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Sight enhancer

11085734 · 2021-08-10

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    A sight enhancer for an open front sight of a firearm, the sight enhancer having a body wherein the body is selectively securable relative to an open front sight wherein the sight enhancer can be selectively installed and removed from the open front sight to allow for an elevation adjustment of the front sight, the body having a front and a rear wherein the rear faces the rear sight of the firearm, the body further including a sun shade that extends at least partially about a front sight post of the front sight, the sun shade having a top sun shade portion, a first side sun shade portion and a second side sun shade portion that is opposite of the first side shade portion, the sight enhancer further includes one or more securing arrangements for the selective secureability to the open front sight, and a method of using the same.

    Claims

    1. A sight enhancer for an open front sight of a firearm, the sight enhancer comprising a body wherein the body is selectively securable directly to an associated open front sight of an associated firearm wherein the sight enhancer is operable to be selectively installed and removed from the associated open front sight to allow for an elevation adjustment of the associated open front sight, the body having a front and a rear wherein the rear faces an associated rear sight of the associated firearm, the body further including a sun shade that extends at least partially about an associated front sight post of the associated open front sight, the sun shade having a top sun shade portion, a first side sun shade portion and a second side sun shade portion that is opposite of the first side sun shade portion, the sight enhancer further includes one or more securing arrangements for the selective secureability directly to the associated open front sight; the body further comprising a vertically extending panel that includes an enhancer opening extending therethrough, the enhancer opening having an inward opening shape that extends around an opening axis, the enhancer opening extending completely around the opening axis.

    2. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more securing arrangements secures the vertically extending panel to the associated open front sight and wherein the sight enhancer is held in place by the vertically extending panel, the sun shade extending from the vertically extending panel.

    3. The sight enhancer according to claim 2, wherein the one or more securing arrangements includes at least one flange extending from the vertically extending panel.

    4. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more securing arrangements includes a securing strap and one or more tie apertures in the vertically extending panel that are shaped to receive the securing strap.

    5. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the sun shade extends perpendicularly from the vertically extending panel and is spaced from the enhancer opening.

    6. The sight enhancer according to claim 5, wherein the inward opening shape is round.

    7. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the vertically extending panel is joined directly to the sun shade and is a unified panel with the enhancer opening extending through the unified panel and the enhancer opening being spaced from the sun shade, the one or more securing arrangements for the selective secureability directly to the associated open front sight selectively securing the vertically extending panel directly to the front sight and the sun shade extending from the vertically extending panel.

    8. The sight enhancer according to claim 7, wherein the vertically extending panel is perpendicular to a sight line formed by the associated front and rear sights.

    9. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the vertically extending panel is perpendicular to a sight line formed by the associated front and rear sights.

    10. The sight enhancer according to claim 9, wherein the opening axis is coaxial with the sight line formed by the associated front and rear sights.

    11. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more securing arrangements includes a securing strap and includes at least one of a tie opening and a tie slot in the vertically extending panel operable to hold the securing strap relative to the vertically extending panel, the securing strap extending about at least a portion of the associated front sight and the sight enhancer to selectively secure the vertically extending panel of the sight enhancer against the associated front sight.

    12. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more securing arrangements includes a securing strap, the securing strap operable to urge the vertically extending panel against the associated front sight to selectively secure the vertically extending panel against the associated front sight, the sun shade being spaced from the front sight.

    13. The sight enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more securing arrangements urges a panel surface of the vertically extending panel against the associated front sight to selectively secure the vertically extending panel of the sight enhancer against the associated front sight, the sight enhancer being spaced from an associated barrel of the associated firearm.

    14. A sight enhancer for an open front sight of a firearm, the sight enhancer comprising a body wherein the body is selectively securable relative to an associated open front sight of an associated firearm wherein the sight enhancer can be selectively installed and removed from the associated open front sight to allow for an elevation adjustment of the associated open front sight, the body having a front and a rear wherein the rear faces an associated rear sight of the associated firearm, the body further including a sun shade that extends at least partially about an associated front sight post of the associated open front sight, the sun shade having a top sun shade portion, a first side sun shade portion and a second side sun shade portion that is opposite of the first side sun shade portion, the sight enhancer further includes one or more securing arrangements for the selective secureability to the associated open front sight, wherein the one or more securing arrangements includes a magnet.

