Laser aiming device

(12) Patent Specification (, 0) SE 538 708 C2

<img file="SE538708C2_D0001.tif" />

Sweden (21) Patent Application Number:

(45) Patent granted:

(41) Application publicly available:

(22) Filing date:

(24) Running day:

(30) Priority information:

US 61/368079 2010-07-27 (86) Completed international patent application:

PCT / US2011 / 045625 2013-01-31 (86) International filing day:

1350112-7

2016-10-25

2013-03-12

2011-07-27

2011-07-27 (51) lnt.CI .:

F41G 1/34

F41G 1/36 (2006.01) (2006.01)

2011-07-27

<td>(73) Patent holders:</td><td>Crimson Trace Corporation, 9780 SW Freeman Drive, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 US</td>

<td>(72) Inventor:</td><td>Zackary Hilbourne, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 US Jason Hilbourne, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 US Danny Anderson, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 US Daniel Hughes, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 US</td>

<td>(74) Agents:</td><td>AWAPATENT AB, Box 5117, 200 71, Malmö SE</td>

<td>(54) Name:</td><td>Laser sighting device</td>

<td>(56) Publications cited:</td><td>US 20080000133 A1 US 5822905 A</td>

(57) Summary:

The embodiments herein refer to the firearm area and, more specifically, to the laser sight of firearms, in particular firearms with multiple laser diodes. Various embodiments of the system shown (100, 200, 300) may comprise two or more lasers in a single unit. For example, in different embodiments, the system (100, 200, 300) may include two or more lasers which can be laterally and vertically adjusted (e.g., calibrated) simultaneously. Thus, in different embodiments, one or more LEDs with infrared light (430) can be calibrated automatically when a corresponding LED with visible light (428) is calibrated, and vice versa.

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538 708

SUMMARY

The embodiments herein refer to the firearm area and, more specifically, to the laser sight of firearms, in particular firearms with multiple laser diodes. Various embodiments of the system shown (100, 200, 300) may include two or more lasers in a single unit. For example, in different embodiments, the system (100, 200, 300) may include two or more lasers which can be laterally and vertically adjusted (e.g., calibrated) simultaneously. Thus, in different embodiments, one or more LEDs with infrared light (430) can be calibrated automatically when a corresponding LED with visible light (428) is calibrated, and vice versa.

538 708

Laser sighting device

Technical area

The embodiments herein refer to the firearm range and, more specifically, to the laser sight of firearms, in particular, multiple-gun firearms.

Background

Laser has been used in many firearms applications as tools to improve aiming. For example, a type of firearm sight uses a laser placed on a firearm or rifle and is aligned to emit a beam parallel to the barrel. Since a laser beam by definition has little divergence, the laser light appears as a small dot even at a great distance. The user places the dot on the desired target and the barrel of the weapon is aligned (but not necessarily taking into account the bullet drop or the target moving while the bullet is moving).

Most laser sights use a red laser diode. Others use an infrared diode to provide a dot that is invisible to the human eye but can be seen with devices for dark vision. Many sights can be calibrated to precisely align them with the firearm's barrel. However, it is difficult to calibrate (eg, "aim") an infrared laser because of the need for special equipment for seeing infrared light, and the process cannot be performed in daylight. Furthermore, double red / infrared sights must be screened in twice: once to line the laser light for red light and a second time to line the laser light for infrared light.

Further problems with the laser sight are that they can make the firearm incompatible with a holster, they can be cumbersome to use and activation of the sight may require grip replacements which impede a quick and effective shooting procedure.

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Brief description of the drawings

The embodiments will be understood by the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are shown by way of example and not to limit the figures in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laser sight system used with an exemplary firearm, in accordance with various embodiments;

Figures 2A and 2B are right side views (Figure 2A) and left side views (Figure 2B) of an example of a laser sight system used with an exemplary firearm, according to various embodiments;

Figures 3A-3D show state diagrams of a system with a main switch and show an example of how the main switch, the operating switch and the activation switch work together to control the operation of the laser sight system, according to different embodiments; and Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are iso-views of three different examples of a dual laser device, in accordance with different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments shown

In the detailed description below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof, and in which embodiments are shown which can be applied by means of figures. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and that structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of protection. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered as limiting, and the scope of protection of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their counterparts.

