Rotatable drive device for scope turret or other optical turret

Abstract

Various embodiments described herein may include a turret comprising a rotatable drive device. The rotatable drive device is such that its longitudinal direction 1) lies along an axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the spindle or knob, and the non-coincident axis 2) is spaced apart from the axis of rotation. The rotatable drive device is rotatable from a first position to a second position, in which the spindle and knob rotate together as a unit, and in the second position the knob is disengaged from the spindle so that the knob can rotate relative to the spindle. In various embodiments, the knob or other second rotatable component exposes the rear end of the rotatable drive device, or a lever or other user interface coupled to the rear end. Other embodiments are disclosed and / or claimed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 491,929, filed Mar. 23, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] The subject matter described herein is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 651,789, filed Feb. 18, 2022, with the title "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE". The above U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 651,789 is a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 343,656, filed Jan. 4, 2012 (currently, U.S. Patent No. 9,170,068), with the title "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE", and is also a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 923,158, filed Oct. 26, 2015 (currently, U.S. Patent No. 10,578,399), with the title "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE", and further is a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 807,051, filed Mar. 2, 2020 (currently, U.S. Patent No. 11,255,636), with the title "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE". The disclosure of the above U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 651,789 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003]

[0003] The field of the present disclosure generally relates to rotational adjustment mechanisms, and more particularly to clamp assemblies (e.g., tool - less clamp assemblies) that can be used in knob assemblies for actuating optical or electrical elements of optical devices or aiming devices such as rifle scopes, telescopes, or other optical aiming devices.

Background Art

[0004]

[0004] To enable a shooter to accurately aim at a selected target, sighting devices such as rifle scopes have long been used with ranged weapons such as rifles, pistols, crossbows, and airguns. Since bullet and arrow trajectories, wind conditions, and distance to the target can vary depending on the shooting conditions, high-quality sighting devices typically provide compensation for variations in these conditions by allowing the shooter to make incremental adjustments to the optical properties of the ranged weapon surface (e.g., the weapon surface) on which the sighting device is mounted, or to the sighting of the sighting device. These adjustments are known as elevation and drift adjustments and are typically achieved by lateral movement of an adjustment member, such as a reticle located within the rifle scope, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,058,391 by Leupold, or by movement of one or more lenses within the housing of the rifle scope, as shown in U.S. Patents No. 3,297,389 and 4,408,842 by Gibson, and U.S. Patent No. 7,827,723 by Zaderey et al. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005]

[0005] The shooter typically uses a rotatable adjustment knob to make such adjustments and activate the adjustable components of the sighting device. The rotatable knob may also be used to adjust other features of a rifle scope, binoculars, spotting scope, or other suitable optical device, such as parallax, focus, illumination brightness, or other suitable features. Although the rotatable knob has been described in relation to its use with a sighting device, it may also be used to adjust adjustable parts of other devices, which may include volume control knobs, channel selection knobs, radio station selection knobs, and other suitable knobs.

[0006]

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 11,255,636 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent No. 636") describes the use of a set screw 186 (Figure 2 of Patent No. 636) which can be tightened using a tool such as a hex wrench so that a knob 174 (Figure 2 of Patent No. 636) and a spindle 116 (Figure 2 of Patent No. 636) rotate together as a unit around an axis 124, or loosened using a tool so that the knob 174 can rotate relative to the spindle 116 (around the axis 124).

[0007]

[0007] The accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate the same elements, are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification and together with the description herein, illustrate the advantages and principles of the art of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] This is an exploded isometric view of a knob assembly, including a toolless clamp assembly, according to various embodiments. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is an exploded isometric view of the toolless clamp assembly of the knob assembly. [Figure 2A] This is an isometric view of the knob assembly in Figure 1A with the lever in the closed position. [Figure 2B] This is an isometric view of the knob assembly in Figure 1A with the lever in the open position. [Figure 3A] Figures 1A and 1B are isometric views of adjustment assemblies, including the spindle assembly and toolless clamp assembly, according to various embodiments. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is an isometric cross-sectional view of the adjustment assembly. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A is a top cross-sectional view of the adjustment assembly. [Figure 4A] Figures 3A and 3C are isometric views of a sighting device (e.g., a rifle scope) with an attached adjustment assembly. [Figure 4B] Figures 3A and 3C are side views of a sighting device (e.g., a rifle scope) with an attached adjustment assembly. [Figure 4C] Figures 3A and 3C are front views of a sighting device (e.g., a rifle scope) with an attached adjustment assembly. [Figure 4D] This is an isometric view of the aiming device in Figure 4A, with the lever in the open position. [Figure 4E] Figure 4B is a side view of the aiming device, with the lever in the open position. [Figure 4F] Figure 4C is a front view of the aiming device, with the lever in the open position. [Figure 5A] This figure shows another clamp assembly used in a knob assembly with an additional user interface assembly, according to various embodiments. [Figure 5B] This figure shows another clamp assembly used in a knob assembly with an additional user interface assembly, according to various embodiments. [Figure 5C] Figure 5A is a different isometric view of the clamp assembly with the lever in the open position. [Figure 5D] Figure 5B is a different isometric view of the clamp assembly with the lever in the open position. [Figure 6A] Figures 5A and 5B are isometric views showing the unlocking of the levers. [Figure 6B] Figures 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views illustrating the unlocking of the lever. [Figure 7A] These are isometric views of a sighting device (e.g., a rifle scope) using the knob assembly shown in Figures 5A and 5B, with the lever in the closed position. [Figure 7B] These are isometric views of a sighting device (e.g., a rifle scope) using the knob assembly shown in Figures 5A and 5B, with the lever in the open position. [Figure 7C] Figures 7A and 7B show side views of the aiming device with the lever in the open position. [Figure 7D] Figures 7A and 7B are front views of the aiming device with the lever in the open position. [Figure 7E] Figures 7A and 7B show side views of the aiming device with the lever in the closed position. [Figure 8A] An isometric view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 8B] A cross - sectional view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 8C] A side view showing the end of the cylindrical clamp wedge 831 of the tool - less clamp assembly of FIGS. 8A - 8B. [Figure 9A] An isometric view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 9B] A cross - sectional view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 10A] An isometric view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 10B] A top view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 10C] A cross - sectional view of the tool - less clamp assembly of FIGS. 10A and 10B. [Figure 11A] An isometric view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 11B] A side view of another tool - less clamp assembly according to various embodiments. [Figure 12A] An isometric view of a knob assembly with the lever shown in the closed position. [Figure 12B] An isometric view of a knob assembly with the lever shown in the open position. [Figure 13A] An isometric view of another knob assembly including a locking mechanism with the knob assembly in the closed position according to various embodiments. [Figure 13B] An isometric view of another knob assembly including a locking mechanism with the knob assembly in the open position according to various embodiments. [Figure 14A] A view showing the lock assembly of the knob assembly of FIGS. 13A - 13B with the locking mechanism engaged. [Figure 14B]Figures 13A and 13B show the lock assembly of the knob assembly with the locking mechanism disengaged. [Figure 15A] These are isometric rear views of aiming devices (e.g., rifle scopes) with the knob assemblies shown in Figures 13A and 13B, according to various embodiments. [Figure 15B] This diagram shows how a user operates the locking mechanism of the aiming device shown in Figure 15A. [Figure 15C] Figure 15A is an isometric view of the rear of the aiming device, with the lever in the open position. [Figure 15D] Figure 15A is a front isometric view of the aiming device with the lever in the open position. [Figure 16] These are isometric views of calibration devices (e.g., tension adjustment assemblies) and knob assemblies according to various embodiments. [Figure 17A] Figure 16 is a bottom view of the calibration device and knob assembly. [Figure 17B] This is a bottom view of the calibration device and knob assembly with the spindle omitted. [Figure 18] Figures 13A and 13B show isometric cross-sectional views of the calibration device and knob assembly with the lever omitted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009]

