Protective cover with alignment aperture

Abstract

It aims to alleviate the problems associated with tracking two separate caps. The present disclosure relates to a viewing optic, and more particularly to a protective cover for a viewing optic. The present disclosure relates to a zero cap having a base, an aperture cap configured to be hinged to the base, and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 362,103, filed March 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to viewing optics, and more particularly, to protective covers for viewing optics. [Background technology]

[0003] Riflescope lenses are often exposed to environmental elements, which can cause dirt and grime to coat the lens or, even worse, damage it. Protective caps exist to protect against these issues. Furthermore, these protective caps are often stored on the optics, so they can be easily placed on the riflescope. Furthermore, riflescope users use alignment apertures (otherwise known as parallax reducing aperture stops, aperture caps, or aperture limiters) in conjunction with their riflescopes. Aperture caps can be used to align the riflescope and prevent parallax (object displacement due to lens error). However, these aperture caps have been used primarily for indoor dry fight training.

[0004] Although protective caps and aperture caps exist, there is no cap that fulfills both functions and purposes. These caps have been developed as separate components, requiring the user to keep track of both caps. When the caps are separate components, the problem arises that the user is prone to losing one or both of the caps. Also, even if the caps are not lost, the user is left with the added stress of having to manage one or more items when using the riflescope.

[0005] Finally, if the user is unable to track both caps, or if it is deemed difficult for the user to track both, the individual may decide to use the riflescope without the aperture cap. Without the aperture cap, the user will be unable to perform alignment. Without the alignment aperture, the user will experience further parallax issues, leading to reduced accuracy of aiming and impact while using the riflescope. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Thus, a need exists for a protective cap for viewing optics that can also serve as an aperture cap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a "zero cap" that alleviates the problems associated with keeping track of two separate caps. As disclosed herein, the zero cap serves as both a protective cap and an aperture cap. In one embodiment, the zero cap can be attached to the viewing optics. The zero cap, as one component but with multiple functions, prevents the user from having to manage multiple components and potentially losing those components.

[0008] The zero cap disclosed herein not only improves ease of use, but also improves accuracy for the user. The user can easily connect the alignment aperture to the viewing optics and easily calibrate the viewing optics. This leads to improved accuracy and less frustration when using the viewing optics.

[0009] Furthermore, the lens of the observation optics is kept clean due to the zero cap. Usually, debris and dirt get into the observation optics. The user can have a protective cap, but cannot have a protective cap and an alignment aperture cap in one cap. Having both functions in one cap increases accuracy, reduces frustration, prevents misplacement and loss, and reduces lens contamination.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a zero cap comprising a base, an aperture cap configured to hinge to the base, and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap. In one embodiment, the base comprises a first opening and a first coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the first opening is configured to attach to a viewing optic, and the first coupling mechanism is configured to receive a pin for connecting the first coupling mechanism to another coupling mechanism.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aperture cap comprises a plurality of holes and a second connection mechanism. The aperture cap can have two or more holes. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of holes is configured to receive one of the plurality of plugs. In one embodiment, the second connection mechanism is configured to receive a pin for connecting to another connection mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cap plug comprises a first plug and a second plug. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a zero cap comprising a base configured to connect to a viewing optic, an aperture cap configured to hinge to the base and having a first hole and a second hole, the second hole being located below the first hole, and a cap plug having a first plug and a second plug, the first plug configured to interact with the first hole and the second plug configured to interact with the second hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base has an opening configured to mount the outer connection strip of the viewing optics.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first hole in the aperture cap is in the center of the aperture cap.

[0015] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising the zero cap disclosed herein. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a riflescope comprising the zero cap disclosed herein.

