Rifle scope turret with tool-free zeroing

Abstract

To provide a riflescope that allows for zero adjustment without the need for additional tools and / or removal of components, while still retaining additional features desired by users.SOLUTION: A riflescope has a scope body, a movable optical element, a turret, and a zero and adjustment subassembly. The turret includes a turret screw, a turret chassis subassembly, and a turret cap. The turret screw defines a screw axis and is operably connected to the optical element. The turret cap at least partially overlaps the turret chassis subassembly. The zero adjustment subassembly includes a zero cap and a locking mechanism connected to the turret screw. The locking mechanism releasably secures the zero cap and the turret. The zero adjustment subassembly allows for adjustment of the zero without the use of tools.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application is a non - provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 789,769, filed on January 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims priority thereto.

[0002] The disclosure of the present invention relates to a riflescope turret, and more specifically, to a riflescope turret having a tool - free adjustment function.

Background Art

[0003] In the context of riflescopes, there are several features of a riflescope turret that are highly desirable for users: namely, the ability to lock the turret in a dial adjustment position, the provision of a zero - stop mechanism, an infinitely variable zero - point function, tactile and visible rotation indicators, and a clear and positive click operation of the turret between each dial adjustment position.

[0004] It is extremely important for the user to know exactly how far the reticle has been adjusted. Thus, the clear, tactile, and audible clicks as the turret moves through each indicator enable the user to dial in the proper elevation without the need to read the indicators engraved on the turret cap. The turret cap can be rotated through several revolutions, and since the shooter must know the revolutions that the turret is on so that the movement of the reticle relative to zero is known, tactile and visual rotation indicators are also extremely important. Tactile rotation indicators and audible clicks utilize senses other than sight, which allows the user to remain in a fixed position behind the rifle scope, thus shortening the time required to make an accurate shot. Preventing the turret from unexpectedly changing while corrections are dialed into the turret gives the shooter confidence when handling a rifle with no risk of changing the set value. The zero-stop mechanism allows the user to easily return the scope to zero after dialing corrections into the turret and is another highly desirable feature by the end user.

[0005] In addition to dialing the turret for correction against environmental conditions, another extremely important task is the zeroing process. Before dialing the turret from zero as described above, the zero for a given scope, rifle, and ammunition combination must be established. Current turrets that contain one or more of the above-described features (e.g., the ability to lock the turret in a dialed position, the provision of a zero stop mechanism, an infinitely variable zero point function, a tactile and visible rotation indicator, and a clear and positive click operation of the turret between each dialed position) often require complex methods for zeroing the scope after it has been mounted on the rifle. For example, many turrets require the removal of components from the turret and additional tools. The removal of components from the turret creates an unwanted entry point for moisture and debris. Further, the more components that are removed, the greater the risk of losing or damaging the components (e.g., wear). The requirement for additional tools increases the amount of equipment that the shooter must pack and carry.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a rifle scope turret that allows zeroing without the need for additional tools and / or the removal of components while still retaining additional features desired by the user (e.g., the ability to lock the turret in a dialed position, the provision of a zero stop mechanism, an infinitely variable zero point function, a tactile and visible rotation indicator, and a clear and positive click operation of the turret between each dialed position).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In one embodiment, the disclosure of the present invention provides a riflescope including a turret having a zero adjustment subassembly. According to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention, the riflescope includes a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body, and (A) a turret screw defining a screw axis and operably connected to an optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw, (B) a turret chassis subassembly, and (C) a turret including a turret cap at least partially overlapping the turret chassis subassembly, and a zero adjustment subassembly including (A) a zero cap connected to the turret screw and (B) a locking mechanism for releasably fixing the zero cap and the turret.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention, the locking mechanism for the zero adjustment subassembly includes a lock ring, a cam ring, and a plurality of spring followers. According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention, the locking mechanism for the zero adjustment subassembly includes a lever, a conical wedge, and a collet. According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention, the locking mechanism for the zero adjustment subassembly includes a brake disc and a locking ring.

[0010] Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the drawings in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 16A

Figure 16B

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Figure 19A

Figure 19B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Here, the apparatuses and methods disclosed in this specification will be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention. However, the apparatuses and methods disclosed in this specification should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0013] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a set of features and / or functions can be readily adapted within the context of an independent weapon sight, a front-mounted or rear-mounted clip-on sight, and other replacement-related contexts of a series of deployed optical weapon sights. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that various combinations of features and functions can be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting any type of existing fixed or variable weapon sight.

[0014] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected" to, or "coupled" to another element or layer, it will be understood that it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer. Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected" to, or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present.

