Lock adjustment device

Abstract

The various embodiments described herein may include a lock adjustment device having a knob assembly and a catch assembly. The knob assembly is manually rotatable for adjusting the setting of an optical device, and the catch assembly defines the home position of the knob assembly, thereby preventing the knob assembly from rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The catch assembly includes a button or other release mechanism which, in response to a manually applied force, disengages the catch member from a catch opening or recess, and is arranged so that the knob assembly can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise from the home position to the adjustment position. Other embodiments may be disclosed and / or claimed.

Description

Background Art

[0004] , , ,

[0001] [Related Applications]

[0002]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 140,794, filed Apr. 28, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The subject matter described in this application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 651,789, filed Feb. 18, 2022, entitled "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE", which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 807,051, filed Mar. 2, 2020, entitled "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 11,255,636), and further, this application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 923,158, filed Oct. 26, 2015, entitled "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 10,578,399), and further, this application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 343,656, filed Jan. 4, 2012, entitled "LOCKING ADJUSTMENT DEVICE" (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,170,068), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. <​​​​​​​​​​

[0003] Sighting devices such as rifle scopes have long been used in conjunction with weapons and firearms such as rifles, handguns, and crossbows, enabling shooters to accurately aim at their chosen targets. Because bullet or arrow trajectories, wind conditions, and distance to targets can vary depending on shooting conditions, high-quality aiming devices typically compensate for these variations by providing optical properties to the weapon surface on which the device is mounted or by allowing the shooter to make incremental adjustments to the sight. These adjustments are known as elevation and windage adjustments and are typically achieved by lateral movement of adjustment components, such as the reticle, located inside the rifle scope, as shown in Leupold's U.S. Patent No. 3,058,391, or by movement of one or more lenses within the rifle scope housing, as shown in Gibson's U.S. Patents No. 3,297,389 and 4,408,842, and Zaderey et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 7,827,723.

[0005]

[0004] The shooter typically uses a rotatable adjustment knob to operate the adjustable components of the aiming device and make such adjustments. The rotatable knob may also be used to adjust other characteristics of rifle scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and other suitable optical devices, such as parallax, focus, and illumination brightness. Although the rotatable knob has been described in relation to the aiming device, it may also be used to adjust adjustable parts of other devices, and may include appropriate knobs such as volume control knobs, channel selection knobs, and radio station selection knobs.

[0006]

[0005] Some aiming devices equipped with a rotatable knob may include a locking device to prevent accidental rotation of the knob. For example, one known locking device for a rotatable knob includes two buttons on the opposite side of the knob, which, when pressed simultaneously, unlock the knob and allow it to rotate for the desired adjustment. Once the buttons are released, the knob immediately locks in its current rotation position. One drawback of this locking device is its relative complexity and the associated manufacturing cost. Also, the pressure required to unlock the knob can make it difficult to make multiple fine rotational adjustments, even in situations where there is little concern about accidental rotation of the knob during aiming.

[0007]

[0006] The 636 patent describes a lock adjustment device that addresses at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. Broadly speaking, this lock adjustment device may include a button or other release mechanism. The button or other release mechanism is operablely associated with a guide tab and is manually pressable to push the guide tab out of the locked position, thereby allowing the knob to be manually rotated around the turret axis from the locked position. While the 636 patent is incorporated herein by reference, for background purposes, some of the information contained in that patent is repeated in the following eight paragraphs with reference to Figure 1 of this application.

[0008]

[0007] Referring to Figure 1, the lock adjustment device is mountable on the main tube 102 of the rifle scope 38. Within the main tube 102, at least one adjustable element, such as a reticle, lens assembly, or other optical or electrical element, is movably mounted in a orientation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104 of the tube. The main tube 102 further includes a seat 106 having a bore 108 sized to accommodate the lock adjustment device. The bore 108 may include a thread 110 formed in its inner wall or shoulder, which engages with a corresponding thread 112 on a retaining ring 114 or other structure of the lock adjustment device, such as a spindle 116, to secure the lock adjustment device to the main tube 102 when installed. The bore 108 further includes a slot or hole 118 formed in the base 120, sized to accommodate a threaded plunger 122 via its end 126. The plunger 122 is equipped with a screw 128 that is sized to engage with the internal thread of the inner bore of the spindle 116, allowing the plunger 122 to be screw-connected to the spindle 116.

