Optical sight mounting system

Abstract

To provide a system for mounting an optical sight to a firearm.SOLUTION: An optical sight includes a housing and an optical element supported by the housing. The housing includes a first surface defining a cavity accessible from a first cavity side of the housing and a bottom side of the housing, and an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The first surface is configured such that the first cavity is inaccessible from above. The first cavity is configured to accommodate a first fastener such that a head of the first fastener is supported by the first surface and such that a shaft of the first fastener extends through the bottom side of the housing. The optical element is disposed within the opening of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to optical sights, and more particularly to a system for attaching an optical sight to a firearm. [Background technology]

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Firearms traditionally incorporate sights that assist in aligning the firearm's trajectory on a target. In one configuration, the sights include a front sight in the form of an upwardly extending bead or post fixed proximate the muzzle end of the barrel, and a rear sight in the form of a raised block with a U- or V-shaped notch formed therein. Aligning the front and rear sights allows the firearm operator to properly align the firearm on the target.

[0004] In another configuration, the sight includes an optical element that displays an illuminated reticle used to align the barrel with the target. One such sight is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,215,050. Such optical sights incorporate an optical element that receives light from a light source and displays a reticle (e.g., a red dot) on a lens that the operator uses to align the barrel with the target. Such sights incorporating a lens and an illuminated reticle are generally an improvement over mechanical sights because the illuminated reticle of the optical sight can be viewed from the rear of the firearm at multiple angles and does not require precise alignment with the operator's eyes. By allowing the reticle to be viewed from various angles from the rear of the firearm, the operator can be positioned slightly off the longitudinal axis of the firearm while still keeping the barrel pointed at the target.

[0005] Optical sights are typically secured to a firearm or a mount secured to a firearm by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners are typically tightened with a tool, such as a screwdriver. This requires an operator to access the fastener from above to rotate the head of the fastener. Therefore, optical sights are typically designed to provide unobstructed space above the fasteners so that an operator can properly secure the fastener to the firearm or mount. For typical optical sights, this required space above the fasteners can limit the size and configuration of the optical sight. Alternatively, optical sights containing larger optics may require a larger housing to accommodate the larger optics while still allowing access to the fasteners.

[0006] To minimize the overall size of such optical sights, the light source that displays the reticle is often located such that the light source is not within the optical sight housing and is therefore exposed to the environment in which the firearm is used. In such environments, the optical sight may be exposed to various contaminants such as sand, dirt, and water, which can reduce the effectiveness of or damage the light source.

[0007] Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the industry for an optical sight that incorporates a light source within the housing while minimizing the overall size of the optical sight. This may be accomplished, for example, by an optical sight housing that allows fasteners to be tightened with a tool from the side of the housing or that allows fasteners to be accessed by an operator from the side of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not an exhaustive disclosure of its entire scope or all features.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical sight including a housing and an optical element supported by the housing. The housing includes a first surface defining a cavity accessible from a first cavity side and a bottom side of the housing, and an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The first surface is configured to prevent the first cavity from being accessible from above. The first cavity is configured to receive a first fastener such that a head of the first fastener is supported by the first surface and a shaft of the first fastener extends through the bottom side of the housing. The optical element is disposed within the opening of the housing.

[0010] In some configurations of the optical sight of the above paragraph, the first cavity is configured such that when the first fastener is positioned in the first cavity, the head of the first fastener is accessible from the first cavity side of the housing.

[0011] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the head of the first fastener defines a first opening on a first side of the head of the first fastener.

[0012] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the head of the first fastener defines a second opening on a second side of the head of the first fastener, the second side of the head of the first fastener being opposite the first side of the head of the first fastener.

[0013] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, a portion of the housing separates the first cavity from the opening in the housing.

[0014] In some configurations of the optical sight of any of the above paragraphs, the first cavity is configured such that an upper surface of the head of the first fastener is inaccessible from above when the first fastener is in the first cavity.

[0015] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the housing further includes a second surface defining a second cavity accessible from a second cavity side of the housing and a bottom side of the housing. The second surface is configured such that the second cavity is inaccessible from above. The second cavity is configured to receive a second fastener such that a head of the second fastener is supported by the second surface and a shaft of the second fastener extends through the bottom side of the housing. The second cavity side of the housing is either the first cavity side of the housing or the second side of the housing.