[0015] Like numbers refer consistently to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0016] The terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and / or sections, but it will be understood that these elements, components, regions, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the disclosure of the present invention.

[0017] Spatial relative terms such as "below", "lower", "underside", "above", "upper side" can be used in this specification to easily describe, as shown in the figures, the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, an element described as "below" or "lower" of another element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both upward and downward orientations. The device can be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or other orientation), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this specification can be interpreted accordingly.

[0018] All patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0019] Definition The numerical ranges in the disclosure of the present invention are approximate, and thus can include values outside the range unless otherwise indicated. The numerical range includes all values from and including the lower value and the upper value in increments of one unit, provided that there is at least a separation of two units between any lower value and any higher value. For example, as an illustration, when a compositional, physical, or other property such as molecular weight, viscosity is from 100 to 1,000, all individual values such as 100, 101, 102 and sub-ranges such as 100 - 144, 155 - 170, 197 - 200 are intended to be explicitly enumerated. For ranges including values less than 1 or including decimals greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5), one unit is considered to be, as appropriate, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1. For ranges including single-digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., 1 - 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the enumerated minimum and maximum values are to be considered as explicitly described in the disclosure of the present invention. The numerical range is shown in the disclosure of the present invention, among other things, with respect to the distance from the user of the device to the target.

[0020] As used herein, the term "and / or" as used in phrases such as "A and / or B" is intended to include both A and B, A or B, A alone, and B alone. Similarly, the term "and / or" as used in phrases such as "A, B, and / or C" is intended to include each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C, A, B, or C, A or C, A or B, B or C, A and C, A and B, B and C, A alone, B alone, and C alone.

[0021] As used herein, an "electa sleeve" is a protrusion from an electa lens mount that engages in a slot within an electa tube and / or a cam tube or functions for a similar purpose. This can be considered to be integral with or detachable from the mount.

[0022] As used herein, an "elector tube" is any structure or device having an opening for receiving an elector lens mount.

[0023] As used herein, a "firearm" is a portable firearm having a barrel for propelling one or more projectiles, often driven by the action of an explosive force. As used herein, the term "firearm" includes pistols, rifles, rifles, shotguns, carbines, automatic firearms, semi-automatic firearms, machine guns, light machine guns, automatic pistols, and assault rifles.

[0024] As used herein, the term "visual optical device" refers to a device used by a shooter or observer to select, identify, or monitor a target. The "visual optical device" can rely on visual observation of the target, or radiation including, for example, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, X-rays, gamma rays, isotopes and particle radiation, night vision, ultrasonic, sound wave pulses, sonar, seismic vibrations, vibration receptors including magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, radio waves, broadcast frequencies including television and cellular receptors, or other images. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the "visual optical device" can be invariant, or can be improved by, for example, magnification, amplification, subtraction, duplication, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored by the "visual optical device" may be within the shooter's line of sight or tangential to the shooter's field of view, or the shooter's line of sight can be blocked while the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The image of the target obtained by the "visual optical device" can be, for example, analog or digital, and can be shared, stored, archived, or sent within a network of one or more shooters and observers, by, for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio waves, cellular connection, laser pulse, protocols such as, for example, html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth®, Serial, USB, optical using USB, 802.11b, or other wireless transmission, or other suitable image delivery methods. The term "visual optical device" is used interchangeably with "optical sight".

[0025] As used herein, the term "outer scene" refers to a real-world scene including, but not limited to, the target.

[0026] As used herein, the term "shooter" applies to an operator who fires a shot or an individual who monitors the firing in cooperation with the operator who fires the shot.

[0027] As used herein, "zeroing" refers to aligning the aiming point (what the shooter is aiming at) and the impact point (where the bullet actually strikes from the firearm) at a specific distance. In one embodiment, zeroing is the process of adjusting the rifle scope such that the accurate tolerance is set values imposed on windage and elevation relative to the specified range.

[0028] The disclosure of the present invention relates to a visual optical device turret. In one embodiment, the disclosure of the present invention relates to a rifle scope turret, more specifically, a rifle scope turret having a zero adjustment mechanism that does not require a tool for adjustment. Certain preferred and exemplary embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention will be described below. The disclosure of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0029] Figures 1-2 show an overall view of a rifle scope 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention. The rifle scope 10 has a body 12 that surrounds a movable optical element 13 which is an erector tube. The scope body 12 is an elongated tube having a larger opening at the front portion 14 and a smaller opening at the rear portion 16. The eyepiece 18 is attached to the rear of the scope body 12, and the objective lens 20 is attached to the front of the scope body 12. The central axis of the movable optical element 13 defines the optical axis 17 of the rifle scope 10.

