CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application is a non-provisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/362,103 filed March 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to viewing optics, and more particularly to a protective cover for a viewing optic.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Riflescope lenses are oftentimes subject to the environmental elements, which can cause dirt and grime to cover the lens, or worse, can cause damage to the lens. Protective caps exist to protect against these issues. Moreover, these protective caps can be easily kept on the riflescope, as they are oftentimes stored on the optic. Additionally, users of riflescopes have used alignment apertures (otherwise known as parallax reducing aperture stops, aperture caps, or aperture limiters) in conjunction with their riflescopes. Aperture caps can be used to align the riflescope and prevent parallax (z.e., displacement of an object due to error in the lens). These aperture caps, however, have been primarily used for indoor dryfire training.

[0004] Although there are protective caps and aperture caps, there are no caps that achieve the functions and purposes of both. These caps have been developed as separate components, requiring users to keep track of both caps. Issues arise when these caps are separate components, as it is easier for users to lose one or both of these caps. Additionally, even if the caps are not lost, there is an added stress for the users to manage more items while using their riflescopes. [0005] Ultimately, if a user is unable to keep track of both caps, or if a user believes it is too difficult to keep both, the individual will decide to use the riflescope without an aperture cap. The user will not be able to perform alignment without the aperture cap. Without the alignment aperture, users will experience further issues with parallax, which will lead to decreased precision in aiming and impact while using the riflescope.

[0006] Accordingly, the need exists for a protective cap for a viewing optic that can also fulfill the role of the aperture cap.

SUMMARY

[0007] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a “zero cap,” which alleviates the issues related to keeping track of two separate caps. As disclosed herein, a zero cap serves as both a protective cap and an aperture cap. In one embodiment, a zero cap can be attached to a viewing optic. A zero cap with multiple functionalities, but as one component, prevents the user from having to manage several components and potentially losing these components.

[0008] Not only is there increased ease of use with the zero cap disclosed herein, but there is also increased accuracy for users. Users can easily have the alignment aperture connected to their viewing optic and can easily calibrate their optic. This leads to increased accuracy and decreased frustrations when using the viewing optic.

[0009] Additionally, the lens of the viewing optic is kept clean because of the zero cap. Typically, debris and dirt get into the viewing optic. Although a user can have a protective cap, they are not able to have a protective cap and alignment aperture in one cap. Having a single cap to serve both functions increases accuracy, decreases frustration, prevents misplacement and loss, and reduces messes on the lens. [0010] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a zero cap comprising: a base; an aperture cap configured to hingedly connect to the base; and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap. In one embodiment, the base comprises a first opening and a first connective mechanism. In another embodiment, the first opening is configured to attach to a viewing optic; and the first connective mechanism is configured to receive a pin to connect the first connective mechanism to other connective mechanisms.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aperture cap comprises a plurality of holes and a second connective mechanism. The aperture cap can have two or more holes. In one embodiment, the plurality of holes are each configured to receive one of a plurality of plugs. In another embodiment, the second connective mechanism is configured to receive a pin to connect it to other connective mechanisms.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cap plug comprises a first plug and a second plug.

[0013] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a zero cap comprising: a base configured to connect to a viewing optic; an aperture cap configured to hingedly connect to the base and having a first hole and a second hole; wherein the second hole is located below the first hole; and a cap plug having a first plug and a second plug, wherein the first plug is configured to interact with the first hole and the second plug is configured to interact with the second hole.

[0014] In one embodiment, the base has an opening configured to attach an outer connecting strip of a viewing optic.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first hole of the aperture cap is at the center of the aperture cap. [0016] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising a zero cap as disclosed herein. In yet another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a riflescope comprising a zero cap disclosed herein. [0017] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising a zero cap having a base, an aperture cap configured to hingedly connect to the base; and a cap plug configured to rotate on the aperture cap; and a connecting strip configured to interact with the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In the drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a detached zero cap in an environment with a riflescope,

[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of a fully connected zero cap disclosed herein;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a representative depicture of a cap plug as disclosed herein;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a representative depiction of an aperture cap as disclosed herein;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a representative depiction of a zero cap in a protective position;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a representative depiction of a zero cap in a zero position; and

[0025] FIG. 7 is a representative depiction of a zero cap in an open position.

