US20120180370A1

US20120180370A1 - Gun sight flashlight adapter

Info

Publication number: US20120180370A1
Application number: US13/287,764
Authority: US
Inventors: Nicholas Richard McKinley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-13
Filing date: 2011-11-02
Publication date: 2012-07-19

Abstract

A gun sight flashlight adapter and improvement thereof, includes an upper sight portion with a sight post disposed between two sight guards and a middle sight portion adjacent to the upper sight portion, the middle sight portion defining an aperture having a diameter that is at least two hundred percent larger than the height of the sight post. The gun sight flashlight adapter also having a lower sight portion adjacent to the middle sight portion shaped to mechanically couple the gun sight flashlight adapter with a firearm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/461,057, titled “Universal Flashlight Sight” and filed Jan. 13, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adaptable gun sight, and more particularly relates to an adaptable gun sight that is couplable to and provides unrestricted use of a flashlight or other light-emitting device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weapons, specifically firearms, are used by many people for a variety of reasons, including hunting, sport, combat, personal protection, and law enforcement. As these firearms are deadly and require precision between the firearm and its target, most known firearms have sights to achieve such precise targeting. A majority of known sites are fixed sights, which are permanently affixed to the firearm and are not adjustable in terms of their location on the firearm. Other known sights are adjustable and come in a variety of forms, having adjustability, both horizontally and vertically, with reference to the firearm. Known sight types are “iron” sights, a system of alignment markers, or “non-iron” sights, such as those using optics or lasers. Some known handguns and rifles also utilize reflector sights or telescopic sights, for long range targeting. None of the known sight types provide the ability to efficiently adapt/couple a flashlight to the firearm without jeopardizing the utility of the firearm.
Generally, iron sights include a front sight and a rear sight. To achieve an accurate target, a user will align the rear sight and the front sight post with the distant target before firing the weapon. During the initial setup, the user will make a test shot of the weapon and, based upon the location of the impact, make adjustments accordingly to the sights or sight post at the end of the barrel. Once proper alignment is determined, the sites are locked into position.
In scenarios where environmental lighting conditions are not favorable, such as indoors or at night, a user may desire to have the option to illuminate the trajectory focal point of the weapon, while maintaining the accuracy in targeting. Illuminating the target location also provides safety to the user, of potential fire and others in the line, and allows the user to engage the target he or she desires. To this end, many prior-art devices have been designed with the intention of coupling an illuminating light source, e.g., a flashlight to various locations on a firearm. These locations include the grip, the barrel, and the hand guard of the firearm. When coupled to the barrel or hand guard, the flashlight can be positioned either in front of or behind the distal sighting mechanism.
One such distally-mounted sight is shown in the perspective partial view of FIG. 1. Here, the distally-mounted sight 102 is coupled to a hand guard 104 that surrounds a barrel 106 of a rifle. A light source 108, which is a flashlight in FIG. 1, is mounted proximally to the distally-mounted sight 102, meaning that the sight 102 is located between the flashlight 108 and the firing-end of the firearm. Because of the construction of prior-art sights 102, when the flashlight 108 is mounted linearly proximal to the sighting mechanism 102, light 110 transmitted from the flashlight 108, as is shown in FIG. 2, is obstructed completely or to the point such that the emitted light is of no utility. Moreover, when the sight 102 is positioned as in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light 110 transmitted from the flashlight 108 is not only impaired, it produces shadows around the sight 102 that prevents or reduces the ability of a user to focus effectively, decreasing the accuracy of the weapon and, in some cases creating extreme danger for the shooter.
Those known weapons having a sight and utilizing a flashlight 108 that do not mount directly linearly proximal the sighting mechanism 102, mount a flashlight 108 laterally, as shown in FIG. 3, or on the bottom of the weapon, as shown in FIG. 4. Both. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate that those flashlights 108 are mounted on the hand guard 104 of a firearm, or more specifically a hand guard rail, which is described further below. Mounting the flashlight 108 laterally or on the bottom a. weapon having sights affects the firearm from being utilized in a variety of shooting positions. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a rifle 502 having a flashlight 108 mounted on the side of the rifle 502 that could potentially interfere with a structure to the right of the rifle 502, or if the flashlight 108 was mounted on the left, a structure to the left. A flashlight 108 mounted to the side of a weapon and contacting a structure to the left or right, as shown in FIG. 5, can prevent the shooter from utilizing the flashlight and the sight simultaneously without having to place him in danger.
