Diopter adjustment and locking mechanism using left and right threaded sections of the same effective diameter.

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a locking assembly. In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to a locking assembly having a threaded portion. In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a locking assembly having an overlapping first rotational thread shape and a second rotational thread shape, wherein the second rotational thread shape is on the opposite side of the first rotational thread shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application is the present application of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 499,837, filed on May 3, 2023, claims priority thereto, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to optical devices. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an observation optical device used as a riflescope. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for an adjustable observation optical device that compensates for variations in vision between users.

Background Art

[0003] Existing riflescopes or other observation optical devices (e.g., binoculars, microscopes, magnifying lenses, etc.) for aiming, magnification, or improving image sharpness include a mechanism for focusing the observation optical device to an optimal focal position for a particular person. Since the optimal focal position of an observation optical device depends on the user's vision, the optimal focal position of an observation optical device varies from person to person. Therefore, a person using an observation optical device needs to calibrate or focus the observation optical device before using it for a particular purpose (e.g., hunting).

[0004] It is known in the art that a locking mechanism for locking the observation optical device at the optimal focal position is desirable once it is focused by the user. By locking the observation optical device at the optimal focal position, the user does not need to refocus the observation optical device each time it is used. It is also known in the art that it is desirable to easily focus the observation optical device and easily lock the observation optical device at the optimal focal position.

[0005] However, conventional observation optics adjustment and locking mechanisms were either quick-focusing (sometimes known as "fast-focus" observation optics) or easily lockable (sometimes known as "locking fine-tuning focus" observation optics), but neither existed. In particular, conventional fast-focus observation optics were not effective in fixing the observation optics to the optimal focal position because they only resisted undesirable focus adjustments and could not completely prevent them.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a locking mechanism for observation optical instruments that can reliably lock the instrument in a desired position and quickly and easily adjust it to the focal position. [Overview of the project]

[0007] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a diopter adjustment and locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the diopter adjustment and locking mechanism can use both left-hand and right-hand threaded portions on the same effective diameter.

[0008] In one embodiment, the locking assembly comprises: a scope tube including a first threaded portion, the first threaded portion including an overlapping first rotational thread shape and a second rotational thread shape, the second rotational thread shape facing the first rotational thread shape; an eyepiece housing including a second threaded portion having the first rotational thread shape, the second threaded portion configured to engage with the first rotational thread shape of the first threaded portion; and a binding nut including a third threaded portion having the first rotational thread shape, the third threaded portion configured to engage with the second rotational thread shape of the first threaded portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the device comprises a first threaded portion, the first threaded portion including an overlapping first rotational thread shape and a second rotational thread shape, the second rotational thread shape comprising a first threaded portion facing the first rotational thread shape, a second threaded portion having the first rotational thread shape, the second threaded portion configured to engage with the first rotational thread shape of the first threaded portion, and a third threaded portion having the first rotational thread shape, the third threaded portion configured to engage with the second rotational thread shape of the first threaded portion.

[0010] In another embodiment, the locking assembly comprises a scope tube including a first threaded portion, the first threaded portion including an overlapping first rotational thread shape and a second rotational thread shape, the second rotational thread shape being opposite to the first rotational thread shape; an eyepiece housing including a second threaded portion having the first rotational thread shape, the second threaded portion being configured to engage with the first rotational thread shape of the first threaded portion; and a binding nut including a third threaded portion having the first rotational thread shape, the third threaded portion being configured to engage with the second rotational thread shape of the first threaded portion, the first effective diameter of the first rotational thread shape being substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational thread shape.

[0011] Other embodiments will become apparent from the consideration of the drawings, which are taken into account in conjunction with the detailed description provided herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of an observation optical instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a scope tube having a right-hand threaded portion and a left-hand threaded portion formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the observation optical instrument in Figure 1, showing various mechanisms of Figure 1 that are locked together according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of the observation optical instrument of Figure 1 showing various mechanisms of the unlocked Figure 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the observation optical instrument shown in Figure 1, illustrating various mechanisms of translation shown in Figure 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Herein, the assemblies, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of this disclosure. However, the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are presented so that this disclosure may be thorough and complete and so as to convey the technical scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0014] Those skilled in the art will understand that the set of features and / or functions can be readily adapted within the context of fixed platform configurations, such as bipods, tripods, and other arrangements of fixed platforms. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various features and / or capabilities described herein can be applied to a wide range of industries, including shooting, photography, surveying, and observation optics, firearms, sights, cameras, and other fields where a stable fixed platform is desired for mounting such devices.