[0026] Before explaining embodiments of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology of this disclosure is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The disclosure relates to covers for viewing optics and related devices. Certain preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0028] The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the set of features and/or capabilities may be readily adapted within the context of a standalone weapons sight, front-mount or rearmount clip-on weapons sight, and other permutations of filed deployed optical weapons sights. Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various combinations of features and capabilities may be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting existing fixed or variable weapons sights of any variety.

[0030] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer. Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present Tn contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. [0031] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another element, component, region, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the disclosure.

[0033] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are 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 device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then 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 otherwise oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0034] Definitions

[0035] The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including the lower and the upper values, in increments of one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property, such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, etc., is from 100 to 1,000, it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are expressly enumerated. For ranges containing values which are less than one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc ), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1, as appropriate. For ranges containing single digit numbers less than ten (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided within this disclosure for, among other things, distances from a user of a device to a target.

[0036] The term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A and/or B" herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A, B, and/or C" is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0037] As used herein, "ballistics" is a way to precisely calculate the trajectory of a bullet based on a host of factors.

[0038] As used herein, an “erector sleeve” is a protrusion from the erector lens mount which engages a slot in the erector tube and/or cam tube or which serves an analogous purpose. This could be integral to the mount or detachable.

[0039] As used herein, an “erector tube” is any structure or device having an opening to receive an erector lens mount. [0040] As used herein, the term “firearm” refers to any device that propels an object or projectile, for example, in a controllable flat fire, line of sight, or line of departure, for example, hand-guns, pistols, rifles, shotgun slug guns, muzzleloader rifles, single shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic rifles of any caliber direction through any media. As used herein, the term “firearm” also refers to a remote, servo-controlled firearm wherein the firearm has autosensing of both position and directional barrel orientation. The shooter is able to position the firearm in one location, and move to a second location for target image acquisition and aiming. As used herein, the term “firearm” also refers to chain guns, belt-feed guns, machine guns, and Gattling guns. As used herein, the term firearm also refers to high elevation, and over-the-horizon, projectile propulsion devices, for example, artillery, mortars, canons, tank canons or rail guns of any caliber.

[0041] As used herein, a "reticle," in one embodiment, is an aiming pattern for a viewing optic, such as, but not limited to, a crosshair aiming point or other aiming pattern.

[0042] As used herein, the term "viewing optic" refers to an apparatus used by a shooter or a spotter to select, identify or monitor a target. The "viewing optic" may rely on visual observation of the target, or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation, night vision, vibrational receptors including ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio wave, television and cellular receptors, or other image of the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the "viewing optic" device may be unaltered, or it may be enhanced, for example, by magnification, amplification, subtraction, superimposition, filtration, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified or monitored by the "viewing optic” may be within the line of sight of the shooter, or tangential to the sight of the shooter, or the shooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The image of the target acquired by the "viewing optic" may be, for example, analog or digital, and shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters and spotters by, for example, video, physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellular connections, laser pulse, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using, for example, protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth™, Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method. The term “viewing optic” is used interchangeably with “optic sight.’” [0043] As used herein, the term “outward scene” refers to a real world scene, including but not limited to a target.

[0044] As used herein, the term “shooter” applies to either the operator making the shot or an individual observing the shot in collaboration with the operator making the shot.

[0045] It is crucial to understand the purpose and functionality of alignment apertures to further understand the disclosure. A reticle is used to assist a shooter in hitting a target. A reticle can be made of various materials, including optical materials like optical glass or plastic. The reticle can be made of any transparent or translucent material. In one embodiment, the reticle is constructed from wire, spider web, nano-wires, etching, or printing. The reticle can also be constructed using a projection from a mirror, video, holographic projection, or other means onto a material. The etching may be filled with a reflective material that illuminates when a light is rheostatically switching to increase or decrease light intensity. The reticle can be mounted anywhere between an ocular lens and objective lens of a scope lens. There are two critical calibration functions to perform mounting a riflescope. [0046] In one embodiment, the reticle can be an electronic reticle from an active display that is projected into a first focal plane of a viewing optic.

