Tool-less re-zeroing knob for sights and method for zeroing sights

Abstract

The adjustment knob, which may be zeroed by a user of the aiming device, includes a rotating member that is rotated to change a setting of the aiming device, a dial selectively coupleable to the rotating member via a clutch that rotates with the rotating member, and a locking mechanism that prevents the dial and rotating member from rotating relative to the aiming device when the locking mechanism is locked. The clutch may be disengaged without the use of a tool to rotate the dial relative to the rotating member to zero the aiming device. The locking mechanism may include an unlocking portion that is accessible from outside the dial and is movable relative to the dial and rotating member to release the locking mechanism. A method of zeroing a locking adjustment knob is also disclosed.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] [Related Applications]

[0002]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 650,247, filed February 27, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application No. 16 / 803,881, filed February 27, 2020, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 811,022, filed February 7, 2019, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. [Technical field]

[0003]

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to aiming devices such as riflescopes and other weapon aiming devices, and more particularly to adjustment turret knobs for aiming devices that can be re-zeroed without the use of tools, and aiming devices including such adjustment knobs. [background]

[0004]

[0003] Optical sights for projectile weapons, such as firearms, may require adjustment when targeting an object. For example, as a bullet drops or otherwise changes its path due to environmental factors as it travels, the scope's sights may be adjusted vertically and / or horizontally to compensate for such effects and increase the likelihood that an object located within the scope's crosshairs will be impacted by the bullet. Vertical adjustments of the scope's sights are known as elevation adjustments because they compensate for changes in the bullet's elevation (e.g., drop), and horizontal adjustments of the scope's sights are known as windage adjustments because they compensate for the lateral movement of the bullet, often caused by wind.

[0005] Horizontal and vertical adjustment of the sight can be accomplished by manually rotating a turret knob on the scope that adjusts the position of the lens or other optical element within the scope. An indicator scale, which includes a set of markings on the outside of the knob, provides a visual indication of the amount of knob rotation. In some adjustment knobs, the position of the indicator scale can be adjusted relative to the knob setting by using a hex key to loosen a grub screw that couples the dial of the knob to a rotatable threaded member inside the knob, as taught, for example, in Crispin's U.S. Pat. No. 9,170,068, incorporated herein by reference. After loosening the grub screw, the dial can be rotated to the desired position to adjust the zero setting of the knob, and then the grub screw is retightened to secure the dial to the threaded member and rotate together. By "zeroing" the elevation and / or windage knobs in this manner, the shooter can ensure that the scope is properly calibrated (or "sighted in") for aiming the firearm at an object at a particular distance. Sighting in a riflescope at a known distance facilitates precise sight adjustments for other distances or environmental conditions relative to the calibrated setting.

[0006]

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 6,279,259 to Otteman and U.S. Patent No. 5,513,440 to Murg disclose riflescope adjustment mechanisms that can be re-zeroed without the use of tools. In each case, a dial portion of the adjustment mechanism is axially movable relative to an internally threaded member. When the dial portion is pushed axially inward to engage the threaded member, the dial and threaded member rotate together to achieve sight adjustment. When the dial portion is pulled axially outward, it can be rotated relative to the threaded member to re-zero the indicator scale of the adjustment mechanism.

[0007] The present inventors have recognized a need for an improved system and method for rezeroing optical scope adjustment mechanisms.

[0008]

[0007] Additional aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a riflescope taken along its longitudinal axis showing the adjustment knob in a disengaged position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the adjustment knob of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob of FIG. 1 showing the dial of the knob disengaged from the rotating member of the knob. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isolated side view of the rotatable member of FIG. 3 showing details of the dial retaining features of the rotatable member. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the riflescope and adjustment knob of FIG. 1 showing the dial engaged with the rotating member. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows an exterior isometric view of a riflescope using the adjustment knobs of FIG. 1 as elevation and windage adjustment knobs, with FIG. 6A showing the elevation adjustment knob in an engaged position and the windage adjustment knob in a disengaged position. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows an external isometric view of a riflescope using the adjustment knobs of FIG. 1 as elevation and windage adjustment knobs, with FIG. 6B showing the elevation adjustment knob in a disengaged position and the windage adjustment knob in an engaged position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob according to the second embodiment, showing the clutch of the adjustment knob in the engaged position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the adjustment knob of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob of FIG. 7 showing the adjustment knob clutch in the released position. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram of a rotating member of the adjustment knob of FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram of a gripper element of the clutch of the adjustment knob of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an adjustment knob according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram of a gripper element of the clutch of the adjustment knob of FIG. 12. FIG.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011]

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a riflescope 100 along its longitudinal axis having a housing 102 (sometimes referred to as a "main tube") and an image reversing erector system 104 pivotally mounted within the housing 102, which provides an image of the aiming point. An adjustment knob 106 protrudes from the housing 102 and is rotatable about an axis 108 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the adjustment knob 106 is press-fit into the housing 102. In other embodiments, the adjustment knob is threaded into the housing 102. Although a currently preferred embodiment of a weapon aiming device is described herein as the riflescope 100, adjustment knobs consistent with the present disclosure may also be used with other types of optical aiming devices, such as red dot sights, reflex sights, holographic sights, iron sights, and other devices for aiming weapons and other devices, particularly devices in which a user desires to adjust the zero or home position of the aiming device.

