provide a first visible aiming mark (4), such as a circular area of ​​light (15), such as a circular area of ​​green light, which can have a substantially uniform brightness across the illuminated field (29).

[0077] Additionally, the lens (37) may be configured to magnify a portion of the area of ​​the viewing end (22) of the second light-conducting member and correspondingly magnify a portion of the second amount of emitted light (23) to fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter. Thus, this filled illuminated field (29) may provide a second visible aiming mark (6), such as a circular area of ​​light (15), such as a circular area of ​​red light, derived from a portion of the annular area (25) of light (15) provided by the second amount of emitted light (23), which may have a substantially uniform brightness across the illuminated field (29).

[0078] Typically, when aligning the firearm (2) with the target (3), the illumination field (29) will be filled with substantially only one or the other of the first amount of emitted light (17) or a portion of the second amount of emitted light (23), and correspondingly, only one or the other of the respective first visual aiming mark (4) or second visual aiming mark (6) will be provided at any one time to indicate the respective alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3). For example, the illumination field (29) will be filled with substantially only one or the other of green light or red light at any one time to indicate the respective alignment or misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3).

[0079] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 , the lens (37) may be a single focus lens rather than a multi-focus lens. In addition, the lens (37) may include a convex surface (39) facing away from the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting component viewing end (22); correspondingly, in use, the convex surface (39) may be oriented toward the shooter for viewing by his or her aiming eye (5). With respect to a particular embodiment, the lens (37) may further include a plane (or flat) surface (40) facing the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting component viewing end (22). With respect to a particular embodiment, the lens (37) may be a plano-convex lens.

[0080] A convex surface (39) of the lens (37) facing away from the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting member viewing end (22) provides a focal point (41) between the lens (37) and the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light-conducting member viewing end (22). The distance between the optical center of the lens (37) and the focal point (41) is the focal length (42), whereby the focal length (42) is associated with an angle of view (43) that defines a field of view (FOV) (44) or an object plane or observable area imaged by the lens (37) and provided in the illumination field (29). Generally, the longer the focal length (42), the narrower the angle of view (43) and the corresponding field of view (44) and the higher the magnification; the shorter the focal length (42), the wider the angle of view (43) and the corresponding field of view (44) and the lower the magnification. In the present invention, the field of view (44), or the object plane or observable area imaged by the lens (37) and provided in the illumination field (29), may extend beyond the focal point (41). Correspondingly, the focal length (42) of the lens (37) may be smaller than the distance between the lens (37) and the first light-conducting component inspection end (11) and the second light-conducting component inspection end (22). In other words, the distance between the lens (37) and the first light-conducting component inspection end (11) and the second light-conducting component inspection end (22) may be greater than the focal length (42) of the lens (37).

[0081] The focal length (F) of the convex lens (37) can be calculated by the formula F=R / (N-1), where R is the radius of curvature of the lens (37) and N is the refractive index of the lens medium.

[0082] For most polymers, the refractive index can be around 1.5, which simplifies the focal length (F) calculation to Equation 1:

[0083] F=2R

[0084] It will be apparent that for use with the present invention, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) such that its field of view (44) can have a boundary or perimeter, such as a circumference, that is substantially the same as the perimeter, such as the circumference, of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) such that its field of view (44) can have a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0085] As used herein, the term "circumference" means the outer boundary or surface of an object, whereby an object may be round but need not be.

[0086] The term "diameter" as used herein means the length of a line passing through the center of an object, whereby an object may be round but need not be.

[0087] It should be apparent that for use with the present invention, when an aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the shooter's line of sight (18), the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) having a boundary or perimeter, such as a circumference, that can be substantially aligned with the perimeter or circumference of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). In other words, when an aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the shooter's line of sight (18), the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) that includes the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). In other words, when the aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the shooter's line of sight (18), the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) that includes only the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). In other words, when the aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the shooter's line of sight (18), the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) that consists essentially of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). In other words, when an aiming axis (12) axially passing through the center of the lens (37) and the center of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) is aligned with the shooter's line of sight (18), the lens (37) can be configured and positioned relative to the first light-conducting component viewing end (11) to provide a field of view (44) consisting of the first light-conducting component viewing end (11). Thus, when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), only the first visual aiming mark (4) is visible to the shooter's aiming eye (5).