Various maneuvers can be described as several discrete maneuvers in sequence, in a manner that can facilitate understanding of the embodiments; however, the order in the description is not to be understood as being dependent on this order.

The description can use perspective-based descriptions such as up / down, back / front and top / bottom. Such descriptions are used only to facilitate discussion and are not intended to limit the application of embodiments shown.

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The terms "connected" and "connected", together with their leads, can be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonyms for one another. Rather, "coupled" is used, in some embodiments, to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, "connected" can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but nevertheless cooperate or cooperate with each other.

For the sake of description, a phrase in the form "A / B" or in the form "A and / or B" (A), (B) or (A and B). For the sake of description, a phrase in the form "at least one of A, B and C" (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or ( A, B and C). For the sake of description, a phrase in the form "(A) B" (B) or (AB), ie. A is an optional element.

The description may use the terms "embodiment" or "embodiments", each of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "inclusive", "inclusive", "with" and similar synonyms are then used with respect to embodiments.

The embodiments herein provide laser sight systems which can give a user a substantial tactical advantage which may allow a firearm to be used for a variety of applications both daytime and nighttime. Different embodiments of the illustrated system may include two or more lasers in a single unit, and may not only be less expensive, relatively speaking, than units with two separate lasers and housings, but they may also be easier to calibrate and use. For example, in different embodiments, the system may include two or more lasers which can be laterally and vertically adjusted (e.g., calibrated) simultaneously. Thus, in different embodiments, one or more LEDs with infrared light can be calibrated automatically when a corresponding LED with visible light is calibrated, and vice versa.

The laser system can, in various embodiments, be a system integrated with the grip of a firearm, which can provide both an infrared (IR) laser and a visible light laser in a single, small, ergonomic, low weight system. In use, both types of laser can be selected by

538 708 rapid activation of a switch which may be provided on the handle in certain examples. This positioning of the switch may, in various embodiments, allow the system to easily and immediately switch between different lighting conditions and applications, with or without the use of glasses for night vision. Various embodiments of the system can also provide excellent compatibility with holsters.

Further embodiments may also provide operating systems which may be instinctive for the user to use and which may be used without interfering with neither the user's grip nor the rapid, effective shooting procedure that may be required in various environments. Therefore, systems of the present invention can provide efficient switching between lasers to suit all lighting conditions, very small size and light weight, easy installation, maintenance and implementation, easy calibration, excellent battery life, excellent ergonomics, and excellent durability and reliability.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laser sight system used with an exemplary firearm, Figures 2A and 2B are right side views (Figure 2A) and left side views (Figure 2B) of an example of a dual laser sight system used with an exemplary firearm Figure 3 shows a state diagram of a main switch system with an exemplary laser sight system and Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are iso-views of three different examples of a dual laser device; all according to different embodiments.

As shown in Figure 1, in various embodiments, the laser system 100 can generally be used with any firearm, such as firearms 102 with a barrel 104 and a grip 106 and, optionally, a trigger 108. In addition, although the system 100 is described in several examples as being used with a firearm, one skilled in the art will appreciate that in various embodiments, the device may be used with any device requiring precision sighting, including deadly and non-deadly weapons such as: electric shock devices such as electric arrow guns, firearms with rubber bullets, bean bags, wax balls, plastic bullets or other non-lethal projectiles, rifles, rocket rifles, cannons, fully automatic and semi-automatic weapons, armbrushes,

538 708 paintball rifles and non-lethal side weapons for chemical weapons such as tear gas, pepper spray and repellent odor containers.

As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured as an integral part of a grip 106 of a firearm 102, such as pre-use with the firearm 102 having one or more detachable grip panels 110. In other embodiments, the system 100 can be configured. to wrap around the front and / or rear of the handle 106, e.g. when used with firearms 102 which do not have removable or interchangeable grip panels. As shown in Figure 1, in various embodiments, the laser means 114 may include a single housing for two or more lasers 116, e.g. one or more lasers in the visible spectrum 116a and one or more lasers in the infrared spectrum 116b, both of which can be configured for use as the laser screen for firearms 102.

