Firearm Sighting Device

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a firearm, for example a shotgun, to aid in the sighting of the target by the user by providing a more directed view of the firearm's existing front sight by providing a collimated and more linear aligned line of sight. The apparatus is formed of any of a number of materials including rubber, plastic, metal or material composite and is solid. It is either rigid or flexible and can be installed or uninstalled quickly at any time at any position along the axis of the firearm barrel between the front sight and the users eye for temporary or permanent use. The apparatus may be of a single monolithic construction or segmented (i.e., notched) so as to break off into smaller segments which can be useful for a particular application or user. Various textured surfaces including camouflage colorings, and non-reflective finishes are anticipated as are straight, curved, or textured main sections. The apparatus may be formed of any desired material and finished in any color and surface finish or treatment, as described, so as to be a functional accessory to any firearm.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention, in general relates to the sighting of firearms, more particularly, to devices that can assist a user in the correct aiming of a firearm during recreational activities such as hunting or target shooting.

[0002] Sighting devices on firearms are well known and include a wide variety of such devices such as conventional metal or plastic V-sights, open or hooded peep-sights, and optical sighting devices such as optical scopes, IR illuminators, laser dot type devices, and fiber optic segment type sights. The popularity of brightly colored fiber optic segment sights has led to these types of sights being used on many new firearm designs and retrofitted to older existing designs.

[0003] The present invention is intended to be used with many different types of existing sights found on modern firearms but is specifically intended to be used with these brightly colored fiber optic segment sights now in service. The purpose of the invention is to augment the users implementation of the fiber type sights by provided a more collimated and precise view of the fiber sight, through the invention, providing for a more accurate and more importantly repeatable aiming process.

[0004] Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device.

2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Non-optical firearm sights, in general, are well known and documented. For example, the following patents describe various types of these devices:

U.S. Pat. No. 1,363,553 to Moreau, Dec. 28, 1920; U.S. Pat. No. 1,428,389 to Miller, Sep. 9, 1922; U.S. Pat. No. 2,645,017 to Haase, Jul. 14, 1953; U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,352 to Kim, Jan. 19, 1971; U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,380 to Theodore, Dec. 11, 1973; U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,158 to Santiago, Mar. 15, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,407 to Stover, May 4, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,872 to Waki, Jan. 21, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,471 to Stein, Sep. 11, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,591 to Adcock, May 12, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 9,285,186 to DiVeroli, Mar. 15, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 9,328,993 to Heacock, May 3, 2016; and the following design patents: U.S. Design Pat. No. 403,734 to Kay, May 19, 1997; U.S. Design Pat. No. 534,986 to Warren, May 28, 2005; U.S. Design Pat. No. 667,524 to Glimpse, Sep. 12, 2010;

[0006] While the structural arrangements and geometrical configurations of the above described devices, at first appearance, may have similarities with the present invention, they differ in significant material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a sighting device for use with or without a firearm's existing sighting system.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sighting device for use with a plurality of different firearms.

[0010] It is also an important object of the invention to provide a sighting device that is easy to use and easy to install and uninstall.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a sighting device that can be used in a plurality of locations along the barrel axis of a firearm.

[0012] It is a useful object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be constructed from many different materials and different colors, textures, and surface treatments.

[0013] It is also a useful object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be constructed from a glow in the dark material making it easier to use in the dark.

[0014] It is a beneficial object of the invention is to provide a more accurate means to sight the firearm prior to discharging.

[0015] It is another beneficial object of the invention is to provide a more accurate means to sight the firearm without the need to modify or alter the firearm.

[0016] It is another beneficial object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be constructed using a camouflage material or surface treatment.

[0017] It is still another a beneficial object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be constructed using a material or finishes that could match a particular firearm.

[0018] It is also a useful and beneficial object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be constructed using a segmented methodology providing a more custom fit.

[0019] It is still one further useful and beneficial object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be constructed of either a rigid or flexible material.

[0020] It is still one further useful and beneficial object of the invention is to provide a sighting device for use with a firearm that can be installed at any point along the axis of the firearm barrel between the front sight and the user's eye.

[0021] Briefly, a sighting device for use with a firearm that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a collimating feature for use alone or in conjunction with an existing sighting system and a features to allow the quick and easy installation and removal from a firearm. The sighting device for use with a firearm is of any size and may be either flexible or rigid, and the like depending upon the material that it is made from, including metal, plastic, rubber, or material composites. Break-away notches or segments can be provided, as desired, to permit the sighting device to be broken into smaller segments varying its length. The sighting can be made from a glow in the dark material to make it easier to use in the dark. Conversely, it may be constructed from a camouflage material, coloring, treatment, or surface finish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the firearm sighting device.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken on the line A-A in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 is shown, firearm sighting device, identified in general by the reference numeral 1.

[0025] The firearm sighting device 1 is formed of any of a variety of materials depending upon the characteristics that are desired, including metal, plastic, rubber, and material composites to name a few and may also be of any color or surface finish or treatment desired.

[0026] The firearm sighting device 1 includes an installation notch 2, two locking tabs 4, and a parallel sighting collimation section 3.

[0027] The notch 2 creates a locking section and feature for, when pressure is applied downward against the locking tabs 4, secure attachment to the rib or mechanical feature of the firearm.

[0028] The locking mechanism created by the locking tabs 4 can be easily disengaged for the easy disassembly of the firearm sighting device 1 from the firearm.

[0029] Referring now also to FIG. 2, the firearm sighting device 1 is shown in profile that a variety of possible modifications to the mechanical configuration of the notch 2 and locking tabs 4 are possible to allow for a proper fit to many different and types of firearms.

[0030] The diameter and pitch (angle) of the parallel sighting collimation section 3 may also be varied to account for different types and sizes of existing in situ sighting systems.

[0031] The length of the firearm sighting device 1, specifically the parallel sighting collimation section 3, may also be varied to account for either different types or sizes of existing in situ sighting systems or user preference.

[0032] The firearm sighting device 1, the installation notch 2, two locking tabs 4, and a parallel sighting collimation section 3, may all have segmented break away features so that length requirements could be altered by the user prior to installation.

[0033] The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0034] For example, the firearm sighting device may be used with other projectile mechanisms that are not firearms such as archery class devices or sling type projectile launchers. Accordingly, the materials used and applications described herein are naturally optimized for use with a conventional firearm.

Claims

1. A firearm sighting device, comprising: (a) a solid main section containing a collimation diameter and a longitudinal length and extending a predetermined distance along said longitudinal length; and (b) at least two attached locking tabs beginning at one end thereof said main section and extending a predetermined distance along the first longitudinal axis of said solid main section;

2. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section is formed of metal.

3. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section is formed of a plastic.

4. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section is formed of a material composite.

5. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section is rigid.

6. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section is flexible.

7. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said firearm sighting device includes a camouflage material, treatment, or coating.

8. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section includes at least two locking tabs, that make it possible to attach to a firearm given the application of sufficient lateral pressure to said firearm sighting device.

9. The firearm sighting device of claim 1 wherein said main section can be installed at any point along the axis of the firearm barrel between the front sight and the user's eye.