Turret with zero stop

Abstract

To provide a turret and a rifle scope having a zero stop function.SOLUTION: The turret comprises a turret screw, a cam pin chassis, a stop ring, and a turret cap. The cam pin chassis has a cam pin extending from the chassis parallel to the axis and is linearly movable within the chassis. The stop ring has a first surface and a second surface including a helical groove terminating in first and second stop faces. The cam pin is engaged with the helical groove. The screw extends through a central bore of each of the turret cap, the stop ring, and the cam pin chassis such that they have a common axis of rotation. The rotational limits of the turret are defined by one of the first and second stops.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 039,791, filed June 16, 2020, and is the present application of that provisional application, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a turret for a viewing optics. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a turret having a zero stop. [Background technology]

[0003] Long-range shooting has become increasingly popular in the United States and around the world over the past decade. Forms of long-range shooting include long-range hunting, target shooting, competition, law enforcement, and military applications. As long-range shooting has grown in popularity, shooters have become more proficient and the shooting industry as a whole has advanced.

[0004] One of the advancements in long-range shooting over the past decade has been ballistic technology. As shooting advances, a method for accurately compensating the crosshair for the true point of impact of a bullet at long range has been desired. This allows the user to position the crosshair directly over the intended point of impact without having to "hold over" the target for trajectory (or bullet drop) compensation. Typically, the method for compensating the crosshair is accomplished by a turret system.

[0005] A turret is one of two or more dials located on the outside center of the riflescope body. The turret is marked and is used to adjust elevation and windage to change the point of impact. Traditional turrets have markings on the turret indicating the number of clicks of adjustment on the dial, angular deviation, or distance compensation for a given cartridge. A click is one increment of tactile adjustment for the scope's windage or elevation turret.

[0006] Turrets typically have markings at each division, starting at "0" and increasing as the turret is dialed. Often, but not always, the turret can have more than one revolution. An example of a common turret is one with 15 MOA of adjustment per revolution, graduated in 1 / 4 MOA increments, and with a total of 60 positions (or click detents). The detents at each 1 / 4 MOA increment are clickers, and a person typically hears and feels the click from one detent to the next. For a turret with 15 MOA of movement per revolution, the typical marking scheme on the turret is a hash mark for each full MOA, with each intermediate 1 / 4 MOA being a hash mark without a number. As a result, the user sees 0 through 14 listed on the turret, with 15 MOA actually being one revolution back to zero.

[0007] The drawback occurs when the turret needs to be dialed in more than 15 MOA. In this case, the user must make two or more rotations and do the math to determine how many MOA they have dialed in. For example, if on the second turn, or second revolution, the turret stops at number 5, then it is 20 MOA (15 MOA + 5 MOA = 20 MOA).

[0008] For very long range shooting, it may be necessary to dial in 30 MOA or more of compensation into the turret to properly adjust the crosshairs to match the bullet's trajectory. One way to ensure sufficient turret travel is to create a turret with 30 MOA or more of travel per turret revolution. Another way is to allow the turret to rotate more than once. It is not uncommon in the industry for turrets to rotate three or four times or more before the total turret "travel" is mechanically depleted.

[0009] The advantage of 30 MOA per revolution is that it is unlikely that more than two revolutions of travel will be needed, so you can tell where the dial is set just by looking at the numbers without having to do any calculations. The disadvantage of 30 MOA per revolution is that for a given turret diameter, the 1 / 4 MOA markings are closely spaced. With markings this close together, it is difficult for the user to feel each individual click, making it easy to accidentally "skip" a click.

[0010] The only way to improve the click is to increase the turret diameter and increase the mechanical detent size. However, this is a drawback for many scopes, as the goal is to make the scope smaller, simpler, and lighter. Hunters, in particular, prefer compact, lightweight riflescopes over tactical or competition shooters. For most hunting scopes, the ideal turret size, click, and travel per revolution (the amount of turret adjustment per revolution) is usually around 15 MOA.

[0011] Additionally, when mounting a new riflescope on a rifle, it is common to "zero" the rifle. There are also many smartphone apps and other devices that can calculate ballistic compensation for a given distance and environment and assist the shooter in dialing adjustments into the turret. For example, shooting a .308 caliber at 1,000 yards may require dialing 30 MOA compensation into the turret to place the crosshairs in the correct spot within the riflescope to compensate for the bullet's trajectory. After shooting long-range targets, the shooter typically dials the turret down to the "0" position.