In various embodiments, the laser system 100 may also include a main switch 120 for operating the system 100 between "off" and "on", one or more activation switch 118 configured to activate one or more of the lasers 116, and an operating switch (not shown) configured for controlling which laser 116a, 116b is activated by the activation switch 120, and therefore which laser 116 is used for sieving: the laser in the visible spectrum 116a or the laser in the infrared spectrum 116b. Although two lasers are shown in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that systems for use in accordance with the present invention can be provided with three, four or even multiple laser diodes.

As described in more detail below, in different embodiments, the two or more lasers 116 may be substantially pre-calibrated with respect to each other. Therefore, in different embodiments, both (or all) lasers 116 can be calibrated simultaneously (e.g., laterally and vertically) with respect to barrel 104 of firearm 102 by lateral and altitude adjustment screws. Since the two (or more) lasers 116 are arranged together in a single laser device 114, in different embodiments only one of the lasers 116 is calibrated (screened or aligned) with respect to the barrel 104, calibration of a laser 116 automatically calibrates the the second laser (s). Therefore, the laser in the infrared spectrum 116b, in various embodiments, can be calibrated

538 708 simply without the use of dark-vision glasses, simply by calibrating the laser in the visible spectrum 116a.

The activation switch 118 which may be disposed adjacent to the trigger 108 and which can be activated by pressure from a user's hand as it prepares to fire the firearm 102 can, in various embodiments, activate a selected laser 116 which allows the user to aim the firearm 102 precisely at a desired target. Therefore, in various embodiments, the laser 116 can be activated automatically by a user as his or her grip tightens in preparation for firing, and no external movements are required for activation which may interfere with the grip or firing position.

Figures 2A and 2B show the right side view (Figure 2A) and left side view (Figure 2B) of an example of a laser sight system configured for use with an exemplary firearm, according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in various embodiments, the system 200 may include a laser device 214 with a single housing for two or more lasers (not shown) which can be calibrated side and height simultaneously with respect to barrel 204 of firearms 202 as described. above with respect to Figure 1. In various embodiments, system 200 may also include a master switch 220 for operating the system 200 between "off" and "on", one or more activation switches 218 configured to activate one or more of the lasers 216, and an operating switch 222 configured to control which laser 216a, 216b which is activated by the activation switch 220. Although a particular embodiment of the main switch 220 is shown in Figure 2A, the main switch 220, in various embodiments, may be any kind of manually operated electromechanical switch which can control the power into the system 200. Likewise, although the main switch 220 is shown as arranged on the right side of the handle 206, those skilled in the art will recognize that it can be placed in any position on the firearm 202 which allows easy use without obstructing the operation of the firearm 202.

In addition, in the embodiment shown, laser device 214 is a single component which can accommodate both a visible light laser source, such as a red or green laser diode, and an infrared laser source such as an infrared diode.

538 708

Such laser sources are discussed in more detail below. Although the laser device 214 is shown as a two-aperture component disposed adjacent to the barrel 204 on the right side of the firearm 202, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in other embodiments, it may be positioned in any position allowing the jets of the laser device 214 to be directed in a direction substantially parallel to the barrel 204 (see, for example, beam 324 in Figure 3, which is described in more detail below).

In addition, in various embodiments, the operating switch 222 may also be any kind of manually operated electromechanical switch which can switch between operation of system 200 from operation with visible light (eg red or green laser) to operation with infrared light and vice versa. , or between lasers of different colors (eg between red and green laser). Although the operating switch 222 is shown in various embodiments as arranged on the left side of the handle 206, it can be arranged in any position on the firearm 202 which allows easy use without obstructing the operation of the firearm. In some embodiments, for example, the operating switch 222, when arranged on the side of the firearm 202, can be operated with the non-dominant hand of the user, e.g. the hand that does not hold the grip 206. In other embodiments, the operating switch 222 may be disposed adjacent to the trigger 208 so that it can be actuated with the user's trigger hand.