[0088] Mathematically, for a selection of (i) a lens (37) having a diameter (D) and a focal length (F) and (ii) a first light-conducting member viewing end (11) having a diameter (D), the distance (x) from the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) to the focal point (fp) of the lens (37) is end→fp ) can be calculated by equation II:

[0089]

[0090] Then, the distance (x) between the inspection end (11) of the first light-conducting member and the lens (37) (and in particular, the image plane (38) or the illumination field (29)) is end→lens ) can be calculated by equation III:

[0091]

[0092] As stated above, the lens (37) can be configured to magnify (i) an area of ​​the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17), or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the viewing end (22) of the second light-conducting member and correspondingly a portion of the second amount of emitted light (23) to fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter.

[0093] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting member viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least a factor of two to fill the illuminated field (29).

[0094] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting member viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least three times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0095] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and correspondingly a first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting member viewing end (22) and correspondingly a portion of a second amount of emitted light (23) by at least four times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0096] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and correspondingly the first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting member viewing end (22) and correspondingly the second amount of emitted light (23) by at least five times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0097] With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) may be configured and positioned relative to the first light conducting member viewing end (11) to magnify (i) an area of ​​the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and correspondingly the first amount of emitted light (17) or (ii) a portion of an area of ​​the second light conducting member viewing end (22) and correspondingly the second amount of emitted light (23) by at least six times to fill the illumination field (29).

[0098] In order to meet the above criteria, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be arranged in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 10 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With respect to a specific embodiment, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be arranged in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 15 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With respect to a specific embodiment, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be arranged in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 20 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be disposed in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 25 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light conducting member viewing end (11) can be disposed in an axially spaced relationship, whereby the distance therebetween can be at least 30 times the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11).

[0099] As an illustrative example of satisfying the above criteria, a particular embodiment of the present illumination and aiming system (1) may include (i) a lens (37) made of nylon and having a diameter of approximately 0.122 inches and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.24 inches, and (ii) a first light-conducting member (7) having a first light-conducting member viewing end (11) having a diameter of approximately 0.02 inches, whereby the lens (37) (particularly the optical center of the lens (37)) and the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) may be positioned in an axially spaced relationship with a distance therebetween of approximately 0.559 inches. With respect to this particular embodiment, the illumination field (29) may have an area of ​​approximately 0.122 inches, and the first light-conducting member viewing end (11) may be magnified approximately 6.1 times.

[0100] With respect to certain embodiments, the firearm (2) may be considered aligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is angled no more than approximately ±1° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18). Subsequently, the firearm (2) may be considered misaligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is angled greater than approximately ±1° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0101] With respect to certain embodiments, the firearm (2) may be considered aligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is angled no more than approximately ±1.5° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18). Subsequently, the firearm (2) may be considered misaligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is angled greater than approximately ±1.5° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0102] With respect to certain embodiments, the firearm (2) may be considered aligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is angled no more than approximately ±2° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18). Subsequently, the firearm (2) may be considered misaligned with the target (3) when the sighting axis (12) is angled greater than approximately ±2° relative to the shooter's line of sight (18).

[0103] Now mainly refer to Figure 7B 、 7D and 7F, with respect to a second light conducting member viewing end (22) comprising an annular region (25) and having a constant radial portion (26) surrounding the first light conducting member viewing end (11) between its inner surface (27) and outer surface (28), the radial portion (26) may have a radial portion length (45) extending between the second light conducting member viewing end inner surface (27) and outer surface (28), whereby the radial portion length (45) may be equal to the diameter of the first light conducting member viewing end (11). Accordingly, when the shooter's line of sight falls adjacent to a perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the first light conducting member viewing end (11), which may occur when the firearm (2) and the target (3) are misaligned, the radial portion (26) may be positioned in the field of view (44) and fill the illuminated field (29).

[0104] With respect to certain embodiments, the radial portion (26) may have a radial portion length (45) that may be (i) not less than or (ii) greater than the diameter of the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting member, whereby a larger radial portion length (45) allows for an indication of a larger misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3) than a smaller radial portion length (45). In other words, a larger radial portion length (45) allows for an indication of a misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3) resulting from a larger angle between the aiming axis (12) relative to the shooter's line of sight (18) than a smaller radial portion length (45). For example, depending on the embodiment, when the aiming axis (12) is angled relative to the shooter's line of sight (18) by more than about ±1°, or more than about ±1.5°, or more than about ±2°, the second visual aiming mark (6), such as a circular area of ​​light (15) derived from a portion of the annular area (25) of light (15) provided by the second amount of emitted light (23), can fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter to indicate misalignment. Regarding specific embodiments, depending on the embodiment, when the aiming axis (12) is angled relative to the shooter's line of sight (18) by between about ±1° and about ±5°, or between about ±1.5° and about ±5°, or between about ±2° and about ±5°, the second visual aiming mark (6), such as a circular area of ​​light (15) derived from a portion of the annular area (25) of light (15) provided by the second amount of emitted light (23), can fill the illuminated field (29) viewed by the shooter.