[0016] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument comprising a zero cap having a base, an aperture cap configured to be hingedly connected to the base, a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap, and a connection strip configured to interact with the base.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for purposes of illustration only. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangement of components illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure can be practiced or embodied in other embodiments or in other various ways. Like reference numerals are used to denote like components. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the zero cap removed in a riflescope environment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a fully connected zero cap as disclosed herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a representative view of a cap plug as disclosed herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a representation of an aperture cap as disclosed herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a representation of the zero cap in a protective position. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a representation of the zero cap in the zero position. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a representation of the zero cap in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The techniques of the present disclosure are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure relates to covers for viewing optics and related devices. Certain preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0021] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. However, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0022] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the set of features and / or functions may be readily adapted within the context of stand-alone weapon sights, front or rear mounted clip-on weapon sights, and other variations of the claimed optical weapon sights. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinations of features and capabilities may be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting any type of existing fixed or adjustable weapon sight.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it will be understood that the element or layer can be directly on, or directly connected 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 "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

[0024] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used 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 used only to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another element, component, region, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, or section without departing from this disclosure.

[0026] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "down," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, an element described as being "below" or "below" the other element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] definition Numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate and therefore may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values ​​from the lower limit to the upper limit, inclusive, in increments of one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower limit and any upper limit. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property, such as molecular weight, viscosity, etc., is between 100 and 1000, all individual values ​​such as 100, 101, 102, etc., as well as subranges such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are expressly recited. For ranges containing values ​​less than 1 or containing decimals greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. In ranges containing single digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., 1 to 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 lowest and highest values ​​listed shall be considered to be expressly set forth in this disclosure. Numerical ranges for distances from a user of the device to a target are provided, among other things, within this disclosure.

[0028] The term "and / or" as used herein 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).

[0029] As used herein, "ballistics" is a method of precisely calculating the trajectory of a bullet based on a number of factors.

[0030] As used herein, an "erection sleeve" is a protrusion from an erection lens mount that engages with a slot in the erection tube and / or cam tube, or serves a similar purpose. It may be integral to the mount or may be removable.

[0031] As used herein, an "erecting tube" is any structure or device having an opening for receiving an erecting lens mount.

[0032] As used herein, the term "firearm" refers to any device that propels an object or projectile, for example, in a controllable flat-head, line of sight, or line of fire, including handguns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading rifles, single-shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and fully automatic rifles of any caliber through any medium. As used herein, the term "firearm" also refers to remotely operated servo-controlled firearms in which the firearm automatically senses the barrel orientation in both position and direction. A shooter can place the firearm in a first location and move it to a second location for target image acquisition and aiming. As used herein, the term "firearm" also refers to chain guns, belt-fed guns, machine guns, and Gatling guns. As used herein, the term "firearm" also refers to high-altitude and over-the-horizon projectile propulsion devices, such as cannons, mortars, cannons, tank guns, or rail guns of any caliber.

[0033] As used herein, the term "reticle" refers, in one embodiment, to an aiming pattern for a viewing optic, such as, but not limited to, a crosshair aiming point or other aiming pattern.

[0034] As used herein, the term "observation optics" refers to a device used by a shooter or observer to select, identify, or monitor a target. "Observation optics" may rely on observation of the target or radiation, including, for example, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, x-ray, gamma ray, isotopic radiation, and particle radiation, night vision, ultrasound, pulsed sound, sonar, seismic vibrations, vibration receptors including magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio waves, television receptors, and cellular receptors, or other images of the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the "observation optics" device may be unaltered or may be enhanced, for example, by magnification, amplification, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified or monitored by the "sighting optics" may be in the shooter's line of sight, out of the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be blocked while the target acquisition device presents the shooter with a focused image of the target. The image of the target acquired by the "sighting optics" may be, for example, analog or digital, and may be shared, stored, archived or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters or observers, for example, by video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellular connection, laser pulse, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth™, serial, USB, or other suitable image delivery methods. The term "sighting optics" is used synonymously with "optical sight."

[0035] As used herein, the term "external scene" refers to a real-world scene that includes, but is not limited to, a target.