[0012]

[0022] 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment, adjustment knob 106 includes a dial 110 configured to engage and disengage with a rotating member 112 (which is also rotatable about axis 108). When in an engaged position (as shown in FIG. 5), dial 110 engages rotating member 112. When in a disengaged position (as shown in FIG. 3), dial 110 disengages from rotating member 112. In some embodiments, rotating member 112 may be configured as a rotating adjustment nut or spindle that includes hub 172. Engagement of dial 110 and rotating member 112 may change the settings of riflescope 100. In the illustrated embodiment, an adjustment screw (or threaded plunger) 114 is coupled (e.g., threaded) to an internal threaded cavity of the rotating member 112 and rotatably captured within a slot in the housing 102, such that rotation of the dial 110 and rotating member 112 causes a responsive movement of the adjustment screw 114 along axis 108, driving a pivoting movement of the erector system 104, illustrated by arrow 116, resulting in an aim point shift either vertically (elevation) or horizontally (windage), depending on the position of the adjustment knob 106 on the housing 102. In other embodiments (not shown), the rotating member 112 may be an outwardly threaded screw that threads into a threaded hole fixed in the housing 102, such that the screw moves axially as it rotates to change the aim point or other settings of the riflescope 100. Shifting the aim point of the riflescope 100 is typically accomplished by cooperation between a lens or other optical element within the erector system 104 and a reticle 118 within the housing 102. A spring 120 biases the erector system 104 relative to the housing 102, urging the erector system 104 against the screw 114. In FIG. 1, the adjustment knob 106 is shown disengaged from the rotating member 112.Although FIG. 1 shows a single adjustment knob 106, it should be understood that a second adjustment knob (not shown) may be coupled to the housing 102 at a right angle to the adjustment knob 106, where the adjustment knob 106 is either an elevation adjustment knob, which shifts the aim point vertically, or a windage adjustment knob, which shifts the aim point horizontally, and the second adjustment knob is the other of the elevation adjustment knob or the windage adjustment knob.

[0013]

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, adjustment knob 106 includes a retainer 122. In some embodiments, retainer 122 seats in different grooves in rotating member 112 (described with respect to FIGS. 3-5) depending on when adjustment knob 106 is in an engaged or disengaged position. In some embodiments, retainer 122 is a spring, such as, for example, a spring snap ring, and the ring can fully or partially surround rotating member 112. In other embodiments, the retainer may be omitted or retention may be achieved by a different structure for the feature.

[0014]

[0024] In some embodiments, the adjustment knob 106 further includes a locking mechanism 123 that may include a lock release 125 and a guideway ring 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking mechanism 125 comprises a depressible button 124 that is located on the side of the dial 110 and accessible from the outside of the dial 110. The button 124 includes one or more springs 126 that bias the button 124 radially outward and a pin 128, guide tab, or other protrusion that is movable with the button 124 radially relative to the axis 108 when the button 124 is pressed and released. The button 124 is movable relative to the dial 110 and the rotatable member 112 to release the locking mechanism 123 and rotate the dial 110 and the rotatable member 112 together to adjust the settings of the riflescope 100. The guideway ring 130 is affixed to the housing 102 of the riflescope 100, for example, by press-fitting the guideway ring 130 onto a threaded flange 140 that is screwed to the housing 102. In this manner, the channel 132 or other guideway of the guideway ring 130 is fixed relative to the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, when the adjustment knob 106 is in the disengaged position as shown in FIG. 3, the pin 128 is axially retracted from the channel 132 of the guideway ring 130, whereas when the adjustment knob 106 is in the engaged position as shown in FIG. 5, the pin 128 (or guide tab or other protrusion) is received within the channel 132 and moves within or otherwise rides along the channel 132 or other guideway as the dial 110 is rotated. Pin 128 (or guide tab or other protrusion) is biased into a notch 133 (FIG. 2) formed in a guideway of guideway ring 130 at the zero location of dial 110 to lock adjustment knob 106 in the zero location, as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,170,068, which is incorporated herein by reference.When the button 124 or other unlocking device 125 is pressed or otherwise actuated, it displaces the pin 128 (or other guide tab or protrusion) from the notch 133, unlocking the locking mechanism 123 and allowing the dial 110 to rotate away from the zero configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 123 does not lock at any rotational position of the dial 110 other than the zero configuration. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 123 can lock at multiple rotational positions of the dial 110. In still other embodiments, the locking mechanism 123 can comprise any of a variety of different adjustment knob locking mechanisms, particularly locking mechanisms that include an unlocking device accessible from outside the dial 110 and / or that includes an unlocking device carried by the dial 110 for rotation about the axis 108, such as an unlocking button located on the side of the dial 110 that can be depressed radially toward the axis 108 to release the locking mechanism. Locking mechanisms that are lockable electronically or by other means are also contemplated.