[0009]

[0008] The plunger 122 extends into the main tube 102 and its rotation is constrained, and the rotation of the spindle 116 (in which the plunger 122 is screwed) around the turret axis is converted into linear motion of the plunger 122 along the turret axis, thereby adjusting the position of the adjustable element within the main tube 102.

[0010]

[0009] The spindle 116 includes a lower base 134 and an upper neck portion 136, the upper neck portion 136 may be smaller in diameter than the lower base 134. A retaining ring 114 surrounds the spindle 116 and holds the spindle 116 in the seat portion 106 of the rifle scope 138. The retaining ring 114 includes an external thread 112 sized to engage with the thread 110 of the bore 108. Thus, the spindle 116 is trapped against the main tube 102 and rotation around the turret axis is permitted, but advance in the turret axis direction is constrained by the retaining ring 114 screwed into the bore 108 of the main tube 102. The retaining ring 114 includes a pair of blind bores 142, which are sized to allow a spanner wrench to be fitted and screwed into the spindle 116 or the bore 108 (or both).

[0011]

[0010] The lock adjustment device may include a click mechanism 146 that provides tactile and / or auditory feedback to the user when the knob 174 is rotated. The click mechanism 146 may include a click ring 148 interposed between the shoulder of the lower base 134 of the spindle 116 and the retaining ring 114. The click ring 148 includes a grooved surface 152 facing the spindle 116. The grooved surface 152 includes equally spaced features, which may include splines or a series of equally spaced vertical grooves or ridges. Other engaging features may include a series of detents, recesses, holes, and other appropriate features. The click mechanism 146 further includes a click pin 154 having a tapered surface 156 configured to engage with the equally spaced features of the grooved surface 152. The click pin 154 is housed in a bore 158 of the spindle 116 having an open end toward the grooved surface 152. A biasing element such as a spring 160 extends the click pin 154 outward from the bore 158 and engages it with the groove surface 152 of the click ring 148. During operation, the rotation of the knob 174 around the turret axis causes the click pin 154 to move away from one groove and into an adjacent groove, resulting in an audible, tactile, or both click sensation. Each click may correspond to an adjustment amount to inform the user of the degree of adjustment being performed. The click mechanism 146 continues to click while the knob 174 is rotating.

[0012]

[0011] The lock adjustment device may further include a guide ring 168 mounted along the stepped portion of the upper neck portion 172 of the retaining ring 114. The guide ring 168 may be press-fitted around the retaining ring 114 so as to rest flush with the stepped portion and the upper neck portion 172. In some embodiments, the guide ring 168 may be welded, screw-connected, or bonded to the retaining ring 114. In other embodiments, the guide ring 168 may be integrated with or formed on the retaining ring 114 or the main tube 102.

[0013]

[0012] The lock adjustment device may include a knob 174 that can be mounted on the guide ring 168 and the spindle 116, and is rotatable around the turret axis when the lock adjustment device is mounted on the rifle scope 138. The knob 174 may include a retaining cap and a dial. The retaining cap may include a cylindrical gripping surface with notches, grooves, serrations, or other textures so that the user can grip it when manually rotating the knob 174. The dial may be provided with a precision scale consisting of parallel longitudinal markings spaced apart along the circumference to facilitate fine adjustment. The retaining cap and dial may be manufactured as a single piece, or may be formed from two separate components joined together, for example, by a screw thread.

[0014]

[0013] The knob 174 may include a threaded bore sized to receive a threaded set screw. It should be understood that the knob 174 may have any number of bores and corresponding set screws. The set screw may rotate firmly with the knob 174 in contact with a collar 188 that is press-fitted into the upper neck portion 136 of the spindle 116. In other embodiments (not shown), the collar 188 may be omitted, and the knob 174 may be directly coupled to the spindle 116 by a set screw or the like. The set screw can be tightened using a tool such as a hex wrench to press against the collar 188. Similarly, the set screw can be loosened using a tool, and the knob 174 and / or dial can be rotated around the turret axis relative to the spindle 116 or removed and replaced with another knob 174 as needed. In other embodiments (not shown), the knob 174 may be coupled to the spindle 116 by means other than a set screw, or may be detachably coupled. The combination of collar 188 and set screw, along with the flange portion of collar 188, helps prevent knob 174 from lifting in the turret axis direction.

