OPTICAL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

• US 3,641,675 A
• Filed: 07/14/1969
• Issued: 02/15/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Buford H. Funk Jr
• Original Assignee: Buford H. Funk Jr
• Inventors: Funk, Buford H. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Forman, Leonard
• Assistant Examiner(s): Stephan, Steven L.
• Application Number:
  US04/841,443
• Time in Patent Office: 946 Days
• Field of Search: 33/46A,46R,46AS,46G,63,64R 356/140,142,247
• US Class Current: 33/265
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/467 for bows

Abstract

An alignment system employing a round, transparent cylinder with indices marked on diametrically opposite surfaces, which when viewed at an angle to the surface provide a magnified indication of coincidence or proximity to coincidence of the eye with a plane of symmetry through the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and indices.

Claims

1. An alignment system (for determining when a viewing objeCt is within at least one plane,) comprising at least one alignment assembly (in turn) comprising:

A. an elongated cylinder of transparent material having a longitudinal axis (at least) and first and second elongated diametrically opposite surface regions, said second surface region being (a curved surface region having a convex curvature) convexly curved with respect to said axis and extending symmetrically (and perpendicularly from a straight line, said straight line being parallel to the longitudinal axis of said cylinder;

) about a plane which includes said axis;

B. a first index comprising a visible marking extending longitudinally along said cylinder (and within said first surface region;

) on said first surface region and being symmetrical about said plane, and C. a second index (defined by said straight line extending) positioned (longitudinally along said cylinder) at the intersection of said second surface region and said plane, whereby said (one) plane (is indicated by a plane of symmetry in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder, said first index, and said second index, and whereby said first index is magnified by said curved surface of said second surface region when said first index is viewed through said second surface region) can be aligned to include an observer by aligning said first and second indexes with said observer, and wherein said second surface region is sufficiently curved to give a visible magnification to said first index when said first and second indexes and said observer are aligned.

2. An alignment system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a second said alignment assembly, said second alignment assembly being positioned whereby (said viewing object is determinable to be along) the condition of alignment of said viewing object with respect to a line corresponding to the intersection of said planes of symmetry of said alignment assembly and said second alignment assembly can be determined.

3. An alignment system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first surface region is a convex curved surface region having a surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of said cylinder.

4. An alignment system as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a third said alignment assembly wherein said alignment assemblies are separated and oriented wherein the planes of symmetry of said alignment assembly;

said second alignment assembly and said third alignment assembly intersect at a point in space whereby a viewing body may be precisely positioned at said point in space by observation of said alignment assemblies.

5. An alignment system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first index comprises at least two visible lines, which two lines cross at a point within said plane of symmetry.

6. An alignment system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second indices each comprises at least one straight line formed in said first curved surface region and within said plane of symmetry respectively.

7. An alignment system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second index is a visible line formed in said second surface and within said plane of symmetry.

8. An alignment system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first index comprises a plurality of lines symmetrically positioned with respect to said plane of symmetry and wherein at least one of said lines is within said plane of symmetry.

9. An alignment system as set forth in claim 8 wherein there are at least three lines and said lines are parallel.

10. An alignment system as set forth in claim 8 wherein at least two of said lines intersect a third said line at a point within said plane of symmetry.

11. An alignment system as set forth in claim 6 wherein said second index comprises an enclosed visible figure symmetrically positioned at said second surface and symmetrically positioned with respect to said plane of symmetry.

12. An alignment system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first index is a broken visible line.

13. An alignment system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising mounting means for mounting a said alignment assembly upon an implement.

14. An alignment system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for mounting comprises means for selectively orienting said alignment wherein a selected reference plane is provided and a reference for a viewing body in space with respect to said implement.

15. An alignment system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said means for mounting comprises means for rotating said cylinder with respect to its longitudinal axis.

16. An alignment system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said means for mounting comprise:

A. first mounting means connected to a said alignment assembly and including means for selectively orienting a said alignment assembly with respect to said first mounting means and including first position locking means;

B. second mounting means including means for permanently mounting said second mounting means to an implement and including second position locking means for mating with said first locking means of said first mounting means wherein when said first and second mounting means are interconnected the orientation of said alignment assembly is maintained with repeated removal and attachment of said first mounting means to said second mounting means;

C. fastening means for rigidly fastening together said first and second mounting means.

17. An alignment system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said first mounting means include an L-shaped member and an attachment member, one end of said L-shaped member being affixed axially to one end of a said cylinder and the other end of said L-shaped member being adjustably affixed to said attachment member wherein said cylinder can be oriented with respect to said attachment member wherein said cylinder can be oriented with respect to said attachment member, and, said fastening means interconnects said attachment member and said second mounting means.

18. An alignment system as set forth in claim 14 further comprising an archery bow and said implement is said archery bow.