[0047] The two critical calibration functions include zeroing the weapon and laser range finder alignment. First, zeroing the weapon commonly refers to the process of aligning the etched (passive) reticle with the weapon’s point of impact when firing at a target. Second, aligning the integrated laser range finder (LRF) is accomplished with the use of an alignment chart. The alignment chart details the location of the LRF’ s co-aligned visible laser with respect to the passive reticle. For illustrative purposes, imagine a user is attempting to use a riflescope and needs to align the LRF. The user places the alignment chart at a predetermined distance from an observation point. The user then aims the weapon, optic, and passive reticle at the specified point. The user then adjusts the LRF’s visible laser to align with the related point on the alignment chart.

[0048] The steps included in the calibration functions may seem straightforward, but even those highly trained and experienced can face issues arising from parallax. As described above, parallax is displacement of an object due to error in the lens. However, this issue can be addressed by using an aperture cap attached to the front of the riflescope. The aperture cap restricts the aperture diameter, ultimately reducing error. Zeroing the weapon can be completed at 25 meters. Aligning the LRF to the passive and active reticles can be completed at 10 meters.

[0049] As stated above, the zero cap disclosed herein is a combined protective cap and aperture cap. This eliminates the difficulty and stress of managing multiple caps and keeping track of various pieces while using a riflescope. The protective cap is typically attached to a riflescope, and the zero cap can be similarly attached.

[0050] In one embodiment, the zero cap is capable of being used as an aperture cap when the protective cap is closed and the cap plug is detached at one end to be rotated out of the optical path. The user can then look through the hole in the center (where the cap plug has been rotated away); in this example, the user is looking through a restricted objective aperture.

[0051] The cap plug features two plugs that are each made to attach to holes in the aperture cap. When the top plug is in the top hole on the aperture cap, the zero cap is capable of being used for protection, as both holes are plugged and debris is prevented from entering. When the top plug is rotated around and not in the top hole on the aperture cap, the zero cap is capable of being used for zeroing and laser range finder alignment. To keep the cap plug from falling off the aperture cap, when the zero cap is being used for protection or calibration, the bottom plug remains in the bottom hole on the aperture cap. This prevents the cap plug from being misplaced or lost.

[0052] The zero cap can be used in various different capacities, but the following are a few representative examples. A zero cap can be used on an LRF mounted to the scope’s passive reticle, as long as the LRF has a co-aligned visible laser and the user has the correct alignment card for the riflescope and LRF combination. The zero cap can be used for dryfire training indoors. The zero cap also can be used for zeroing a weapon with a conventional riflescope or a magnified optic for between 10 and 100 meters.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of components of a zero cap in an environment 1. The zero cap comprise several components: a base 20, an aperture cap 35, and cap plug 55. In one embodiment, the zero cap attaches to a riflescope. The riflescope 5 comprises an opening 10 and an outer connecting strip 15.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outer connecting strip 15 is a protruding rim on the riflescope

5. The outer connecting strip 15 is designed to mechanically interface with a cap, which in one embodiment is a zero cap. The outer connecting strip 15 is preferably capable of attaching to the base 20 of a zero cap. The base 20 has an opening 25, which is configured to attach to the outer connecting strip 15 in a manner known in the art. The base 20 has a connective mechanism 30 with a hole designed to receive a hinge pin (not illustrated) for connecting it to another connective mechanism.

[0055] In one embodiment, the connective mechanism 30 is connected to an aperture cap 35. The aperture cap 35 has a connective mechanism 40 with a hole designed to receive a hinge pin (not illustrated) for connection. In one embodiment, a hinge pin can be placed first through the connective mechanism 30 of the base 20 and then through the connective mechanism 40 of the aperture cap 35 and out through the other side of the connective mechanisms. This hinge pin keeps the two pieces (the base 20 and the aperture cap 35) connected, while also allowing the aperture cap 35 to hinge about the base 20.