[0015]

[0014] The knob 174 may include a button 194 and an indicator unit 196 that rotate integrally with it. The slot 144 is dimensionally shaped to slidably receive the indicator unit 196, so that at least a portion of the indicator unit 196 is visible on the uppermost surface of the knob 174. The button 194 is operablely associated with a guide tab 198 and can be manually pressed down to push the guide tab 198 out of the locked position, thereby allowing the knob 174 to be manually rotated around the turret axis from the locked position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016]

[0015] The accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate the same elements, constitute part of this specification and, together with the description, illustrate the advantages and principles of the art disclosed herein. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a known lock adjustment device. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows an isometric view of a rifle scope with the adjustment assembly attached, and in various embodiments, both the adjustment assembly and its locking device are shown in a disassembled state. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows an isometric view of a rifle scope with the adjustment assembly attached, and in various embodiments, both the adjustment assembly and its locking device are shown in a disassembled state. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is an isometric view of the rifle scope shown in Figure 2A, with the adjustment assembly disassembled and the locking device installed. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is an isometric view of the rifle scope shown in Figure 2B, with the adjustment assembly disassembled and the locking device installed. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is an isometric view of the rifle scope shown in Figure 2A, with the locking device shown in both the locked and unlocked positions. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is an isometric view of the rifle scope shown in Figure 2B, with the locking device indicated in both the locked and unlocked positions. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is an isometric view of the adjustment assembly of Figure 2A, showing both the adjustment assembly and its locking device in an exploded state. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is an isometric view of the adjustment assembly of Figure 2B, showing both the adjustment assembly and its locking device in an exploded state. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is an isometric view of the adjustment assembly of Figure 2A, showing the adjustment assembly in an exploded state with the locking device installed. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is an isometric view of the adjustment assembly of Figure 2B, showing the adjustment assembly in an exploded state with the locking device installed. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is an isometric view of the adjustment assembly of Figure 2A, showing the locking device at the locked position and the unlocked position respectively. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is an isometric view of the adjustment assembly of Figure 2B, showing the locking device at the locked position and the unlocked position respectively. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional view of an adjustment assembly similar to the adjustment assembly of Figure 2A, showing the locked position and the unlocked position respectively. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional view of an adjustment assembly similar to the adjustment assembly of Figure 2B, showing the locked position and the unlocked position respectively.

[0017] Detailed Description

[0018]

[0024] Referring to the drawings, in this section, specific embodiments and their detailed configurations and operations will be described. Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "some embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of expressions such as "in one embodiment" in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments can be implemented without using some of the specific details, or by using other methods, components, materials, etc. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail so as not to obscure the aspects of the embodiments.

[0019]

[0025] Figures 2A and 2B show an isometric view of a riflescope 238 to which an adjustment assembly (including a knob assembly 274 and a catch assembly 269) is coupled, and in various embodiments, both the adjustment assembly and its locking device are shown in a disassembled state. Figures 3A and 3B are isometric views of the riflescope 238 of Figures 2A and 2B, with the adjustment assembly shown in a disassembled state with the locking device installed. Figures 4A and 4B are isometric views of the riflescope 238 of Figures 2A and 2B, with the locking device shown in the locked position and the unlocked position, respectively.

[0020]

[0026] Referring to Figure 2A, a spindle assembly 216 is mounted on the main tube 202 of the rifle scope 238. The spindle assembly 216 may be in all respects similar to any known spindle assembly. For example, the spindle assembly 216 includes a retaining ring 214, a spindle 215, and a plunger 222 (Figure 2B), which may be similar to a retaining ring 114 (Figure 1), a spindle 116 (Figure 1), and a plunger 122 (Figure 1). In this embodiment, the retaining ring 114 surrounds the spindle 215 and holds it in place in the seat of the rifle scope 138 (for example, the threaded portion of the retaining ring 114 is screwed into the threaded bore of the seat).