[0015]

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the a-ring 134 seats within a groove 136 in the rotating member 112 (shown in FIG. 3) and a washer 138 seats within a groove 142 in a threaded flange 140 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0016]

[0026] In some embodiments, the adjustment knob 106 includes a click mechanism that provides tactile and / or auditory feedback to the user when the adjustment knob 106 is rotated. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a click ring 144 is inserted between a shoulder 150 of the lower base portion 148 of the rotating member 112 and the threaded flange 140. The click ring 144 includes a grooved surface 146 that faces the rotating member 112. The grooved surface 146 includes regularly spaced features, which may include, for example, splines or a series of evenly spaced vertical grooves or ridges. Other engagement features may include a series of detents, recesses, holes, or other suitable features. The click mechanism further includes a click pin 152 having a beveled surface configured to engage with the regularly spaced features of the grooved surface 146. The click pin 152 is received within a bore 156 of the rotating member 112 that has the grooved surface 146 facing an open end. A spring 154 or other biasing element biases the click pin 152 to extend outward from within the bore 156 and into engagement with the grooved surface 146. In operation, rotational movement of the adjustment knob 106 about the axis 108 causes the click pin 152 to move out of contact with one groove and into the adjacent groove, thereby producing a click that is either audible, tactile, or both. Each click can correspond to an amount of adjustment to alert the user as to the extent of the adjustment being made.

[0017]

[0027] 3 is an enlarged isometric cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob 106 of FIG. 1 , showing the dial 110 disengaged from the rotating member 112 (meaning that rotation of the dial 110 does not cause rotation of the rotating member 112 or any change to the settings of the riflescope 100 by movement of internal optical components or other parts inside the housing 102). In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer device 122 is at least partially received and carried by a retainer groove 158 formed in the dial 110 such that the retainer device 122 is axially movable with the dial 110 relative to the rotating member 112, but not axially movable relative to the dial 110. In some embodiments, the retainer groove 158 is sized to allow free expansion of the retainer device 122 therein.

[0018]

[0028] 3 and 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotating member 112 includes a disengagement ridge 160, a disengagement groove 162, a ridge 164, and an engagement groove 166, where the disengagement groove 162 and the engagement groove 166 are spaced apart, and the ridge 164 is formed between the grooves 162 and 166. In some embodiments, the ridges 160 and 164 and the grooves 162 and 166 are formed on a hub 172 of the rotating member 112. In some embodiments, the disengagement groove 162 and the engagement groove 166 are spaced apart on the hub 172, and the ridge 164 is formed between the grooves 162 and 166 on the hub 172. The members 160-166 are discussed further below. In other embodiments, the grooves 162, 166 and the ridges 160, 164 can be formed on the shaft, shank, or shoulder of the adjustment screw.

[0019]

[0029] The adjustment knob 106 may include a clutch 167 that selectively couples the dial 110 to the rotating member 112 for rotation therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch 167 includes a dial clutch surface 168 on the dial 110 and a rotating member clutch surface 170 on the rotating member 112. The dial 110 is illustrated in FIG. 3 in a disengaged position where the dial clutch surface 168 has moved axially outwardly to disengage from the rotating member clutch surface 170. In the disengaged position, the clutch 167 is said to be disengaged or released, and in the engaged position, the clutch 167 is engaged. In some embodiments, one of the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 may have at least one male spline, and the other of the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 may have at least one female spline. Either the dial clutch surface 168 or the rotating member clutch surface 170 may have male or female splines formed with the same or different pitches. In some embodiments, the dial clutch surface 168 can include a spline ring in the form of a plurality of splines that completely or partially surrounds the internal cavity 218 of the dial 110, and the rotating member clutch surface 170 can include a spline ring in the form of a plurality of splines that completely or partially surrounds the outer surface of the rotating member 112. In some embodiments, the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 have the same number of splines, while in other embodiments, the dial clutch surface 168 and / or the rotating member clutch surface 170 have a different number of splines or no splines at all. It should be noted that the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 do not have to have the same arrangement of splines.For example, one of the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 can include one or more splines configured such that the splines completely surround the internal cavity 218 or the outer surface of the rotating member 112, and the other of the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 can include only a single spline or multiple splines that only partially surround the internal cavity 218 or the outer surface of the rotating member 112. It should be noted that the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 do not have to use the same type of engagement components. For example, one of the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 can include one or more splines, and the other of the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 can include one or more keys or one or more ridges. In another embodiment (not shown), the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 can each have at least one tooth to form a Hirth joint when the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 are engaged. Alternative push button clutches are described below with reference to Figures 7-13. Many other clutch designs are contemplated, including cone clutches, plate clutches, rotary actuated clutches, electronically actuated clutches, etc.

[0020]

[0030] In some embodiments (not shown), the splines on the dial clutch surface 168 or the rotating member clutch surface 170 can be axially elongated so that they can be used as elements of the clutch 167 and as a detent ring for the click mechanism of the adjustment knob 106, eliminating the need for a separate detent ring 144.

