Mounts for Optical Sighting Devices

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/234,919, filed on Aug. 17, 2023, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/375,906, filed on Apr. 5, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/652,931, filed on Apr. 5, 2018. The entire disclosure of each of the above-referenced applications is incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure relates to mounts for optical sighting devices. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to implementations of an optical sight mount that includes an integrated backup sighting system, as well as, implementations of a pivot mount that permits an optical sighting device to be selectively employed in series with a primary optical sighting device.

Firearms, such as rifles, are often used in conjunction with an optical sighting device, such as a reflex sight or a telescopic sight. While optical sighting devices are widely used by warfighters, police, and civilians as a primary sighting system, many users still desire to position mechanical sights on their firearm to serve as a backup sighting system should the primary sighting system fail. These mechanical sights, typically referred to as “iron sights,” are often selectively adjustable by the user so that fired bullets strike as close as possible to the point of aim.

A rifle equipped with an optical sighting device, such as a reflex sight or a telescopic sight, is often used in combination with a secondary optical sighting device, such as a magnifier or a night vision device. These secondary optical sighting devices are usually positioned to enhance the capabilities of the primary sighting system (e.g., a magnifier used in conjunction with a reflex sight) or to serve as a backup sighting system should the primary fail or otherwise be rendered inoperable (e.g., an optical sighting device, such as a reflex sight, that is laterally offset from the primary optical sighting device, such as a telescopic sighting device).

It is often desirable to rapidly position a secondary optical sighting device, such as a magnifier, for use with a primary sighting system, such as a reflex sight. Similarly, it is desirable to rapidly reposition such a sighting device out of the way, or remove it, when it is not needed. For those reasons, secondary optical sighting devices, such as magnifiers, are often positioned on a rifle by a mount that allows the optical sighting device to be selectively positioned behind (or in series with) the primary sighting system. Many of these mounts allow the secondary optical sighting device to be laterally offset when not in use. However, as will be discussed in greater detail below, mounts configured to laterally offset the optical sighting device when not in use have several disadvantages.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the mounts for optical sighting devices disclosed herein. It is to the provision of mounts for optical sighting devices that are configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention(s) are primarily directed.

Disclosed are implementations of a pivot mount for an optical sighting device. A sight support member of the pivot mount is movable between an operative position, wherein an optical sighting device can be used to sight the firearm on a target, and an inoperative position, wherein the optical sighting device is positioned below and vertically offset from the operative position.

An example pivot mount comprises a base configured to releasably engage a mounting interface of a firearm, and a sight support member rotatably coupled to the base. The sight support member includes a pivot portion rotatably connected to the base. The pivot portion is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis. The sight support member is configured to move an attached optical sighting device between a first position, in which the optical sighting device is in a use position, and a second position, in which the optical sighting device is in a storage position. Both the first and second positions are laterally offset to one side of the horizontal axis about which the pivot portion rotates, with the second position being vertically offset below the first position.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

illustrate an example implementation of an optical sight mount with an integrated backup sighting systemaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The optical sight mountis configured to position an optical sighting device(e.g., a reflex sight such as an Aimpoint® CompM5, or a holographic sight) on a firearm (e.g., a rifle) so that it can be used to aim the firearm. Further, the backup sighting system can be used to aim the firearm should the optical sighting devicefail, or otherwise be rendered inoperable.

illustrate an example implementation of a pivot mountfor optical sighting devices (e.g., a telescope or magnifier, a night vision device, a thermal imager, etc.) according to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the pivot mountis moveable between an operative position wherein an optical sighting device(e.g., an Aimpoint® magnifier) can be used to sight the firearm on a target (see, e.g.,) and an inoperative position wherein the optical sighting deviceis positioned below, or vertically offset from, the operative position (see, e.g.,).

illustrate how the optical sight mountand the pivot mountmay be used to position a pair of optical sighting devices,in tandem (or in series) on a firearm. In some implementations, when the pivot mountis in the operative position, the secondary optical sighting devicemay be used in conjunction with the primary optical sighting deviceto aim the firearm at a target (see, e.g.,). In some implementations, when the pivot mountis in the inoperative position, the secondary optical sighting deviceis removed from behind the primary optical sighting device, which can still be used to aim the firearm at a target (see, e.g.,).