[0021]

[0027] An adjustment assembly, including a catch assembly 269 and a knob assembly 274, is mounted on the spindle assembly 216 (specifically, the catch assembly 269 is mounted on the retaining ring 214 of the spindle assembly 216, while the knob assembly 274 can be mounted on the spindle 215 of the spindle assembly 216). The catch assembly 269 may include a ring 268 that can be mounted on the retaining ring 214 of the spindle assembly 216 (for example, the ring opening of the ring 268 receives the upper neck portion of the retaining ring 214 of the spindle assembly 216). In some embodiments, in addition to carrying the button 294 or other release mechanism, the ring 268 functions as a guide ring and can perform any of the functions of the guide ring 168 (Figure 1).

[0022]

[0028] One or more surfaces of the ring 268 may include recesses for mating with components of a lock assembly. For example, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the ring 268 defines an opening 248 (e.g., a hole) in which a button 294 or other unlocking mechanism is placed. In this embodiment, the opening 248 is similar to a hole defined by the knob 174 of the 636 patent (Figure 1) and restricts the movement of the button 294 or other unlocking mechanism to a single axis. Alternatively, the upper surface of the ring 268 may define a slot 244 or other recess in which a catch device 298 is placed.

[0023]

[0029] The knob assembly 274 may be in all respects similar to the rotatable knob 174 described in the 636 patent. For example, in some embodiments, the knob assembly 274 includes a retaining cap and a dial (as described in Figure 1 of the 636 patent), which may be manufactured as a single piece or formed from two separate components joined together by interlocking screws or the like.

[0024]

[0030] The knob assembly 274 may include a threaded bore 284 (not shown) for a set screw (similar to the corresponding threaded bore described in the 636 patent). The set screw (not shown), which can be inserted into the threaded bore 284, may be tightened so that the knob assembly 274 and the spindle assembly 216 rotate together as a single unit, or loosened so that the knob assembly 274 rotates relative to the spindle assembly 216. However, the set screw is not essential, and in other embodiments, any knob assembly described herein may include a tool-free actuation device that allows an operator to control whether the knob assembly 274 and the spindle assembly 216 rotate together or not. In other embodiments, the knob assembly may include any known or future-developed rotatable knob.

[0025]

[0031] When the adjustment assembly is mounted on the aiming device (e.g., the rifle scope 238 in this embodiment), the knob assembly 274 is rotatable relative to the aiming device (in the unlocked state, e.g., when button 294 is pressed in this embodiment). In contrast, when the adjustment assembly is mounted on the aiming device, the catch assembly 269 is not rotatable relative to the aiming device (e.g., rotatably fixed relative to the aiming device). Because the rotational position of the catch assembly 269 is fixed when the adjustment assembly is mounted on the aiming device, the movement of button 294 or other unlocking part may be constrained to a linear path (e.g., button 294 or other unlocking part moves along a linear path toward / away from the turret axis, but does not rotate with the knob assembly 274). In other words, the rotational position of button 294 or other unlocking part is fixed relative to the aiming device. Because the rotational position of button 294 or other unlocking part is fixed, it may be easier for the operator of the aiming device to lock / unlock the knob assembly 274.

[0026]

[0032] The rifle scope 238 is shown equipped with a windage adjustment turret 374 having a knob similar to knob 174 (Figure 1) to facilitate comparison with the adjustment assembly of the elevation turret described above. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the aiming device may have knob assemblies and catch assemblies similar to knob assemblies 274 and catch assemblies 269 for any turret, such as an elevation adjustment turret or a windage adjustment turret, respectively.

[0027]

[0033] In various embodiments, any spindle assembly or adjustment assembly described herein may include other components shown in Figure 1, such as the retaining ring 114, the click mechanism 146, the click pin 154, the spring 160, or other known or future-developed components that perform equivalent functions to these components of the spindle and / or adjustment assembly.