[0012] Another factor that is important to understand is that in many situations, a shooter may shoot at a long-range target and suddenly find another "vulnerable target" at close range. It is well known that in such "stressful" situations, humans lose fine motor skills and mostly retain gross motor movements.

[0013] For these reasons, it would be a great advantage to have a "zero stop" turret. Therefore, there is a great need for a zero stop turret that can address these concerns. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a turret having a screw defining an axis, the turret comprising: a cam pin chassis having a central bore and securing a cam pin, wherein a screw extends through the central bore and the cam pin extends from the cam pin chassis parallel to the axis and is linearly movable within the cam pin chassis; a stop ring having the central bore, a first surface, and a second surface including a helical groove terminating in first and second stop surfaces, wherein a screw extends through the central bore and engages the cam pin with the helical groove; and a turret cap having a central bore, wherein the screw extends through the central bore such that the turret cap, stop ring, and cam pin chassis have a common axis of rotation, and a rotation limit of the turret is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring.

[0015] In one embodiment, the turret cap has a first surface including a groove terminating in first and second stop surfaces, the first surface of the stop ring including a pin, and the pin of the stop ring engages the groove of the turret cap. In yet another embodiment, the stop ring has a second plane parallel to the first plane, and the pin extends perpendicularly from the second plane. In a further embodiment, the groove of the turret cap extends 300° to 720° around the turret screw. In yet another embodiment, the helical groove extends 360° to 1,080° around the turret screw.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the stop ring has a first plane perpendicular to the axis, and the helical groove is defined in the first plane. In yet another embodiment, the helical groove includes at least two concentric arcs, each centered on and substantially encompassing the axis of the screw, and the helical groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two concentric arcs. In another embodiment, the cam pin is radially movable. In yet another embodiment, the cam pin is linearly movable along at least a portion of the chord of the cam pin chassis.

[0017] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a riflescope. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the riflescope includes: a scope body; a movable optical element connected to the scope body and defining an optical axis; a turret having a screw defining an axis of the screw and operatively connected to the optical element to change the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw, the turret including a cam pin chassis, a stop ring, and a turret cap; the cam pin chassis having a central bore for securing a cam pin, a screw extending through the central bore, the cam pin extending from the chassis parallel to an axis, the cam pin being linearly movable within the cam pin chassis; the stop ring having a central bore, a first surface, and a second surface including a helical groove terminating in first and second stop surfaces, the screw extending through the central bore and the cam pin engaging the helical groove; the turret cap having a central bore and a screw extending through the central bore, the turret cap, stop ring, and cam pin chassis having a common axis of rotation, the pin of the stop ring engaging the groove.

[0018] In another embodiment, the rotation limit of the turret is defined by first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring. In another embodiment, the turret cap has a first surface including a groove terminating in the first and second stop surfaces, the first surface of the stop ring including a pin, and the pin of the stop ring engages with the groove of the turret cap. In a further embodiment, the groove of the turret cap extends from 300° to 720° around the circumference of the turret screw. In yet another embodiment, the rotation limit of the turret screw is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the turret cap and one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring. In yet another embodiment, rotation of the turret cap in a first direction moves the groove of the turret cap in a first direction, and in response to the pin further engaging one of the first and second stop surfaces of the groove, rotation of the turret cap in the first direction causes rotation of the stop ring in the first direction. In another embodiment, rotation of the turret cap in the second direction moves a groove in the turret cap in the second direction, and in response to the pin engaging the other of the first and second stop surfaces of the groove, further rotation of the turret cap in the second direction causes the stop ring to rotate in the second direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the helical groove extends 360° to 1,080° around the turret screw. In another embodiment, the helical groove includes at least two concentric arcs, each centered on and substantially encompassing the axis of the screw, and the helical groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two arcs. In a further embodiment, axial movement of the turret cap relative to the turret changes the turret from a locked position to an unlocked position.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of components illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various other ways. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary viewing optic in the form of a scope, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates various representative components of a scope. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a turret cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a turret cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a turret cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a zero stop ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a zero stop ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a zero stop ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a zero stop ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5E] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a further embodiment of a zero stop ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of a cam pin chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a cam pin chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C]FIG. 10 is a top view of a cam pin chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a cam pin chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6E] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a cam pin chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6F] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cam pin chassis according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6G] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a further embodiment of a cam pin chassis in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6H] FIG. 6F shows the cam pin chassis of FIG. 6G in a second position. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an assembled turret with the top of the turret cap removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the assembled turret of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a further cross-sectional view of an assembled turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an exemplary first amount of rotation of a turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates an exemplary first amount of rotation of a turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 1 illustrates an exemplary first amount of rotation of a turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D] 1 illustrates an exemplary first amount of rotation of a turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9E] 1 illustrates an exemplary first amount of rotation of a turret according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary second amount of rotation of the turret, with the turret shown in partial cross section and with the turret cap removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary second amount of rotation of the turret, with the turret shown in partial cross section and with the turret cap removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary second amount of rotation of the turret, with the turret shown in partial cross section and with the turret cap removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary third amount of rotation of the turret, with the turret shown in partial cross section and with the turret cap removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary third amount of rotation of the turret, with the turret shown in partial cross section and with the turret cap removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Before describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement 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 understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0023] Numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate and may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values ​​between the lower and higher values, in increments of one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower and any higher value. For example, if a compositional, physical, or other property, such as molecular weight, melt index, or temperature, is between 100 and 1000, all individual values ​​such as 100, 101, and 102, as well as subranges such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, and 197 to 200, are intended to be explicitly recited. For ranges containing values ​​less than one, or ranges containing decimal numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. For ranges containing single-digit numbers less than ten (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the lowest and highest values ​​listed are to be considered as expressly set forth in this disclosure.