[0030] The elevation turret 22 and the windage turret 24 are two knobs within the outer central portion of the scope body 12. The elevation turret 22 and the windage turret 24 are marked in sections by markings 34 printed on their circumferences 30 and 32 and are used to adjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element 13 relative to the impact point change. These knobs 22, 24 project from the turret housing 36. The turrets 22, 24 are arranged such that the elevation turret rotation axis 26 is perpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 28. The markings typically include check marks each corresponding to a click, larger check marks at selected intervals, and numbers indicating the adjustment angle or distance for bullet drop compensation.

[0031] The movable optical element 13 is adjusted by rotating the turret by 1 or more clicks. A click is a tactile adjustment segment on the windage or elevation turret of the rifle scope 10, each of which corresponds to one of the markings 34. In this embodiment, 1 click changes the point of impact of the scope by 0.1 milliradians (mrad). However, the turrets, systems, and concepts disclosed herein can be used with other segmenting means. In other embodiments, the segments can be in minutes of angle (MOA) segments.

[0032] The elevation and windage of the movable optical element 13 are adjusted relative to a zero point using turrets 22, 24. It is necessary to establish that zero point and in some cases it may even be desirable to adjust the zero point. Each combination of scope, rifle, and ammunition type may have a unique zero point. The zero point of each turret 22, 24 is generally provided as a feature on a given turret. FIGS. 4 - 10 show an exemplary turret including a zero point adjustment subassembly 500 in combination with the elevation turret 22, although it will be recognized that the zero point adjustment subassembly 500 can include, but is not limited to, a windage turret or a parallax adjustment mechanism and can be used with any adjustment turret.

[0033] Figures 3-12 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the turret 22 having a zero point adjustment subassembly 500. Generally, the turret 22 includes a turret screw 38, a turret chassis subassembly 230, and a turret cap 501. The turret screw 38 defines a screw axis and is operably connected to the optical element 13 to adjust the optical element 13 in response to rotation of the screw 38. The turret chassis subassembly 230 includes a turret chassis 100 and additional components required to provide elevation (or other) adjustment allowed by the turret 22. An exemplary turret chassis subassembly will be described in more detail below.

[0034] The turret cap 501 is a structure that seats on top of the turret chassis subassembly 230 and includes other visible and / or tactile features when provided with the indicia 34. The turret cap 501 is generally circular and has an upper portion 502 that defines a recess 504 (not shown) positioned centrally on the turret cap 501. The recess has an upper portion 506 that is generally flat. An opening (not shown) extends through the center of the turret cap 501 through which the turret screw 38 protrudes.

[0035] The zero point adjustment subassembly 500 includes a zero cap 510 that connects directly or indirectly to the turret screw 38, and a locking mechanism that secures the zero cap 510 to the turret cap 501. As shown in Figures 3-12, the zero cap 510 is positioned in the recess 504 of the turret cap 501, and at least one component of the locking mechanism is positioned between the zero cap 510 and the upper portion 506 of the recess 504.

[0036] In the representative illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5, the locking mechanism includes a locking ring 530, a cam ring 540, a plurality of spring followers 550, and a locking ring lock button 539. The locking ring 530, the cam ring 540, and the zero cap 510 are concentrically positioned within the recess 504, the cam ring 540 is externally concentric with the zero cap 510, and the locking ring 530 is externally concentric with the cam ring 540 and the zero cap 510. The zero cap 510 has a downwardly projecting stem 512 that engages the turret screw 38. The flange 542 on the cam ring 540 seats on the periphery 514 of the zero cap 510 and holds the zero cap 510 within the turret cap 501. The locking ring 530 seats on the second flange 544 of the cam ring 540 and engages the turret cap 501 to hold the cam ring 540.