[0036] As used herein, the term "shooter" refers to either the operator firing the shot or an individual observing the shot in conjunction with the operator firing the shot.

[0037] To further appreciate this disclosure, it is crucial to understand the purpose and function of the alignment aperture. Reticles are used to assist the shooter in hitting the target. Reticles can be made of a variety of materials, including optical materials such as optical glass or plastic. Reticles can be made of any transparent or translucent material. In one embodiment, the reticle is constructed of wires, spider webs, nanowires, etchings, or prints. Reticles can also be constructed using mirrors, video, holographic projection, or projections onto the material from other means. The etchings can be filled with reflective materials that light up when the light is rheostatically switched to increase or decrease the light intensity. Reticles can be implemented anywhere between the eyepiece and objective lens of the scope lens. There are two important calibration functions that are implemented into the riflescope.

[0038] In one embodiment, the reticle may be an electronic reticle from an active display that is projected onto a first focal plane of the viewing optics.

[0039] Two important calibration functions include weapon zeroing and laser range finder alignment. First, weapon zeroing generally refers to the process of aligning an etched (passive) reticle to the weapon's point of impact when fired at a target. Second, alignment of the integrated laser range finder (LRF) is accomplished using an alignment chart. The alignment chart details the location of the LRF's co-aligned visible laser relative to the passive reticle. For purposes of illustration, assume that a user is about to use a riflescope and needs to align the LRF. The user places the alignment chart a predetermined distance from the observation point. The user then aims the weapon, optics, and passive reticle at the designated point. The user then adjusts and aligns the LRF's visible laser with the associated point on the alignment chart.

[0040] Although the steps involved in the calibration function may seem simple, even those with advanced training and experience can face problems arising from parallax. As mentioned above, parallax is the displacement of an object due to lens errors. However, this problem can be addressed by using an aperture cap attached to the front of the riflescope. The aperture cap limits the aperture diameter, ultimately reducing the error. Zeroing the weapon can be achieved at 25 meters. Aligning the LRF with the passive and active reticles can be achieved at 10 meters.

[0041] As mentioned above, the zero cap disclosed herein is a combination of a protective cap and an aperture cap, which eliminates the difficulty and stress of managing multiple caps and keeping track of various elements during riflescope use. The protective cap is typically attached to the riflescope, and the zero cap can be attached in the same manner.

[0042] In one embodiment, the zero cap can be used as an aperture cap when the protective cap is closed and removed at one end such that the cap plug is rotated out of the optical path. The user can then see through the central hole (where the cap plug was rotated out), and in this example the user is looking through a limited objective aperture.

[0043] The cap plug features two plugs, each made to fit into a hole in the aperture cap. When the top plug is in the top hole of the aperture cap, both holes are blocked, preventing debris from entering, so the zero cap can be used for protection. When the top plug rotates around and is not in the top hole of the aperture cap, the zero cap can be used for zeroing and laser range finder alignment. To prevent the cap plug from falling out of the aperture cap, the bottom plug remains in the bottom hole of the aperture cap when the zero cap is being used for protection or calibration. This prevents the cap plug from being misplaced or lost.

[0044] Zero caps can be used for a variety of different applications, but some representative examples include the following: Zero caps can be used with LRFs mounted on passive reticles on scopes, as long as the LRF has a co-aligned visible laser and the user has the correct alignment card for the riflescope / LRF combination. Zero caps can be used for indoor dry fire training. Zero caps can also be used to zero conventional riflescopes or weapons with magnified optics between 10m and 100m.

[0045] 1 shows an exploded view of the components of the zero cap in an environment 1. The zero cap comprises several components: a base 20, an aperture cap 35, and a cap plug 55. In one embodiment, the zero cap is attached to a riflescope. The riflescope 5 comprises an aperture 10 and an outer connection strip 15.