[0024] As used herein, "ballistics" is a method of calculating with great accuracy the trajectory of a bullet based on a number of factors.

[0025] As used herein, "trajectory" refers to the projectile flight path over a distance that is affected by gravity, air density, bullet shape, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, barrel twist direction, barrel twist rate, true flight path heading, muzzle vertical angle, wind, and many other various factors.

[0026] As used herein, a "turret" typically refers to a rotary dial on a riflescope. There are typically elevation and windage turrets. The elevation turret adjusts the crosshair vertically, while the windage turret adjusts the crosshair horizontally. Working together, the elevation and windage turrets can move the riflescope's crosshair the appropriate amount to compensate for bullet trajectory over range.

[0027] Turrets typically have detent notches to allow for precise dialing in of compensation. Turret detents are usually measured in angular units, minutes of arc (MOA) or milliradians (MRAD), which correlate to the amount of bullet trajectory change over range. Both MOA and MRAD are acceptable, similar to the use of inches and centimeters to measure distance.

[0028] As used herein, a "reticle" is, in one embodiment, a crosshair aiming point for a bullet. As used herein, a "reticle" is an aiming pattern for one's bullet.

[0029] As used herein, the term "observation optics" refers to instruments used by a shooter or spotter to select, identify, or monitor a target. "Observation optics" may rely on, for example, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging; radiation, including X-rays, gamma rays, isotope and particle radiation; night vision; ultrasound; sound pulses; sonar; seismic vibrations; magnetic resonance; gravity receptors; radio waves; broadcast frequencies, including television 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 "observation optics" may be within the shooter's line of sight or tangential to the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition device presents the shooter with a focused image of the target. The target image 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 and spotters by, for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio waves, 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 distribution methods. In one embodiment, the sighting optic is a riflescope. The term "sighting optics" is used interchangeably with "optical sight."

[0030] As used herein, zeroing refers to adjusting the turret so that at a predetermined distance, usually 100 yards, with the turret adjusted to the "0" position, the crosshairs are at the intended point of impact of the bullet. As targets appear beyond 100 yards, the shooter will dial the turret "up" from the "0" position to compensate based on readily known ballistic calculations.

[0031] As used herein, a zero stop is a mechanism that allows the user to set a mechanical stop on the turret after the rifle has been zeroed at 100 yards, or at any distance desired for the "zero" range. If, after shooting a target at 900 yards, a target suddenly appears at 100 yards, the user simply "lowers" the turret until it mechanically stops against the zero stop. The user does not need to worry about counting rotations and checking the number of clicks on the turret to get to the original zero position. This allows the user to rely solely on feel and gross motor skills, rather than fine motor skills.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an exemplary riflescope, and Figure 2 shows various internal components of the riflescope. More specifically, riflescope 10, as in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, has a body 12 that encloses optical components, generally designated as 8 in Figure 2, including an objective lens 20, a reticle 2, a variable power optic 3, and an eyepiece 5. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the optical components are contained within a movable optical element, such as an erector tube.