In some implementations, an optical sighting device secured to the optical sight mountand an optical sighting device secured to the pivot mount, independent of the other, may be used to aim a firearm.

As shown in, in some implementations, the optical sight mountmay comprise a baseconfigured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interfaceof a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); a mounting surfaceconfigured so that an optical sighting devicecan be secured thereon; and a backup sighting system positioned within a longitudinally extending sight channellocated between the baseand the mounting surface. In some implementations, the bodyof the optical sight mountmay be substantially rectangular-shaped.

As shown in, in some implementations, the baseof the optical sight mountmay comprise a moveable clamp memberthat can be moved into and out of engagement with the mounting interfaceof a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail) by a pair of bolts. In this way, the optical sight mountcan be secured and retained on the mounting interfaceof a firearm (see, e.g.,). In some implementations, the clamp memberis connected to the baseby bolts, each of which is threaded at its end to permit adjustment of the distance between the receiving grooveof the baseand the receiving grooveof the clamp member. In some implementations, the receiving grooveof the baseand the receiving grooveof the clamp memberare configured to receive opposing portions of the mounting interfacetherein.

The clamping mechanism used to secure the baseof an optical sight mountto a mounting interfaceof a firearm is not critical to the design of the present invention. Therefore, the baseof an optical sight mountcould be configured to include another clamping mechanism, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, that is capable of releasably securing the optical sight mountto the mounting interfaceof a firearm (e.g., an embodiment of the locking release clamp assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,647 to Troy Storch et al.).

As shown in, in some implementations, the mounting surfaceof the optical sight mountmay comprise a relief (or channel) configured to receive at least a portion of an optical sighting devicetherein. In some implementations, the mounting surfacemay not include a relief (not shown). In some implementations, the mounting surfacemay be configured (e.g., contoured, shaped, etc.) to interface with the mount compatible surface (e.g., the bottom side) of any suitably configured optical sighting device. In some implementations, the mounting surfacemay include one or more openingsthat extend therethrough. In this way, fasteners(e.g., screws) may be used to secure an optical sighting deviceto the mounting surfaceof the optical sight mount. In some implementations, the mounting surfacemay include at least one recoil lugthereon. In some implementations, each recoil lugmay be a projection extending from the mounting surfaceof the optical sight mountthat is configured to interface with a receptacle in the underside of the optical sighting device. In this way, an attached optical sighting device may be prevented from sliding back-and-forth due to the incidental vibration associated with the discharge of a firearm. In some implementations, the mounting surfacemay not have a recoil lugthereon.

As shown in, in some implementations, the backup sighting system may comprise a windage adjustable rear sight assembly and an elevation adjustable front sight assembly that are positioned within the longitudinally extending sight channelof the optical sight mount. In some implementations, the backup sighting system may be used to aim a firearm in lieu of the optical sighting device.

As shown in, in some implementations, the rear sight assembly may include a windage adjustable rear sightpositioned within a slot of the longitudinally extending sight channelby a windage adjustment screwthat extends therethrough. In some implementations, the rear sightdefines a sighting aperture, but could be configured to provide a notch. In some implementations, the windage adjustment screwincludes an adjustment knob(or head) that has a partially threaded shaft extending therefrom. In some implementations, the shaft of the windage adjustment screwextends through the optical sight mountvia an openingin the bodyof the optical sight mount. In some implementations, the windage adjustment screwmay be fixed in position by a capture pin, or other suitable fastener, extending through an openingin the bodyof the optical sight mountto interface with a circumferential grooveon an end thereof. In some implementations, a wave springmay be positioned about, or adjacent to, the circumferential grooveof the windage adjustment screwto provide tension thereto. In some implementations, the adjustment knobof the windage adjustment screwincludes detent cavitiesabout the periphery thereof that interface with a detent ballbiased by a detent springhoused within a transverse borein the optical sight mount. In this way, the adjustment knobmay be kept from unintentionally rotating. In some implementations, the detent balland detent springmay be held within the transverse boreby a set screw, or other suitable fastener. In some implementations, rotating the adjustment knobclockwise and counterclockwise causes the rear sightto move laterally, within the sight channel, on the threaded shaft of the windage adjustment screw. In this way, windage adjustments may be made.