[0021]

[0031] 3, dial 110 is illustrated in a disengaged position with retainer device 122 seated within disengagement groove 162 and abutting disengagement ridge 160, and substantially received by retainer groove 158. Note that when retainer device 122 is seated within disengagement groove 162, but not abutting disengagement ridge 160, dial 110 is also in a disengaged position.

[0022]

[0032] 3-5, in the illustrated embodiment, the dial can be moved to an engaged position by pushing the dial 110 toward the housing 102 (FIGS. 1 and 5) such that the lever mechanism 122 moves over the ridge 164 into the engagement groove 166 and the dial 110 is in an engaged position with the dial clutch surface 168 and the rotating member clutch surface 170 engaged with each other. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob 106 showing the dial 110 in the engaged position. In the engaged position, rotation of the dial 110 rotates the rotating member 112 to change the setting of the riflescope 100, for example, by moving the erector system 104 within the housing 102.

[0023]

[0033] In some embodiments, when retainer device 122 is seated in disengagement groove 162, retainer device 122 is substantially received in retainer groove 158. For example, substantially received means that about 50% or more of the diameter of retainer device 122 is received within retainer groove 158. In some embodiments, when retainer device 122 is seated in engagement groove 166, retainer device 122 is only partially received by retainer groove 158. For example, partially received means that less than about 50% of the diameter of retainer device 122 is received by retainer groove 158. It should be noted that in some embodiments, retainer device 122 may be partially or substantially received by retainer groove 158 when seated in one or both of disengagement groove 162 or engagement groove 166.

[0024]

[0034] In some embodiments, as dial 110 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position (and vice versa), retainer device 122 moves between disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 and rides over ridge 164 as it moves between groove 162 and groove 166. In some embodiments, as retainer device 122 moves or rides over ridge 164 as it progresses from engagement groove 166 to disengagement groove 166, retainer device 122 expands into retainer groove 158 such that a greater portion of retainer device 122 is contained within retainer groove 158 when retainer device 122 is seated in disengagement groove 162 compared to when retainer device 122 is seated in engagement groove 166. In some embodiments, when retainer device 122 moves or rides over ridge 164 as it moves from disengagement groove 162 to engagement groove 162, retainer device 122 collapses out of retainer groove 158 such that when retainer device 122 is seated in engagement groove 166, a smaller portion of retainer device 122 is accommodated by retainer groove 158 compared to when retainer device 122 is seated in disengagement groove 162.

[0025]

[0035] The retainer device 122 can be configured to limit or reduce the overall progression from the engaged position to the disengaged position (and vice versa). For example, the retainer device 122 can apply a constant or substantially constant friction to the rotating member 112 such that the free movement of the retainer device 122 is limited or reduced. In some embodiments, the snap ring or other spring of the retainer device 122 may be sized and selected to cooperate with the ridges 164 to require a minimum pulling force to move the dial 110 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The minimum pulling force can be a value ranging from about 1 pound to about 10 pounds, or from about 2 pounds to 10 pounds. The disengaging ridges 160 are preferably sized larger than the engaging ridges 164 to preferably require a pulling force of more than 10 pounds, or more than 14 pounds, to remove the dial 110 from the rotating member 112. In some embodiments, the pushing force required to move the dial 110 from the disengaged position to the engaged position is about 2 pounds or less, or less than about 1 pound.

[0026]

[0036] It should be noted that although FIGS. 1-5 show an embodiment in which the disengagement groove 162 and the engagement groove 166 are formed on the rotating member 112 and the retainer groove 158 is formed on the dial 110, embodiments having other configurations are also included in the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the dial 110 can have a plug configured for insertion into a receiving cavity formed in the hub 172 of the rotating member 112, and the plug can have a disengagement groove and an engagement groove formed thereon substantially similar to the grooves 162 and 166. In some embodiments, the receiving cavity of the hub 172 can have a retainer groove formed substantially similar to the retainer groove 158. In such embodiments, the retainer device 122 can partially or completely surround the plug. In such embodiments, the retainer device 122 is at least partially received in and carried by the retainer groove of the receiving cavity, and the retainer device 122 is axially movable relative to the dial 110 but not axially movable relative to the rotating member 112. In yet other embodiments, the disengagement groove, engagement groove, and retainer device may be omitted, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-13. The retainer device may also be integrally formed with one or both of the dial 110 and the rotating member 112, or may be formed within other components of the adjustment knob 106. In other embodiments, retention may be provided by suction or vacuum through the use of an airtight seal between the dial 110 and the rotating member 112. Such an airtight seal may be achieved through the use of a precise mechanical fit, or by an a-ring or other seal, while the desired range of motion may be provided through the use of a bladder or flexible diaphragm contained within the adjustment knob and in communication with the sealed space between the dial 110 and the rotating member 112. To achieve suction or vacuum, assembly of such a device may include evacuating air from the sealed space through a vent on the side of the dial 110 as the dial 110 is attached to the rotating member 112, and sealing the vent after assembly of the dial 110 is complete.