[0033] Scope body 12 is an elongated tube with a large opening 14 at its front and a smaller opening at its rear 16. An eyepiece 18 is mounted at the rear 16 of scope body 12, and an objective lens 20 is mounted at the front of the scope body. The central axis of optical element 8 defines the optical axis of the scope.

[0034] The elevation turret 22 and windage turret 24 are two dials located on the central exterior of the scope body 12. They are marked with indicia 34 on their outer peripheries 30, 32 and are used to adjust the optic's elevation and windage relative to the impact transition point. The turrets protrude from a turret housing 36. The turrets are oriented so that the elevation turret axis of rotation 26 is perpendicular to the windage turret axis of rotation 28. The indicia typically include tick marks, each corresponding to a click, and larger tick marks at selected intervals, as well as numbers indicating the angle of adjustment or distance for bullet drop compensation.

[0035] The optic is adjusted by rotating the turret in one or more clicks. A click is one tactile adjustment increment on the riflescope's windage or elevation turret, each corresponding to one of the markings 34. In one embodiment, one click changes the scope's point of impact by 0.1 MRAD. In another embodiment, one click changes the scope's point of impact by 1 / 4 inch at 100 yards. In other embodiments, clicks can take other values, such as 1 / 2 inch or other milliradians. As used herein, a minute of angle (MOA) is a circular unit of measurement, equal to 1.0472 inches at 100 yards. Conventionally, it is referred to as 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, 5 inches at 500 yards, 1 / 2 inch at 50 yards, etc.

[0036] 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary turret 200. The turret 200 is a cylindrical body comprised of a turret cap 300, a zero stop ring 400, and a cam pin chassis 500. The turret cap 300, the zero stop ring 400, and the cam pin chassis 500 each have a central bore 320, 420, 520 (not shown) that is coaxial and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the turret screw 600, so that the turret cap 300, the stop ring 400, and the cam pin chassis 500 can freely rotate around the turret screw 600. Therefore, the rotational axes of the turret cap 300, the zero stop ring 400, the cam pin chassis 500, and the turret screw 600 are collinear.

[0037] 4A-4C show the turret cap 300 in further detail. In particular, the turret cap 300 is shown with the top cap 301 removed. The top 305 of the turret cap 300 defines a recess 310 having a central portion 315 and a grooved portion 318. The central portion 315 is taller than the grooved portion 318, but does not extend as high as the top 305. The central portion 315 also defines a central bore 320. The central bore 320, the central portion 315, and the grooved portion 318 are coaxial.

[0038] The inner surface of recess 310 and the floor of groove portion 318 are smooth, as are inner vertical surface 317, inner vertical surface 319 and upper surface 321 of raised central portion 315. The lower edge 323 of central bore 320 is toothed.

[0039] The exterior surface 325 of the turret cap 300 has an upper tactile portion 330 and a lower smooth portion 335. The upper tactile portion 330 is textured for user convenience and to provide tactile feedback when using the turret 200 without seeing it, such as in low lighting.

[0040] 4B and 4C, the bottom 350 of the turret cap 300 defines a recess 355 having a generally flat surface 360 ​​with a groove 370. The central bore 320 extends through the recess 355, forming a passageway through the turret cap 300. The sidewall 358 of the recess 355 is generally perpendicular to the flat surface 360 ​​and has a smooth portion 357 and a toothed portion 359. A notch 390 is provided through the upper haptic portion 330 of the outer surface 325, and the notch 390 extends beyond the other haptic features of the upper haptic portion 330.

[0041] The groove 370 is recessed into the planar surface 360 ​​of the recess 355 and is disposed radially between the bore 320 and the sidewall 358. The groove 370 is generally circular, with the terminal ends 372, 374 closed so as not to complete a circle. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 370 has a consistent radius, and the terminated ends 372, 374 are adjacent to one another. However, in further embodiments, the terminated ends 372, 374 may be offset (e.g., the groove 370 has an inconsistent radius).

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 370 extends approximately 330° around the bottom surface 360 ​​of the turret cap 300. In further embodiments, the groove 370 extends from 300°, or 310°, or 320°, or 330° to 335°, or 340°, or 345°, or 350°, or 355°, or 360°, or 450°, or 540°, or 630°, or 720°. In yet other embodiments, the groove 370 extends from 300°, or 310°, or 320°, or 330° to 335°, or 340°, or 345°, or 350°, or 355°, or 360°.