As shown in, in some implementations, the front sight assembly may include a threaded front sightpositioned within the longitudinally extending sight channelso that the post portionthereof can be aligned with the aperture of the rear sight. In some implementations, the front sightmay include a socket in the underside thereof (not shown) that is configured to receive an end of a hex key therein. In some implementations, a hex key may be used to rotate the front sightclockwise and counterclockwise, thereby moving the post portionup and down within the sight channel. In this way, elevation adjustments may be made. In some implementations, once the desired elevation of the front sight posthas been set, a capture screwmay be used to secure the front sightagainst unintentional rotation. In some implementations, the capture screwmay be configured so that an end thereof bears against the threaded portionof the threaded front sight.

In some implementations, the front sight assembly may be omitted from the optical sight mountand the rear sight assembly thereof used in conjunction with a front sight mounted above (e.g., on the handguard), or to, the barrel to aim a firearm (not shown).

As shown in, in some implementations, the optical sight mountmay be configured to position the optical sighting deviceso that the centerline thereof is ˜2.26″ above the top of the mounting interfaceon which it is mounted. In some implementations, the optical sight mountmay be configured to position the optical sighting deviceso that the centerline thereof is less than, or more than, 2.26″ above the top of the mounting interfaceon which it is mounted (not shown).

In some implementations, the bodyof the optical sight mountmay be made of aluminum, or another material that is suitably wear and impact resistant.

In some implementations, one or more components of the backup sighting system may be made of aluminum, steel, or another material that is suitably wear and impact resistant.

As shown in, in some implementations, the pivot mountfor optical sighting devices may comprise a basethat can be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interfaceof a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); and a sight support member, rotatably coupled to the base, that is configured to move an attached optical sighting devicebetween an operative position (see, e.g.,) and an inoperative position (see, e.g.,). In some implementations, the pivot mountmay be configured so that the sight support membermoves the attached optical sighting devicebetween two positions on the same, or substantially the same, vertical plane. In this way, when in the operative position and the inoperative position, the optical sighting deviceis positioned directly above the mounting interfaceof a firearm on which it is mounted (see, e.g.,).

As shown in, in some implementations, the baseof the pivot mountmay be shaped for mounting on a MIL-STD-1913 rail (also referred to as a Picatinny rail). In some implementations, the baseof the pivot mountmay comprise a clamp memberthat can be moved into and out of engagement with the mounting interfaceof a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail) by a lever arm. The general features and advantages of a basehaving the clamp memberand lever armdisclosed herein are described in connection with one or more embodiments of the locking release clamp assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,647 to Troy Storch et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The clamping mechanism used to secure the baseof a pivot mountto a mounting interfaceof a firearm is not critical to the design of the present invention. Therefore, the baseof a pivot mountcould be configured to include another clamping mechanism, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, that is capable of securing the pivot mountto the mounting interfaceof a firearm (e.g., the clamping mechanism shown in connection with the optical sight mount shown in).

As shown in, in some implementations, a pair of spaced pivot bosses,project upwardly from the baseof the pivot mount. In some implementations, each pivot boss,includes a boreinto which a portion of a pivot pinextends. In some implementations, the pivot pinincludes a head that has a partially threaded shaft extending therefrom. In some implementations, the head portion of the pivot pinis nested within the boreof the first pivot boss, while the threaded portion of the shaft is secured within the threaded boreof the second pivot boss. In some implementations, the pivot bosses,define a space, or gap, therebetween.

As shown in, in some implementations, the sight support membermay comprise a pivot portionand a sight attachment deviceconfigured to fit closely about a cylindrical barrel portion of the optical sighting device.