FIG. 6 illustrates how a flashlight 108 mounted on the bottom of weapon, specifically a hand guard 104, affects a user's ability to place the weapon on a solid structure to level the firearm and optimally utilize the flashlight 108. As shown, the structure either partially or completely blocks the light generated by the flashlight 108.
FIGS. 3-6 also illustrate how those known weapons having sights and utilizing flashlights laterally or on the bottom of the weapon also interfere with the user's ability to grip the firearm properly. As the accuracy of the weapon is dependent on how steady the weapon is when fired, the safety of both the user and those in the surrounding area are affected by those firearms mounting flashlights laterally or on the bottom of firearm or the hand guard 104, where the weapon is typically held. Lastly, those known firearms that have alternatives to viewing a target with accuracy in poorly lighted areas, generally utilize lasers or infrared technology, which can be quite costly.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a gun sight flashlight adapter that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provides a gun sight that works in conjunction with and does not inhibit a flashlight coupled to a firearm.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a gun sight flashlight adapter includes a body defining an upper target alignment portion including a sight post, a coupling portion shaped to mechanically couple the body to a firearm, and an aperture positioned between the upper target alignment portion and the coupling portion, wherein the aperture is shaped to accept a light-output portion of a flashlight.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the aperture is sized to allow more than approximately 85% of a light output from the flashlight to pass therethrough.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the aperture is sized to allow sufficient light generated by the flashlight to pass through and illuminate at least 10% of a human-sized target at least 10 feet from the battery-powered light source.
In accordance with yet one more feature of the present invention, a first sight-post protector member is provided at the upper target alignment portion and a second sight-post protector member is provided at the upper target alignment portion, wherein the sight post is positioned between the first sight-post protector member and the second sight-post protector member.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the coupling portion is shaped to mechanically couple to a hand guard of the firearm.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the mechanical coupling between the coupling portion and the hand guard is a slidable engagement.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a gun sight flashlight adapter with an upper sight portion that includes a sight post, a lower sight portion shaped to mechanically couple the gun sight flashlight adapter to a firearm, and a middle sight portion disposed between the upper sight portion and the lower sight portion. The middle sight portion defines an aperture, where the aperture transmits light output from a battery-powered light source and has a diameter that is at least 200% larger than a height of the sight post.
In accordance with one more feature of the present invention, the upper sight portion includes a left sight guard and a right sight guard having the sight post disposed between the left and right sight guards.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the lower sight portion is shaped to mechanically couple to a barrel of the firearm.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes, in combination with a rifle assembly comprising a barrel, a hand guard surrounding at least a portion of the barrel, and a battery-powered light source coupled to the hand guard, a gun sight flashlight adapter that includes a first sight portion having a left sight guard, a right sight guard, and a sight post disposed between the left sight guard and the right sight guard. A second sight portion is disposed adjacent the first sight portion and defines an aperture shaped to receive at least a portion of the battery-powered light source.
In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a third sight portion shaped to mechanically couple the gun sight flashlight adapter to a firearm.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a gun sight flashlight adapter, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two, or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. The terns “approximately” is also defined herein to mean almost exact or closely resembling. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction along the barrel of a firearm or weapon to which the gun sight flashlight adapter is attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a rifle barrel with a prior-art gun sight coupled to a hand guard rail of the rifle with a flashlight also coupled to the upper portion of the hand guard rail and being proximally located relative to the gun sight;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prior-art gun sight of FIG. 1 with the flashlight turned on and the gun sight obstructing most of the light emitted from the proximally-located flashlight.