[0043] 5A-5C illustrate a stop ring 400. The top 402 of the ring 400 has a smooth upper surface 405 that defines a central bore 420 with a smooth inner surface 422. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 405 is a generally planar surface perpendicular to the axis of the rotation shaft / screw. The outer surface of the ring 400 has a channel 425 around its circumference. A pin 410 extends upward from the upper surface 405. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pin 410 extends perpendicularly from the surface 405 parallel to the axis of the rotation shaft / screw. The pin 410 has an upper portion 412 and a lower portion 414 separated by a groove 416. The upper portion 412 of the pin 410 interfaces with a groove 370 in the bottom 350 of the turret cap 300. That is, the width of the groove 370 is slightly larger than the head 412 of the pin 410 so that the pin 410 can easily slide within the groove 370. The bottom portion 430 has a generally flat surface 440 with a spiral groove 435. In the particular embodiment shown, the flat surface 440 is a generally planar surface perpendicular to the axis of the rotation shaft / screw. The flat surface 440 is parallel to the surface 405. The spiral groove 435 is defined in a plane and has terminal ends 437, 439. The terminal ends 437, 439 function as stop surfaces, as will be described in more detail below. In the embodiment shown, the spiral groove 435 overlaps itself at a transition portion 445 to allow the spiral groove 435 to travel greater than 360° about the stop ring 400. That is, the spiral groove 435 has a non-consistent radius. In other words, the spiral groove 435 is shown as consisting of two concentric arcs that are centered on and essentially encompass the axis of the rotation shaft / screw. The transition portion 445 connects the two arcs. In further embodiments, the spiral groove can be made of two or more arcs and two or more transition sections, as shown in Figures 5D-5E.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the spiral groove 435 extends approximately 660° around the stop ring 400. In further embodiments, the spiral groove 435 extends from greater than 360°, or 450°, or 540°, or 630° to 660°, or 680°, or 700°, or 710°, or 720°, or 810°, or 900°, or 990°, or 1020°, or 1080°. In yet other embodiments, the spiral groove 435 extends from greater than 360°, or 450°, or 540°, or 630° to 660°, or 680°, or 700°, or 710°, or 720°.

[0045] In combination, the stop ring 400 and turret cap 300 allow a total rotation limit of 660°, or 705°, or 750°, or 795°, or 840°, up to 885°, or 930°, or 975°, or 1,020°, or 1,065°, or 1,080°, or 1,170°, or 1,260°, or 1,350°, or 1,440°.

[0046] The upper and lower portions 402 and 430 are separated by a groove on the circumference of the zero stop ring 400 .

[0047] 5D and 5E, in some embodiments, the stop ring 400′ is designed to be the only component that includes a spiral groove. That is, in one embodiment, the turret cap 300 does not have a groove (such as groove 370 shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C). In such an embodiment, the spiral groove 435′ extends approximately 1,020° around the stop ring 400′. In further embodiments, if the turret cap 300 does not have a groove, the spiral groove 435′ extends greater than 660°, or 680°, or 700°, or 710°, or 720°, or 810°, or 900°, or 990°, or 1,020°, or 1,080°. Furthermore, in such an embodiment in which the turret cap 300 does not have a groove, the stop ring 400′ does not include a pin on its upper surface. In the particular embodiment shown, an opening 410′ is provided. The securing structure can engage the opening 410 ′ to secure the stop ring 400 ′ to the turret cap 300 .

[0048] 6A-6F show one embodiment of a cam pin chassis 500. The cam pin chassis 500 is cylindrical with a top 502 that defines a recess 504. The recess 504 has a smooth surface 506 and a smooth sidewall 504. A notch 510 is located on the inner periphery of the top 502. An outer sidewall 525 of the cam pin chassis 500 has a toothed portion 526 and a smooth portion 527. A groove 535 extends around the periphery of the outer sidewall 525, separating the toothed portion 526 from the smooth portion 527.

[0049] A central bore 520 extends through surface 506. In the illustrated embodiment, central bore 520 has three lobes 521 a, 521 b, and 521 c connected to and extending from central bore 520. An opening 523 in a smooth portion 527 of outer sidewall 525 opens into a slot 522 that passes through surface 506. Slot 522 opens into central bore 520 through a smooth sidewall 530 of central bore 520 at a location between two of the lobes, 521 b and 521 c, in the illustrated embodiment. The top of slot 522 opens through smooth surface 530.