[0016] In some configurations of the optical sight of any of the above paragraphs, the second cavity is configured such that when the second fastener is positioned in the second cavity, the head of the second fastener is accessible from the second cavity side of the housing.

[0017] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the head of the second fastener defines a first opening on a first side of the head of the second fastener.

[0018] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the head of the second fastener includes a second opening on a second side of the head of the second fastener, the second side of the head of the second fastener being opposite the first side of the head of the second fastener.

[0019] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the second side of the housing is opposite the first cavity side of the housing.

[0020] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, a portion of the housing separates the second cavity from the opening in the housing.

[0021] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the second cavity is configured such that when the second fastener is placed in the second cavity, an upper surface of the head of the second fastener is inaccessible from above.

[0022] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the optical sight further comprises a reticle displayed on the optic.

[0023] In some configurations of the optical sight described in any of the above paragraphs, the reticle is provided by a light source.

[0024] In some configurations of any of the above optical sights, the light source is located within the opening.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for attaching an optical sight to a base, the method including: inserting a threaded shaft of a first fastener into a first threaded hole in the base; inserting the first fastener into a first cavity in a housing of the optical sight through a first fastener opening on a first side of the housing; and rotating the head of the first fastener to tighten the first fastener within the first threaded hole. The head of the first fastener is supported by a first surface defining a first cavity, and the threaded shaft of the first fastener extends through the first fastener opening on the bottom side of the housing when the first fastener is inserted into the first cavity. The first cavity is configured to be inaccessible from above when the first fastener is inserted into the first cavity.

[0026] In some configurations of the method of attaching an optical sight to a base described above, the method further includes inserting a tool into a side opening in the head of the first fastener and rotating the head of the first fastener with the tool.

[0027] In some configurations of the method for attaching any of the above optical sights to a base, the method further includes inserting a second fastener into a second cavity of the optical sight housing through a second fastener opening on a second side of the housing, inserting a threaded shaft of the second fastener into a second threaded hole in the base, and rotating the head of the second fastener to tighten the second fastener within the second threaded hole. The head of the second fastener is supported by a second surface defining the second cavity, and when the second fastener is inserted into the second cavity, the threaded shaft of the second fastener extends through the second fastener opening on the bottom side of the housing. The second cavity is configured to be inaccessible from above when the second fastener is inserted into the second cavity.

[0028] In some configurations of the method of attaching an optical sight to a base of any of the above paragraphs, the method further includes inserting a tool into an opening in a side of the head of the second fastener and rotating the head of the second fastener with the tool.

[0029] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustrating selected embodiments only, not all possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary firearm including an optical sight according to the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example optical sight according to the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the optical sight of FIG. 2.

[0034] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sight of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4.

[0035] [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a side view of the optical sight of FIG. 2 housing an exemplary fastener according to the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 5.

[0037] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the fastener that secures the optical sight to the firearm as shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sight of FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8;

[0039] [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary external tool used in combination with the fastener of FIG. 5.

[0040] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example mounting plate according to the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary optical sight according to the present disclosure mounted on the mounting plate of FIG.

[0042] [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart of a method for attaching an optical sight to a firearm in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0043] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are described, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus identify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their execution in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0047] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections; however, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" are used herein for ease of description and may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s), as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the illustrated device were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" the other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 1-8 , an optical sight 10 is provided, which may include a housing 12, an illumination assembly 16, and an optical element 18. The illumination assembly 16 and the optical element 18 may each be supported by and attached to the housing 12, such that the housing 12 supports the illumination assembly 16 and the optical element 18 relative to the firearm 20. When the housing 12 is attached to the firearm 20, as in FIG. 1 , the illumination assembly 16 can cooperate with the optical element 18 to display a reticle 22 on the optical element 18 to facilitate alignment of the trajectory of the firearm 20 with a target (not shown). While the optical sight 10 can be used with a variety of firearms, such as a bow, rocket launcher, rifle, etc., the optical sight 10 will be described below and illustrated in the drawings as relating to a handgun barrel 24 unless otherwise noted. In some embodiments, the optical sight 10 can be secured to a mounting plate, which can then be secured to the firearm. An exemplary embodiment utilizing a mounting plate is described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 .