[0038] With reference to the drawings, this section describes specific embodiments and their detailed configurations and operations. Throughout this specification, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, occurrences of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, and properties described may be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments. In consideration of the disclosures herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments may be practiced using one or more of certain details or other methods, components, materials, or similar. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the aspects of the embodiments.

[0010] overview

[0039] One advantage of the arrangement described with reference to Figure 2 of Patent No. 636 is that although the set screw 186 may be removable from its screw hole 184, it is not necessary to remove the set screw during normal operation (for example, the set screw 186 is held / captured by the screw hole 184 during normal operation). Therefore, there is little risk of the operator losing the set screw 186 in the field, and adjustments can be made in the field as long as the operator has the necessary tools.

[0011]

[0040] Unlike the arrangement described in Patent No. 636, which does not require the removal of any parts to disengage the knob 174 from the spindle 116, some known tool-less knob assemblies for sighting devices still require the operator to separate at least one part from the rifle scope assembly in order to disengage the rotatable knob from the spindle assembly without tools. This need for disassembly / removal poses the risk that the operator may lose the separable part and be unable to make adjustments in the field. This need for disassembly / removal also poses the risk that the operator may have difficulty reattaching the part to the rifle scope, for example, due to poor lighting conditions or bad weather at the site. What is needed is a tool-less arrangement for disengaging the rotatable knob from the spindle assembly without tools, without requiring any parts to be separated from the rest of the sighting device (for example, without requiring the separation of any parts from the sighting device's turret assembly).

[0012]

[0041] Various embodiments include a rotatable drive device (e.g., a drive screw) having a first length (e.g., the length of the threads) and a second length (e.g., the length without threads, such as the head and / or shank) for disengaging the rotatable knob from the spindle assembly without tools, without requiring any parts to be separated from the rest of the sighting device (e.g., without requiring any parts to be separated from the turret assembly of the sighting device). In some embodiments, the rotatable drive device may be positioned along an axis offset with respect to the rotation axis of the rotatable knob or spindle. For example, the rotation axis of the rotatable knob or spindle may be an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the scope or other optical device, and the rotatable drive device may be positioned along another axis offset from the rotation axis of the knob or spindle (e.g., not intersecting the rotation axis of the knob or spindle). The offset axis may be parallel to the optical axis of the scope or other optical device, or perpendicular to the optical axis in various embodiments.

[0013]

[0042] In the various embodiments described herein, a rotatable drive device offset from the rotation axis of the knob or spindle may be used in combination with one or more additional features / devices described below. • To rotate a rotatable drive device without tools, for example, a lever or other user interface coupled to the rear of the rotatable drive device, For example, an adjustment device coupled to the front of a rotatable drive device. The adjustment device may engage or disengage a knob from the spindle based on the rotation of the rotatable drive device. In the various embodiments shown herein, the adjustment device may include one or more clamps, and the movement of the adjustment device may be linear movement based on the rotation of the rotatable drive device, but any other adjustment device currently known or to be developed in the future may be used in combination with the rotatable drive device to disengage / engage the knob from the spindle. In some embodiments, the rotatable drive device may act as an adjustment device, and / or the adjustment device may be formed integrally with the rotatable drive device. • A locking mechanism to fix the position of the user interface (e.g., a lever or other user interface) and / or a rotatable drive device in order to prevent accidental engagement / disengagement of the knob from the spindle, or A calibration device for providing tension adjustment to calibrate the threshold rotation of a rotatable drive device (e.g., factory calibration or field recalibration) necessary to engage or disengage a knob from a spindle. In various embodiments, the calibration device includes an additional rotatable drive device for calibrating the threshold rotation of the rotatable drive device (e.g., via tension adjustment), but in other examples, any other calibration device currently known or to be developed in the future may be used with the rotatable drive device.

[0014]

[0043] Various embodiments that utilize one or more of these additional features / devices in combination with a rotatable drive device are briefly described in the following paragraphs of this summary. However, other additional features / devices may be claimed herein and / or described in other parts of this disclosure.