[0015] (definition) Similar reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout. While the First, Second, and Other terms may be used to describe various elements, components, areas, and / or sections, these elements, components, areas, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, component, area, and / or section from another. Thus, a First element, component, area, or section may be referred to as a Second element, component, area, or section without departing from this disclosure.

[0016] Numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximations and therefore may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise specified. Numerical ranges include all values ​​in increments of one unit, including the lower and upper limits (unless otherwise specified), where there is at least a two-unit interval between the lower and upper limits. For example, if a composition, physical, or other property such as distance, speed, velocity, etc., is between 10 and 100, it is intended that all individual values ​​such as 10, 11, 12, etc., and subranges such as 10-44, 55-70, 97-100, etc., are explicitly listed. In ranges containing values ​​less than 1 or decimals greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as necessary. In ranges containing single-digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., 1-5), one unit is usually considered to be 0.1. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all feasible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered expressly stated in this disclosure. Within the scope of this disclosure, among other things, numerical ranges for the distance from the user of the device to the target are provided.

[0017] Spatial terms such as “directly below,” “downward,” “below,” “up,” and “above” and similar terms may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another for the sake of clarity. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure. For example, if the device is inverted in the figure, an element described as “below” or “directly below” another element or feature will be positioned “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “downward” can encompass both up and down directions. The device may be oriented in a different direction (rotated 90° or in another direction), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0018] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or more of the enumerated related terms and all combinations thereof. For example, when used in a phrase such as "A and / or B," the phrase "and / or" is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Similarly, when used in a phrase such as "A, B and / or C," the term "and / or" is intended to include each of the following embodiments: A, B and C; A, B or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0019] When an element or layer is said to be "on top of," "connected to," or "joined" another element or layer, it will be understood that it directly exists on, connects to, or can be joined to, another element or layer. Alternatively, there may be an intervening element or layer. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly joined to" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “user” and “shooter” are interchangeable in referring to either the operator performing the firing or an individual observing the firing in cooperation with the operator performing the firing.

[0021] As used herein, the term “observation optics” refers to a device or assembly used by a user, shooter, or observer to select, identify, and / or monitor a target. Observation optics may rely on visual observation of the target, or on other images of the target, such as infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-rays, gamma rays, isotopic and particle radiation, night vision, ultrasound, pulsed sound, sonar, seismic vibrations, vibration receptors including magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio waves, television and cellular receptors, or other means. The image of the target presented to the user / shooter / observer by the observation optics may be unchanged or enhanced by means of, for example, magnification, amplification, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, and / or monitored by the observation optics may be in the shooter's line of sight or tangential to the shooter's field of view. In other embodiments, the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the observation optics present a focused image of the target. Images of targets acquired by observation optics, for example, analog or digital, can be shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters and observers by means of video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio waves, cellular connection, laser pulse, optical 802.1lb, or other wireless transmission using protocols such as HTML, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth®, serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution methods. The term “observation optics” is used synonymously with “optical sight.”

[0022] As used herein, "firearm" is a portable firearm, a barreled weapon that fires one or more projectiles, often driven by the action of an explosive force. As used in this document, the term "firearm" includes pistols, rifles, rifles, shotguns, carbines, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, light machine guns, automatic rifles, and assault rifles.

[0023] As used herein, "left thread" or "left-handed thread" means a thread extending counterclockwise. Further, a left thread or a left-handed thread is a thread that causes an object rotating on the thread to translate forward in response to a clockwise rotation and further translate backward in response to a counterclockwise rotation.

[0024] As used herein, "right thread" or "right-handed thread" means a thread extending clockwise. Further, a right thread or a right-handed thread is a thread that causes an object rotating on the thread to translate forward in response to a counterclockwise rotation and further translate backward in response to a clockwise rotation.