FIG. 3 is a downward-looking partial perspective view of a gun sight coupled to a hand guard rail of a rifle and a flashlight coupled to a side portion of the hand rail;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a gun sight coupled to a hand guard rail of a rifle and a flashlight coupled to a bottom portion of the hand guard rail;

FIG. 5 is partial perspective view of a barrel of a rifle with a gun sight coupled to a hand guard rail of the rifle and a flashlight coupled to a side portion of the hand guard rail, the mounted flashlight being partially blocked by a wall when the sight is aligned on a potential target;

FIG. 6 is partial perspective view of a barrel of a rifle with a gun sight coupled to a hand guard rail of the rifle and a. flashlight coupled to a side portion of the hand guard rail, the flashlight being partially blocked by a wall when the gun sight is aligned with a potential target;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a proximally-facing face of a gun sight flashlight adapter in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a distally-facing face of the gun sight flashlight adapter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a rifle barrel with the gun sight flashlight adapter of FIGS. 1 and 2 coupled to a hand guard of the rifle with a flashlight also coupled to the upper portion of the hand guard and being proximally located relative to the gun sight;

FIG. 10 is a partial, elevational side view of the gun sight flashlight adapter and flashlight of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 cross-sectional fragmentary, elevational side view of the gun sight flashlight adapter and flashlight of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides a novel gun sight flashlight adapter that attaches to a weapon, specifically a firearm, e.g., a rifle, allowing a user to efficiently and effectively illuminate the surrounding area and, particularly, the intended target, while ensuring that firearm is properly aligned with the intended target. The gun sight flashlight adapter allows a user to achieve the desired illumination while maintaining the accuracy of the gun by preserving its sighting mechanism without compromising the safety and utility of the firearm. The present invention allows the user to hold and operate the firearm without the flashlight interfering with the sights, the user's grip on the firearm, or the surrounding environment. The invention can be provided in various embodiments allowing it to be coupled to a variety of weapons, specifically firearms such as rifles, shotguns, or even handguns. Other possible embodiments allow the attachment to weapons, such as a cross bow. Unless otherwise stated herein, “firearm” is defined to mean a weapon from which a projectile is discharged. Such definition includes weapons such as revolvers, rifles, crossbows, and others.
Referring now to FIG. 7, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an elevational partial edge view. FIG. 7 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. As shown, one embodiment of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 has a body 716 that includes three portions: (1) an upper sight portion 702, also referred to herein as the upper target alignment portion or first sight portion, (2) a lower sight portion 706, also referred to herein as the coupling portion or third sight portion, and (3) a middle sight portion 704, also referred to herein as the second sight portion. For illustrative purposes, the imaginary intersecting lines 708 a-b shown in FIG. 7 approximately define boundaries between the upper, middle, and lower portions.
The illustrated embodiment of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 is described generally herein as having three portions making up the body 716, but, with the exception of a sight post 710, is a single piece of material and, in accordance with one embodiment, formed from a single piece of plastic, composite, or ferrous material to maintain durability and integrity. Other embodiments of the present invention may couple the portions together individually to create a body assembly.
The upper sight portion 702 has the sight post 710, disposed between a left sight guard 712, also referred to herein as the first sight-post protector member, and the right sight guard 714, also referred to herein as the second sight-post protector member. The sight post 710 provides the user with a guide for lining up the barrel of the gun with the intended target and the sight guards 712, 714 protect the sight post 710. In particular, the sight guards 712, 714 protect the sight post 710 from physical contact with other objects, thereby preserving the integrity and alignment of the sight post 710. in one embodiment of the invention, as shown, the sight guards 712, 714 extend away from the middle sight portion 704 a distance greater than a distance the sight post 710 extends away from the middle sight portion 704, i.e., the sight guards 712, 714 are taller than the sight post 710. In other embodiments of the present invention, the left sight guard 712 and right sight guard 714 may connect to each other, surrounding the sight post 710 from the top as well as the sides.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention, the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 has a lower sight portion 706 that is shaped to mechanically couple the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 to the body 904 of a firearm 900, shown in FIG. 9. The term “body,” as used herein and as it relates to the firearm 900, is intended to indicate any portion of a firearm 900 capable of physically coupling to the gun site adapter 100, including a barrel 106 and a hand guard 104. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 9, the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 is attached to the hand guard 104 of the firearm 900 using the lower sight portion 706 of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700. In one embodiment, the lower sight portion 706 is slidably-engaged along the hand guard rail 906, which has a track 910 that engages with a groove 808 formed in the lower sight portion 706 of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700.