[0015]

[0044] In some embodiments, the rotatable drive device may be rotatable without tools using a lever mounted behind the rotatable drive device (e.g., on the head of the drive screw). The lever may be rotatable along a plane that does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the knob or spindle (e.g., an offset plane).

[0016]

[0045] In other embodiments, a lever may not be required. Any other user interface currently known or to be developed later (e.g., a rotatable user interface) may be coupled to the rear (or some other part) of the rotatable drive device to allow the user to rotate the rotatable drive device (e.g., mounted on the head of a drive screw). This user interface may be exposed by a knob or other rotatable part (e.g., an external user interface of a turret). In other embodiments, it may be possible or practical to form the rotatable drive device and any user interface (e.g., a lever or other user interface) as a single unit. In yet another embodiment, a tool may interface with the rear end or other part of the rotatable drive device to allow the user to disengage the knob from the spindle assembly without requiring any part to be separated from the rest of the aiming device (e.g., without requiring any part to be separated from the turret assembly of the aiming device).

[0017]

[0046] Some embodiments may include a locking mechanism for fixing the position of a lever or other user interface to prevent unintentional rotation of a rotatable drive device. The locking mechanism may be a spring-loaded component such as a spring-loaded latch, pin, stopper, or similar (or a combination thereof) that can be selectively positioned in a latch recess or other lock recess defined by the knob (e.g., outside the knob). In some embodiments, an additional user interface (such as a button or other pressable device) may be provided for operating the locking mechanism.

[0018]

[0047] Various embodiments described herein may utilize one or more clamps (e.g., one or more wedge clamps) in combination with a rotatable drive device to apply a clamping force to rotate the spindle and knob together. Other embodiments may use any other adjustment device(s) to 1) interface with the threaded portion (or end of the rotatable drive device) of the rotatable drive device, and 2) engage or disengage the knob from the spindle at a threshold rotation of the rotatable drive device.

[0019]

[0048] Various embodiments may utilize additional rotatable drive devices for the adjustment device(s). In some embodiments, the additional rotatable drive device(s) may be positioned along an axis that does not intersect (e.g., is offset) with the rotation axis of the knob or spindle. In some embodiments, calibration may be performed during the manufacture of the knob assembly and / or turret by using a tool to rotate the additional rotatable drive device(s). In embodiments in which the knob assembly includes one or more clamps, the additional rotatable drive device(s) may be operably coupled to an additional clamp(s), which may provide fine adjustment of the clamping force of the other clamp(s) in the engaged or disengaged position of the knob(s) (relative to the spindle).

[0020] Rotatable drive device

[0049] Figure 1A shows an exploded isometric view of a knob assembly 100, which includes a knob 30 (e.g., a turret knob), a clamp wedge 21, a rotatable drive device 15 (e.g., a drive screw 15), and a toolless clamp assembly including a lever 10. Figure 1B shows an exploded isometric view of the toolless clamp assembly of the knob assembly 100 of Figure 1A. Figures 2A and 2B show isometric views of the knob assembly 100 of Figure 1A with the lever 10 in the closed and open positions, respectively.

[0021]

[0050] Referring to Figure 1B, the lower surface of the knob 30 defines a pocket 31 for receiving the clamp wedge 21. The clamp wedge 21 includes an opening 22 for mating with a fixed-length rotatable drive interface of the rotatable drive device 15.

[0022]

[0051] The rotatable drive interface, which is the length of the rotatable drive device 15, may be positioned to provide linear motion of the clamp wedge 21 in the pocket 31. In this embodiment, the rotatable drive interface is a screw interface (the rotatable drive device 15 is a screwed drive screw that mates with a screwed opening). However, other embodiments may use any rotatable drive interface that is currently known or will be developed later. Also, in this embodiment, the length of the rotatable drive device 15 defines the rotatable drive interface, but in other examples, it may be possible and practical to position the rotatable drive interface entirely on the end face of the rotatable drive device 15.

[0023]

[0052] The second opposite end of the rotatable drive device 15 may have a lever 10 coupled thereto. The lever 10 may be permanently (press-fit, adhesive, or similar) or non-permanently (e.g., using a spline interface) attached to the second end of the rotatable drive device 15. In this embodiment, the coupling interface includes a socket that mates with the end of the rotatable drive device 15, but in other embodiments, any coupling interface currently known or to be developed may be used to permanently or detachably couple the lever 10 to the rotatable drive device.

[0024]

[0053] In this embodiment, the lever 10 is arc-shaped. However, in other embodiments, the lever may have any other shape, such as a straight line, but is not limited to this.

[0025]

[0054] Figure 3A shows an isometric view of the adjustment assembly 300, including the spindle assembly and toolless clamp assembly shown in Figures 1A and 1B, according to various embodiments. The spindle assembly may be any currently known or later developed spindle assembly. For example, the spindle assembly may include a spindle 40 and a plunger 41, which may be similar to any spindle shown in Figure 7 of Patent No. 636 and a plunger shown in Figure 2 of Patent No. 636, respectively. Figure 3B shows an isometric section view of the adjustment assembly 300 of Figure 3A. Figure 3C shows a top section view of the adjustment assembly 300 of Figure 3A.

[0026]

[0055] Referring now to Figure 3C, the operation of the lever 10 produces a corresponding rotational motion 25 (e.g., equal rotational motion) of the rotatable drive device 15. This rotational motion 25 of the rotatable drive device 15 results in a corresponding linear motion 26 of the clamp wedge 21 along an axis parallel to the axis of the rotatable drive device 15 (and, in this embodiment, coaxial with the axis of the rotatable drive device 15).

[0027]

[0056] When the lever 10 is in the closed position (for example, as shown in Figure 2A), the clamping force 27 is provided based on the contact between the clamping wedge 21 and the spindle 40. This clamping force 27 causes the knob assembly 100 (Figure 1A) and the spindle assembly to rotate together as a unit. Conversely, when the lever 10 is in the open position (for example, as shown in Figure 2B), no clamping force 27 is provided. As a result, rotation of the knob 30 does not cause rotation of the spindle 40.