[0051] 2-4, the housing 12 may include a base 26, a pair of side walls 62 extending from the base 26, an opening 64, and a cross member 66 generally covering the opening 64 and extending between the side walls 62. The side walls 62 may be formed at a substantially 90-degree angle with respect to the base 26 and may extend a predetermined distance above the opening 64. The opening 64 may accommodate the optical element 18 therein.

[0052] The housing 12 may be formed of a unitary metal construction. By forming the housing 12 as a unitary metal body, the housing 12 is better able to withstand forces applied to the housing 12. In particular, forces applied to the side walls 62 of the housing 12 are transferred directly from the side walls 62 to the base 26. Thus, such forces are diverted away from the optical element 18, thereby protecting the optical element 18. By forming the housing 12 of a unitary metal construction, the ability of the side walls 62 to transfer forces from each distal end of the side walls 62 to the base 26 is improved.

[0053] The housing 12 may also include one or more slots 76, as shown in FIG. 3 , which may be configured to receive alignment protrusions (not shown) extending from the barrel 24 of the firearm 20 when the optical sight 10 is mounted on the firearm 20. The alignment protrusions may extend in a direction from the firearm 20 or other mounting surface toward the optical sight 10 when the optical sight 10 is attached to the firearm 20. The alignment protrusions and slots 76 may assist in aligning the optical sight 10 relative to the firearm 20 when the optical sight 10 is secured to the firearm 20.

[0054] The housing 12 includes a first surface 70 that defines a first cavity 74 in the base 26 and / or sidewall 62 of the housing 12. The first cavity 74 may be shaped similar to a standard screw. The first cavity 74 is configured so that a fastener 78 can be retained within the first cavity 74, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 . The first cavity 74 is accessible from both a first side 82 of the housing 12 and a bottom 84 of the housing 12. A portion 88 of the housing 12 may separate the first cavity 74 from the opening 64 of the housing 12, making the first cavity 74 inaccessible from the opening 64. Thus, the opening 64 is not accessible through the first cavity 74 and, instead, is accessible only from both longitudinal ends of the housing 12.

[0055] The fastener 78 shown in FIG. 6 may be a screw having a head 92 and a shaft 96. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fastener 78 may be a capstan screw. The fastener 78 may be constructed from metal or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the fastener 78 may be constructed from 17-4 stainless steel. The top surface 121 of the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be a substantially flat surface. In some embodiments, the top surface 121 of the head 92 of the fastener may be curved. The head 92 of the fastener 78 may have a diameter of 0.226 inches in some embodiments.

[0056] The shaft 96 may be externally threaded so that the fastener 78 can be threaded into a threaded hole 100 in the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the shaft 96 may have a thread size of 6-32. In some embodiments, the shaft 96 may have a thread size of M4, or any other suitable thread size. In some embodiments, the shaft 96 may be threaded so that the fastener 78 can be coupled to a threaded hole in a mounting plate, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0057] The head 92 of the fastener 78 may include a first opening 104 extending radially from an outer side surface 108 of the head 92 of the fastener 78 toward the longitudinal axis of the fastener 78. The head 92 of the fastener 78 may include a second opening (not shown) opposite the first opening 104 extending radially from the outer side surface 108 of the head 92 of the fastener 78 toward the longitudinal axis of the fastener 78. In some embodiments, the head 92 of the fastener 78 may include additional openings extending radially from the outer side surface 108 of the head of the fastener 78 toward the longitudinal axis of the fastener 78. In some embodiments, the head 92 of the fastener 78 may include six openings extending radially toward the longitudinal axis of the fastener 78. The openings in the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be equally spaced around the circumference of the head 92 of the fastener 78. In some embodiments, the first opening 104 and the second opening may instead be a continuous opening that extends entirely through the head 92 of the fastener 78. The diameter of the first opening 104 and / or the additional openings in the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be 1 / 16 inch in some embodiments.