As shown in, in some implementations, the pivot portionof the sight support memberis configured to be rotatably positioned between the pivot bosses,of the baseand held there by the pivot pin. In some implementations, a boreextends through the pivot portionof the sight support memberthat is configured to accommodate the unthreaded portion of the pivot pinshaft. In this way, while the pivot pinis holding the pivot portionof the sight support memberin position between the pivot bosses,of the base, the sight support membercan rotate about the unthreaded portion of the pivot pinshaft.

As shown in, in some implementations, the sight attachment deviceof the sight support membermay define ring sectionsthat define a generally cylindrical openingsized to fit closely about the cylindrical barrel portion of the optical sighting device. In some implementations, the ring sectionsof the sight attachment devicemay define a gaptherebetween. In some implementations, screws, or other suitable fasteners, may be received within openingsin the sight support memberand tightened to draw the portions of the ring sectionsadjacent the gaptowards one another, thereby developing a clamping force sufficient to secure the optical sighting deviceagainst inadvertent movement within the cylindrical opening. In some implementations, the ring sectionsare somewhat flexible even though they are fabricated from a metal material such as aluminum, or another suitably flexible metal alloy (e.g., a steel alloy, a titanium alloy, etc.).

In some implementations, the sight attachment deviceof the sight support membermay be configured to accommodate different optical sighting devices (e.g., a night vision device and/or a thermal imager) being secured thereto (not shown).

As shown in, in some implementations, the pivot mountfurther comprises a pair of spring-loaded ball detentsconfigured to releasably retain the sight support memberin the operative position (see, e.g.,) and the inoperative position (see, e.g.,). In some implementations, each ball detent, and the springused to bias it into position, is carried in the pivot portionof the sight support member. In some implementations, each ball detentis received in a pair of corresponding recessesformed in a detent platepositioned on the interior side of each pivot boss,. In this way, due to the resistance provided by the ball detentsbeing held in frictional engagement with a recess of each detent plate, the spring-loaded ball detentsare able to secure the sight support memberin the operative position (see, e.g.,) and the inoperative position (see, e.g.,). The movement of the sight support memberrelative to the baseand the mounting interfacecan be accomplished without manipulation of a latch, lever, or other similar device. In some implementations, the detent platemay include a guide groove that connects the pair of recessesdefined thereby. The guide groove is configured to facilitate the smooth transition of a ball detentbetween recesses. In some implementations, the backside of each detent platemay include two cylindrical bossesthat are received by corresponding openingsfound on the interior side of each pivot boss,. In this way, a detent platemay be positioned on the interior side of each pivot boss,to interface with the spring-loaded ball detents. In some implementations, each detent platemay be made of steel, or another suitably wear resistant material, instead of aluminum. This should increase the service life of the part.

In some implementations, the baseand the sight support memberof the pivot mountmay be made of aluminum, or another material that is suitably wear and impact resistant.

It should be noted that keeping the optical sighting devicepositioned above the mounting interfaceof a firearm when not in use (i.e., the inoperative position) offers several advantages over other pivot mounts in which the optical sighting device, when not in use, is laterally offset from the mounting interface. For example, as compared to a laterally offset optical sighting device, the front lens of the optical sighting deviceis less likely to impact another object, the optical sighting deviceis less likely to tangle or get hung up on environmental obstacles during use, and the optical sighting devicedoes not obstruct the peripheral vision of the operator using the firearm to which the pivot mountis attached.

In some implementations, a pivot mount could be configured so that the pivot point between the sight support member and the base is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the firearm on which the pivot mount is secured. In this way, an attached optical sighting device would travel along a longitudinally extending vertical plane when moved between the operative position and the inoperative position.

illustrate another example implementation of an optical sight mountaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the optical sight mountis similar to the optical sight mountdiscussed above but comprises a baseconfigured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail); a mounting surfaceconfigured so that an optical sighting devicecan be secured thereon; and a laterally offset rear sight modulethat is removably secured to a side of the optical sight mount.

As shown in, in some implementations, the baseof the optical sight mountmay be similar to the baseof the optical sight mountshown in, but has been configured so that the bolts, used to move the clamp memberinto and out of engagement with the mounting interface of a firearm, can be used to secure the rear sight moduleto a side of the optical sight mount.