[0037] The spring followers 550 are inserted between the zero cap 510 and the upper portion 506 of the recess 504. The spring followers 550 contact the outer surface 516 of the downwardly projecting stem 512. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the tails 552 of the spring followers 550 are shown as being free, but the tails 552 of the spring followers 550 are integrally fixed to the underside of the zero cap 510 using fasteners. The fasteners are not shown in FIG. 5 for clarity and to show the geometry of the spring followers 550.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500 is in its locked position. The inner surface 546 of the cam ring 540 has at least two (e.g., three in the illustrated embodiment) inclined surfaces 548. In FIG. 4, each of the spring followers 550 engages the thickest end of the inclined surface 548, which means that the spring followers 550 apply a force to the zero - cap 510 and prevent the zero - cap 510 from rotating freely. When the cam ring 540 is rotated counterclockwise (for the embodiment shown in FIG. 4), it results in the spring followers 550 being aligned with the thinner ends of the inclined surfaces 548. Thus, the less force (or no force) acts on the zero - cap 510, the more freely the zero - cap 510 rotates within the recess 504. A clockwise rotation of the cam ring 540 results in the spring followers 550 being realigned with the thinnest ends of the inclined surfaces 548 and the zero - cap 510 being locked in place again.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500 enables the adjustment of the zero - point without using tools. That is, the user can manually rotate the cam ring 540 and the zero - cap 510. Thereby, time is saved and the user does not need to take their eyes off the riflescope to perform any zero - point adjustment.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the zero point adjustment subassembly 500' according to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the zero cap 510' includes a lever 513' having a pivot point 513a'. The lever 513' protrudes through the opening 511' of the zero cap 510' and has a stem 515' that connects to the turret screw 38. The locking mechanism includes a conical wedge 52 and a collet 523'. The conical wedge 52 is positioned around the turret screw 38 and extends partially through an opening (not shown) of the turret cap 501. The conical wedge 52G is operatively connected to the lever 513-01 and is configured such that actuation of the lever 513-01 causes vertical movement of the conical wedge 52G, as will be described in more detail below. The collet 523-01 also has a central opening and seats in a recess 504 (not shown) of the turret cap 501 that is externally concentric with the turret screw 38 and the conical wedge 52.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the zero point adjustment subassembly 500' is in the locked position. The lever 513' is coplanar with the upper portion of the zero cap 510'. The conical wedge 52 has an increasing lower radius (wedge-like radius), and in this locked position, the conical wedge 52G has been pushed upward by the lever 513-01, and the thicker portion 521a' of the conical wedge 52G contacts the flange 523a' of the collet 523', whereby the collet 523' expands the turret cap 501 radially outward and locks the zero cap 510-01 so that it cannot rotate freely. To adjust the zero point, the lever 513' is inverted along the pivot point 513a', thereby lowering the conical wedge 52P. With the collet 523' disengaged from the conical wedge 52G, the zero cap 510' can rotate freely.

[0042] The zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500’ will be recognized as enabling zero - point adjustment without the use of tools. That is, the user can operate the lever 513’ to rotate the zero - cap 510’ by hand. Thereby time is saved and the user does not need to take their eyes off the riflescope to perform any zero - point adjustment.

[0043] Figures 7 - 9 show yet another embodiment of the zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500’’ according to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention. The zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500’’ includes a zero - cap 510’’’ and a locking mechanism 520’’. The locking mechanism 520’’ includes a brake disk 527’’ and a lock ring 530’’.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 7 - 8, the zero - cap 510’’’ engages with the turret screw 38 and seats in a recess (not shown) of the turret cap 501. The brake disk 527’’ is circular with a central opening and seats on the flange 514’’ of the zero - cap 510’’ within the recess. The brake disk 527’’ is fastened to the turret cap 501 through the mating of a protrusion 527a’’ on the brake disk 527’’ with a recess 501a’’ on the inner wall of the turret cap 501. Thus, the brake disk 527’’ is prevented from rotating but is free to translate vertically in parallel. The lock ring 530’’ is externally concentric with the zero - cap 510’’ and the brake disk 527’’ and is rotatably fixed to the turret cap 501 through a threaded engagement. When the lock ring 530’’ is rotated to the locked position (e.g., clockwise), a force is applied to the brake disk 527’’ by the downward vertical translation. The brake disk 527’’ transmits that downward force to the zero - cap 510’’, thereby preventing the zero - cap 510’’ from rotating freely. Rotation of the lock ring 530’’ in the opposite direction (e.g., counter - clockwise) releases the force acting on the brake disk 527’’ and thus the zero - cap 510’’, and the zero - cap 510’’ can rotate freely within the turret cap 501.