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an observation optical device 100 having a left thread and a right thread disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the observation optical device 100 includes an eyepiece housing 110, a binding nut 120, and a scope tube 130. The observation optical device 100 can further include a magnification adjustment ring 140. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the scope tube 130 can include a first thread portion 150 having overlapping left and right thread portions of the same or substantially the same dimensions. More specifically, the first thread portion 150 can include threads having the same or substantially the same pitch, flank angle, and / or effective diameter for both the left-handed and right-handed thread shapes. The first thread portion 150 having overlapping left and right thread portions is better shown in Figure 2, which is discussed further below. In some embodiments, the first thread portion 150 has a coarse pitch for rapid adjustment of the eyepiece housing 110.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the eyepiece housing 110 may comprise a cylindrical housing for accommodating a diopter lens and any other optical components, and for focusing on, magnifying, or otherwise clarifying an aiming device or target image. Furthermore, the eyepiece housing 110 may include a second threaded portion 160 configured to connect with a first threaded portion 150 of the scope tube 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second threaded portion 160 may be unidirectional such that rotating the eyepiece housing 110 in a first rotational direction causes the eyepiece housing 110 to translate in a first direction relative to the scope tube 130. The first rotational direction may be either clockwise or counterclockwise. In this way, the user can rotate the eyepiece lens 110 so that the eyepiece housing 110 translates along the first threaded portion 150, thereby focusing on a diopter within the eyepiece housing 110. In some embodiments, the second threaded portion 160 includes a coarse pitch to correspond to and connect with the first threaded portion 150.

[0027] The observation optical instrument 100 may further include a binding nut 120 having a third threaded portion 170 configured to engage with a first threaded portion 150 of the scope tube 130. The third threaded portion 170 has a thread that rotates in the opposite direction to the second threaded portion 160. For example, if the second threaded portion 160 is a right-hand thread, the third threaded portion 170 is a left-hand thread, or vice versa. According to an exemplary embodiment, the third threaded portion 170 can be unidirectional such that when the binding nut 120 is rotated in a second direction, the binding nut 120 translates in a second direction relative to the scope tube 130. The second direction of rotation can be either right-hand or left-hand, but is opposite to the first direction of rotation. In this way, the user rotates the binding nut 120 so that it translates along the first threaded portion 150 and engages with the eyepiece housing 110. In some embodiments, the third threaded portion 170 has a coarse pitch to correspond to and connect with the first threaded portion 150.

[0028] For example, if the eyepiece housing 110 translates in a first direction by rotating to the right, then if the binding nut 120 rotates to the left (or vice versa), the binding nut 120 translates in a second, opposite direction. In other words, if the second threaded portion 160 extends clockwise, the third threaded portion 170 extends counterclockwise. Since the first threaded portion 150 includes bidirectional threads, both the eyepiece housing 110 and the binding nut 2 can rotate on the first threaded portion 150.

[0029] Furthermore, the binding nut 120 can be rotated to engage with the eyepiece housing 110. For example, the user can rotate the eyepiece housing 110 in a first rotational direction, thereby moving the eyepiece housing 110 to a position where the target image is in focus for the user, according to the user's visual acuity. Then, once the eyepiece housing 110 is in the predetermined position, the user can then rotate the binding nut 120 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, thereby engaging the binding nut 120 with the eyepiece housing 110. In some embodiments, the user can apply a final torque to the eyepiece housing 110 after it has been rotated to the point where the binding nut 120 engages with the eyepiece housing 110, thereby locking the eyepiece housing 110. Since the eyepiece housing 110 and the binding nut 120 have opposite threads, the binding nut 120 can lock the eyepiece housing 110 in the predetermined position once the binding nut 110 engages with the eyepiece housing 110. Therefore, locking the eyepiece housing 110 into the focal position is as simple as rotating the binding nut 120 until it engages with the eyepiece housing 110, thereby providing both secure locking and quick adjustment and locking, which is an improvement over the prior art.

[0030] The scope tube 130 may include other components that help produce a clear, magnified target image. For example, the scope tube 130 may include a magnification adjustment ring 140 configured to adjust or move a magnifying lens housed in either the scope tube 130 or the eyepiece housing 110, or both. Although not shown, the observation optics 100 may further include, but is not limited to, other components such as an elevation turret, objective lens, illumination components, illumination control buttons, battery, windage turret, and slide focus knob.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, as shown in the figure, the scope tube 130 includes a first threaded portion 150 that includes both a left-hand thread shape 210 and a right-hand thread shape 220. In one embodiment, the right-hand thread shape 220 and the left-hand thread shape 210 formed on the scope tube 130 can overlap. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the left-hand thread shape 210 can have the same thread dimensions as the right-hand thread shape 220. In one exemplary embodiment, both the right-hand thread shape 220 and the left-hand thread shape 210 can have the dimensions shown in Table 1: Table 1 TIFF2026516029000002.tif38153