A fastener 902 selectively couples the lower sight portion 706 to the hand guard 104 at any location along the hand guard rail 906. In one embodiment, the fastener 902 is a bolt, but any other fastening mechanism can be used. In other embodiments, the lower sight portion 706 may be coupled directly to the hand guard rail 906 without being slidably-engaged. In still other embodiments, the lower sight portion 706 can be mechanically coupled directly to the barrel 106 of the firearm 900.
Referring still to FIG. 9, a flashlight 108 is also shown coupled to the hand guard rail 906. The flashlight 108 is of the type found in the prior art and features a lower portion 908 that also engages with the track 910 and can be selectively positioned at any location along the hand guard 104. The flashlight 108 features a light-generating portion 914, which usually includes the power supply, e.g., batteries, and a light-output portion 912, which broadcasts the light generated by the light-generating portion 914. One exemplary flashlight is from the WEAPONLIGHTS product line manufactured by SUREFIRE, LLC of Fountain Valley, Calif.
Referring to FIGS. 7 8. and 9, it can be seen that the middle sight portion 704 of the gun sight 700 defines an aperture 718. It can be seen that the aperture 718 is positioned, between, and adjacent to, the upper sight portion 702 and, as shown in FIG. 9. “Aperture” is defined herein as an opening allowing light to pass through or an opening in a structure that transmits light. In one embodiment, the aperture 718 is positioned directly in line with the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108. in other embodiments, the flashlight 108 defines the aperture 718 with its outer body and transmits light output generated by a battery-powered light source, as discussed below. “Adjacent,” is defined herein as sharing a border with or immediately following a border of a surface or referenced area.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the middle sight portion 704 is separate and apart from the flashlight 108 and is shaped to accept the light-output portion 912 of a flashlight 108 in a coupling fashion. In other words, the shape of the light-output portion 912 mates with the shape of the aperture 718. Importantly, having the aperture 718 at a position below and adjacent to the upper sight portion 702 allows the user to utilize the flashlight 108 to illuminate the surrounding areas, without jeopardizing the effectiveness and utility of sighting mechanism. More specifically, having an iron sight available to the user in combination with a flashlight 108, gives the user the ability to illuminate a low lit environment, and at a moment's notice, effectively aim at potential targets that cannot be seen with the naked eye or illuminated sufficiently with a laser or other specialized low/no-light aiming devices. Because of this alignment between the aperture 718 and light-output portion 912, advantageously, and for the first time, a gun site provides a passageway for allowing light generated by a light source to pass through the gun site in an unobstructed manner. With this configuration, a user can utilize the full the power of the flashlight 108 to illuminate the target while ensuring an accurate shot with the gun site post 710.
In accordance with one embodiment, to accept the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108 and to allow a sufficient amount of light generated by the light-generating portion 914 of the flashlight 108 to pass through the gun sight flashlight adapter 700, the aperture 718 is a diameter 804 that is at least 200% larger than the height 806 of the sight post 710. “Diameter,” as it relates to the aperture 718, is defined herein as a distance of a straight line passing from side-to-side of the inner surfaces, through the aperture's 802 center.
Referring back to FIG. 7, it can also be seen that the proximally-facing face of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700, or the face shaped to accept the light-output portion 912, will generally form the shape of a circle having a diameter 804. There may be portions of the middle sight portion 704 that will be shaped to fit and secure the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108. The middle sight portion 704, defining the aperture 718, can also be seen to have two steps 720 a and 720 b that engage with the face 918 of the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108 and prevents the light-output portion 912 from translating longitudinally in the direction of the distal end of the barrel 106. In one embodiment, the middle sight portion 704 will have both steps 720 a and 720 b. In other embodiments, the middle sight portion 704 will have only one step 720 or will have no steps. As shown in FIG. 8, the distally-facing face of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 will riot be in the shape of a circle, if there is one or two steps 207 a-b, but if an embodiment of the invention has no steps 207 a-b, the distally-facing face can be in the general shape of a circle. In further embodiments of the present invention, the middle sight portion 704 has set screws through the sides that engage and secure the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108 when inserted therein.