[0028]

[0057] To zero out the optical elements, including the adjustment assembly 300, the user can operate the lever 10 by a predetermined amount (for example, 90 degrees upward in the illustrated embodiment) without tools. In this fully open position, the turret knob 30 may be detached from the spindle 40 and can rotate freely independently of the spindle 40 (similar to the method by which the knob rotates relative to the spindle described in Patent No. 636), thereby allowing the user to set the position of the knob 30 to the zero position after setting the adjustment mechanism of the aiming device to the desired aiming setting. The user can then return the lever 10 to the closed position without tools to reattach the knob 30 to the spindle 40, allowing the user to operate the knob 30 in the usual manner to make aiming adjustments (based on the knob 30 and spindle 40 rotating together as a unit, similar to the method by which the knob and spindle rotate together as a unit in Patent No. 636).

[0029]

[0058] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show isometric, side, and front views, respectively, of the sighting device 400 (e.g., a rifle scope) with the adjustment assembly 300 of Figures 3A-3C attached. Figures 4D, 4E, and 4F show isometric, side, and front views, respectively, of the sighting device of Figures 4A-4C with the lever in the open position.

[0030]

[0059] When the knob assembly 100 (Figure 1B) is positioned on the spindle of the aiming device and the lever 10 is in the fully closed / locked position, the spindle is clamped between the clamp wedge 21 and the inner diameter of the knob 30 so that the knob 30 is coupled to the spindle and they share any rotational motion. In this state, the user rotates the knob 30 to directly make the desired aiming adjustment to the optical element (not shown).

[0031]

[0060] In the illustrated toolless clamp assembly, the lever is fully rotated at 90 degrees. Alternatively, the toolless clamp assembly may be positioned to begin disengaging the knob from the spindle at a threshold rotation of less than 90 degrees, for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or similar. At 90 degrees, the lever 10 is fully rotated, and the knob is fully disengaged from the spindle. In other embodiments, the lever may be fully rotated at any other value, such as 45 degrees or 180 degrees. Also, in various embodiments, the threshold rotation at which the toolless clamp assembly begins disengaging the knob from the spindle may be the full rotation value or any value less than the full rotation value.

[0032]

[0061] Figures 5A and 5B show another clamp assembly used in a knob assembly 500 with an additional user interface assembly. In this example, the clamp assembly may be similar to the toolless clamp assembly shown earlier, except that its lever 510 (which may be the same as lever 10 in any respect) may define an opening 551 for receiving part of the locking mechanism 550.

[0033]

[0062] The locking mechanism 550 (e.g., a spring-loaded pin, a stopper, or similar) can reliably lock the lever 510 in the closed position to prevent accidental opening of the lever 510. In this arrangement, in order to disengage the knob 530 (which may be the same as the knob 30 in any respect) from the spindle without tools, the user must first actuate the locking mechanism 550 using (in this embodiment) an object normally carried by the user, such as a projectile (e.g., a bullet) cartridge or tip, while simultaneously re-zeroing the optical element. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 550 may be finger-operated (e.g., finger-operated or thumb-operated). This locking mechanism 550, or any other locking mechanism 550 currently known or to be developed later, may be used in combination with any lever described herein.

[0034]

[0063] In this example, the knob 530 defines an opening 551 for receiving the pressable button 511. The locking device (e.g., the pressable button 511 and a locking component operably coupled thereto) may be in no respect the same as any locking device described in Patent No. 636 (e.g., any pressable button and a locking component operably coupled to any pressable button 11 described in Patent No. 636).

[0035]

[0064] Figures 5C and 5D show different isometric views of the clamp assembly of Figures 5A and 5B with the lever 510 in the open position. Figures 6A and 6B show isometric and cross-sectional views showing the unlocking of the lever 510 of Figures 5A and 5D. Figures 7A and 7B show isometric views of a sighting device (e.g., a rifle scope) using the knob assembly 500 of Figures 5A and 5B with the lever in the closed and open positions, respectively. Figures 7C and 7D show side and front views, respectively, of the sighting device of Figures 7A and 7B with the lever in the open position. Figure 7E shows a side view of the sighting device of Figures 7A and 7B with the lever in the closed position.

[0036]

[0065] Figures 8A and 8B show isometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, of different toolless clamp assemblies according to various embodiments. Figure 8C shows a side view of the end of the cylindrical clamp wedge 831 of the toolless clamp assemblies shown in Figures 8A-8B.

[0037]

[0066] In this knob assembly 800, the clamp wedge 831 has a cylindrical shape that moves linearly within a guide hole in the knob 830. The axis of the guide hole is parallel to the axis of the rotatable drive device 815, but offset from the axis. The engagement axis of the clamp wedge 831 with respect to the rotatable drive device 815 is eccentric with respect to the body of the clamp wedge 831. This prevents the clamp wedge 831 from rotating within the guide hole, and the rotational motion of the rotatable drive device 815 causes the clamp wedge 831 to translate linearly along the guide hole in response to the operation of the lever 810.

[0038]

[0067] Figures 9A and 9B show isometric and cross-sectional views, respectively, of another toolless clamp assembly according to various embodiments. In this knob assembly 900, a rotatable drive device 915 is screwed into the knob 930, or, in other embodiments, into a fixing nut on the opposite side of the clamp wedge. The rotational motion of the rotatable drive device 915 causes it to translate linearly along its axis of rotation. The rotatable drive device 915 protrudes through a clearance hole in the clamp wedge 931. One end of the clamp wedge 931 is biased by a spring 933 and remains in contact with the flange of the rotatable drive device 915. As the rotatable drive device 915 translates linearly along its thread interface, the clamp wedge 931 moves in contact with the spindle, thereby providing a clamping force between the clamp wedge 931 and the knob 930.

[0039]

[0068] Figures 10A and 10B show isometric and top views, respectively, of different toolless clamp assemblies according to various embodiments. Figure 10C shows a cross-sectional view of the toolless clamp assemblies of Figures 10A and 10B.