[0050] The dowel 552 is slidable within the slot 522. The dowel 552 has an opening 554 in which the cam pin 550 is positioned. The cam pin 550 is cylindrical and has a diameter slightly smaller than the width of the spiral groove 435 of the zero stop ring 400. The opening 554 in the dowel 552 is slightly larger than the diameter of the cam pin 550. The slot 522 and opening 523 have diameters slightly larger than the diameter of the dowel 552. The slot 522 extends radially from the axis of the turret screw (not shown). This arrangement allows for radial movement of the cam pin 550, as shown in FIG. 6F. When the cam pin 550 engages the spiral groove 435, the cam pin 550 can track along the spiral groove 435 to extend radially outward or inward depending on the direction of travel.

[0051] The bottom 560 of the cam pin chassis 500 is a generally smooth surface 561 with a channel 562 that extends less than 360° about the cam pin chassis 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 562 intersects each of the three lobes 521 a, 521 b, 521 c, but does not intersect the hole 523 / slot 522 area. As shown with respect to FIG. 7B, the lobes 521 a, 521 b, 521 c and the channel 562 engage and interact with other portions of the turret to accomplish its function.

[0052] In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 6G and 6H, the cam pin chassis 500' may be configured so that the cam pins move in a non-radial direction relative to the cam pin chassis 500'.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6G and 6H, a central bore (shown with a turret screw engaged) extends through the center of cam pin chassis 500'. Unlike cam pin chassis 500, the central bore does not have three lobes. Rather, the central bore is a single round bore. This design provides an increased surface area over which the cam pin (not shown) can travel. An opening 523' in outer sidewall 525' opens into a slot 522' that passes through surface 506'.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 6G and 6H, the dowel 552′ is slidable within the slot 522′. The dowel 552′ has an opening 554′ through which a cam pin (not shown) is positioned. While the slot 522 of the cam pin chassis 500 extends radially from the axis of the turret screw, the slot 522′ of the cam pin chassis 500′ extends linearly across a portion of the chord of the circular cam pin chassis 500′. By using the chord of the cam pin chassis 500′, the dowel 552′ and cam pin (not shown) can travel a distance greater than the radial distance, allowing additional rotation of the stop ring's spiral groove about the axis. For example, in FIG. 6G, the dowel 552′ is shown fully against the right end of the slot 522′ (in the orientation shown), and in FIG. 6H, the dowel 552′ is shown extending from the opening 523′.

[0055] 7A-7B illustrate the function of the zero stop channel 370 of the turret cap 300. The cam pin chassis 500 and stop ring 400 are shown mounted around the turret screw 600, with the turret cap 300 secured over the cam pin chassis 500 and stop ring 400 to complete the turret 200. The remaining components that contribute to the functionality of the turret 200 (e.g., adjusting the optical element) are generally referenced by the numeral 650. The pin 410 engages a groove 370 protruding from the raised central portion 315, as shown in FIG. 7B. Rotation of the turret cap 300 results in relative movement of the groove 370 with respect to the pin 410 until the pin engages stop surfaces 372, 374.

[0056] The depth of the groove 370 and the height of the pin 410 ensure a space 700 between the end of the pin 410 and the top surface of the groove 370. Also shown in FIG. 7B is a turret cap cover 750 attached to the turret. The cover 750 is secured to the turret screw 600. The cover 750 is positioned so that spaces 702 and 703 are provided between the cover 750 and the turret cap 300. The spaces 700, 702, and 703 allow limited axial movement of the turret cap 300. This axial movement allows the turret 200 to be locked or unlocked. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the turret is in its locked position and the turret cap 300 cannot rotate. Lifting the turret cap 300 until the axial movement is stopped by the cover 750 unlocks the turret 200 and allows the turret cap 300 to rotate.

[0057] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled turret of FIG. 7A, but taken at a different location so that cam pin 550 engages spiral groove 435 of stop ring 400. As shown in FIG. 8, cam pin 550 is shown engaging the innermost portion of spiral groove 435 through the slot, with dowel 552 radially inward within hole 523.