[0045] Figures 10 to 12 show yet another embodiment of the zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500''', which is a modification of the sub - assembly 500'' according to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. The zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500''' includes a zero - cap 510''' and a locking mechanism 520'''. The locking mechanism 520''' is composed of a locking ring 530''', a brake disk 527''', and a lock - ring lock button 539'''. The locking ring 530''', the brake disk 527''', and the zero - cap 510''' are all concentrically positioned within a recess (not shown). The brake disk 527''' is externally concentric with the zero - cap 510''', and the locking ring 530''' is externally concentric with the brake disk 527''' and the zero - cap 510'''. The zero - cap 510''' has a downwardly projecting stem 512''' that engages with the turret screw 38. The flange 542 on the brake disk 527''' seats on at least a part of the upper portion 516''' of the zero - cap 510''' to hold the zero - cap 510''' within the turret cap 501. The locking ring 530''' seats on the flange 518''' of the brake disk 527''' and engages with the turret cap 501. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking ring 530''' is in a threaded engagement with the turret cap 501.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, the zero cap 510''' engages with the turret screw 38 and seats in a recess (not shown) of the turret cap 501. The brake disc 527''' is circular with a central opening and seats on the flange 514''' of the zero cap 510''' within the recess. The brake disc 527''' is fastened to the turret cap 501 through the fitting of a protrusion 527a''2 on the brake disc 527''' with a recess 501a''' on the inner wall of the turret cap 501. Thus, the brake disc 527''' is prevented from rotating but is free to move vertically in parallel. The lock ring 530''' is externally concentric with the zero cap 510''' and the brake disc 527''' and is rotatably fixed to the turret cap 501 through a threaded engagement. When the lock ring 530''' is rotated to the locked position (e.g., clockwise), a force is applied to the brake disc 527''' by the downward vertical movement. The brake disc 527''' transmits the downward force to the zero cap 510''', thereby preventing the zero cap 510''' from freely rotating. Rotation of the lock ring 530''' in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) releases the force acting on the brake disc 527''' and thus the zero cap 510''', and the zero cap 510''' can rotate freely within the turret cap 501.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the zero - point adjustment sub - assembly 500''' further includes a locking ring lock button 539'''. The locking ring lock button 539''' includes an outer portion 539a''', which, in the illustrated embodiment, is a part of the turret cap 501 and includes a tactile element different from each surrounding portion of the turret cap 501. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the locking ring lock button 539''' is in the locked position, which means that the rotation of the locking ring 530 and thus the zero - cap 510''' is prevented. Referring to FIG. 11, the locking ring lock button 539''' is provided with at least one (two in the illustrated embodiment) spring - containing guide - rods 539b''', and with the upper part 539c''' of the button 539''' being below the level of the locking ring 530''', the locking ring 530''' can be freely rotated. The lower surface of the locking ring 530''' will cover the button 539''' to prevent the locking ring lock button 539''' from returning to the locked position while the user is adjusting. The spring of the spring - containing guide - rod 539b''' will be recognized to "automatically" push the button 539''' upward to the locked position when the user rotates the locking ring 530''' to the rotation - locked position.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 12, the turret cap 501 further includes a groove 539d''', and the locking ring 530''' further includes a corresponding protrusion 539e'''. The groove 539d''' / protrusion 539e''' system restricts the rotation of the locking ring 530''' while the locking ring lock button 539''' is being pressed. This ensures that not only is the rotation of each part of the sub - assembly 500''' restricted but also that it is captured. Since the rotation is restricted, the locking ring 530''' cannot be unscrewed and removed from the turret cap 501.

[0049] The zero point adjustment sub-assemblies 500’, 500’’, 500’’’ will be recognized as enabling zero point adjustment without the use of tools. That is, the user can manually rotate the lock ring 530’’ / 530’’’ and the zero cap 510’’ / 510’’’, and can similarly manually operate other components of the sub-assemblies 500’’ and 500’’’. Thereby time is saved, and the user does not need to take his eyes off the riflescope to perform any zero point adjustment.

[0050] The zero point adjustment sub-assemblies 500, 500’, 500’’, and 500’’’ described above can be used with many different types of chassis sub-assemblies, but the exemplary turret chassis sub-assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 3-12 is in accordance with that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,919,026, which is incorporated herein by reference. Here, such an exemplary turret chassis sub-assembly 230 will be described in more detail below.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13, the turret screw 38 is part of a turret screw sub-assembly 88. The turret screw sub-assembly is composed of the turret screw 38, the turret screw base 60, the friction pad 86, and various fasteners. The turret screw 38 in the illustrated embodiment is a cylindrical body made of brass. The upper portion 40 of the turret screw 38 defines other features such as slots or threads 40 that engage with a zero point adjustment sub-assembly 500 (not shown). Two opposing cam slots 46 extend from the upper side down the side 44. Two o-ring grooves 50 and 52 are on the side surfaces positioned below the cam slots. The bottom 42 of the turret screw has a reduced radius portion 56 that defines a ring slot 54. The ring slot 54 receives the retaining ring 84, and the bore 304 at the bottom receives the shaft 306 of the friction pad 86. The side surface of the turret screw immediately below the o-ring groove 52 and above the ring slot 54 is a threaded portion 58.

[0052] The turret screw base 60 is a disk-shaped body that can also be made of brass. The cylindrical collar 66 rises from the center of the turret screw base to the upper part 62. The collar has a turret screw bore 68 with a thread 70. The outside of the collar defines a positioning screw V-groove 78 above the upper part of the turret screw base, an o-ring groove 74 above the o-ring groove 76, and a ring slot 72 above the o-ring groove 74. The turret screw base 60 has three mounting holes 82 with smooth sides and a shoulder for receiving the screw 80.