[0046] In one embodiment, the outer connection strip 15 is a protruding rim on the riflescope 5. The outer connection strip 15 is designed to mechanically interconnect with a cap, which in one embodiment is a zero cap. The outer connection strip 15 is preferably attachable to a base 20 of the zero cap. The base 20 has an opening 25 that is configured to attach to the outer connection strip 15 in a manner known in the art. The base 20 has a connection mechanism 30 with a hole designed to receive a hinge pin (not shown) for connection to another connection mechanism.

[0047] In one embodiment, the connection mechanism 30 is connected to the aperture cap 35. The aperture cap 35 has a connection mechanism 40 with a hole designed to receive a hinge pin (not shown) for connection. In one embodiment, the hinge pin can first penetrate the connection mechanism 30 of the base 20, then penetrate the connection mechanism 40 of the aperture cap 35, and exit through the other side of the connection mechanism. This hinge pin maintains the connection of the two elements (base 20 and aperture cap 35) while at the same time allowing the aperture cap 35 to hinge around the base 20.

[0048] In one embodiment, aperture cap 35 has two holes in its face. In one embodiment, top hole 45 is located in the center of the face of aperture cap 35. Bottom hole 50 is preferably located off-center in the face of aperture cap 35 below top hole 45.

[0049] The top hole 45 and the bottom hole 50 are each designed to receive a plug. In one embodiment, the top hole 45 and the bottom hole 50 receive a plug from a cap plug 55. The cap plug 55 has two plugs, a top plug 60 and a bottom plug 65. The top plug 60 is designed to be placed in the top hole 45 and the bottom plug 65 is designed to be placed in the bottom hole 50. The bottom plug 65 is designed to remain in the bottom hole 50.

[0050] In one embodiment, the bottom plug 65 is rotatable within the bottom hole 50. This rotation allows the top plug 60 to be removed from the top hole 45 and left out of the aperture cap opening for alignment. The top plug 60 can be removed from the top hole 45 in order to move around the aperture cap 35. This movement creates a perfect line of sight for the user through the top hole 45. The top plug 60 is designed to be removed from the top hole 45 while the bottom plug 65 remains in the bottom hole 50.

[0051] In one embodiment, the aperture cap has at least two holes in its surface.

[0052] 2 shows a side view of the fully connected zero cap 2. The zero cap 2 comprises a base 20, an aperture cap 35, and a cap plug 55. The base 20 and the aperture cap 35 are connected via a hinge pin 70. As shown, the top plug 60 and the bottom plug 65 of the cap plug 55 are fully integrated with the top hole 45 and the bottom hole 50 of the aperture cap 35, respectively. The cap plug is connected to prevent ingress of debris inside the zero cap 2.

[0053] 3 is a side perspective view of the cap plug 55. As shown, the top plug 60 is configured to be removed from the top hole 45 (as described above) while the cap plug 55 remains connected to the aperture cap 35. The bottom plug 65 is designed to remain in the bottom hole 50 (as described above) while the top plug 60 is disconnected. This is preferred as it does not require the cap plug 55 to be removed from the aperture cap 35. The cap plug 55 can remain connected to the zero cap 2 as a whole, preventing misplacement or loss of the cap plug 55.

[0054] 4 is a front view of aperture cap 35. Aperture cap 35 preferably has a top hole 45 and a bottom hole 50. In one embodiment, top hole 45 is located in the optical center of the riflescope concentric with the objective lens. Bottom hole 50 is preferably located below top hole 45. In one embodiment, bottom hole 50 serves as an interconnect with cap plug 55 (as described above) and remains connected to bottom plug 65 even when top hole 45 remains open.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in the protective position 3a. The zero cap 2 is fully connected as shown in FIG. 2. The base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5. The aperture cap 35 is hinged to the base 20. In one embodiment, the cap plug 55 is located on either side of the aperture cap 35. It is connected to the aperture cap 35 in such a way that it does not leave the hole exposed and open. In this position the zero cap 2 performs its protective function.