[0027]

[0037] 4 is an enlarged, isolated view of the rotating member 112 of the adjustment knob 106. As illustrated in FIG. 4 and described above, in some embodiments, the rotating member 112 includes a disengagement ridge 160, a disengagement groove 162, a ridge 164, and an engagement groove 166 formed in a hub 172 of the rotating member 112. In some embodiments, the hub 172 also includes a top rib 174 and a bottom rib 178. The engagement groove 166 is also referred to as a first circumferential step, the disengagement groove 162 is also referred to as a second circumferential step, the top rib 174 is also referred to as a third circumferential step, and the bottom rib 178 is also referred to as a fourth circumferential step. For example, the first circumferential step can be formed by a first circumference of the rotating member 112 and the second circumferential step can be formed by a second circumference of the rotating member 112, the first circumference being smaller than the second circumference. For example, a third circumferential step can be defined by a third circumference of the rotating member 112, and a fourth circumferential step can be defined by a fourth circumference of the rotating member 112, the third circumference being greater than the second circumference and the third circumference being less than the fourth circumference. For example, the third circumference and the fourth circumference can be equal. Further, in some embodiments, the disengagement groove 162 is defined by a first diameter of the rotating member 112, and the engagement groove 166 is defined by a second diameter of the rotating member 112, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, and the engagement groove 166 is deeper than the disengagement groove 162 relative to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 172.

[0028]

[0038] Disengaging ridge 160 and ridge 164 may each be referred to as a chamfer, for example. For example, top ridge 180 may be formed on top rib 174 and may also be referred to as a chamfer. In some embodiments, one or more of ridges 160, ridges 164, and ridges 180 are angled or sloped.

[0029]

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the ridge 160 forms a retention angle 81 with a vertical axis 184 about the rotating member 112 that is parallel to the axis 108 (FIG. 1). The retention angle 81 is sized and selected to cooperate with the retainer device 122 to prevent the dial 110 from dislodging from the rotating member 112. In some embodiments, the angle 81 is about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 81 may range from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge 164 forms a retention angle 82 with a vertical axis 186 about the rotating member 112 that is parallel to the axis 108 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the angle 82 is about 17 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 82 may range from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the top ridge 180 also forms an angle 83 with a vertical axis 188 about the rotating member 112. In some embodiments, the angle 83 is about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, angle 83 may range from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, angle 83 is selected such that the placement of retainer device 122 on rotating member 122 limits or avoids or reduces damage to hub 172 and / or retainer device 122 due to incidence with a surface of rotating member 112, such as a surface of top rib 174 (which may have the maximum diameter of hub 172 that retainer device 112 rides on).

[0030]

[0040] In some embodiments, the distance between ridge 160 and ridge 164, which form the length of disengagement groove 162, is about 0.09 inches. In some embodiments, the distance between ridge 164 and lip 182 of bottom rib 178, which form the length of engagement groove 166, is about 0.08 inches. In some embodiments, the distance between ridge 160 and top ridge 180, which form the length of top rib 174, is about 0.09 inches. In some embodiments, the lengths of disengagement groove 162 and engagement groove 166 are selected so that there is sufficient clearance for pin 128 of button 124 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to extend into and retract from channel 132. In some embodiments, to improve engagement and / or disengagement ergonomics, the ratio of lengths between all or a subset of disengagement groove 162, engagement groove 166, and top rib 174 is selected to reduce or limit the overall assembled height of adjustment knob 106 and / or to reduce or limit the freedom of movement of adjustment knob 106.

[0031]

[0041] FIG. 6A shows a riflescope 200 having an adjustment knob 106 used as an elevation knob 202 and a windage knob 204. As shown in FIG. 6A, the elevation knob 202 is in an engaged position where its dial engages with the rotating member of the elevation knob 204 (112 in FIGS. 1-5), and the windage knob 204 is in a disengaged position where its dial does not engage with the rotating member of the windage knob 202 (112 in FIGS. 1-5). A user may have pushed the elevation knob 202 towards the housing 206 to place the elevation knob 202 in the engaged position. In the engaged position, a user may rotate the elevation knob 202 to adjust the optical components of the riflescope 200 to reflect a particular elevation. The user can then pull the elevation knob 202 away from the housing 206 to place the elevation knob 202 in a disengaged position (as shown in FIG. 68) and rotate the elevation knob 202 until the fixed reference mark 210 and the zero mark 208 are aligned. The user can then push the elevation knob 202 back towards the housing 206 to place the elevation knob 202 in an engaged position, where the elevation knob 202 is now aligned to zero. In FIG. 6A, rotation of the windage knob 204 does not result in adjustment of the optical components since the windage knob 204 is in the disengaged position. FIG. 6B shows the opposite situation to FIG. 6A, where the riflescope 200 has the elevation knob 202 in a disengaged position and the windage knob 204 in an engaged position. When the windage knob 204 is in the engaged position shown in FIG. 6B, it can be used to adjust the optical components of the riflescope 200 as described above with respect to the elevation knob 202 of FIG. 6A.