[0053] The attachment of the turret screw sub-assembly 88 to the housing turret 36 is shown in FIG. 14. The upper part 92 of the turret housing defines a recess 94. Three mounting holes 96 with threads 98 and a smooth central bore 508 are defined in the upper part of the turret housing within the recess. The thread 70 of the turret screw bore 68 is such that the turret screw can receive the thread 58 on the turret screw 38. The retaining ring 84 limits the upward movement of the turret screw 38 so that the turret screw cannot be inadvertently removed from the turret screw bore.

[0054] When the turret screw sub-assembly 88 is mounted on the 36 housing turret, the screw 80 is inserted into the mounting hole 82 and projects from the bottom 64 of the turret screw base. The screw is then threaded into the mounting hole 96 within the turret housing. Thereafter, the turret screw base remains in a fixed position relative to the scope body 12 when the elevation turret 22 is rotated. Thereby the turret screw base becomes essentially functionally integral with the scope body and the turret screw base is not intended to be removed or adjusted by the user. The smooth central bore 508 in the upper part of the turret housing allows the friction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the turret screw 38 to pass into the scope body 12.

[0055] Moving on to FIG. 15, the upper part 110 of the turret chassis 100 has an inner periphery 102 where a relief cut 240 is adjacent to the floor portion 264, a toothed surface 108 is above the relief cut, a lower click groove 106 is above the toothed surface 108, and an upper click groove 104 is above the lower click groove 106. The relief cut 240 is for the tool that cuts into the toothed surface 108. The floor portion defines a smooth central bore 120 and a slot 122. The smooth central bore 120 allows the friction pad 86 passing through the turret chassis 100 and the bottom 42 of the turret screw 38 to pass through.

[0056] The outer periphery 112 of the turret chassis 100 defines an o-ring groove 244. Near the bottom 116 of the turret chassis, the outer periphery expands to define a shoulder 114. Three holes 118 having threads 158 communicate from the outer periphery through the turret chassis to the smooth bore 120. In this embodiment, the turret chassis 100 is manufactured from steel.

[0057] The slot 122 in the floor portion 264 of the turret chassis 100 communicates with a hole 124 within the outer periphery 112 of the turret chassis 100. The hole 124 receives an indicator such as the elevation indicator 136.

[0058] The rear portion 140 of the indicator 136 defines a cam pin hole 154. The front portion 138 of the indicator 136 has two stripes 148 and 150 and an o-ring groove 152. The stripe 148 divides the first position 142 from the second position 144. The stripe 150 divides the second position 144 from the third position 146. As shown, the elevation indicator 136 is manufactured from black painted steel and the stripes are white lines that do not shine but can be made luminous in alternative embodiments.

[0059] The cam pin hole 154 receives the bottom 134 of the cam pin 126. In this embodiment, the cam pin is a cylindrical body made of steel. The upper portion 128 of the cam pin 126 has a reduced radius portion 130 that defines a shoulder 132. The reduced radius portion of the cam pin projects upwardly through the slot 122 above the floor 264 of the turret chassis 100.

[0060] Figures 16A and 16B show a cam disk 160 having a top surface 162 and a bottom surface 164. The top surface 162 has a reduced radius portion 166 that defines a shoulder 168 around the outer perimeter 170 of the cam disk 160. The top surface 162 also defines three mounting holes 180 having threads 182. The reduced radius central portion 176 defines a shoulder 172 and a smooth central bore 178. The smooth central bore 178 allows passage of the turret screw sub - assembly 88 through the cam disk 160.

[0061] A radial clicker channel 186 at the top 162 of the outer perimeter 170 receives a clicker 188 that reciprocates within the channel 186 and is biased radially outward. The front free end 190 of the clicker 186 projects from the outer perimeter 170. The clicker 186 has a wedge shape with a vertical apex parallel to the axis of rotation of the turret and is made of steel.

[0062] The bottom 164 of the cam disk 160 is a flat surface perpendicular to the elevation turret rotation axis 26 that defines a recessed helical channel 184. The helical channel 184 terminates at a zero - stop surface 198 when moved in the clockwise direction and at the end of a travel - stop surface 200 when moved in the counter - clockwise direction. When moved in the counter - clockwise direction, the helical channel 184 defines a first transition 194 and a second transition 196 when the helical channel begins to overlap itself for the first and second times respectively. The helical channel 184 is adapted to receive the reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The helical channel 184 and the stop surfaces 198, 200 are integral with the cam disk 160 and are not adjustable.