[0040]

[0069] In this knob assembly 1000, the toolless clamp assembly includes a plurality of clamp wedges, including a first clamp wedge 1031 which is linearly translated along the rotation axis of the drive screw via a screw connection, and a second clamp wedge 1032 which is linearly translated in the opposite direction by contact with the flange of the rotatable drive device 1015. When the two clamp wedges 1031 and 1032 are driven toward each other, they apply a three-point clamping force to the spindle, with each clamp wedge 1031 and 1032 forming one contact point, and the inner diameter of the knob forming a third contact point with the spindle.

[0041]

[0070] Figures 11A and 11B show isometric and side views, respectively, of another toolless clamp assembly according to various embodiments. In this embodiment, a cylindrical wedge clamp is recessed to provide a keyway 1118 or other channel. A pin 1119 (or other projection), which may be part of the interior of the knob (or may be coupled to the interior of the knob), may be slidably received within the keyway 1118 or other channel. The keyway 1118 and pin 1119 can constrain the motion of the cylindrical wedge clamp to linear motion along its axis. Thus, rotation can be prevented, and in this embodiment, the axis of a rotatable drive device does not need to be offset from the axis of the cylindrical wedge clamp (i.e., the axes may be coaxial).

[0042]

[0071] In this example, a projection defined by or coupled to the interior of the knob is located within a recess defined by a cylindrical wedge clamp. In other examples, the projection may be defined by or coupled to a cylindrical wedge clamp, and the projection may be movable within a channel defined by the interior of the knob.

[0043]

[0072] Figures 12A and 12B show isometric views of the knob assembly with lever 1210 in the closed and open positions, respectively. In this embodiment, lever 1210 (e.g., a linear lever mounted on top) may be coupled to any rotatable drive device described herein, similar to how lever 10 (Figure 1A) is coupled to its rotatable drive device. In various embodiments, any structure that allows a user to rotate any rotatable drive device described herein may be used in place of any lever described herein (e.g., any toolless user interface device known or to be developed later, or any other structure known or to be developed later) to allow a user to rotate the rotatable drive device using an object such as their hand, a projectile (e.g., a bullet), or a tool.

[0044]

[0073] In the embodiments described above, the rotatable drive device is rotatable without tools using a lever. However, in other embodiments, some other user interfaces may be provided for rotating the rotatable drive device without tools. In other embodiments, instead of providing a lever or other toolless user interface, the rotatable drive device may include a tool interface (e.g., a hexagonal socket or some other socket) for rotating the rotatable drive device using a tool.

[0045]

[0074] In the embodiments described above, a rotatable drive device positioned along an axis that 1) does not coincide with the rotation axis of the spindle or knob, and 2) is spaced away from the rotation axis, is operably coupled to an adjustment device (e.g., one or more clamps) that engages or disengages the knob from the spindle based on the rotation of the rotatable drive device. In other embodiments, it may be possible and practical to engage or disengage the knob from the spindle using a part of the rotatable drive device (e.g., using an adjustment device integrally formed with the rotatable drive device and / or any other part of the rotatable drive device).

[0046]

[0075] In the embodiments described above, the adjustment device uses a clamping action to engage or disengage the knob from the spindle. In other embodiments, it may be possible and practical to use any other type of action to engage or disengage the knob from the spindle.

[0047]

[0076] The various embodiments described above relate to typical turret components, namely spindles and knobs. However, in other examples, the rotatable drive device features may be applied to other turrets known or to be developed today, which may include any other first rotatable component for adjusting the optical or electronic elements of the scope, and any second rotatable component for engaging with or disengaging from the first rotatable component.

[0048] Latch assembly for rotatable drive device

[0077] Figures 13A and 13B show isometric views of the knob assembly 1300 with an additional user interface assembly according to various embodiments, with the knob assembly 1300 in the closed and open positions, respectively. Similar to the knob assembly 500 shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the lever 1310 may define an opening 1351 for receiving a portion of the locking mechanism 1350. The lever 1310, or any other part of the knob assembly 1300, may be similar in any respect to any other lever described herein.

[0049]

[0078] A locking mechanism 1350 (e.g., a latch assembly or some other locking device) can securely lock the lever 1310 in the closed position to prevent accidental opening of the lever 1310. In this configuration, in order to disengage the knob 1330 from the spindle without tools, the user must first actuate the locking mechanism 1350 by pressing it down with their hand (e.g., a finger or thumb) and / or an object normally carried by the user, such as a bullet cartridge or tip, to re-zero the optical element. The exposed portion of the locking mechanism may include a textured surface (e.g., the knurled surface shown in the figure, or any other texture) to assist the operation of the finger / thumb, and / or a recess positioned to receive a portion of a commonly carried article (e.g., a recess having a shape corresponding to a bullet cartridge or tip). This locking mechanism 1350, or any other locking mechanism currently known or to be developed later, may be used in combination with any knob assembly and / or lever described herein.

[0050]

[0079] In this example, the knob 1330 defines an opening 1351 for receiving the pressable button 1350. The locking device (e.g., the pressable button 1350 and a locking component operably coupled thereto) may be in no respect the same as any locking device described in Patent No. 636 (e.g., any pressable button and a locking component operably coupled to any pressable button 11 described in Patent No. 636).

[0051]

[0080] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is a latch assembly including a latch that can be positioned within a latch recess 1355 (Figure 13B). In other embodiments, any catch (now known or to be developed) may be used to lock the lever 1310 or other device to rotate any rotatable drive device described herein.

[0052]

[0081] Figures 14A to 14B show the lock assembly of the knob assembly 1300 of Figures 13A to 13B, with the lock mechanism 1350 engaged and disengaged, respectively. The lock mechanism 1350 includes a body having an operating surface on one side and a latch 1355 on the other side. In this example, the operating surface and the latch 1355 are integrally formed with the body, but in other examples, either of these parts may be coupled to the body (e.g., fixedly mounted to the body).

[0053]

[0082] The latch 1355 may be biased into the latch recess 1355 by a spring 1360. The spring 1360 may be at least partially folded at one position of the latch 1356, but not folded more than at the other position of the latch 1356 (for example, not folded in one example). In this embodiment, the latch 1356 is located within the latch recess 1355, and the pushable button may protrude slightly from the knob.