[0032] In other words, the first threaded portion 150 can be machined to have both clockwise and counterclockwise threads. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first threaded portion 150 does not have to be formed around the entire 360° circumference of the scope tube 130. As shown in Figure 2, the scope tube 130 can include threaded sections 250 and bare sections 260. In one embodiment, the threaded section 250 can include threads formed or machined on the scope tube 130. On the other hand, the bare section 260 can remain smooth and round without having threads formed on it. In one embodiment, the scope tube 130 includes six threaded sections 250 and six bare sections 260. The first threaded portion 150 can be formed on the scope tube 130 between the magnification ring 140 and the first end 270 of the scope tube 130.

[0033] Since the right-side threaded portion forming body 220 and the left-side threaded portion forming body 210 overlap, the right-side threaded portion forming body 220 and the left-side threaded portion forming body 210 can form an "X" shape when viewed from a cross-section or side view, as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] Furthermore, the second threaded portion 160 and the third threaded portion 170 have the same or similar thread dimensions as the first threaded portion 150, so that the second threaded portion 160 and the third threaded portion 170 can be coupled to the first threaded portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the second threaded portion 160 and the third threaded portion 170 may both have the dimensions shown in Table 2: Table 2 TIFF2026516029000003.tif44153

[0035] Figure 3 shows how the binding nut 120 and the eyepiece housing 110 engage and lock in place in an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the eyepiece housing 110 can rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) 310, and the right-hand thread portion included in the first end of the eyepiece housing 110 can move the eyepiece housing 110 in a first direction 320 toward the magnification ring 140. The binding nut 120 can also rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) 310, and the left-hand thread portion of the binding nut 120 can move the binding nut 120 in a second direction 340 toward the magnification ring 140. The binding nut 120 can rotate clockwise on the left-hand thread shape of the first thread portion 150, and the eyepiece housing 110 can rotate clockwise simultaneously on the right-hand thread shape of the first thread portion 150. As a result, the binding nut 120 moves toward the eyepiece housing 110, and the binding nut 120 and the eyepiece housing 110 engage, locking the eyepiece housing 110 in the desired position determined by the user to focus the observation optical instrument 100.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an unlocking binding nut 120 and eyepiece housing 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the eyepiece housing 110 can rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) 330, and the right-hand thread portion included in the first end of the eyepiece housing 110 can move the eyepiece housing 110 in a second direction 340 away from the magnification ring 140. The binding nut 120 can also rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) 330, and the left-hand thread portion of the binding nut 120 can move the binding nut 120 in a first direction 320 toward the magnification ring 140. The binding nut 120 can rotate counterclockwise on the left-hand thread shape of the first thread portion 150, and the eyepiece housing 110 can rotate counterclockwise simultaneously on the right-hand thread shape of the first thread portion 150. As a result, the binding nut 120 can be moved away from the eyepiece housing 110, disengaging the binding nut 120 and the eyepiece housing 110, which can cause the eyepiece housing 110 to unlock.

[0037] Figure 5 shows a binding nut 120 and eyepiece housing 110 that translate together according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the eyepiece housing 110 can rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) 310, and the right-hand thread portion included in the first end of the eyepiece housing 110 can move the eyepiece housing 110 in a second direction away from the magnification ring 140. Similarly, the binding nut 120 can rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) 310, and the left-hand thread portion of the binding nut 120 can move the binding nut 120 in a second direction 340 away from the magnification ring 140. The binding nut 120 can rotate clockwise on the left-hand thread shape of the first thread portion 150, and the eyepiece housing 110 can simultaneously rotate counterclockwise on the right-hand thread shape of the first thread portion 150. As a result, the binding nut 120 and the eyepiece housing 110 can move together away from the magnification ring 140. Although not shown in the diagram, the binding nut 120 and the eyepiece housing 110 can be translated together in the first direction 320, i.e., toward the magnification ring 140, when the binding nut 120 rotates counterclockwise and the eyepiece housing 110 rotates clockwise.