[0032]

[0042] 7-11 show an adjustment knob 106' according to another embodiment, and FIGS. 12-13 illustrate an adjustment knob 106'' according to yet another embodiment. In FIGS. 7-13, parts of adjustment knob 106' and adjustment knob 106'' that are identical, closely similar, and / or functionally equivalent to parts having the same name in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 are identified by the same reference numerals followed by a prime symbol (') in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11, or by a double prime symbol ('') in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, and may not be otherwise described or explained herein. For example, guideway ring 130' of locking mechanism 123' of adjustment knob 106' is identical to and operates in the same manner as guideway ring 130 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, and will not be otherwise described herein.

[0033]

[0043] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob 106' mounted on the riflescope 100', with the clutch 167' of the adjustment knob 106' (described below) shown in an engaged position. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the adjustment knob 106', and FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adjustment knob 106' with the clutch 167' in a disengaged position. With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the clutch 167' is a push-button type clutch that is actuated by pressing a clutch release button 710 along the axis of rotation 108'. The clutch release button 710 is carried by the dial 110' in a counterbore 712 formed in the axially outward end 714 of the dial 110' and is accessible from outside the dial 110' at the axially outward end 714. The clutch release button 710 is retained on the dial 110' by a retainer ring 716 that is fitted in a groove 718 that surrounds the counterbore 712 near the axially outward end 714. The retainer ring 716 is received in a circumferential channel 720 in the clutch release button 710 that is sized to allow a range of axial movement of the clutch release button 710 along the axis of rotation 108'. In another embodiment (not shown), the retainer ring 716 may be carried in a narrower slot on the clutch release button 710 and the groove 718 may be wider to allow the retainer ring 716 to move axially therein. Other structures and devices for retaining the button 710 on the dial 11O' may also be utilized. A wave spring 726 is positioned in a counterbore 712 between the dial 11O' and the clutch release button 710 to bias the clutch release button 710 axially outward from the housing 102' of the riflescope 100' to bias the clutch 167' toward the engaged position. Although the clutch release button 710 is illustrated as being relatively large and extending beyond the dial 11O' when the clutch 167' is in the engaged position, the clutch release button 710 may alternatively be made smaller and / or positioned flush against or recessed from the outward end 714 of the dial 11O' when the clutch 167' is in the engaged position to prevent accidental release of the clutch 167'.

[0034]

[0044] The gripper 730 of the clutch 167' is attached to the clutch release button 710 and extends axially from the underside of the clutch release button 710 toward the housing 102'. The gripper 730, best shown in FIG. 11, includes a mounting ring portion 732 coupled to the clutch release button 710 via a snap ring 736 and one or more resilient arms 740 extending from the mounting ring portion 732 toward the housing 102'. A wedge-shaped gripper shoe 744 is provided adjacent the distal end of the resilient arms 740. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripper 730 includes a balanced arrangement of three arms 740, each of which terminates in a wedge-shaped gripper shoe 744. Each of the arms 740 extends through a bore 746 (FIG. 8) in the dial 11O' and is received in a lobe 748 of an opening formed in a shoulder portion 752 of the dial 11O' at the outer end of the bore 746. The entire gripper 730, including the mounting ring portion 732, the arms 740, and the gripper shoe 744, are preferably formed together into a single, one-piece structure by molding or machining from a solid block of metal or other material.

[0035]

[0045] 11, each of the gripper shoes 744 may include one or more gripper splines 750, or another type of high friction surface, on its inner surface. The gripper splines 750 face and engage a spline ring 760 (FIG. 10) of the rotating member 112' or other rotating member clutch surface 170' when the clutch 167' is in an engaged state / position. An outer surface 764 of each gripper shoe 744 opposite the gripper splines 750 of the gripper shoe 744 is shaped to wedge into a conical surface 770 or chamfer surrounding the axial inner opening of the bore 746 (FIG. 8) to form a dial clutch surface thereof. The outer surface 764 may be smooth (as shown) or textured to facilitate smooth operation of the clutch 167'. As illustrated in Figures 7-10, the spline ring 760 surrounding the hub 172' of the rotating member 112' and the gripper splines 750 are formed on the radially inner surface of the gripper shoe 744 and the opposing spline ring 760, respectively. However, in another embodiment, the gripper splines 750 may be formed on the opposite side of the gripper shoe 744, and the spline ring 760 (or other high friction surface) may surround the axially inner opening of the bore 746, which may or may not be conical or chamfered. In such another embodiment, the radially inner surface of each gripper shoe 744 may be smooth, textured, angled relative to the arm 740, or wedge shaped to bite into and grip a complementary rotating member clutch surface on the hub 172'.

[0036]

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates the adjustment knob 106' with the clutch release button 710 depressed to move the gripper 730 axially inward to a disengaged position, disengaging the clutch 167' and rotating the dial 110' relative to the rotatable member 112' to zero the adjustment knob 106' without changing the elevation or other settings of the riflescope 100'.