[0056] In one embodiment, the aperture cap 35 has two holes on its face. In one embodiment, the top hole 45 is placed in the center of the face of the aperture cap 35. The bottom hole 50 is preferably placed off center of the face of the aperture cap 35 below the top hole 45.

[0057] The top hole 45 and bottom hole 50 are designed to each receive a plug. In one embodiment, the top hole 45 and bottom hole 50 receive plugs from a cap plug 55. The cap plug 55 has two plugs (a top plug 60 and a bottom plug 65). The top plug 60 is designed to be placed in the top hole 45, while the bottom plug 65 is designed to be placed in the bottom hole 50. The bottom plug 65 is designed to remain in the bottom hole 50.

[0058] In one embodiment, the bottom plug 65 is capable of being rotated around within the bottom hole 50. This rotation allows the top plug 60 to be removed from the top hole 45 and stay out of the way of the aperture cap opening for alignment to take place. The top plug 60 is capable of being removed from the top hole 45 in order to be moved about the aperture cap 35. This movement creates a full line of sight for the user through the top hole 45. The top plug 60 is designed to be removed from the top hole 45 while the bottom plug 65 remains within the bottom hole 50.

[0059] In one embodiment, the aperture cap has at least two holes on its face.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a fully connected zero cap 2. The zero cap 2 comprises the base 20, the aperture cap 35, and the cap plug 55. The base 20 and the aperture cap 35 are connected via a hinge pin 70. As shown, the top plug 60 and bottom plug 65 of the cap plug 55 are fully integrated with the top hole 45 and bottom hole 50 of the aperture cap 35, respectively. The plugs are connected in such a way as to eliminate access of debris inside the zero cap 2.

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective of the cap plug 55. As shown, the top plug 60 is configured to allow the top plug 60 to be removed from the top hole 45 (as discussed above) while the cap plug 55 remains connected to the aperture cap 35. The bottom plug 65 is designed to remain in the bottom hole 50 (as discussed above), even while the top plug 60 is disconnected. This is preferable, as the cap plug 55 does not need to be removed from the aperture cap 35. The cap plug 55 can remain connected to the zero cap 2 as a whole, preventing misplacement or loss of the cap plug 55.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the aperture cap 35. The aperture cap 35 preferably has a top hole 45 and a bottom hole 50. In one embodiment, the top hole 45 is positioned at the optical center of the riflescope concentric to the objective lens. The bottom hole 50 is preferably positioned below the top hole 45. In one embodiment, the bottom hole 50 serves as an interface with the cap plug 55 (as discussed above) and remains connected to the bottom plug 65 even when the top hole 45 is left open.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in a protective position 3a. The zero cap 2 is fully connected, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5. The aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20. Tn one embodiment, the cap plug 55 is connected to the aperture cap 35 in such a manner that does not leave any holes on the aperture cap 35 exposed and open. In this position, the zero cap 2 is serving its protective function.

[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in a zero position 3b. The zero cap 2 is fully connected, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5. The aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20. In one embodiment, the cap plug 55 is connected to the aperture cap 35 in such a manner that leaves the top hole 45 of the aperture cap 35 open. In this position, the zero cap 2 is serving its alignment function.

[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates the zero cap 2 (from FIG. 2) in use in an open position 3c. The zero cap 2 is fully connected but is not in fully closed as shown in FIG. 2. The base 20 is connected to the riflescope 5. The aperture cap 35 is hingedly connected to the base 20. In one embodiment, and as illustrated here, the aperture cap 35 has rotated about the hinge pin 70 in such a way to leave the opening 25 of the base 20 and the opening 10 of the riflescope 5 fully accessible and open. The cap plug 55, not fully shown here, is connected to the aperture cap 25. In one embodiment, the top plug 60 is fully integrated with the top hole 45 of the aperture cap 25, and the bottom plug 65 is fully integrated with the bottom hole 50 of the aperture cap 25. In this position, the zero cap 2 is serving its open function, and a firearm may be fired.

[0066] All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described compositions and methods of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize at once that it would be possible to construct the present invention from a variety of materials and in a variety of different ways. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. While the preferred embodiments have been described in detail, and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modification are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in marksmanship, computers or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.