[0058] The first opening 104, the second opening, and any additional openings may be configured to receive an external tool 110 therein, such as the external tool 110 shown in FIG. 9 . The external tool 110 can provide improved leverage to facilitate rotation of the fastener 78 while the fastener is secured within the threaded hole 100. In some embodiments, the external tool 110 may be a hex key. In some embodiments, the external tool 110 may be a 1 / 16 inch hex key. The external tool 110 may be configured to measure the torque applied to the fastener 78 as it is being tightened using the external tool 110. The outer lateral surface 108 of the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be knurled to facilitate rotation of the fastener 78 by the hand of an operator tightening the fastener 78. In some embodiments, the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be round. In some embodiments, the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be hexagonal or another suitable shape.

[0059] 5 and 7 , when a fastener 78 is placed in the first cavity 74, the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be supported by the first surface 70. This support may be provided by a platform 112 on the first surface 70, which may contact a bottom surface 114 of the head 92 of the fastener 78 when the fastener 78 is placed in the first cavity 74. The platform 112 may include a first surface 116 and a second surface 118 on opposite sides of a space 120 of the first cavity 74 configured to receive the shaft 96 of the fastener 78 when the fastener 78 is placed in the first cavity 74. The platform 112 may function as a shelf upon which the head 92 of the fastener 78 may rest when the fastener 78 is inserted into the first cavity 74. In some embodiments, the platform 112 may be circular. In some embodiments, the diameter of the platform may be ¼ inch. The head 92 of the fastener 78 may be accessible from the first side 82 of the housing 12 when the fastener 78 is disposed within the housing 12 .

[0060] The space 120 that allows the shaft 96 of the fastener 78 to extend through the bottom 84 of the housing 12 can extend through the platform 112 such that the shaft 96 extends through the bottom 84 of the housing 12 when the head 92 of the fastener 78 is supported by the platform 112. The first cavity 74 is configured such that when the fastener 78 is positioned within the first cavity 74, as in FIG. 7 , the shaft 96 of the fastener 78 can be inserted into a threaded hole 100 in the firearm 20. When the shaft 96 is secured within the threaded hole 100, the fastener 78 secures the optical sight 10 to the firearm 20, a mounting plate, or other element containing a threaded hole.

[0061] In some embodiments, the housing 12 may also include a second surface 122 defining a second cavity 124, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . The second surface 122 may be substantially similar to the first surface 70 described above. The second cavity 124 may be substantially similar to the first cavity 74 described above. In some embodiments, the second cavity 124 may be accessible from the first side 82 of the housing 12 and the bottom 84 of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the second cavity 124 may be accessible from the second side 126 of the housing 12 and the bottom 84 of the housing 12. Another fastener 78 may be retained in the second cavity 124 in a manner similar to the manner in which the fastener 78 is retained in the first cavity 74, as described above.

[0062] In some embodiments, more than one surface defining a cavity may be included in the housing 12. Additional fasteners 78 may be retained in additional cavities.

[0063] The first cavity 74 may be configured to prevent access from above to at least a portion of the upper surface 121 of the fastener 78 when the fastener 78 is disposed within the first cavity 74. By limiting access to the fastener 78 from above, elements of the optical sight 10 may be positioned above the fastener 78. For example, such a configuration may allow for the accommodation of larger optical elements that extend above the first cavity 74. This restriction of access to the fastener 78 from above may also allow the opening 64 of the housing 12 to extend longitudinally above the location of the fastener 78. Such an extended opening may provide environmental protection for the lighting assembly 16 disposed within the housing 12, as will be described in further detail below.

[0064] The fastening systems for the optical sights described herein offer the additional advantage that the fastener layout can match the fastener layout used in prior art optical sights. Thus, an operator can transition to an optical sight having the advantages described in the present disclosure without having to modify the firearm, such as by installing a new mounting plate or drilling new holes in the firearm, to mount the optical sight to the firearm. Similarly, if an operator already uses a mounting plate to mount an optical sight to a firearm, that mounting plate can continue to be used with the improved optical sight described in the present disclosure, so long as the previously used optical sight utilizes the same fastener layout as the improved optical sight.