[0056] Figure 6 shows the zero cap 2 (from Figure 2) in use in the zero position 3b. The zero cap 2 is fully connected as shown in Figure 2. The base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5. The aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20. In one embodiment, the cap plug 55 is connected to the aperture cap 35 in such a way that the top hole 45 of the aperture cap 35 remains open. In this position the zero cap 2 performs its alignment function.

[0057] FIG. 7 shows the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in the open position 3c. The zero cap 2 is fully connected but not fully closed as shown in FIG. 2. The base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5. The aperture cap 35 is hinged to the base 20. In one embodiment and as shown here, the aperture cap 35 rotates about a hinge pin 70 to leave the opening 25 in the base 20 and the opening 10 in the riflescope 5 fully accessible and open. Although not fully shown here, a cap plug 55 is connected to the aperture cap 25. In one embodiment, the top plug 60 is fully integrated with the top hole 45 of the aperture cap 25 and the bottom plug 65 is fully integrated with the bottom hole 50 of the aperture cap 25. In this position, the zero cap 2 performs its opening function and the firearm can be fired.

[0058] All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification are incorporated herein by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described compositions and methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention can be constructed from a variety of materials and in a variety of different ways. Although the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. While preferred embodiments have been described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent that various further modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the art of shooting, computers, or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Environment 5. Rifle scope 10 aperture 15 Outer Connection Strips 20 Base 25 Aperture 30 Attachment 35 Aperture Cap 40 Connection mechanism 45 Upper hole 50 bottom hole 55 Cap plug 60 Upper plug 65 Bottom Plug

Claims

1. Zero cap, With the base, an aperture cap configured to be hingedly connected to the base; a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap; Equipped with zero cap.

2. The zero cap of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a first opening and a first connection mechanism.

3. the first opening is configured to be attached to a viewing optic; the first connection mechanism is configured to receive a pin for connecting the first connection mechanism to another connection mechanism; The zero cap of claim 2.

4. The zero cap of claim 1 , wherein the aperture cap comprises a plurality of holes and a second connection mechanism.

5. The zero cap of claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of holes is configured to receive one of a plurality of plugs.

6. The zero cap of claim 4 , wherein the second connection mechanism is configured to receive a pin for connection to another connection mechanism.

7. The zero cap of claim 1 , wherein the cap plug comprises a first plug and a second plug.

8. An observation optical instrument comprising the zero cap according to claim 1.

9. A rifle scope comprising the zero cap according to claim 1.

10. Zero cap, a base configured for connection to viewing optics; an aperture cap configured to be hinged to the base, the aperture cap having a first hole and a second hole, the second hole being located below the first hole; a cap plug having a first plug and a second plug, the first plug configured to interact with the first hole and the second plug configured to interact with the second hole; Equipped with zero cap.

11. The zero cap of claim 10 , wherein the base has an opening configured to attach to an outer connection strip of the viewing optics.

12. The zero cap of claim 10 , wherein the first hole is centrally located in the aperture cap.

13. The zero cap of claim 10 , wherein the second plug is configured to allow the cap plug to rotate about an aperture.

14. A viewing optical instrument comprising the zero cap according to claim 10.

15. A rifle scope comprising the zero cap according to claim 10.

16. 1. An observation optical instrument, comprising: a zero cap having a base, an aperture cap configured to be hinged to the base, and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap; a connecting strip configured to interact with the base; An observation optical instrument comprising:

17. 17. The viewing optics of claim 16, wherein the aperture cap has a first hole and a second hole, the second hole being located below the first hole.

18. 18. The observation optical instrument of claim 17, wherein the cap plug comprises a first plug and a second plug, the first plug configured to interact with the first hole and the second plug configured to interact with the second hole.

19. The viewing optics of claim 17 , wherein the first hole is centrally located in the aperture cap.

20. 17. The observation optics of claim 16, wherein the observation optics is a riflescope.

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