[0037]

[0047] 12 and 13 show another embodiment of adjustment knob 106'' that includes a push button clutch 167'' similar to push button clutch 167' of FIGS. 7-11, but where gripper shoe 744'' lacks splines on either side. Gripper shoe 744'' may be smooth or rough. Inner gripping surface 780 of gripper shoe 744'' may be raised to provide optimal engagement or grip with rotating member clutch face 170''. Similarly, the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 omits splines from dial clutch surface 168'' and rotating member clutch surface 170''. While rotating member clutch surface 170'' is illustrated as simply being the cylindrical side of hub 172'', rotating member clutch surface 170'' may be roughened to improve grip or may include ridges or detents (not shown) to improve grip and retention when clutch 167'' is engaged.

[0038]

[0048] According to a method of using the sighting device, to change the settings of the sighting device, an adjustment knob 106 of the sighting device, which may be of the type including a dial and a rotating member rotatable about an axis of rotation 108, is zeroed following an initial alignment of the sighting device. The process of aligning a sighting device, such as a riflescope, is well known and typically involves firing a weapon to which the sighting device is attached and observing the deviation of the point of impact of the bullet or other projectile relative to a target at a known range, such as 100 yards, or 200 yards, or 100 meters (m), or 200 m. The deviation of the point of impact relative to the aim point of the riflescope or sighting device indicates how many adjustments (elevation (vertical) and windage (lateral) adjustments) must be made to the sighting device in order for the sighting device to "see" at that range. The "aiming" step then includes disengaging the locking mechanism 123 of the adjustment knob, for example, by manually depressing an unlocking button 124 located on the dial 110 or otherwise moving an unlocking portion 125 relative to the dial 110 and the rotating member 112. Then, by rotating the dial 110 while the locking mechanism 123 is released, the rotating member 112 rotates with the dial 110 to adjust the aim of the aiming device until the aiming device is precisely targeted at the point of impact of a firearm or other weapon (not shown) to which the aiming device is attached. Once the aiming device is aimed, the method then includes disengaging a clutch 167 of the adjustment knob 106 that selectively couples the dial 110 to the rotating member 112. Then, while clutch 167 is disengaged, dial 110 of adjustment knob 106 is rotated about rotation axis 108 relative to rotating member 112 until dial 110 is in the zero position, and then clutch 167 is engaged to couple dial 110 to rotating member 112 and rotate it with the rotating member about rotation axis 108 to adjust the aim of the aiming device. In some embodiments, unlock button 124 is located on the side of dial 110, and releasing locking mechanism 123 includes manually pushing button 124 radially towards rotation axis 108.In some embodiments, disengaging the clutch 167 may include axially moving at least a portion of the dial 110 relative to the rotating member 112 .

[0039]

[0049] If the aiming device needs to be adjusted downward from its locked position to achieve aim, the method may further include releasing the locking mechanism 123 and adjusting the adjustment mechanism 106 in a positive direction to clear the zero-locked position of the locking mechanism 123 before completing the aim process, then disengaging the clutch, rotating the dial 110 in the same (positive) direction relative to the rotatable member 112 while the clutch 167 is disengaged, and then re-engaging the clutch 167 after rotating the dial 110 relative to the rotatable member 112. The weapon is then fired and the aim is adjusted until aim is achieved, after which the remainder of the method described above is completed to set the dial to zero.

[0040]

[0050] It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention, and the scope of the invention should therefore be determined solely by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. In a sighting device, an adjustment knob that can be zeroed by a user and includes a rotating member, a dial, and a locking mechanism, the rotatable member is rotatable about a rotation axis to change a setting of the aiming device; the dial is selectively coupleable to the rotating member via a clutch for rotation therewith, the clutch being disengageable to permit rotation of the dial relative to the rotating member to set the adjustment knob to zero without changing the setting; a lock release section that prevents the dial and the rotating member from rotating relative to the aiming device when the locking mechanism is locked, thereby preventing inadvertent setting adjustment, and that includes an unlocking section that is movable relative to the dial and the rotating member, and that releases the locking mechanism to rotate the dial and the rotating member together, thereby enabling setting adjustment; Aiming device.

2. The aiming device of claim 1 , wherein the unlocking portion is accessible from outside the dial.

3. The aiming device of claim 1 , wherein the unlocking portion is carried by the dial so as to rotate about the rotation axis.

4. 4. The aiming device according to claim 3, wherein the unlocking portion includes a button on a side of the dial, the button being capable of being pressed radially toward the rotation axis to unlock the locking mechanism.

5. 2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein said clutch is disengageable by axially moving at least a portion of said dial relative to said rotating member.

6. 6. The aiming device of claim 5, wherein said clutch is disengageable by axially moving a button of said dial relative to said rotating member.

7. 2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the clutch includes a splined ring formed on one or both of the dial and the rotating member.

8. The clutch is a first clutch surface formed on the dial and centered about the axis of rotation; a second clutch surface formed on the rotating member and centered about the axis of rotation; Equipped with 2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein one of said first clutch surface and said second clutch surface comprises male splines and the other of said first clutch surface and said second clutch surface comprises female splines.