[0105] Now mainly refer to Figures 2A to 3B The illumination aiming system (1) may further include a tube (46) disposed between (i) the lens (37) and (ii) the first light conducting member viewing end (11) and the second light conducting member viewing end (22) spaced axially apart, whereby the tube (46) may provide a passageway through which the first quantity of emitted light (17) and the second quantity of emitted light (23) may travel. The tube (46) may include a tube sidewall (47) extending along the tube length (50) between opposed tube first and second ends (48, 49), whereby the lens (37) is proximate to the tube first end (48) and the first and second light conducting member viewing ends (11, 22) are proximate to the tube second end (49).

[0106] In order to provide sufficient pathways for the travel of the first amount of emitted light (17) and the second amount of emitted light (23), the tube sidewall (47) may be substantially opaque, thereby preventing the first amount of emitted light (17) and the second amount of emitted light (23) from escaping through the tube sidewall (47).

[0107] As stated above, the lens (37) can be proximate to the tube first end (48). With respect to certain embodiments, the lens (37) can be coupled or connected to the tube first end (48), for example, via a perimeter of the lens (37), which can close a passageway extending between the tube first end (48) and the second end (49). As an illustrative example, the lens (37) can be coupled or connected to the tube first end (48) via a retaining ring (51).

[0108] The tube (46) may have a tube length (50) that may be sufficient to accommodate the desired distance between the lens (37) and the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting component to fill the illuminated field (29) with the first visual aiming mark (4) when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3), whereby the distance may be related to the focal length (42) of the lens (37), the diameter of the lens (37), and the diameter of the viewing end (11) of the first light-conducting component as detailed above.

[0109] Now mainly refer to Figure 6 , the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) are accessible to the second end (49) of the tube, whereby, with respect to certain embodiments, the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22) extend a distance from the second end (49) of the tube into the tube (46) sufficient to position the first light conducting component viewing end (11) at a distance from the lens (37) to fill the illuminated field (29) with the first visual aiming mark (4) when the firearm (2) is aligned with the target (3).

[0110] Now mainly refer to Figures 2A to 3B The illumination sighting system (1) may further comprise a housing (52) configured to house at least the first light conducting member (7) and the second light conducting member (14), the lens (37), the tube (46) and the one or more light emitting elements (33), whereby the housing (52) may have a configuration capable of holding the illumination sighting system (1) in a fixed relationship with the firearm (2), such as proximate the barrel (13), for aiming the firearm (2), as described above. Because this fixed relationship with respect to a particular embodiment may be releasable or removable rather than permanent, many and varied coupling configurations may be employed. Now referring primarily to Figure 1B As an illustrative example, the housing (52) may be configured to matably engage with a correspondingly configured portion of the firearm (2), such as by a sliding engagement that may be maintained via a friction fit.

[0111] A housing (52) that can enclose all components to provide a single, self-contained unit can include a housing interior space (53) configured to house at least the first and second light-conducting members (7, 14), the lens (37), and one or more light-emitting elements (33), whereby the housing interior space (53) can be partially or completely defined by a housing interior surface (54). With respect to certain embodiments, the tube (46) can be integrated with the housing (52), meaning provided as a single-piece construction.

[0112] The housing (52) may further include one or more aperture elements (55), each of which may define an aperture element opening communicating between the housing interior space (53) and the housing exterior surface (56). Thus, light (15) from a light source (16) external to the illumination and aiming system (1), such as ambient light from a surrounding area or environment, may travel through the aperture element opening to be incident on the first light-conducting member (7) and the second light-conducting member (14), such as on the exterior surfaces (30) (28) thereof, the light (15) being subsequently emitted to provide the respective first and second visual aiming markers (4, 6).

[0113] With respect to a particular embodiment, the housing (52) may further include a transparent or translucent cover (57) which may be coupled to the housing proximate to the aperture element (55) to enclose the housing interior space (53) while allowing ambient light to pass through to be incident on the first light-conducting member (7) and the second light-conducting member (14).

[0114] With respect to certain embodiments, the housing (52) and / or cover (57) may be the same as or similar to the corresponding housings and covers disclosed in US Patent Application No. 17 / 845,529, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0115] Now mainly refer to Figure 8 The housing (52) may have dimensions sufficient to accommodate at least the first and second light-conducting components (7, 14), the lens (37), and the one or more light-emitting elements (33). With respect to certain embodiments, the housing (52) may have a housing length (58) that is sufficiently short so that the illumination sight system (1) does not interfere (e.g., mechanically) with the placement of the firearm (2) within the holster (59), thereby allowing the firearm (2) having the illumination sight system (1) to be supported and / or held by the holster (59) in the same manner as if the firearm (2) did not have the illumination sight system (1) secured thereto. Thus, the housing length (58) may be considered relatively short.