[0038] The force required to separate the binding nut 120 from the eyepiece housing 110 may depend on the material selected for the binding nut 120. A more compliant material will allow for more compression against the tapered surfaces of the binding nut 120 and the eyepiece housing 110. This compression will increase static friction between the threaded surface of the binding nut 120 and the threaded surface of the eyepiece housing 110, potentially requiring a higher torque to separate the binding nut 120 from the eyepiece housing 110. A harder material may have the opposite effect, making separation and unlocking easier.

[0039] This disclosure is further described in the following sections:

[0040] 1. A locking assembly, A scope tube including a first threaded portion, wherein the first threaded portion includes overlapping first rotational thread shapes and second rotational thread shapes, and the second rotational thread shape is opposite to the first rotational thread shape, An eyepiece housing including a second threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape described above, wherein the second threaded portion is configured to engage with the first rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A binding nut comprising a third threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape described above, wherein the third threaded portion is configured to engage with the second rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A locking assembly equipped with a locking mechanism.

[0041] 2. The locking assembly described in paragraph 1, wherein the first rotation direction described above is the left-hand thread portion.

[0042] 3. A locking assembly according to either item 1 or 2, wherein the second rotation direction described above is the right-hand thread portion.

[0043] 4. A locking assembly according to any of items 1 to 3, wherein the first rotation direction described above is the right-hand thread portion.

[0044] 5. A locking assembly according to any of items 1 to 4, wherein the second rotation direction described above is the left-hand thread portion.

[0045] 6. The locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the eyepiece housing is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the first rotational direction screw shape, so that the eyepiece housing translates in a first direction toward the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube.

[0046] 7. The locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the binding nut is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the second rotational direction thread shape, so that the binding nut translates in a second direction away from the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube.

[0047] 8. A locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the binding nut is configured to translate in the second direction while the eyepiece is translated in the first direction, so that the binding nut engages with the eyepiece housing, and when engaged with the eyepiece housing, locks the eyepiece housing in a desired position.

[0048] 9. The locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the binding nut is further configured to translate in the first direction when rotated in the opposite direction, thereby causing the binding nut to disengage from the eyepiece housing and unlock the eyepiece housing from the desired position.

[0049] 10. A locking assembly according to any of items 1 to 9, wherein the first effective diameter of the first rotational direction screw shape is substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational direction screw shape.

[0050] 11. A locking assembly as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the eyepiece housing further comprises a diopter.

[0051] 12. The locking assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the scope tube includes a threaded section and a bare section, and the first threaded section is formed in the threaded section.

[0052] 13. Apparatus, A first threaded portion, the first threaded portion including an overlapping first rotational direction thread shape and a second rotational direction thread shape, the second rotational direction thread shape having a first threaded portion facing the first rotational direction thread shape, A second threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape described above, wherein the second threaded portion is configured to engage with the first rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A third threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape described above, wherein the third threaded portion is configured to engage with the second rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A device equipped with the following features.

[0053] 14. The apparatus described in paragraph 13, wherein the first rotation direction described above is a left-hand thread.

[0054] 15. The apparatus described in any of paragraphs 13 to 14, wherein the second rotation direction described above is a right-hand thread.

[0055] 16. The apparatus described in any of paragraphs 13 to 15, wherein the first rotation direction described above is a right-hand thread.

[0056] 17. The apparatus described in any of paragraphs 13 to 16, wherein the second rotation direction described above is a left-hand thread.

[0057] 18. The apparatus according to any one of paragraphs 13 to 17, wherein the first effective diameter of the first rotational direction screw shape is substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational direction screw shape.

[0058] 19. A locking assembly, A scope tube including a first threaded portion, wherein the first threaded portion includes overlapping first rotational thread shapes and second rotational thread shapes, and the second rotational thread shape is opposite to the first rotational thread shape, An eyepiece housing including a second threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape described above, wherein the second threaded portion is configured to engage with the first rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A binding nut comprising a third threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape described above, wherein the third threaded portion is configured to engage with the second rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, and the first effective diameter of the first rotational direction thread shape is substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational direction thread shape, A locking assembly equipped with a locking mechanism.