[0058] To zero a riflescope (or other viewing optic), a user removes the turret cap 300 and then removes the stop ring 400 from the turret 200. The turret cap 300 is replaced (with the stop ring 400 omitted). The riflescope can then be zeroed without interference from a mechanical stop. Because the turret cap 300 is mechanically coupled to the turret screw 600, rotation of the turret cap 300 causes rotation of the turret screw 600, which translates to adjusting the reticle. Thus, rotation of the turret cap 300 adjusts the reticle linearly toward or away from the turret 200. Once the riflescope is zeroed, the turret cap 300 is removed and the stop ring 400 is replaced. The stop ring 400 is rotated clockwise until the cam pin 550 contacts the innermost stop surface 437 of the helical groove 435. In the illustrated embodiment, this is the starting position of the stop ring 400 .

[0059] Once the stop ring 400 is properly positioned, the turret cap 300 is replaced. The turret cap 300 is aligned on the turret 200, specifically so that its "0" marking (or other desired marking) is vertically aligned with a fixed marking on the turret base or riflescope body. When so properly oriented, the pin 410 on the stop ring 400 is positioned in the channel 370 in its most counterclockwise position, i.e., against the stop surface 374 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0060] The initial rotation of the turret cap 300 in a counterclockwise direction to achieve the first rotation of adjustment is shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. When a user intends to fire at a target at an extended distance, the turret cap 300 is turned on until stopped by the turret cover 750 to unlock the turret 200. Once properly zeroed, the initial rotation of the turret cap 300 in a clockwise direction is limited by the pin 410 of the stop ring 400 engaging the stop surface 347 of the channel 370 of the turret cap 300, as shown in FIG. 9A. As the turret cap 300 is rotated counterclockwise, the channel 370 moves relative to the pin 410 (i.e., the pin 410 and thus the stop ring 400 remain stationary), achieving a first amount of rotation until the pin 410 engages the stop surface 372, as shown in FIGS. 9B-9E. In the illustrated embodiment, this is approximately 330° of rotation. After engaging stop surface 372, further counterclockwise rotation of turret cap 300 also causes stop ring 400 to rotate.

[0061] 10A-10C illustrate the second rotation adjustment. As the turret cap 300 continues to rotate counterclockwise past the point shown in FIG. 9E, the stop ring 400 rotates with the turret cap 300. As the stop ring 400 rotates, the cam pin 550 slides from the innermost stop surface 437 through the spiral groove 435 of the stop ring 400 and through the transition portion 445, as shown in FIG. 10C. As the cam pin 550 slides within the spiral groove 435, the dowel 552 moves axially within the slot 522. In the illustrated embodiment, this second rotation adjustment is approximately 330°, resulting in an approximate total rotation of 660°.

[0062] As the turret cap 300 is further rotated counterclockwise, the cam pin 550 continues to travel within the spiral groove 435 past the transition portion 445 to the stop surface 439 (i.e., the outermost stop surface in the illustrated embodiment), as shown in Figures 11A-11B. Further counterclockwise rotation beyond that point is prevented by the stop surface 439, and the turret cap 300 has rotated approximately another 330°, i.e., approximately 990° total, or approximately 3 total rotations.

[0063] Once the riflescope is properly adjusted anywhere along the adjustment continuum provided by the turret 200, the turret cap 300 is pushed downward into its locked position, allowing the user to set up and aim to take the shot. To return to zero, the turret cap 300 is moved upward to the unlocked position and rotated clockwise. The initial rotation of the turret cap 300 moves the channel 370 relative to the pin 410, and that movement continues until the pin 410 of the zero stop ring 400 engages the stop surface 347 of the channel 370. If the turret 200 is adjusted to use a second or third rotation, as in the illustrated embodiment, the user rotates the turret cap 300 clockwise, continuing to push the cam pin 550 back through the spiral groove 435 until it reaches the end of its travel, i.e., the innermost stop surface 437. When clockwise rotation of the turret cap 300 is prevented, the turret has returned to its starting zero position.

[0064] 7A-11B are illustrated using turret cap 300, zero stop ring 400, and cam pin chassis 500, it will be understood that stop ring 400' and / or cam pin chassis 500' can be used in place of zero stop ring 400 and / or cam pin chassis 500, respectively, with minor design modifications to the remaining components.