[0028]

[0034] Figures 5A and 5B are isometric views of the adjustment assembly shown in Figures 2A and 2B, with both the adjustment assembly and its locking device shown in a disassembled state. Figures 6A and 6B are isometric views of the adjustment assembly shown in Figures 2A and 2B, with the adjustment assembly shown in a disassembled state with the locking device installed. Figures 7A and 7B are isometric views of the adjustment assembly shown in Figures 2A and 2B, with the locking device shown in the locked and unlocked positions, respectively.

[0029]

[0035] Referring to Figure 5A, the catch device 298 (e.g., a guide tab) may be similar in all respects to the guide tab 198 (Figure 1). As shown in Figure 5A, the catch device 298 may include a fastening lower portion 518 (e.g., a tubular portion) extending from the bottom surface 520 of the body 522 (e.g., a flat or other thin body) and a catch member 524 (e.g., a tabbed end) extending from the uppermost surface 526 opposite to the body 522. When the adjustment assembly is installed on the spindle assembly 216 (Figure 2A), the catch device 298 is slidably received in the guideway 502 (Figure 5B) defined by the bottom of the knob assembly 274 (Figure 5B) via the catch member 524 (e.g., a tabbed end).

[0030]

[0036] The guideway 502 (Figure 5B) defined by the bottom of the knob assembly 274 may be analogous to the guideway defined by the top of the guide ring 168 (Figure 1). The catch member 524 is configured to move along the guideway 502 as the knob assembly 274 rotates, riding on the curved sliding surface 575 (extending around the turret axis), which is analogous to the configuration in which the guide tab 198 (Figure 1) moves along the guideway defined by the top of the guide ring 168 (Figure 1) as the knob 174 (Figure 1) rotates.

[0031]

[0037] In some embodiments, the catch device 298 may be fixedly attached to the button 294 or other unlocking mechanism by press-fitting or other means via a fastening portion 518 (e.g., a tubular portion), or otherwise coupled. The length of the fastening portion 518 (e.g., a tubular portion) of the catch device 298 may extend through a via at least partially defined by the top of the ring 268. The fastening portion 518 may be inserted into an opening 528 of the button 294, which is sized to correspond to the fastening portion 518, and secured there by press-fitting, the use of adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, both the fastening portion 518 and the opening 528 may be threaded so that the catch device 298 is screw-coupled to the button 294 or other unlocking mechanism. In other embodiments, the catch device 298 and the button 294 or other unlocking mechanism may instead be formed as a single integrated component.

[0032]

[0038] A pair of openings (not shown) may be provided at the rear of the button 294 or other unlocking mechanism, each receiving a biasing element 232 (e.g., a pair of springs). To unlock the knob assembly 274, the button 294 or other unlocking mechanism is pressed inward in the turret axis direction, pushing the catch member 524 out of the catch opening or recess (e.g., a notch 506 defined by the bottom of the knob assembly 274 shown in Figure 5B) and moving it near the first end on the curved slide surface 575 (defined by the bottom of the knob assembly 274 shown in Figure 5B). From this position, the knob assembly 274 is manually rotatable from the locked position around the turret axis. As the knob assembly 274 rotates (i.e., as the user makes the desired adjustment), the catch member 524 moves away from the first end of the guideway 502 (Figure 5B) along the curved slide surface 575 (Figure 5B).

[0033]

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment assembly is a single-rotation adjustment assembly, so the gradient portion provided at the end of the first rotation can act as a stopper. In other embodiments where the adjustment assembly is arranged to allow multiple rotations (e.g., two rotations), an additional curved slide surface similar to the second curved slide surface described in the 636 patent may be provided at the bottom of the knob assembly in a manner similar to the second curved slide surface at the top of the guide ring described in the 636 patent. Schematically, in such embodiments, when the knob completes one rotation around the turret axis, the catch device (e.g., a guide tab) automatically moves to a gradient transition section (defined by the bottom of the knob assembly), corresponding to the second rotation of the knob following the second curved surface. Depending on the shape of the transition section, the user may or may not feel a slight stop, step, or other tactile sensation as the catch device moves between the curved slide surface and the additional curved slide surface. The user can continue turning the knob until the catch device hits a stopper along the second end of the additional curved slide surface. At that point, in some embodiments, the stopper prevents movement beyond the second end of the catch device, limiting further rotation of the knob in this direction. The knob can then be rotated in the opposite direction for further fine-tuning or to return the knob assembly to its home position, where it is automatically locked.