[0065] The lighting assembly 16 may include a circuit board 130, a light source 132, a photodetector 134, and a power supply 136. The circuit board 130 may be fixedly attached to the base 26 of the housing 12 via epoxy or the like. The circuit board 130 may support the light source 132 and the photodetector 134. In one configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the light source 132 and the photodetector 134 are encapsulated on the circuit board 130 using a clear epoxy or other coating. In another configuration, the light source 132 may be positioned proximate to the circuit board 130, while the photodetector 134 is positioned adjacent to the optical element 18 and attached to the circuit board 130. By positioning the photodetector 134 proximate to the optical element 18, light can be collected from multiple angles and transmitted through the optical element 18 to the photodetector 134.

[0066] Regardless of the particular location of the light detector 134, the light source 132 and the light detector 134 can be selectively controlled by the circuit board 130, whereby the light detector 134 selectively illuminates the light source 132 in response to ambient light conditions. Upon illumination of the light source 132, the light source 132 generally directs light toward the optical element 18 to display the reticle 22 on the optical element 18, as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the light source 132 may be a low light emitting diode (LED).

[0067] The base 26 may also include a recess 42 configured to enable the lighting assembly 16 to generally direct light from the base 26 of the housing 12 toward the optical element 18. The recess 42 may be formed generally between the optical element 18 and a front lens 148 located at the operational end of the opening 64.

[0068] 8, the circuit board 130, the light source 132, and the photodetector 134 may be generally disposed within the housing 12 between the front lens 148 and the optical element 18. The circuit board 130, the light source 132, and the photodetector 134 are protected from environmental conditions by the front lens 148, which may be generally disposed between a first end of the opening in the housing 12 on one side and the circuit board 130, the light source 132, and the photodetector 134 on the other side.

[0069] The front lens 148 may be sealed to the housing 12 with epoxy or other suitable adhesive. Placing epoxy between the front lens 148 and the housing 12 prevents debris from entering the housing 12 and contacting the components of the illumination assembly 16. Because the optical sight 10 may be used with a firearm by law enforcement and / or military personnel, the optical sight 10 may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and ice. The configuration in which the circuit board 130, light source 132, and photodetector 134 are located within the housing 12, between the optic 18 and the front lens 148, helps prevent such weather conditions from reaching the circuit board 130, light source 132, and photodetector 134, thereby improving the ability of the light source 132 to consistently provide light to the optic 18 and display the reticle 22 thereon.

[0070] The power source 136 may be in electrical communication with at least one of the circuit board 130, the light source 132, and the photodetector 134, and this communication may be via contact strips, for example. In one configuration, the power source 136 may be a battery having a generally circular shape. The battery may be received in a recess 144 in the housing 12 and held in the recess 144 by a magnet 146, allowing the battery to be removed and replaced when replacement is necessary.

[0071] The optical element 18 may include a doublet lens having a first lens 170, a second lens 172, and a dichroic coating formed on at least one of the first lens 170 and the second lens 172 such that light from the light source 132 is reflected therefrom. Coating one of the first lens 170 and the second lens 172 with the dichroic coating allows the light source 132 to generate the reticle 22 in a region generally between the first lens 170 and the second lens 172, thereby displaying the reticle 22 on the optical element 18. The first lens 170 and the second lens 172 may be shaped to fit the shape of the opening 64. When the optical element 18 is attached to the housing 12, the top surfaces 176 and 178 of the first lens 170 and the second lens 172 are positioned generally adjacent to the bottom surface 68 of the cross member 66. The first lens 170 and the second lens 172 may be spherical lenses.

[0072] Another embodiment of an optical sight according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment, an optical sight 200 may be attached to a mounting plate 202, which may then be attached to a firearm. The mounting plate 202 may be attached directly to the barrel of the firearm, or may be attached to a rail extending from the firearm or another extension extending from the firearm. The optical sight 200 may be configured similarly to the optical sight 10 described in the above embodiment.