To assure the user of the firearm 900 can optimally illuminate the surrounding areas, the aperture 718 is sized to allow at least approximately eighty-five percent (85%) of the light output from the flashlight 108. In other embodiments, the aperture 718 may be shaped to allow less than approximately eighty-five percent (85%) of light thereto, but optimum effectiveness of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 may be decreased. Moreover, to achieve optimum effectiveness of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700, the aperture 718 is further sized to allow sufficient light generated by the flashlight 108 to pass through and illuminate at least ten percent (10%) of a. human-sized target at least ten (10) feet from the flashlight 108. In other embodiments, the aperture 718 size may be decreased such that the light generated by the flashlight 108 not illuminate at least ten percent (10%) of a human-sized target at least ten (10) feet away, but the optimum effectiveness of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 may be decreased.
Although the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 is preferred to be used with a battery-powered light source such as a flashlight 108, such as the one shown in FIG. 9, the firearm 900 may be used effectively without the flashlight 108 attached. The user may still adjust the sight post 710 to the desired position, or may uncouple the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 entirely, and use the firearm's 900 original sighting mechanism. To maintain the ability for the user to effectively utilize the sighting system, the sight post 710 is adjustable through a set screw 810 on the front of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700. In other embodiments, the sight post 710 may be adjusted by screwing the sight post 710 to a desired position or the sight post 710 may be fixed without being adjustable. While used in combination with the gun sight flashlight adapter 700, the flashlight 108 will be coupled to the hand guard rail 906 and slid in position such that it engages with the aperture 718. Generally, the battery-powered light source, such as a flashlight 108, will have the ability to couple with the hand guard rail 906, but one embodiment of the present invention gives the user the ability to attach the flashlight 108 directly to the aperture 718, without being coupled to the hand guard rail 906.
Now referring to FIG. 10, which shows an embodiment of the present invention from an elevational side view, the flashlight 108 can be seen nested within and coupled to the gun sight flashlight adapter 700. FIG. 11 also illustrates the flashlight 108 nested within and coupled to the gun sight flashlight adapter 700. The gun sight flashlight adapter 700 and the flashlight 108 are each coupled to the hand guard 104 as well. As shown in FIG. 11, the aperture 718 is shaped. to fit and engage the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108. Also shown is the face 918 of the light-output portion 912 flush against two steps 720 a-b. In one embodiment, the aperture 110 will be shaped, and not necessarily in the shape of circle, to it a width 916 of the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108. Referring briefly back to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the present invention, the overall height 722 and width 724 of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 is approximately two inches and two-thirds of an inch, respectively. In other embodiments, the height 722 and width 724 may be greater or less than two inches and two-thirds of an inch, respectively.
Although the middle sight portion 704 has been described in one embodiment as defining an aperture 718 separate and apart from the flashlight 108, but shaped to tit and engage with the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108, another embodiment of invention involves the middle sight portion 704 combined with the flashlight 108 in one piece. In such an embodiment, and still within the spirit and scope of the invention, the middle sight portion 704, includes a portion of the flashlight 108 creating the aperture 1100, as shown in FIG. 11. The upper sight portion 702 is still positioned above the middle sight portion 704 along the top of the flashlight 108. Therefore, the aperture 1100 transmits light generated by the light-generating portion 914 of a battery-powered light source, such as a flashlight 108. Similarly, the aperture transmits more than approximately 85% of the light output from the battery-powered light source, such as a flashlight 108. To still achieve the desired utility of the flashlight 108 and the firearm 900, the aperture 1100, as shown in FIG. 11, also transmits sufficient light generated by the battery-powered light source, such as the flashlight 108, to pass through and illuminate at least 10% of a human-sized target at least 10 feet from the flashlight 108, but preferably more than 10% and preferably farther than 10 feet.
In yet another embodiment, the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 does not have a lower sight portion 706 or if a lower sight portion 706 is present, it is not coupled to the body 904 of the firearm 900. In such an embodiment, the middle sight portion 704 is only coupled to the light-output portion 912 of the flashlight 108, as discussed below. The present invention, for the first time, provides those weapons having a fixed light-output portion 912 with the ability to adapt the weapon with a sighting mechanism. For optimum stability, the preferred embodiment of the gun sight flashlight adapter 700 is to have the lower sight portion 706 coupled to the hand. guard 104 in combination with the flashlight 108 coupled to the hand guard 104.
A gun sight flashlight adapter has been disclosed that features an upper sight portion having a sight post so that a user may accurately shoot at his or her intended target, a middle sight portion adjacent to the upper sight portion defining an aperture. The aperture provides a space for the user to input a light-output portion of a flashlight such that the user may illuminate the surrounding area while maintaining the sighting mechanism. The gun sight flashlight adapter also features a lower sight portion giving the user to couple the adapter to the body or hand guard of a firearm, securing fastening the adapter, when desired.