[0034]

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining ring 214 (Figure 2A) and the ring 268 (Figure 2A) are formed as two separate parts that are mutually mountable (for example, the ring 268 is mounted on the separate retaining ring 214). However, since both of these parts may be stationary during the operation of the adjustment assembly, it may be possible and practical to manufacture these rings as a single ring, or they may be formed from two separate parts that are fixedly joined together by adhesive, press-fitting, etc.

[0035]

[0041] In other embodiments, any components described herein that rotate (or do not rotate) relative to each other may be manufactured as a single unit. In this alternative embodiment, instead of providing a separable guide ring 268, in various embodiments, features of the guide ring (e.g., any features defined by the upper section of the guide ring 268) may be integrally formed (e.g., machined) with the aiming device (e.g., the main tube of a rifle scope).

[0036]

[0042] Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sectional views of an adjustment assembly similar to the adjustment assemblies in Figures 2A and 2B, respectively, showing the locked and unlocked positions. In Figure 8A, a catch member protruding from the top surface of the ring is placed in a slot defined by the bottom of the knob assembly, preventing the knob assembly from rotating until the lock is released. The knob assembly can also be unlocked (made rotatable) by pressing a button.

[0037]

[0043] When the button is pressed, the catch member moves inward toward the turret axis, thereby pushing the catch member out of the slot defined by the knob assembly. In this state, the adjustment assembly is rotatable counterclockwise. Figure 8B shows the state after the knob assembly has been rotated counterclockwise to a certain extent.

[0038]

[0044] In some embodiments, any knob assembly described herein can be rotated in multiple directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise) from the home position when unlocked. In other embodiments, it may be possible and practical to restrict the rotation of any knob assembly described herein in the unlocked state to a single direction from the home position.

[0039]

[0045] Any assembly described herein may be formed from a set of parts including a single component, or from a set of parts consisting of multiple components. In a set of multiple components, the components may be fixedly joined together (for example, by press-fitting), detachably joined, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, as described above, the knob assembly may include a joined retaining cap and a dial, or it may include an integrated component such as a knob (as a single component) in which the upper section is similar to a retaining cap and the lower section is similar to a dial.

[0040]

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the button or other release mechanism is part of the adjustment assembly. In other embodiments, the button or other release mechanism may be located elsewhere on the aiming device using any of the principles described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the seat of the aiming device may define an opening for receiving a rotation-position-fixed button or other release mechanism. In various embodiments, any component of the catch assembly described herein may be part of the aiming device (for example, located below the turret).

[0041]

[0047] In yet another embodiment, the button or other release mechanism may be supported on a knob assembly. For example, in such an embodiment, the axis of the button or other release mechanism may coincide with (coaxial with) the turret axis. In such an embodiment, the button or other release mechanism may rotate around its own axis, but its lateral and longitudinal position relative to the aiming device does not change (for example, the button or other release mechanism has a fixed lateral and longitudinal position). In various embodiments, the button or other release mechanism may be arranged to travel along a linear path toward the inside. [Examples]

[0042]

[0048] The illustrated embodiments illustrate some of the embodiments within the scope of the disclosure of this application. However, other embodiments within the scope of the disclosure may include any of the following embodiments.

[0043]

[0049] Embodiment 1 is a device equipped with a lock adjustment device, the lock adjustment device comprising: a knob assembly that is graspable by a user and manually rotatable around a rotation axis for adjusting the settings of an optical device; a catch assembly that defines a home position for the knob assembly, thereby preventing the knob assembly from rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the catch assembly comprising a button or other release part which, in response to a manually applied force, disengages a catch member from a catch opening or recess, and is positioned such that the knob assembly is rotatable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from a home position to an adjustment position relative to the button or other release part.