[0116] In order to fit within a housing (52) having a relatively short housing length (58), the first light conducting member (7) and / or the second light conducting member (14) may correspondingly have a relatively short light conducting member footprint length (32), which may be achieved by gathering or compressing the light conducting member length (8) (19). As an illustrative example, the light conducting member length (8) (19) may have a coiled portion (31) (as mentioned above) that may shorten the light conducting member footprint length (32) relative to the same light conducting member (7) (14) having a completely linear light conducting member length (8) (19) (as mentioned above). Figure 9A and 9B ).

[0117] With respect to certain embodiments, the first light conductive member length (8) may include a coiled portion (31) proximate the first light conductive member second end (10); further, the first light conductive member length (8) may include a linear portion (60) proximate the first light conductive member first end (9), whereby the linear portion (60) may facilitate placement of the second light conductive member viewing end (22) around the first light conductive member viewing end (11).

[0118] With respect to a particular embodiment, the illuminated sight system (1) of the present invention may be a rear sight (61) used at the proximal end (62) of a firearm (2), whereby the illuminated sight system (1) may be used with or without a cooperating front sight, depending on the embodiment.

[0119] With respect to a particular embodiment, the illuminated sight system (1) of the present invention may be a front sight for use at the distal end (63) of a firearm (2), whereby the illuminated sight system (1) may be used with or without a cooperating rear sight (61), depending on the embodiment.

[0120] Now with respect to production, a method of making a particular embodiment of an illuminated aiming system (1) may include: providing a first light conductive member (7) having a first light conductive member first end (9) providing a first light conductive member viewing end (11), whereby the first light conductive member (7) may be configured to (i) receive light (15) from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward the first light conductive member viewing end (11) for emission as a first amount of emitted light (17) providing a first visual aiming mark (4) indicating alignment of a firearm (2) with a target (3); positioning a second light conductive member (17) about the first light conductive member viewing end (11); The invention relates to a second light conducting component viewing end (22) of the firearm (2) and the second light conducting component (14), the second light conducting component (14) having a second light conducting component first end (20) providing the second light conducting component viewing end (11), whereby the second light conducting component (14) can be configured to (i) receive light (15) from one or more light sources (16), and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light (15) internally toward the second light conducting component viewing end (22) for emission as a second amount of emitted light (23) providing a second visual aiming mark (6) indicating misalignment of the firearm (2) with the target (3); and a lens (37) operably coupled to the first light conducting component viewing end (11) and the second light conducting component viewing end (22).

[0121] The method of making the illumination aiming system (1) may further comprise providing additional components of the illumination aiming system (1) as described above and in the claims.

[0122] Now with respect to use, a method of using a specific embodiment of an illuminated sighting system (1) to assist in aiming a firearm (2) may include obtaining the illuminated sighting system (1) described above and coupling the illuminated sighting system (1) to a firearm (2). The method may further include aiming the firearm (2) at a target (3). The method may further include positioning the firearm (2) so that a first visual aiming mark (4) is visible to a shooter, meaning within the shooter's line of sight (18) extending from their aiming eye (5) along a straight path to the target (3). Subsequently, the firearm (2) and the target (3) may be aligned. The method may further include firing a projectile from the firearm (2) at the target (3). The method may further include striking the target (3) with the projectile. The method may further include disconnecting the illuminated sighting system (1) and the firearm (2).

[0123] From the foregoing it will be readily understood that the basic concept of the invention can be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention relates to numerous and varied embodiments of an illuminated aiming system that can be incorporated into a wide variety of sights for weapons.

[0124] Thus, the specific embodiments or elements of the present invention disclosed in the specification or shown in the figures and tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather examples of the numerous and varied embodiments generally encompassed by the present invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any specific element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the present invention may not explicitly describe all possible embodiments or elements; the specification and drawings implicitly disclose many alternatives.

[0125] It should be understood that each element of a device or each step of a method can be described by a device term or a method term. Such terms can be replaced when necessary so that the implicit broad coverage of the present invention is clarified. As just one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method can be disclosed as actions, means for taking said actions, or elements that cause said actions. Similarly, each element of a device can be disclosed as a physical element or an action facilitated by said physical element. As just one example, the disclosure of a "sight" should be understood to encompass the disclosure of the "aiming" action - whether or not explicitly discussed - and conversely, if the "aiming" action is effectively disclosed, this disclosure should be understood to encompass the disclosure of "aiming" and even "devices for aiming." These alternative terms for each element or step should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification.

