Optical imaging device for firearm scope attachment

• US 6,539,661 B2
• Filed: 01/11/2001
• Issued: 04/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard W. Hope
• Original Assignee: Richard W. Hope
• Inventors: Hope, Richard W.
• Primary Examiner(s): JOHNSON, STEPHEN
• Application Number:
  US09/757,481
• Publication Number:
  US 20020002788A1
• Time in Patent Office: 810 Days
• Field of Search: 421/19, 421/20, 421/31, 89/410.5, 89/411.7
• US Class Current: 42/119
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 27/00 Accessories; Details or attachments not otherwise provided for

Abstract

The present optical imaging device comprises an electro-optical recording device, such as a digital still camera, videotape recorder, etc, physically and optically connected to the scope sight of a firearm. The scope may be provided with a half silvered mirror at the eyepiece, which reflects a portion of the image passing through the scope to the axially offset recording device. The user of the firearm and optical system may thus continue to view the image through the scope. Other embodiments provide a small, light weight micro camera fitted to the scope eyepiece, with the camera receiving the image from the eyepiece and providing that image to the user through a rearward viewing screen. A switch may be provided to operate the system upon trigger actuation, or independently of the firearm trigger. The system is particularly valuable in sighting in a weapon or harmlessly capturing an image of an animal.

Claims

1. An optical imaging device in combination with a hand held trigger actuated firearm having a magnifying scope sight with an eyepiece, comprising:

a hand held trigger actuated firearm;

a magnifying scope sight with an eyepiece attached to said firearm;

electronic optical imaging and recording means communicating with the eyepiece of the scope, and receiving a visual image therefrom;

said electronic optical imaging and recording means further including means aligned concentrically with the eyepiece of the scope for providing a visual image therefrom to a user of the firearm; and

actuation means for automatically operating said electronic optical imaging and recording means;

wherein said actuation means is selected from the group of a microswitch disposed behind the trigger of the firearm and a supplemental electrical switch remotely located from the trigger of the firearm.

2. The optical imaging device according to claim 1, further including means for removably attaching said electronic optical imaging and recording means to the scope of the firearm.

3. The optical imaging device according to claim 1, wherein said electronic optical imaging and recording means further comprises:

a housing including a scope eyepiece attachment portion for securing concentrically to the eyepiece of the scope, and a camera holder portion radially offset from said scope eyepiece attachment portion;

wherein said means for providing a visual image is a rearwardly disposed viewing port formed within said scope eyepiece attachment portion of said housing;

a half silvered mirror disposed within said scope eyepiece attachment portion of said housing and positioned behind the eyepiece of the scope and in front of said viewing port, for transmitting a portion of the light from the scope to said camera holder portion of said housing and further passing a portion of the light therethrough to said viewing port; and

an electronic optical recording device disposed within said camera holder portion of said housing, and optically aligned with said half silvered mirror for receiving and recording an optical image reflected therefrom.

4. The optical imaging device according to claim 3, wherein said electronic optical recording device is selected from the group consisting of digital still cameras and videotape recording devices.

5. The optical imaging device according to claim 1, wherein said electronic optical imaging and recording means further comprises:

an electronic optical image receiving device disposed concentrically with the eyepiece of the scope, for receiving an optical image therefrom;

wherein said means for providing a visual image is a viewing screen rearwardly disposed with said electronic optical image receiving device, for viewing the optical image passing through the eyepiece of the scope; and

an electronic optical recording device remotely disposed from said electronic optical image receiving device and communicating therewith.

6. The optical imaging device according to claim 5, wherein said electronic optical image receiving device further comprises a micro camera.