Range finder

• US 6,988,331 B2
• Filed: 08/14/2003
• Issued: 01/24/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Larry Holmberg
• Original Assignee: Larry Holmberg
• Inventors: Holmberg, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): ELDRED, JOHN W
• Application Number:
  US10/641,169
• Publication Number:
  US 20040079018A1
• Time in Patent Office: 894 Days
• Field of Search: 421/19, 421/42, 421/14, 421/17, 89/410.6, 89/411.7, 332/45, 332/46
• US Class Current: 42/142
• CPC Class Codes: F41C 27/00 Accessories; Details or attachments not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/473 for lead-indicating or range-finding, e.g. for use with rifles or shotguns
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 3/06 with rangefinder rangefinders per se G01C

Abstract

A range finder for hunting applications. In one embodiment, a method of using a range finder is disclosed. The method comprises coupling the range finder to a weapon having an associated scope. Positioning at least part of a display of the range finder in front of a select portion of the associated scope. Activating the range finder. Determining the distance to a target and displaying the distance to the target through optics of the scope.

Claims

1. A method of using a range finder, the method comprising:

coupling the range finder to a weapon having an associated scope, the rangefinder and the scope being physically separate operating devices;

positioning at least part of a display of the range finder in front of a select portion of the associated scope;

activating the range finder;

determining the distance to a target; and

displaying the distance to the target through optics of the scope.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying the distance to the target outside the optics of the scope.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the range finder is coupled to the scope.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

transmitting a laser signal to the target;

bouncing the laser signal off of the target;

receiving the laser signal after it has been reflected back from the object;

calculating the transmission time of the laser signal; and

using the transmission time to determine the distance to the target.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

wherein the distance to the target is displayed on a display.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

clearing the display after a select amount of time.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

when the select amount of time has not passed, monitoring for an activation signal;

when an activation signal is detected, determining the distance to a target; and

displaying the distance to the target.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the select amount of time is approximately 30 seconds.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

depressing an activation button to produce an activation signal.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

monitoring for the activation signal; and

when an activation signal is received, determining the distance to a target.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

coupling a remote control unit that includes the activation button to a forearm of the weapon for easy activation of the rangefinder during use of the weapon.