[0073] The mounting plate 202 may include at least one threaded hole 204, an upper surface 206, and a lower surface 207. The at least one threaded hole 204 may be configured to receive a fastener 78 in a manner similar to the threaded hole 100 described in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8. The upper surface 206 of the mounting plate 202 may be a generally flat surface, but may be varied to mate with the bottom surface of the optical sight. The lower surface 207 may have a generally arcuate shape to match the arcuate shape of the barrel. In another configuration, the lower surface 207 of the mounting plate 202 may include a generally flat or planar surface to accommodate a barrel having a generally flat or planar top surface. The mounting plate 202 may also include one or more alignment protrusions 208 extending from the upper surface 206 of the mounting plate 202, which may align with alignment slots 210 of the optical sight 200 to aid in aligning the optical sight 200 in the proper position during installation.

[0074] The mounting plate 202 may also include one or more attachment points 212 configured to provide fastening locations for securing the mounting plate 202 to a firearm. The attachment points 212 may be apertures that allow a fastener, such as a threaded screw, to pass through the mounting plate 202 and into the firearm. The attachment points 212 may also include slots configured to receive alignment protrusions extending from the firearm.

[0075] Once the fasteners 78 are received within the cavities of the optical sight 200 and secured within the at least one threaded hole 204, the optical sight 200 may be secured to the mounting plate 202. The layout of the at least one threaded hole 204 may be identical to the layout of threaded holes on a firearm, such as threaded holes 100 described above with reference to Figures 1-8.

[0076] By maintaining a common layout across the various mounting surfaces, the optical sight can be mounted on any surface, thus allowing it to be mounted on a variety of firearms without extensive modifications to accommodate the optical sight.

[0077] 1-8 and 12, a method 300 for attaching an optical sight 10 to a firearm 20 will now be described in detail. At the start of the method 300 at step 302, the optical sight 10 is not attached to the firearm 20.

[0078] In step 304 of method 300, an operator of the firearm 20 may partially insert a fastener 78 into the threaded bore 100 in the barrel 24 of the firearm 20. The fastener 78 may be inserted only to the extent that the fastener 78 can stand vertically out of the threaded bore 100. For example, inserting the fastener 78 one-quarter of the way down the threads of the threaded shaft 96 may be sufficient to allow the fastener 78 to stand vertically out of the threaded bore 100. At most, the fastener 78 may be inserted only to the extent that the housing 12 may be positioned such that the fastener 78 is received within the first cavity 74 with the fastener 78 partially secured in the threaded bore 100. In other words, the shaft 96 of the fastener 78 may be inserted into the threaded bore 100 only to the extent that the platform 112 can remain below the head 92 of the fastener 78 when the housing 12 is positioned to receive the fastener 78 within the first cavity 74.

[0079] After fastener 78 is inserted into threaded hole 100 in step 302, the method proceeds to conditional step 306, which is dependent on whether the optical sight includes multiple cavities and the cavities are accessible from different sides of the optical sight, as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0080] In conditional step 306, if there are not multiple cavities and / or the cavities are inaccessible from different sides of the optical sight, method 300 proceeds to step 308. In step 308, housing 12 is positioned to accommodate a fastener 78 in first cavity 74. This may be accomplished by moving optical sight 10 to a position such that head 92 of fastener 78 is inserted through first side 82 of housing 10 into first cavity 74. When first cavity 74 accommodates fastener 78, platform 112 is below head 92 of fastener 78 and shaft 96 extends through space 120 of first cavity 74. In this position, head 92 of fastener 78 may be inaccessible from above fastener 78.

[0081] Alternatively, in embodiments in which the optical sight includes multiple cavities and the cavities are accessible from the same side of the optical sight, a second fastener to be inserted into a cavity on the same side as the first cavity 74 may be partially inserted into the second threaded hole before being inserted into its respective cavity in a manner similar to fastener 78 in step 304. Once optical sight 10 is positioned to receive fastener 78 in first cavity 74 in step 308, the housing may also receive a second fastener in its respective cavity by inserting the head of the second fastener through the side of the housing and into the second cavity in a manner similar to inserting fastener 78 into first cavity 74.