[0054]

[0083] As the spring 1360 is folded further, the latch 1356 is no longer located within the latch recess 1355. This is shown in Figure 14B, and the pressable button may be substantially coplanar with the knob.

[0055]

[0084] In this example, the body pivots around the pivot point 1361. The body may be attached to the pivot point using any known fasteners that allow the body to pivot around the pivot point 1361.

[0056]

[0085] Figure 15A shows a rear isometric view of a sighting device 1500 (e.g., a rifle scope) with the knob assembly 1300 of Figures 13A-13B attached, according to various embodiments.

[0057]

[0086] When the knob assembly 1300 (Figure 13A) is positioned on the spindle of the aiming device and the lever 1310 is in the fully closed / locked position, the knob and spindle may share any rotational motion. In this state, the user rotates the knob to directly make the desired aiming adjustment to the optical element (not shown).

[0058]

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever is fully rotated at 90 degrees. Alternatively, the toolless clamp assembly may be positioned to begin disengaging the knob from the spindle at a threshold rotation of less than 90 degrees, for example, 30, 45, 60 degrees, or a similar threshold rotation. At 90 degrees, the lever is fully rotated, and the knob is fully disengaged from the spindle. In other embodiments, the lever may be fully rotated at any other value, such as 45 degrees or 180 degrees. Also, in various embodiments, the threshold rotation at which the knob disengages from the spindle may be the full rotation value or any value less than the full rotation value.

[0059]

[0088] Figure 15B shows how a user operates the locking mechanism of the aiming device 1500 in Figure 15A. The user may first push down the operating surface 1350 in the direction indicated by the arrow 1550. This unlocks the lever 1310. The user may then rotate the lever 1310 as indicated by the arrow 1510. Figures 15C and 15D show rear and front isometric views, respectively, of the aiming device 1500 in Figure 15A with the lever 1310 in the open position.

[0060] Calibration device for rotatable drive devices

[0089] Figure 16 shows isometric views of the calibration device 1675 (e.g., a tension adjustment assembly) and the knob assembly 1600 according to various embodiments. The knob assembly 1600 may be identical in any respect to any knob assembly described herein, such as the knob assembly 1300 (Figures 13A-13B).

[0061]

[0090] The calibration device 1675 includes an additional rotatable drive device 1665 and an additional adjustment device 1671 (e.g., a clamp). The additional rotatable drive device 1665 can move the additional adjustment device 1671 along a linear path similar to how the rotatable drive device 1615 translates the linear motion of its adjustment device 1621, but with less linear motion relative to a given rotational momentum (of its drive device).

[0062]

[0091] In some examples, the additional rotatable drive device 1665 may have different threads (e.g., finer threads) than the other rotatable drive device 1615, which may produce different linear momentum for the same rotational momentum (of the drive device). This may allow for finer adjustment of forces (e.g., clamping force) to be applied by the additional adjustment device 1671 spindle.

[0063]

[0092] The fine adjustments provided by the calibration device 1675 may be used to calibrate the operation of other rotatable drive devices 1615. For example, if the rotatable drive device 1615 disengages the knob from the spindle at a rotation threshold lower than the target rotation threshold, the calibration device 1675 may be operated to increase the tension so that the knob disengages from the spindle at the target rotation threshold. Similarly, if the lever does not close completely, it may indicate excessive tension, in which case the calibration device 1675 may be operated to finely decrease the tension.

[0064]

[0093] Figure 17A shows a bottom view of the calibration device 1675 and knob assembly 1600 as shown in Figure 16. Figure 17B shows a bottom view of the calibration device 1675 and knob assembly 1600 with the spindle omitted. Arrow 1677 (Figure 17A) indicates the three-point tension applied to the spindle by the knob, based on the positions of the adjustment device 1621 and the additional adjustment device 1671.

[0065]

[0094] Referring again to Figure 16, the recess for receiving the tool may be located at the end of an additional rotatable drive device 1665. A lever may provide another function, acting as a cover for this recess when closed. The lever is opened to access this recess, as shown in the figure.

[0066]

[0095] In some embodiments, tension adjustment may be a manufacturing step performed using tools to compensate for tolerance ranges of various components of the turret. However, if necessary, it may be possible for an operator to adjust the tension after manufacturing (e.g., recalibrate). In other examples, it is naturally possible to provide a toolless adjustment function on an additional rotatable drive device 1665.

[0067]

[0096] Figure 18 shows an isometric section of the calibration device 1675 and knob assembly 1600 with the lever omitted. In this figure, it can be seen that the additional rotatable drive device 1665 is a tension adjustment screw having a flat section 1880 on the threadless portion of the tension adjustment screw. In this example, the flat section 1880 is located on the head of the tension adjustment screw, but it may also be possible to provide the flat section on another threadless portion of the tension adjustment screw (e.g., the shank).

[0068]

[0097] The leaf spring 1885 may be positioned to act on a flat section 1880 that provides tactile feedback to the user during rotation (e.g., a stop-return sensation), thereby allowing the user to know the number of rotational movements being performed (e.g., the user can count clicks and follow troubleshooting instructions). The leaf spring 1885 is also positioned to prevent unintended rotation after tension has been set.

[0069] Examples

[0098] The illustrated embodiments illustrate several examples within the scope of the disclosure of this application. However, other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include any one of the following embodiments.

[0070]

[0099] Embodiment 1 is a turret comprising 1) a spindle or other first rotatable component for adjusting the optical or electronic elements of a sighting device or other optical device, and 2) a knob or other second rotatable component for rotating the spindle or other first rotatable component, wherein the turret comprises a rotatable drive device having a rear end, a front end, and a length, the length being positioned along an axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation of 1) the spindle or other first rotatable component or the knob or other second rotatable component, and the non-coincident axis is spaced apart from the axis of rotation, wherein the rotatable drive device is rotatable from a first position to a second position, in the first position causing the spindle or other first rotatable component and the knob or other second rotatable component to rotate together as a unit, and in the second position disengaging the knob or other second rotatable component from the spindle or other first rotatable component so that the knob or other second rotatable component can rotate relative to the spindle or other first rotatable component. The turret may be an optical device of the range device (e.g., an elevation turret, a drift turret, etc.) or any turret of any other optical device.