[0059] 20. The locking assembly according to paragraph 19, wherein the eyepiece housing is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the first rotational thread shape, so that the eyepiece housing translates in a first direction toward the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube, and the binding nut is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the second rotational thread shape, so that the binding nut translates in a second direction toward the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube while the eyepiece lens translates in the first direction, so that the binding nut engages with the eyepiece housing and, when engaged with the eyepiece housing, locks the eyepiece housing in a desired position.

[0060] Various modifications and variations of the structures, assemblies, apparatuses and methods described in the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will immediately understand that the present invention can be constructed from various materials and various different methods. Although the present invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be excessively limited to such specific embodiments. Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is clear that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. In fact, various modifications of the described form for carrying out the present invention, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art of shooting techniques or related fields, are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 110 Eyepiece Housing 130 Scope Tube 140x Magnification Adjustment Ring 150 First threaded portion 160 Second threaded section 210 Left-hand thread shape 220 Right-hand thread shape 250 Threaded section 260 Bare Section 270 First end

Claims

1. A locking assembly, A scope tube including a first threaded portion, wherein the first threaded portion includes overlapping first rotational direction thread shapes and second rotational direction thread shapes, and the second rotational direction thread shape is opposite to the first rotational direction thread shape, An eyepiece housing comprising a second threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape, wherein the second threaded portion is configured to engage with the first rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A binding nut comprising a third threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape, wherein the third threaded portion is configured to engage with the second rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A locking assembly equipped with a locking mechanism.

2. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first direction of rotation is the left-hand thread portion.

3. The locking assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second direction of rotation is the right-hand thread portion.

4. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first direction of rotation is the right-hand thread portion.

5. The locking assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second direction of rotation is the left-hand thread portion.

6. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the eyepiece housing is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the first rotational direction screw shape, so that the eyepiece housing translates in a first direction toward the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube.

7. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the binding nut is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the second rotational direction thread shape, so that the binding nut translates in a second direction away from the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube.

8. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the binding nut is configured to translate in a second direction while the eyepiece lens is translated in a first direction, so that the binding nut engages with the eyepiece housing, and when engaged with the eyepiece housing, locks the eyepiece housing in a desired position.

9. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the binding nut is further configured to translate in the first direction when rotated in the opposite direction, thereby disengaging the binding nut from the eyepiece housing and unlocking the eyepiece housing from the desired position.

10. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first effective diameter of the first rotational direction screw shape is substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational direction screw shape.

11. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the eyepiece housing further comprises a diopter.

12. The locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the scope tube includes a threaded section and a bare section, and the first threaded section is formed in the threaded section.

13. It is a device, A first threaded portion, the first threaded portion including an overlapping first rotational direction thread shape and a second rotational direction thread shape, the second rotational direction thread shape having a first threaded portion facing the first rotational direction thread shape, A second threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape, wherein the second threaded portion is configured to engage with the first rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A third threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape, wherein the third threaded portion is configured to engage with the second rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A device equipped with the following features.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first direction of rotation is the left-hand thread portion.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second direction of rotation is the right-hand thread portion.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first direction of rotation is the right-hand thread portion.

17. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second direction of rotation is the left-hand thread portion.

18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first effective diameter of the first rotational direction screw shape is substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational direction screw shape.

19. A locking assembly, A scope tube including a first threaded portion, wherein the first threaded portion includes overlapping first rotational direction thread shapes and second rotational direction thread shapes, and the second rotational direction thread shape is opposite to the first rotational direction thread shape, An eyepiece housing comprising a second threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape, wherein the second threaded portion is configured to engage with the first rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, A binding nut comprising a third threaded portion having the first rotational direction thread shape, wherein the third threaded portion is configured to engage with the second rotational direction thread shape of the first threaded portion, and the first effective diameter of the first rotational direction thread shape is substantially the same as the second effective diameter of the second rotational direction thread shape, A locking assembly equipped with a locking mechanism.

20. The locking assembly according to claim 19, wherein the eyepiece housing is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the first rotational screw shape, so that the eyepiece housing translates in a first direction toward the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube, and the binding nut is configured to rotate on the first threaded portion according to the second rotational screw shape, so that while the eyepiece lens translates in the first direction, the binding nut translates in a second direction toward the magnifying lens formed on the scope tube, so that the binding nut engages with the eyepiece housing and, when engaged with the eyepiece housing, locks the eyepiece housing in a desired position.

Images