[0082] The fastener 78 may then be rotated in a tightening direction by rotating the head 92 of the fastener 78 in step 310. This rotation of the head 92 of the fastener 78 may be accomplished by an operator's hand contacting the outer side surface 108 of the head 92 of the fastener 78 and rotating the head 92 of the fastener 78. In some embodiments including at least a first opening 104 on the head 92 of one or more fasteners 78, an external tool 110 may be used to tighten one or more fasteners 78. The external tool 110 may be inserted into the first opening 104 (or additional openings) in the head 92 of the fastener 78 and rotated by pushing or pulling to rotate the head 92 of the fastener 78. The fastener 78 may be tightened until a predetermined torque is applied to the fastener 78. The torque applied to the fastener 78 may be measured by the external tool 110.

[0083] Rotation of the fasteners 78 may continue until the optical sight 10 is secured to the firearm 20 in step 312, thereby completing the method 300 for attaching the optical sight 10 to the firearm 20. The point in time when the optical sight 10 is secured to the firearm 20 may be determined by torque measurements detected during tightening of the fasteners 78 meeting torque specifications, or by visual inspection by the operator of the firearm 20.

[0084] If conditional step 306 determines that the optical sight includes multiple cavities, the cavities being accessible from different sides of the optical sight, the method proceeds to step 314. In step 314, a second fastener may be placed in second cavity 124 of housing 12 before optical sight 10 is positioned to receive fastener 78 in first cavity 74 in step 316. Step 316 may occur before step 314 in some embodiments. Once optical sight 10 is positioned to receive fastener 78 in first cavity 74, the second fastener is positioned adjacent to a second threaded hole (not shown) such that the second fastener can be rotated to secure the second fastener to the second fastener.

[0085] The fastener 78 and the second fastener may then be rotated in a tightening direction in step 318 by rotating the heads 92 of the fastener 78 and the second fastener. This rotation of the fastener 78 and the second fastener heads 92 may be accomplished by an operator's hand contacting the outer side surfaces 108 of the fastener 78 and the second fastener heads 92 and rotating the fastener 78 and the second fastener heads 92. In some embodiments including at least a first opening 104 on the fastener 78 and the second fastener heads 92, an external tool 110 may be used to tighten the fastener 78 and the second fastener. The external tool 110 may be inserted into the first opening 104 (or additional openings) of the fastener 78 and the second fastener heads 92 and rotated by pushing or pulling to rotate the fastener 78 and the second fastener heads 92. The fastener 78 and the second fastener may be tightened until a predetermined torque is applied to the fastener 78 and the second fastener. The torque applied to the fastener 78 and the second fastener may be measured by the external tool 110.

[0086] The second fastener housed in the second cavity 124 can be rotated simultaneously with the rotation of the fastener 78 housed in the first cavity 74, so that the fastener 78 remains at the same insertion level throughout tightening of the fastener 78. Rotating the fasteners 78 simultaneously maintains the optical sight 10 in general alignment with the barrel 24 of the firearm 20 during installation, thereby properly aligning the optical sight 10 with the firearm 20.

[0087] Rotation of fastener 78 and second fastener may continue until optical sight 10 is secured to firearm 20 in step 312, thereby concluding method 300 for attaching optical sight 10 to firearm 20. The point in time when optical sight 10 is secured to firearm 20 may be determined by torque measurements detected during tightening of fasteners 78 and second fasteners that meet torque specifications, or may be determined by visual inspection by the operator of firearm 20.

[0088] The method 300 described above may be similarly implemented with alternative embodiments of the optical sight, including those utilizing a mounting plate such as the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11. In such embodiments, one or more fasteners are inserted into threaded holes in the mounting plate to secure the optical sight to the mounting plate.

[0089] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in various ways. Such variations are not to be considered departures from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. An optical sight, comprising: a housing and an optical element; the housing includes a first cavity and a second opening; the first cavity has a first surface; the first cavity is accessible from a first opening in a first side of the housing and from a second side of the housing, wherein the second side is a bottom of the housing and is different from the first side; the first opening extends continuously between the first side and the second side; the first surface includes a portion of the housing opposite the second side, and the first cavity is configured to be inaccessible from a third side of the housing opposite the second side of the housing; the first cavity is configured to receive a first fastener therein, a head of the first fastener being supported by the first surface and a shaft of the first fastener extending through the second side of the housing; the second opening extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing; The optical sight, wherein the optical element is supported by the housing and positioned within the second opening of the housing.