[0063] In FIG. 17, the cam disk 160 is shown to be installed within the turret chassis 100. The spiral channel 184 receives the reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The clicker 188 projects from a clicker channel 186 within the outer periphery 170 of the cam disk 160. A spring 202 at the rear portion 192 of the clicker 188 biases the clicker 188 outwardly so that the clicker 188 engages with the toothed surface 108 on the inner periphery 102 of the turret chassis 100. When the cam disk 160 rotates such that the turret 22 rotates when changing a set value (for example, an elevation set value), the clicker 188 moves over the toothed surface 108, thereby providing a rotational resistance force and producing a characteristic clicking sound.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the toothed surface 108 has 100 teeth, thereby enabling 100 clicks per revolution of the elevation turret 22. The spiral channel 184 is formed by several arcuate segments of a constant radius centered on the disk center and extending substantially in a full circle, the ends of which are joined by a transition portion of the channel so as to substantially form a stepped spiral where one end of the inner arcuate segment is connected to the end of the next arc and so on. This defines that the indicator remains in one position for most of the rotation and only transitions in a limited portion of the turret rotation. In an alternative embodiment, the spiral may be a true spiral where the channel increases in its radial position in proportion to its rotational position. In the most basic embodiment, the channel has its ends at different radial positions, the channel extends beyond 360°, the ends are radially separated by the material, and a full 360° rotation circle is enabled using stops provided at each channel end.

[0065] The turret 22 is positioned at the indicia 34 corresponding to 0° adjustment when the cam pin 126 is in the same plane as the zero stop surface 198. In an embodiment, the helical channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in an arc segment at a constant distance from the axis of rotation 26 until the elevation turret is rotated 9 mrad (324°). The first transition 194 occurs when the turret 22 is rotated counterclockwise from 9 mrad (324°) to 10 mrad (360°). During the first transition, the helical channel 184 shifts the cam pin 126 towards the outer periphery 170 so that the helical channel 184 can begin to overlap itself. As the turret 22 continues its counterclockwise rotation, the helical channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in an arc segment at a further constant distance from the axis of rotation 26 until the elevation turret is rotated 19 mrad (684°). The second transition 196 occurs when the turret 22 is rotated counterclockwise from 19 mrad (684°) to 20 mrad (720°). During the second transition, the helical channel further shifts the cam pin 126 towards the outer periphery 170 so that the helical channel 184 can begin to overlap itself a second time. As the turret 22 continues its counterclockwise rotation, the helical channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in an arc segment at a further constant distance from the central bore 178 until the elevation turret is rotated 28.5 mrad (1026°). At that time, the cam pin 126 is in the same plane as the end of the movement stop surface 200, preventing further counterclockwise rotation and elevation adjustment of the turret 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second transitions 194, 196 are angled at approximately 36° (10% of the rotation) to allow for a reasonable wall thickness between concentric arc segments about the axis of rotation 26 of the helical channel. The cam pin diameter determines the overall diameter of the turret. Since there are three rotations, any increase in diameter will be multiplied by 3 in a way that it affects the overall turret diameter. In an embodiment, a cam pin diameter of 1.5 mm provides reasonable strength while remaining small enough to prevent the overall diameter of the turret from becoming excessive.

[0066] Figures 18A and 18B show the complete turret chassis sub-assembly 230. The turret chassis sub-assembly 230 is assembled by inserting the locking gear 206 into the turret chassis 100 on top of the cam disk 160. The turret chassis sub-assembly 230 is shown in the locked position in Figure 15B.

[0067] The locking gear 206 has an upper portion 208 and a bottom portion 210. The upper portion 208 defines three mounting holes 216 having threads 218. The locking gear 206 also defines three smooth mounting holes 220 and a smooth central bore 222. The bottom portion 210 of the locking gear 206 defines a toothed surface 214. The toothed surface 214 extends downwardly below the bottom portion 210 of the locking gear 206 to surround the reduced radius portion 166 of the upper portion 162 of the cam disk 160 when the chassis sub-assembly 230 is assembled. In this embodiment, the toothed surface 214 has 100 teeth that mesh precisely with the 100 teeth of the toothed surface 108 on the inner periphery 102 of the turret chassis 100 when the elevation turret 22 is locked.

[0068] Four ball bearings 226 project outwardly from a bore 232 in the outer periphery 212 positioned between the toothed surface and the upper portion. A spring 400 positioned behind the ball bearings biases the outer ball bearings outwardly so that they engage the upper click groove 104 and the lower click groove 106 on the inner periphery 102 of the turret chassis 100. As the locking gear rises and falls so that the turret 22 is unlocked and locked, the ball bearings 226 move between the lower and upper click grooves 104, 106, thereby providing a vertical resistance force and producing a characteristic click sound.