As shown in, in some implementations, the mounting surfaceof the optical sight mountmay be a rail interface (e.g., a MIL-STD-1913 rail or “Picatinny rail”). In this way, an optical sighting device(e.g., a holographic sight such as an EOTech® weapon sight) may be secured thereon (see, e.g.,).

As shown in, in some implementations, the rear sight modulemay comprise a baseconfigured to interface with receptaclesin the side of the optical sight mount; and a windage adjustable rear sight assembly. In some implementations, independent of the boltsused to move the clamp memberinto and out of engagement with the mounting interface of a firearm, the rear sight modulemay be independently secured to the side of the optical sight mountby a screw, or other suitable fastener. In this way, the rear sight moduleremains fixed to the side of the optical sight mountwhen the boltsare loosened.

As shown in, in some implementations, the baseof the rear sight modulemay include two bossesextending therefrom that are configured to be received within corresponding receptacleslocated on the side of the optical sight mount. In some implementations, each bossextending from the basemay have a cylindrical shape, but could be any shape suitable for being received by the corresponding receptacle. In some implementations, an openingmay extend through the baseof the rear sight modulefor each boltused to secure it to the interface (i.e., receptacles) on the side of the optical sight mount. In some implementations, one of these openingsmay extend through each bossof the base.

As shown in, the rear sight assemblyincludes a windage adjustable rear sightthat is configured to fold. In some implementations, the rear sightmay not be configured to fold. In some implementations, the rear sightdefines a sighting aperture, but could be configured to provide a notch. Similar to the windage adjustable rear sightshown in, the rear sightmay be positioned on the rear sight moduleby a windage adjustment screw that includes an adjustment knob(or head) (see, e.g.,). Likewise, rotating the adjustment knobclockwise and counterclockwise causes the rear sightto move laterally, within the sight channel, on the threaded shaft of the windage adjustment screw.

As shown best in, the rear sight moduleis 45 degrees offset from the topof the mounting surface, but the degree of lateral offset could be more, or less, than 45 degrees. Typically, the rear sightof the rear sight assemblywould be used in conjunction with an offset front sight assembly, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to aim the firearm on which the optical sight mountis secured.

In some implementations, similar to the optical sight mountshown in, the optical sight mountcould be used in conjunction with one or more implementations of the pivot mountshown in.

illustrate yet another example implementation of an optical sight mountaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the optical sight mountis similar to the optical sight mountdiscussed above, but comprises a baseconfigured to be secured to, or removed from, a mounting interface of a firearm; scope ringsthat are configured to receive and engage with a telescopic sighting device; and a laterally offset mountfor an optical sighting device(e.g., a reflex type sight such as a Trijicon RMR®).

As shown in, in some implementations, the baseof the optical sight mountis the same as, or similar to, the basediscussed above in connection with the optical sight mountshown in.

As shown in, in some implementations, the scope ringsextend from a longitudinally extending bridgewhich may be an integral portion of the base. While conventional scope ringsare shown and described, the scope ringscould be replaced by any conventional attachment device, known to one of ordinary skill in the art, suitable for securing an optical sighting device to the optical sight mount.

As shown in, in some implementations, the lower halfof each scope ringextends from the bridgeof the optical sight mount. In some implementations, the upper halfof each scope ringis secured to the lower halfby screws, or other suitable fasteners. In some implementations, when the screws are tightened, the upper halfand the lower halfof a scope ringare drawn together, thereby developing a clamping force sufficient to secure the telescopic sighting deviceagainst longitudinal and rotational movement (see, e.g.,).

As shown in, in some implementations, the laterally offset mountmay comprise a baseconfigured to interface with receptaclesin the side of the optical sight mount; and a mounting surfaceconfigured so that an optical sighting devicecan be secured thereon.

As shown in, in some implementations, the baseof the laterally offset mountmay be the same as, or similar to, the baseof the rear sight moduleshown in. As a result, the rear sight moduleand the laterally offset mountmay be interchangeably secured to the interface (i.e., the receptacles,) located on the side of an optical sight mount,. This allows a user to select the auxiliary sighting module (i.e., a rear sight moduleor a laterally offset mountwith an optical sighting device secured thereon) that best suits their needs.