[0044]

[0050] Example 2 is the apparatus described in Example 1 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein one of the knob assembly and the catch assembly defines a catch opening or recess, and the catch member is part of the other of the knob assembly and the catch assembly, or is fixedly coupled to the other.

[0045]

[0051] Example 3 is the apparatus described in Examples 1-2 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the button or other unlocking part is separated from the knob assembly, and the knob assembly moves relative to the button or other unlocking part by manual rotation of the knob assembly.

[0046]

[0052] Example 4 is an apparatus described in Examples 1 to 3 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the lock adjustment device is arranged to restrict the movement of a button or other unlocking part to a straight path.

[0047]

[0053] Example 5 is the apparatus described in Examples 1 to 4 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the button or other unlocking part is part of a catch assembly and is arranged to move within an opening defined by the catch assembly.

[0048]

[0054] Example 6 is an apparatus described in Examples 1 to 5 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the catch member is fixedly coupled to or integrally molded with a button or other release mechanism.

[0049]

[0055] Example 7 is an apparatus described in Examples 1 to 6 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the catch assembly includes a ring, the ring defining a ring opening into which the knob assembly can be operably coupled to the spindle assembly.

[0050]

[0056] Example 8 is an aiming device that includes a lock adjustment device as described in Examples 1 to 7 or any other embodiment of this specification.

[0051]

[0057] Example 9 is a rifle scope or other aiming optical device comprising the aiming device described in Examples 1 to 8 or any other embodiment of this specification.

[0052]

[0058] Example 10 is an aiming device described in Example 8 or any other embodiment of this specification, further comprising a seat having a hole sized to accommodate a lock adjustment device.

[0053]

[0059] Embodiment 11 is a device comprising a lock adjustment device: the lock adjustment device comprises: a rotatable assembly that is graspable by a user and can be manually rotated around a turret axis to adjust the settings of an optical device; and a catch assembly that defines the home position of the rotatable assembly, thereby preventing the rotatable assembly from rotating clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the aiming device. The lock adjustment device includes a button or other release part which moves along a linear path in response to a manually applied force, disengaging a catch member from a catch opening or recess, thereby allowing the rotatable assembly to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise from the home position to the adjustment position, and the lock adjustment device is configured to restrain the movement of the button or other release part along a linear path when mounted on the aiming device.

[0054]

[0060] Example 12 is an apparatus described in Example 11 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein a button or other unlocking mechanism moves along a straight path in response to a manually applied force.

[0055]

[0061] Example 13 is the apparatus described in Examples 11-12 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the straight path is not parallel to the turret axis.

[0056]

[0062] Example 14 is an apparatus described in Examples 11-13 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein one of the rotatable assembly and the catch assembly defines a catch opening or recess, and the catch member is part of the other of the knob assembly and the catch assembly, or is fixedly coupled to the other.

[0057]

[0063] Example 15 is an apparatus described in Examples 11-14 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the button or other unlocking part is separated from the rotatable assembly, and the rotation of the rotatable assembly causes the rotatable assembly to move relative to the button or other unlocking part.

[0058]

[0064] Example 16 is a device comprising a lock adjustment device: the lock adjustment device comprises: a rotatable assembly that is graspable by a user and can be manually rotated around a turret axis to adjust the settings of an optical device; a catch assembly that defines a home position for the rotatable assembly, thereby preventing the rotatable assembly from rotating clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the aiming device; the lock adjustment device includes a button or other release mechanism which, in response to a manually applied force, disengages a catch member from a catch opening or recess, allowing the rotatable assembly to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise from the home position to the adjustment position, wherein the rotatable assembly rotates relative to the button or other release mechanism, or the other release mechanism does not advance while the rotatable assembly rotates from the home position to the adjustment position.

[0059]

[0065] Example 17 is an apparatus described in Example 16 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein a button or other unlocking mechanism moves along a straight path in response to a manually applied force.

[0060]

[0066] Example 18 is the apparatus described in Examples 16-17 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the straight path is not parallel to the turret axis.