2. 2. The optical sight of claim 1, the first cavity is configured such that the head of the first fastener is accessible from the first side of the housing when the first fastener is in the first cavity.

3. 3. The optical sight of claim 2, An optical sight, wherein an outer surface of the head of the first fastener includes a first opening.

4. 4. The optical sight of claim 3, The optical sight, wherein the outer surface of the head of the first fastener includes a second opening, wherein the second opening is opposite the first opening.

5. 2. The optical sight of claim 1, A portion of the housing separates the first cavity from the second opening of the housing.

6. 2. The optical sight of claim 1, the first cavity is configured such that when the first fastener is in the first cavity, an upper surface of the head of the first fastener is inaccessible from the third side of the housing.

7. 2. The optical sight of claim 1, the housing further includes a second cavity having a second surface; the second cavity is accessible from a fourth side of the housing and from the second side of the housing; the second surface is configured such that the second cavity is inaccessible from the third side of the housing; The second cavity is configured to receive the second fastener therein such that a head of the second fastener is supported by the second surface and a shaft of the second fastener extends through the second side of the housing.

8. 8. The optical sight of claim 7, The optical sight, wherein the second cavity is configured such that when the second fastener is positioned in the second cavity, the head of the second fastener is accessible from the fourth side of the housing.

9. 9. The optical sight of claim 8, An optical sight, wherein an exterior surface of the head of the second fastener includes a first opening.

10. 10. The optical sight of claim 9, The optical sight, wherein the outer surface of the head of the second fastener includes a second opening, wherein the second opening is opposite the first opening.

11. 8. The optical sight of claim 7, The optical sight, wherein a fourth side of the housing is opposite the first side of the housing.

12. 8. The optical sight of claim 7, A portion of the housing separates the second cavity from the second opening of the housing.

13. 8. The optical sight of claim 7, The optical sight, wherein the second cavity is configured such that when the second fastener is positioned within the second cavity, an upper surface of the head of the second fastener is inaccessible from a third side of the housing.

14. 2. The optical sight of claim 1, The optical sight further comprises a reticle displayed on the optical element.

15. 15. The optical sight of claim 14, An optical sight, wherein the reticle is provided by a light source.

16. 16. The optical sight of claim 15, The optical sight, wherein the light source is disposed within the second opening.

17. 1. A method of attaching an optical sight to a base, comprising: Inserting a threaded shaft of a first fastener into a first threaded hole in the base; inserting the first fastener into a first cavity of the housing of the optical sight through a first opening in a first side of the housing; the first opening extends continuously between the first side of the housing and a second side of the housing, the second side being a bottom of the housing and different from the first side; the first cavity includes a first surface; a head of the first fastener is supported by the first surface, and the threaded shaft of the first fastener extends through the first opening on the second side of the housing when the first fastener is inserted into the first cavity; When the first fastener is inserted into the first cavity, the first cavity including a portion of the housing opposite the second side is configured to be inaccessible from a third side of the housing opposite the second side of the housing; rotating the head of the first fastener such that rotating the head of the first fastener tightens the first fastener within the first threaded hole.

18. 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: inserting a tool into an opening in a side of the head of the first fastener; rotating the head of the first fastener with the tool.

19. 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: inserting a second fastener through a second opening on a fourth side of the housing and into a second cavity of the housing of the optical sight; the second cavity includes a second surface; a head of the second fastener is supported by the second surface, and a threaded shaft of the second fastener extends through the second opening in the second side of the housing when the second fastener is inserted into the second cavity; the second cavity is configured such that the second fastener is inaccessible from the third side of the housing when inserted into the second cavity; inserting the threaded shaft of the second fastener into a second threaded hole in the base; and rotating the head of the second fastener such that rotating the head of the second fastener tightens the second fastener within the second threaded hole.

20. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: inserting a tool into an opening in a side of the head of the second fastener; rotating the head of the second fastener with the tool.

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