9. 9. The aiming device of claim 8, wherein the clutch is operable by axially moving the dial between an engaged position in which the male and female splines are engaged and a disengaged position in which the male and female splines are disengaged.

10. 2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the clutch includes a first clutch surface engageable with a second clutch surface by positioning a gripper between the first clutch surface and the second clutch surface, the gripper engaging both the first clutch surface and the second clutch surface.

11. The aiming device of claim 10 , wherein the clutch is disengaged by moving the gripper axially away from the first clutch surface and / or the second clutch surface.

12. The aiming device of claim 11 , wherein the gripper includes a wedge that is moved away from the first clutch surface and / or the second clutch surface by pressing a button.

13. 2. The aiming device of claim 1, further comprising a retainer that prevents removal of said dial from said rotatable member.

14. The aiming device of claim 13 , wherein the retainer comprises a spring snap ring.

15. The aiming device further includes a disengagement groove and an engagement groove formed on one of the rotating member and the dial, the disengagement groove being axially spaced from the engagement groove; 14. The aiming device of claim 13, wherein the retainer is carried on the other of the rotatable member and the dial for movement along an axis between the engagement groove and the disengagement groove.

16. 16. The aiming device of claim 15, wherein the clutch engages when the retainer is in the engagement groove, the engagement groove is deeper than the disengagement groove, a slope is formed between the disengagement groove and the engagement groove, and the retainer overcomes the slope when the clutch is disengaged.

17. 2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a guideway fixed relative to a housing of the aiming device, the guideway cooperating with the unlocking portion to lock and unlock the locking mechanism.

18. 18. The aiming device of claim 17, wherein the unlocking portion includes a button carried by the dial for rotation with the dial about the axis of rotation and a protrusion extending from the button that rides along the guideway as the dial is rotated, the guideway including a notch in which the protrusion seats to lock the locking mechanism, and the button is radially movable to move the protrusion out of the notch to release the locking mechanism.

19. 2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism locks when said dial is rotated to its zero configuration.

20. 20. The aiming device of claim 19, wherein said locking mechanism does not lock in any rotational position of said dial other than said zero configuration.

21. 1. A method for changing settings of an aiming device, the method comprising: setting an adjustment knob of the aiming device, the adjustment knob including a dial and a rotating member rotatable about a rotation axis, to zero, the method comprising the steps of: The aiming adjustment of the aiming device includes a step of releasing a lock mechanism of the adjustment knob by moving an unlocking portion relative to the dial and the rotating member; rotating said dial while said locking mechanism is released such that said rotatable member rotates with said dial to adjust the aim of said targeting device so that said targeting device is precisely aimed at the point of impact of an attached weapon; disengaging a clutch on the adjustment knob selectively coupling the dial to the rotatable member; With the clutch disengaged, rotating a dial of the adjustment knob about a rotation axis relative to the rotating member to set the dial to a zero position; while the dial is in a zero position, engaging the clutch to couple the dial to the rotating member and rotate therewith about an axis of rotation to adjust the aim of the aiming device; A method comprising:

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the unlocking portion includes a button, and disengaging the locking mechanism includes manually pressing the button.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the button is located on a side of the dial, and the step of releasing the locking mechanism includes manually pushing the button radially toward the axis of rotation.

24. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein disengaging the clutch comprises axially moving at least a portion of the dial relative to the rotating member.

25. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein aiming at the aiming device further comprises the steps of disengaging the clutch, rotating the dial relative to the rotating member while the clutch is disengaged, and re-engaging the clutch after rotating the dial relative to the rotating member.

26. In an optical device, an adjustment knob is provided that includes a rotating member, a dial, and a locking mechanism, the rotating member is rotatable about a rotation axis to change a setting of the optical device; the dial is selectively coupleable to the rotating member via a clutch for rotation therewith, the clutch being disengageable to permit rotation of the dial relative to the rotating member without changing the setting; An optical device that prevents the dial and the rotating member from rotating relative to the optical device when the locking mechanism is locked, thereby preventing inadvertent setting adjustments, and includes an unlocking portion that is movable relative to the dial and the rotating member, and releases the locking mechanism and rotates the dial and the rotating member together to perform setting adjustments.

27. 27. The optical apparatus of claim 26, wherein when the clutch is disengaged, the dial is rotatable relative to the rotatable member to zero the adjustment knob without changing a setting.

28. 27. The optical device of claim 26, wherein the unlocking portion is carried by the dial so as to rotate together with the dial about the axis of rotation.

29. 27. The optical apparatus of claim 26, wherein the clutch is disengageable by axially moving at least a portion of the dial relative to the rotating member.

30. 27. The optical device of claim 26, further comprising a retainer that prevents the dial from disengaging from the rotatable member.

31. 27. The optical device of claim 26, wherein the locking mechanism locks when the dial is rotated to its zero configuration, and wherein the locking mechanism does not lock in any rotational position of the dial other than the zero configuration.

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