[0126] Additionally, with respect to each term used, it should be understood that, unless the usage of the term in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, the commonly used dictionary definition should be understood to be included in the description of each term as contained in the Second Edition of Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] Furthermore, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of the entities; for example, "a light source" refers to one or more of those light sources. Thus, the terms "a" or "an," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0128] It is assumed that all numerical values ​​herein are modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly stated. For the purposes of the present invention, a range can be expressed as from "about" a specific value to "about" another specific value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from said specific value to said another specific value. The numerical range expressed by endpoints includes all numerical values ​​contained in that range. Numerical ranges of one to five include, for example, numerical values ​​of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. It should also be understood that the endpoints of each range are important relative to and independent of the other endpoint. Similarly, when the preposition "about" is used to express a value as an approximation, it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term "about" generally refers to a series of numerical values ​​that a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider to be equivalent to the stated numerical value or to have the same function or result. Similarly, the preposition "substantially" means to a large extent but not completely the same form, manner or degree, and a specific element will have a series of configurations that a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider to have the same function or result. When the preposition "substantially" is used to express a specific element as an approximate element, it should be understood that the specific element forms another embodiment.

[0129] It should be understood, therefore, that applicants claim at least: i) each of the illumination aiming systems disclosed and described herein, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments that implement each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods that implement each of the functions shown as implicit to achieve what is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step that is shown as a separate and independent utility model, vii) applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatus substantially as described above and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) various combinations and permutations of each of the previously disclosed elements.

[0130] If available, the background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field to which the present invention relates. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrases of certain U.S. patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter related to the claimed invention, which may be used to describe information, problems, or concerns regarding the state of the art to which the present invention relates. Any U.S. patent, patent application, publication, statement, or other information cited or incorporated herein should not be construed, understood, or deemed to be prior art for the present invention.

[0131] The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference as a part of the specification of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all or part of this incorporation of these claims as additional instruction to support any or all claims or any elements or components thereof; and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any part or all of the incorporation of these claims or any elements or components thereof from the specification to the claims, or vice versa, as necessary to define the subject matter claimed in this application or any subsequent application or continuation, division or continuation-in-part application or to obtain any benefit of reduced fees under or to comply with the patent statutes, rules or regulations of any country or treaty; and this incorporation by reference shall survive the pendency of this application, including any subsequent continuation, division or continuation-in-part application or any reissue or extension thereof.

[0132] The claims set forth in this specification are also intended to describe the scope and limits of a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as the broadest embodiment of the present invention or a complete list of embodiments of the present invention that may be claimed. Applicant does not waive the right to further file claims as part of any continuation, division, continuation-in-part, or similar application based on the above description.

Claims

1. An illumination aiming system for firearms, characterized in that: include: a first light conductive member having a first light conductive member first end providing a first light conductive member viewing end; The first light conductive member is configured to (i) receive light from one or more light sources and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light internally toward a viewing end of the first light conductive member for emission as a first amount of emitted light providing a first visual aiming mark indicating alignment of the firearm with a target; a second light conductive member having a second light conductive member first end providing a second light conductive member viewing end; The second light conductive member is configured to (i) receive light from one or more light sources and (ii) transmit at least a portion of the light internally toward a viewing end of the second light conductive member for emission as a second amount of emitted light providing a second visual aiming mark indicating misalignment of the firearm with the target; wherein the second light-conducting component inspection end is arranged around the first light-conducting component inspection end; as well as A lens is operably coupled to the first light conducting member viewing end and the second light conducting member viewing end.

2. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Only one or the other of the first visual aiming mark and the second visual aiming mark is visible to the aiming eye of a shooter of the firearm at any one time.

3. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second light-conducting member viewing end includes an annular area.

4. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first visual aiming mark and the second visual aiming mark are visible in the illumination field.

5. The illumination aiming system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first visual targeting mark and the second visual targeting mark include different colors of light.

6. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source includes ambient light.

7. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source includes a light emitting element.

8. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens is disposed in axially spaced relationship with the first light conducting member viewing end and the second light conducting member viewing end.

9. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further comprising a housing configured to house the first light conducting component, the second light conducting component, and the lens, wherein the housing comprises a housing length permitting the firearm with the illumination aiming system secured thereto to be placed within a holster without mechanically interfering with the placement.

10. The illumination aiming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The illuminated aiming system provides a rear sight for the firearm.

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