[0071]

[0100] In various embodiments, a knob or other second rotatable component exposes the rear end of a rotatable drive device or a lever or other user interface coupled to the rear end. The rear end of the rotatable drive device or the lever or other user interface may be part of the external components of the turret.

[0072]

[0101] Embodiment 2 further comprises one or more additional devices operably coupled to a rotatable drive device, the one or more additional devices being a lever or other user interface, an adjustment device, a locking mechanism, or a calibration device, wherein the lever or other user interface rotates the rotatable drive device without tools, an adjustment device engages or disengages a knob or other second rotatable part with or from a spindle or other first rotatable part in response to the rotatable drive device moving back and forth between a first position and a second position, a knob The subject of Embodiment 1 (or any other embodiment herein) includes a locking mechanism for fixing the position of a lever or other user interface or rotatable drive device to prevent unintentional engagement of another second rotatable part with the spindle or another first rotatable part, or unintentional disengagement from the spindle or another first rotatable part, or a calibration device for calibrating a threshold rotation of the rotatable drive device necessary to engage or disengage a knob or another second rotatable part with the spindle or another first rotatable part.

[0073]

[0102] Example 3 includes the subject of any of Examples 1-2 (or any other example herein) in which a lever or other user interface is coupled to the rear end or rear of the length of a rotatable drive device.

[0074]

[0103] Embodiment 4 includes the subject matter of any of Embodiments 1 to 3 (or any other embodiment herein) wherein a lever or other user interface is rotatable along a plane, and the axis of rotation of a spindle or other first rotatable part, or a knob or other second rotatable part, does not coincide with the plane.

[0075]

[0104] Example 5 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 4 (or any other example herein) wherein the length comprises a rear portion and a front portion, the rear portion of the length being closer to the rear end than the front end, the front portion being closer to the front end than the rear end, the front portion of the length having a threaded portion, and the rear portion of the length having a non-threaded portion.

[0076]

[0105] Example 6 includes a subject from any of Examples 1 to 5 (or any other example herein) in which the rear portion is formed integrally with the front portion.

[0077]

[0106] Example 7 includes the subject of any of Examples 1-6 (or any other example herein) wherein the rotatable drive device comprises a drive screw, and the rear end of the length includes a head or shank.

[0078]

[0107] Example 8 includes a subject from any of Examples 1-7 (or any other example herein) in which the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the optical axis of the aiming device or other optical device, and the non-coincident axis is not perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0079]

[0108] Example 9 includes a subject from any of Examples 1-8 (or any other example herein) in which the non-coincident axes are parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0080]

[0109] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 9 (or any other embodiment of this specification), wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring-operated latch or other member that engages with or disengages from a latch recess or other recess based on the position of a button or other user interface.

[0081]

[0110] Example 11 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 10 (or any other example herein) wherein the calibration device comprises an additional rotatable drive device.

[0082]

[0111] Example 12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 11 (or any other example herein) wherein an additional rotatable drive device is positioned along an additional axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation, and the additional non-coincident axis is spaced apart from the axis of rotation.

[0083]

[0112] Example 13 is a aiming device including a turret from any of Examples 1 to 12 (or any other example herein).

[0084]

[0113] Example 14 is a turret range device scope from any of Examples 1 to 13.

[0085]

[0114] Example 15 is a small arms, crossbow, or airgun that includes a ranged scope from any of Examples 1 to 14.

[0086]

[0115] Embodiment 16 is a device comprising 1) a spindle or other first rotatable part for adjusting the optical or electronic elements of a sighting device or other optical device, and 2) a knob or other second rotatable part for rotating the spindle or other first rotatable part, the device comprising a rotatable drive device having a rear end, a front end, and a length, the length being positioned along an axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation of 1) the spindle or other first rotatable part, or the knob or other second rotatable part, and the non-coincident axis being spaced away from 2) the axis of rotation, and an adjustment device operably coupled to the rotatable drive device, The apparatus comprises a rotatable drive device which, in response to the rotation of the rotatable drive device from a first position to a second position, linearly translates an adjustment device along a guide hole; the adjustment device rotates the spindle or other first rotatable component and the knob or other second rotatable component together as a unit at the first position in the guide hole; and at a second different position in the guide hole, disengages the knob or other second rotatable component from the spindle or other first rotatable component so that the knob or other second rotatable component can rotate relative to the spindle or other first rotatable component.

[0087]

[0116] Example 17 includes the subject of Example 16 (or any other example herein) in which the adjustment device is screwed onto a rotatable drive device.

[0088]

[0117] Example 18 includes the subject of any of Examples 16-17 (or any other example herein), wherein the adjustment device includes a threaded opening for receiving a portion of the length of a rotatable drive device.

[0089]

[0118] Example 19 further comprises a flange on a rotatable drive device, the device further comprises a spring around the length of the rotatable drive device, and the adjustment device is captured between the flange and the end of the spring, comprising the subject of any of Examples 16-18.

[0090]

[0119] Example 20 includes the subject of any of Examples 16-19, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one clamp.

[0091]

[0120] Example 21 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 16-20, wherein a spindle or other first rotatable component is clampable between the adjustment device and a portion inside a knob or other second rotatable component.

[0092]

[0121] Embodiment 22 comprises a lever or other user interface coupled to the rear end or rear of a length, the lever or other user interface for rotating a rotatable drive device without tools, and a locking mechanism disposed in a hole defined by the lever or other user interface, wherein the locking mechanism holds the lever or other user interface in a closed position, and includes the subject matter of any of Embodiments 16 to 21.

[0093]

[0122] Example 23 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 16 to 22, wherein the locking device comprises a spring-loaded catch.