The actuator switch 218 may, in various embodiments, be any kind of switch capable of activating the system 200 to illuminate one or more lasers in the laser device 214, and in various embodiments the actuator switch 218 may be provided adjacent to the trigger 208 so that normal pressure from the user's grip hand (e.g., the trigger hand) can activate the system 200 and illuminate the laser beam. The activation method of the system 200 can, in various embodiments, be designed to integrate evenly with the user's normal shooting technique so that the process of rapidly and effectively attacking a threat is not hindered or impaired. The actuator switch 218 can, in various embodiments, be adapted to the user's natural grip which need not be broken in any way. In fact, grip ergonomics can cause the desired laser beam to activate as the user's grip tightens. In different embodiments, two or more activation switches may be provided.

538 708 which can be arranged at intervals on either side of the grip 206, so that the system 200 can be activated by pressing the grip 208 from either a right-handed or a left-handed user. Specific embodiments of the system 200 are designed for use with tactical gloves and are MILSPEC 810G certified.

In some embodiments, certain firearms, such as M9 or M11, may be compatible with a system of extruder blows, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the system components can be directly integrated with one or more grip panels. Other firearms, such as those with polymer frames, cannot have interchangeable grip panels. Therefore, in various embodiments, firearms such as Springfield XD and Glock 17 may be compatible with a version of the laser sight system which is wrapped around the grip. Both types of systems can, in different embodiments, incorporate an activation switch adjacent to the trigger, compatibility with holsters and generally excellent ergonomic performance.

Figures 3A-3D show state diagrams of a laser sight system 300 with a main switch 320 and show an example of how the main switch 320, the operation switch 322 and the activation switch 318 can be adapted to work together to control the operation of the system 300. As shown in Figure 3A, laser with red visible light 316a can be activated when, in some embodiments, the main switch 320 is set to "on" when the operating switch 322 is set to "red" and the activation switch is depressed. Conversely, as shown in Figure 3B, laser with infrared light 316b can be activated when, in some embodiments, the main switch 320 is set to "on" when the operation switch 322 is set to "IR" and the activation switch is depressed. As shown in Figure 3C, no laser can be activated when, in some embodiments, the main switch 320 is set to "off" when the operating switch 322 is set to "red" and the activation switch is depressed. Similarly, as shown in Figure 3D, no laser can be activated when, in some embodiments, the main switch 320 is set to "off" when the operating switch 322 is set to "IR" and the activation switch is depressed.

As discussed above, in various embodiments, the laser device can accommodate at least both a laser source of light in the visible spectrum, such as a red or green laser diode, and a laser source of light in the infrared

538 708 spectrum, such as an infrared diode. Infrared lasers are invisible to the human eye and in some embodiments can be configured for use with dark-sighted glasses, which can be used to visualize infrared lasers in sight and illumination procedures, for example. Visible lasers can, in various embodiments, include red and green laser beams and are usually visible to the human eye. Green lasers are usually much more visible than red lasers, but can be moderately larger in size. Green lasers also benefit from the use of additional technology, e.g. to achieve militarily acceptable performance in the ambient temperature range. Therefore, in particular embodiments, the laser device can accommodate at least both a red laser and an infrared laser. In specific non-limiting examples, the wavelength of a red diode for use in the present invention may be 635 nm and the wavelength of an infrared diode for use in the present invention may be 850 nm. In further specific non-limiting examples, the diode power of a red diode configured for use in accordance with the present invention may be 5 mW / class 1, and the diode power of an infrared diode configured for use with the present invention may be 5 mW / class 1. In further specific, non-limiting examples, the divergence of a red diode configured for use with the present invention may be 0.75 mrad x 0.57 mrad, while the divergence of an infrared diode configured for use with the present invention may be 0. , 75 mrad x 0.57 mrad.