[0065] While several embodiments of turrets and riflescopes with zero-stop functions have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. With reference now to the above description, it will be understood that the optimum dimensional relationships of the components of the disclosed technology, including variations in size, material, shape, form, function, and method of operation, assembly, and use, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and that all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The foregoing is therefore considered to be merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, therefore, all appropriate modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the present invention may be employed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 500 Cam Pin Chassis 502 Top 504 recess 506 Surface 510 notch 520 center bore 525 outer sidewall 526 Toothed part 527 Smooth part 535 Groove

Claims

1. A turret having a screw that defines an axis, a cam pin chassis having a central bore and fixing a cam pin thereto, the screw extending through the central bore, the cam pin extending from the cam pin chassis parallel to the axis, and the cam pin being linearly movable within the cam pin chassis; a stop ring having a central bore, a first surface, and a second surface including a helical groove terminating in first and second stop surfaces, wherein the screw extends through the central bore and the cam pin engages the helical groove; a turret cap having a central bore, the screw extending through the central bore, such that the turret cap, the stop ring, and the cam pin chassis have a common axis of rotation; Equipped with A turret, wherein a rotation limit of the turret is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring.

2. 2. The turret of claim 1, wherein the turret cap has a first surface including a groove terminating in the first and second stop surfaces, the first surface of the stop ring including a pin, and the pin of the stop ring engages with the groove of the turret cap.

3. 3. The turret of claim 2, wherein the stop ring has a second plane parallel to the first plane, and the pin extends perpendicularly from the second plane.

4. The turret of claim 2, wherein the turret cap groove extends from 300° to 720° around the turret screw.

5. The turret of claim 1 , wherein the helical groove extends from 360° to 1,080° around the turret screw.

6. 2. The turret of claim 1, wherein said stop ring has a first plane perpendicular to said axis, said spiral groove being defined in said first plane.

7. 2. The turret of claim 1, wherein the spiral groove includes at least two concentric arcs each centered on and substantially encompassing the axis of the screw, and the spiral groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two concentric arcs.

8. The turret of claim 1 , wherein the cam pin is radially movable.

9. The turret of claim 1 , wherein the cam pin is linearly movable along at least a portion of a chord of the cam pin chassis.

10. A riflescope including the turret of claim 1.

11. A rifle scope, The scope body, a movable optical element connected to the scope body and defining an optical axis; a turret having a screw defining a screw axis and operably connected to the movable optical element for changing the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw, the turret including a cam pin chassis, a stop ring, and a turret cap; the cam pin chassis has a central bore for securing a cam pin, the screw extends through the central bore, the cam pin extends from the cam pin chassis parallel to the axis, and the cam pin is linearly movable within the cam pin chassis; a stop ring having a central bore, a first surface, and a second surface including a spiral groove terminating in first and second stop surfaces, the screw extending through the central bore and the cam pin engaging the spiral groove, the turret cap having a central bore, the screw extending through the central bore, and the turret cap, the stop ring, and the cam pin chassis having a common axis of rotation.

12. 12. The riflescope of claim 11, wherein the rotation limit of the turret is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring.

13. 12. The riflescope of claim 11, wherein the turret cap has a first surface including a groove terminating in first and second stop surfaces, the first surface of the stop ring including a pin, and the pin of the stop ring engages the groove of the turret cap.

14. 14. The riflescope of claim 13, wherein the turret cap groove extends from 300° to 720° around the turret screw.

15. 14. The riflescope of claim 13, wherein a rotation limit of the turret is defined by one of the first and second stop surfaces of the stop ring and one of the first and second stop surfaces of the turret cap.

16. 14. The riflescope of claim 13, wherein rotation of the turret cap in a first direction moves the groove in the turret cap in the first direction, and in response to the pin engaging one of the first and second stop surfaces of the groove, further rotation of the turret cap in the first direction causes the stop ring to rotate in the first direction.

17. 17. The riflescope of claim 16, wherein rotation of the turret cap in a second direction moves the groove of the turret cap in the second direction, and further rotation of the turret cap in the second direction causes rotation of the stop ring in the second direction in response to the pin engaging the other of the first and second stop surfaces of the groove.

18. 12. The riflescope of claim 11, wherein the spiral groove extends from 360° to 1,080° around the turret screw.

19. 12. The riflescope of claim 11, wherein the spiral groove includes at least two concentric arcs each centered on and substantially encompassing the axis of the screw, and the spiral groove includes at least one transition portion connecting the at least two arcs.

20. 12. The riflescope of claim 11, wherein axial movement of the turret cap relative to the turret changes the turret from a locked position to an unlocked position.

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