[0094]

[0123] Example 24 includes the subject of any of Examples 16-23, wherein the locking device is activatable using the tip of a projectile or other improvised tool.

[0095]

[0124] Example 25 includes the subject of any of Examples 16 to 24, wherein the lever is an arc-shaped lever.

[0096]

[0125] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the details of the embodiments described above without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. A turret comprising: 1) a spindle or other first rotatable component for adjusting an optical element or electronic element of a sighting device or other optical device; and 2) a knob or other second rotatable component for rotating the spindle or the other first rotatable component, A rotatable drive device having a rear end, a front end, and a length, wherein the length is positioned along an axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the spindle or the other first rotatable part, or the knob or the other second rotatable part, and the non-coincident axis is spaced apart from the axis of rotation, The rotatable drive device is rotatable from a first position to a second position. The rotatable drive device rotates the spindle or the other first rotatable component and the knob or the other second rotatable component together as a single unit in the first position. The rotatable drive device is configured such that, in the second position, the knob or the other second rotatable component is disengaged from the spindle or the other first rotatable component so that the knob or the other second rotatable component can rotate relative to the spindle or the other first rotatable component. A turret equipped with a turret.

2. The turret further comprises one or more additional devices operably coupled to the rotatable drive device, The one or more additional devices include a lever or other user interface, an adjustment device, a locking mechanism, or a calibration device. The lever or other user interface rotates the rotatable drive device without tools. The adjustment device, in response to the rotatable drive device moving back and forth between the first position and the second position, engages the knob or the other second rotatable part with the spindle or the other first rotatable part, or disengages the knob or the other second rotatable part from the spindle or the other first rotatable part. The locking mechanism fixes the position of the lever or the other user interface or the rotatable drive device in order to prevent unintentional engagement of the knob or the other second rotatable part with the spindle or the other first rotatable part, or unintentional disengagement from the spindle or the other first rotatable part. The calibration device calibrates the threshold rotation of the rotatable drive device required to engage the knob or the other second rotatable component with the spindle or the other first rotatable component, or to disengage the knob or the other second rotatable component from the spindle or the other first rotatable component. The turret according to claim 1.

3. The turret according to claim 2, wherein the lever or the other user interface is coupled to the rear end or rear of the length of the rotatable drive device.

4. The turret according to claim 2, wherein the lever or the other user interface is rotatable along a plane, and the axis of rotation of the spindle or the other first rotatable part, or the knob or the other second rotatable part, does not coincide with the plane.

5. The length includes a rear portion and a front portion, wherein the rear portion of the length is closer to the rear end than the front end, and the front portion is closer to the front end than the rear end. The turret according to claim 1, wherein the front portion of the aforementioned length is provided with a threaded portion, and the rear portion of the aforementioned length is provided with a non-threaded portion.

6. The turret according to claim 5, wherein the rear portion is integrally formed with the front portion.

7. The turret according to claim 6, wherein the rotatable drive device comprises a drive screw, and the rear portion of the length includes a head or shank.

8. The turret according to claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the optical axis of the aiming device or other optical device, and the non-coincident axis is not perpendicular to the optical axis.

9. The turret according to claim 8, wherein the non-coincident axes are parallel to the axis of rotation.

10. The locking mechanism comprises a spring-operated latch or other member, The spring-operated latch or the other member engages with or disengages from the latch recess or the other recess based on the position of the button or other user interface. The turret according to claim 2.

11. The turret according to claim 2, wherein the calibration device comprises an additional rotatable drive device.

12. The turret according to claim 11, wherein the additional rotatable drive device is positioned along an additional axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation, and the additional axis is spaced apart from the axis of rotation.

13. A aiming device including a turret as described in claim 1.

14. A small arms, crossbow, air gun or other ranged weapon comprising the turret described in claim 1.

15. The turret according to claim 1, wherein the knob or the other second rotatable part exposes the rear end of the rotatable drive device or a lever coupled to the rear end, and the rear end of the rotatable drive device or the lever comprises an external component of the turret.

16. A device comprising: 1) a spindle or other first rotatable part for adjusting an optical or electronic element of a sighting device or other optical device; and 2) a knob or other second rotatable part for rotating the spindle or the other first rotatable part, The aforementioned device is A rotatable drive device having a rear end, a front end, and a length, wherein the length is oriented along an axis that does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the spindle or the other first rotatable part, or the knob or the other second rotatable part, and the non-coincident axis is spaced apart from the axis of rotation; An adjustment device operably coupled to the rotatable drive device, Equipped with, The rotatable drive device, in response to the rotation of the rotatable drive device from a first position to a second position, causes the adjustment device to translate linearly along the guide hole. The adjustment device is At the first position within the guide hole, the spindle or the other first rotatable part and the knob or the other second rotatable part are rotated together as a single unit. At different second positions within the guide hole, the knob or the other second rotatable part is disengaged from the spindle or the other first rotatable part, so that the knob or the other second rotatable part is rotatable relative to the spindle or the other first rotatable part. Device.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the adjustment device is screwed onto the rotatable drive device.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the adjustment device includes a threaded opening for receiving a portion of the rotatable drive device along its longitudinal direction.

19. The apparatus further comprises a flange on the rotatable drive device, The device further comprises a spring around a portion of the rotatable drive device along its longitudinal direction, The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the adjustment device is captured between the end of the spring and the flange.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least one clamp.

21. The spindle or the other first rotatable part A portion of the inside of the knob or the other second rotatable part, The adjustment device and, The apparatus according to claim 16, which is clampable between the two.

22. The aforementioned device is A lever or other user interface coupled to the rear end or rear of the aforementioned length, the lever or other user interface for rotating the rotatable drive device without tools, A locking mechanism disposed within a hole defined by the lever or other user interface, Furthermore, The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism holds the lever or the other user interface in a closed position.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the locking mechanism includes a spring load catch.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the locking mechanism is activatable using the tip of a projectile or other improvised tool.

25. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the lever comprises an arc-shaped lever.

Images