[0069] When the turret chassis sub - assembly 230 is assembled, the screw 224 is inserted into the mounting hole 220 and protrudes from the bottom 210 of the locking gear 206. The screw 224 is then threaded into the mounting hole 180 at the upper part 162 of the cam disk 160 to mount the locking gear 206 to the cam disk 160. Thereafter, the locking gear 206 remains in a fixed rotational position relative to the cam disk 160 when the turret 22 is unlocked and rotated. The head 234 of the screw 224 is thinner than the depth of the mounting hole 220 from the upper part 208 to the shoulder 236 of the locking gear 206. The screw 224 has a shoulder 228 that contacts the upper part 162 of the cam disk 160 when the screw is fixed. As a result, the locking gear 206 is free to rise until the head 234 of the screw 224 contacts the shoulder 236 and to descend until the bottom of the locking gear 206 contacts the upper part 162 of the cam disk 160. This vertical movement is sufficient for the toothed surface 214 of the locking gear 206 to rise above the toothed surface 108 of the turret chassis 100, thereby enabling the elevation turret to be unlocked and rotated freely.

[0070] Figures 19A and 19B show the turret chassis sub - assembly 230, the screw sub - assembly 88, and the turret housing 36. More specifically, the turret chassis sub - assembly 230 is shown assembled, mounted on the turret screw sub - assembly 88 in Figure 19A and in the process of being mounted on the turret screw sub - assembly in Figure 19B.

[0071] When the turret chassis sub - assembly 230 is mounted on the turret screw sub - assembly 88, the upper portion 40 of the turret screw 38 and the collar 66 of the turret screw base 60 pass upward through the smooth central bore 120 of the turret chassis 100, the smooth central bore 178 of the cam disk 160, and the smooth central bore 222 of the locking gear 206. The retaining ring 246 is received by the ring slot 72 of the collar 66 to prevent the turret chassis sub - assembly 230 from being lifted from the turret screw sub - assembly 88. The three recesses 245 at the bottom 116 of the turret chassis 100 receive the head of the screw 80 that projects from the upper portion 62 of the turret screw base 60. Thus, the bottom 116 of the turret chassis 100 can seat in a coplanar manner against the upper portion 92 of the turret housing 36.

[0072] The turret chassis sub - assembly 230 has been described previously with respect to a turret that is an elevation turret, but those skilled in the art will recognize that a similar design can be used for other adjusting turrets such as a windage turret. Further, the above - described turret chassis sub - assembly 230 will also be described with respect to the zero - point adjustment sub - assembly according to Embodiment 500. It will be recognized that the turret chassis sub - assembly 230 described herein can be implemented using any of the embodiments of the zero - point adjustment sub - assemblies 500, 500’, 500’’, 500’’’ or a combination of the embodiments described herein.

[0073] Various modifications and variations of the above-described composition and method of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that it is possible to configure the present invention from various materials and in various different ways. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as recited in the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the above-described modes for carrying out the present invention that are apparent to those skilled in the art of shooting technology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Explanation of Signs

[0074] 22 Turret 500 Zero Point Adjustment Subassembly 501 Turret Cap 530 Lock Ring 540 Cam Ring

Claims

1. The scope body, a movable optical element connected to the scope body and defining an optical axis; (A) a turret screw defining a screw axis, the turret screw operatively connected to the movable optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw; (B) a turret chassis subassembly; and (C) a turret cap at least partially overlapping the turret chassis subassembly; a turret including: (a) a zero cap connected to the turret screw; and (b) a locking mechanism for releasably securing the zero cap and the turret, the locking mechanism including a lever, a conical wedge, and a collet; a zero point adjustment subassembly including: A riflescope comprising:

2. 2. The riflescope of claim 1, wherein the lever is connected to the turret screw.

3. 3. The riflescope of claim 2, wherein the conical wedge is positioned around the turret screw.

4. 4. The riflescope of claim 3, wherein an upper surface of the turret cap defines a recess, and the zero cap is positioned in the recess.

5. 5. The riflescope of claim 4, wherein the zero cap has a central opening through which the lever connects to the turret screw.

6. 6. The riflescope of claim 5, wherein the collet is inserted between the zero cap and an upper surface of the recess.

7. The turret chassis subassembly includes: a helical cam mechanism engaged by the cam pin and defining first and second stop surfaces each positioned for engagement by the stop element; Including, the first stop surface and the second stop surface are connected by a channel that at least partially overlaps itself; 2. A riflescope according to claim 1.

8. 8. The riflescope of claim 7, further comprising a rotation indicator connected to the cam pin.

9. 2. The riflescope of claim 1, wherein the turret is an elevation turret.

Images