[0061]

[0067] Example 19 is an apparatus described in Examples 16-18 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein one of the rotatable assembly and the catch assembly defines a catch opening or recess, and the catch member is part of the other of the knob assembly and the catch assembly, or is fixedly coupled to the other.

[0062]

[0068] Example 20 is an apparatus described in Examples 16-19 or any other embodiment of this specification, wherein the catch assembly includes a ring, the ring defining a ring opening into which the knob assembly can be operably coupled to the spindle assembly.

[0063]

[0069] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. In a device equipped with a lock adjustment device, The lock adjustment device includes a knob assembly and a catch assembly, The knob assembly is grippable by the user and can be manually rotated around its axis to adjust the settings of the optical device. The catch assembly defines the home position of the knob assembly, and as a result, the catch assembly prevents the knob assembly from rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The catch assembly includes a button or other release mechanism which, in response to a force applied manually, disengages a catch member from a catch opening or recess, and the knob assembly is arranged to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise from the home position to the adjustment position relative to the button or other release mechanism.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the knob assembly and the catch assembly defines the catch opening or recess, and the catch member is part of the other of the knob assembly and the catch assembly, or is fixedly coupled to the other.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the button or other unlocking member is separated from the knob assembly, and the knob assembly moves relative to the button or other unlocking part by manual rotation of the knob assembly.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lock adjustment device is arranged to restrict the movement of the button or other unlocking part to a straight path.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the button or other unlocking part is part of the catch assembly and is arranged to move within the opening defined by the catch assembly.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catch member is fixedly coupled to the button or other release part, or is integrally molded with it.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the catch assembly includes a ring, the ring defining a ring opening into which the knob assembly can be operably coupled to the spindle assembly.

8. A aiming device including the lock adjustment device described in claim 1.

9. A rifle scope or other aiming optical device comprising the aiming device described in claim 8.

10. The aiming device according to claim 8, further comprising a seat having a hole of a size capable of receiving the lock adjustment device.

11. In a device equipped with a lock adjustment device, The lock adjustment device includes a rotatable assembly and a catch assembly, The rotatable assembly is graspable by the user and can be manually rotated around the turret axis to adjust the settings of the optical device. The catch assembly defines the home position of the rotatable assembly, thereby preventing the rotatable assembly from rotating clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the aiming device. The lock adjustment device includes a button or other release mechanism which moves along a linear path in response to a manually applied force, disengaging the catch member from the catch opening or recess, and is arranged such that the rotatable assembly can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise from the home position to the adjustment position. The lock adjustment device is configured such that, when attached to the aiming device, it restricts the movement of the button or other unlocking part to the straight-line path.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the button or other unlocking mechanism moves along the linear path in response to a force applied manually.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the aforementioned straight path is not parallel to the turret axis.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one of the rotatable assembly and the catch assembly defines the catch opening or recess, and the catch member is part of the other of the knob assembly and the catch assembly, or is fixedly coupled to the other.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein the button or other unlocking part is separated from the rotatable assembly, and the rotation of the rotatable assembly causes the rotatable assembly to move relative to the button or other unlocking part.

16. In a device equipped with a lock adjustment device, The lock adjustment device includes a rotatable assembly and a catch assembly, The rotatable assembly is graspable by the user and can be manually rotated around the turret axis to adjust the settings of the optical device. The catch assembly defines the home position of the rotatable assembly, thereby preventing the rotatable assembly from rotating clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the aiming device. The lock adjustment device includes a button or other release mechanism which, in response to a manually applied force, disengages the catch member from the catch opening or recess, and is arranged such that the rotatable assembly can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise from the home position to the adjustment position. The rotatable assembly rotates relative to the button or other unlocking part, or A device wherein the button or other unlocking mechanism does not move while the rotatable assembly rotates from the home position to the adjustment position.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the button or other unlocking mechanism moves along a straight path in response to a manually applied force.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the straight path is not parallel to the turret axis.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein one of the rotatable assembly and the catch assembly defines the catch opening or recess, and the catch member is part of the other of the knob assembly and the locking mechanism, or is fixedly coupled to the other.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the catch assembly includes a ring, the ring defining a ring opening into which the knob assembly can be operably coupled to the spindle assembly.

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