Figures 4A-4C show three examples of a laser module 426a, 426b, 426c which can be housed within the laser device and which may include visible light diode 428a, 428b, 428c and infrared laser diode 430a, 430b, 430c. In various embodiments, the two laser diodes 428a, 428b, 428c and 430a, 430b, 430c may be connected, in some embodiments, by a coupler or mounting means 432a, 432b, 432c, which may have a number of different embodiments, such as an H-shaped connector 432a or an L-shaped or stair-shaped connector 432b, 432c. The two laser diodes 428, 430 can, in different embodiments, be aligned with each other to provide overlapping laser beams at a predetermined distance when they are co-activated. The two laser diodes 428, 430 can, in different embodiments, also be calibrated so that they

538 708 laser beams produced can be aligned with a projectile passing through the barrel, e.g. at a predetermined distance such as 7.62 m (25 feet), 15.24 m (50 feet) or 22.86 m (25 yards). In some embodiments, since the two laser diodes 428, 430 are coupled through mounting means 432, the laser sight system can be further calibrated by the user in a single step, e.g. by side-and-height calibrating the laser with visible light, and thereby simultaneously calibrating the side-and-height calibration of the corresponding laser with infrared spectrum.

Therefore, the system shown herein provides an advantage over conventional systems with two separate lasers, since each laser must be laterally and vertically adjusted in a conventional system. This can be more difficult to achieve with infrared lasers, since they must be calibrated in the dark using dark-sighted glasses, which leads to additional difficulties. However, since the system shown herein uses a pair of connected laser diodes 428, 430, both the visible spectrum diode 428 and the infrared spectrum 430 diode can be calibrated in a single step with a single pair of side and height adjustment screws.

The laser module 426 may, in various embodiments, include a resilient member 434 which may allow the connected laser diodes 428, 430 to be pre-calibrated or aligned with each other by causing the resilient member 434 to spring to a desired degree in a desired direction. For example, in some embodiments, the laser diode with visible light 428 may be held in a fixed position while voltage is applied to the laser with infrared spectrum 430, causing the resilient member 434 to deform to a desired degree. In some embodiments, this process can be performed before laser module 426 is installed in the laser device. The resilient member 434 can, in various embodiments, be sufficiently resilient to deform under voltage to a desired degree, but sufficiently rigid to then maintain a desired alignment between the lasers well aligned, even under pressure from the firing and under harsh environmental conditions. . The resilient member 434a may, in various embodiments, be part of the mounting member 426a shown in Figure 4A. The resilient means 434 may, in various embodiments, be part of which of the laser diodes 428, 430, or it may connect one of the laser diodes 428, 430 to mounting means 426, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C. The material in,

538 708 and / or the diameter of resilient means 434 can, in particular embodiments, be configured to achieve a desired degree of suspension. For example, Figure 4B shows a resilient member 434b of a larger diameter, which can thus be made from a softer or more resilient material. Conversely, Figure 4C shows a resilient member 434c of a smaller diameter, and thus can be made from a harder or less resilient material. In all embodiments described above, once the resilient member 434 has been deformed and the laser diodes 428, 430 have been calibrated with respect to each other, both laser diodes 428, 430 can be calibrated (or screened) simultaneously as needed in daylight simply by calibrating ( aim the laser with visible light using conventional daylight procedures.

The laser diodes 428, 430 can, in various embodiments, be displaced with respect to each other so that a diode can project farther forward and can serve as a pivot point for the purpose of lateral and height adjustment. For example, in the embodiment shown, the visible spectrum diode 428a, 428b, 428c can project farther forward than the infrared spectrum diode 430a, 430b, 430c (or vice versa), and may include an arched or otherwise curved surface 436a , 436b, 436c which can act as a pivot point within the laser device. A clamping element such as a spring 438a, 438b, 438c may, in some embodiments, be included in a rear portion of the laser module which may serve to apply voltage to hold the curved surface 436a, 436b, 436c in a position against a corresponding surface or window. in the laser device's house. In use, lateral and height adjustment screws (not shown), in certain embodiments, can be provided at right angles to each other which can be configured to move mounting means 432, rotate laser module 426 on curved surface 436 and calibrate both lasers simultaneously. Therefore, in various embodiments, the system may include a very simple three-point calibration system which includes only two lateral and height adjustment screws and a single clamping spring.

Although certain embodiments have been shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of alternative and / or corresponding embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may replace the disclosed and described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the embodiments can

538 708 is used in many different ways. This application is intended to cover all adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is clear that the intention is that the embodiments are limited only by the requirements and their counterparts.

538 708