Claims

1. A gun sight flashlight adapter comprising:

a body defining:

an upper target alignment portion including a sight post;

a coupling portion shaped to mechanically couple the body to a firearm; and

an aperture positioned between the upper target alignment portion and the coupling portion, wherein the aperture is shaped to accept a light-output portion of a flashlight.

2. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 1, wherein:

the aperture is sized to allow more than approximately 85% of a light output from the flashlight to pass therethrough.

3. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 1, wherein:

the aperture is sized to allow sufficient light generated by the flashlight to pass through and illuminate at least 10% of a human-sized target at least 10 feet from the battery-powered light source.

4. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first sight-post protector member at the upper target alignment portion and a second sight-post protector member at the upper target alignment portion, wherein the sight post is positioned between the first sight-post protector member and the second sight-post protector member.

5. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 1, wherein:

the coupling portion is shaped to mechanically couple to a hand guard of the firearm.

6. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 5, wherein:

the mechanical coupling between the coupling portion and the hand guard is a slidable engagement.

7. A gun sight flashlight adapter comprising:

an upper sight portion including a sight post;

a lower sight portion shaped to mechanically couple the gun sight flashlight adapter to a firearm; and

a middle sight portion disposed between the upper sight portion and the lower sight portion, the middle sight portion defining an aperture, the aperture:

transmitting light output from a battery-powered light source; and

having a diameter that is at least 200% larger than a height of the sight post.

8. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 7, wherein the upper sight portion comprises:

a left sight guard and a right sight guard having the sight post disposed between the left and right sight guards.

9. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 7, wherein:

the aperture transmits more than approximately 85% of the light output from the battery-powered light source.

10. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 7, wherein:

the aperture transmits sufficient light generated by the battery-powered light source to pass through and illuminate at least 10% of a human-sized target at least 10 feet from the battery-powered light source.

11. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 7, wherein:

the lower sight portion is shaped to mechanically couple to a hand guard of the firearm.

12. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 11, wherein:

the mechanical coupling between the lower sight portion and the hand guard is a slidable engagement.

13. The gun sight flashlight adapter according to claim 7, wherein:

the lower sight portion is shaped to mechanically couple to a barrel of the firearm.

14. In combination with a rifle assembly comprising a barrel, a hand guard surrounding at least a portion of the barrel, and a battery-powered light source coupled to the hand guard, the improvement comprising:

a gun sight flashlight adapter including:

a first sight portion including:

a left sight guard;

a right sight guard; and

a sight post disposed between the left sight guard and the right sight guard; and

a second sight portion disposed adjacent the first sight portion and defining an aperture shaped to receive at least a portion of the battery-powered light source.

15. The combination of claim 14, further comprising:

a third sight portion shaped to mechanically couple the gun sight flashlight adapter to a firearm.

16. The combination of claim 14, wherein:

the aperture is sized to allow more than approximately 85% of a light output from the battery-powered light source to pass therethrough.

17. The combination of claim 14, wherein:

the aperture is sized to allow sufficient light generated by the battery-powered light source to pass through and illuminate at least 10% of a human-sized target at least 10 feet from the battery-powered light source.

18. The combination of claim 14, wherein:

the third sight portion is shaped to mechanically couple to a hand guard of the firearm.

19. The combination of claim 18, wherein:

the mechanical coupling between the third sight portion and the hand guard is a slidable engagement.

20. The combination of claim 14, wherein:

the aperture has a diameter that is at least 200% larger than a height of the sight post.