    15. A sight enhancer for an open front sight of a firearm, the sight enhancer comprising a body wherein the body is selectively securable relative to an associated open front sight of an associated firearm wherein the sight enhancer can be selectively installed and removed from the associated open front sight to allow for an elevation adjustment of the associated open front sight, the body having a front and a rear wherein the rear faces an associated rear sight of the associated firearm, the body further including a sun shade that extends at least partially about an associated front sight post of the associated open front sight, the sun shade having a top sun shade portion, a first side sun shade portion and a second side sun shade portion that is opposite of the first side shade portion, the sight enhancer further includes one or more securing arrangements for the selective secureability to the associated open front sight, wherein the enhancer opening includes one or more enhancing rings.

    16. The sight enhancer according to claim 15, wherein the body is a first color and the one or more enhancing rings is a second color.

    17. The sight enhancer according to claim 16, wherein the first color is black and the second color is at least one of red, orange, yellow, white, blue and green.

    18. The sight enhancer according to claim 16, wherein the one or more enhancing rings include fiber optics.

    19. The sight enhancer according to claim 16, wherein the one or more enhancing rings is formed from a transparent material.

    20. The sight enhancer according to claim 15, wherein the one or more enhancing rings is a plurality of enhancing rings wherein each of the plurality of enhancing rings is selectively securable relative to the body, each of the plurality of enhancing rings having an inner ring diameter that forms the inner opening diameter, at least one of said each enhancing ring having a different inner ring diameter.

    21. The sight enhancer according to claim 15, wherein the one or more enhancing rings is selectively securable relative to the body.

    22. A sight enhancer for an open front sight of a firearm, the sight enhancer comprising a body wherein the body is selectively securable relative to an associated open front sight of an associated firearm wherein the sight enhancer can be selectively installed and removed from the associated open front sight to allow for an elevation adjustment of the associated open front sight, the body having a front and a rear wherein the rear faces an associated rear sight of the associated firearm, the body further including a sun shade that extends at least partially about an associated front sight post of the associated open front sight, the sun shade having a top sun shade portion, a first side sun shade portion and a second side sun shade portion that is opposite of the first side sun shade portion, the sight enhancer further includes one or more securing arrangements for the selective secureability to the associated open front sight, wherein the body includes a vertically extending front panel and the one or more securing arrangements includes a pair of rearwardly extending flanges extending from the vertically front extending panel, the sight enhancer further including a pair of opposing slots in the front panel that are shaped to receive securing strap wherein the one or more securing arrangements includes the securing strap.

    23. A method of sighting a firearm without the effect of sunlight distortion, said method including the following steps: providing a sight enhancer according to claim 1; temporality securing the sight enhancer relative to an open front sight of a firearm; firing a first group of bullets at a target; determining any adjustment that is needed to the front sight based on the first group; removing the sight enhancer; making the needed adjustment; re-securing the sight enhancer relative to an open front sight of a firearm; firing a second group of bullets at a target.

    Description

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    (1) The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

    (2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sight enhancer according to a first embodiment of the invention of this application;

    (3) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 1;

    (4) FIG. 3 is a right-side elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 1;

    (5) FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 1;

    (6) FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 1 shown in a mounted condition on a front sight of a rifle;

    (7) FIG. 6 is a front-side perspective view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 1 shown in a mounted condition on a front sight of a rifle;

    (8) FIG. 7 is a rear-side perspective view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 6 mounted to the front sight of a rifle;

    (9) FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a sight enhancer according to other aspects of the invention of this application;

    (10) FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 8;

    (11) FIG. 10 is a right-side elevational view taken from FIG. 8;

    (12) FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 8;

    (13) FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 8;

    (14) FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a sight enhancer according to yet other aspects of the invention of this application;

    (15) FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 13;

    (16) FIG. 15 is a right-side elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 13;

    (17) FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 13;

    (18) FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 13;

    (19) FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a sight enhancer according to yet other aspects of the invention of this application;

    (20) FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 18;

    (21) FIG. 20 is a right-side elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 18;

    (22) FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 18;

    (23) FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the sight enhancer shown in FIG. 18;

    (24) FIG. 23 is a schematic view of an open front sight with sun exposure oriented on the right side of the front sight;

    (25) FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an open front sight with sun exposure oriented higher on the right side of the front sight than FIG. 23;

    (26) FIG. 25 is a schematic view of an open front sight with sun exposure oriented on the left side of the front sight; and,

    (27) FIG. 26 is a rear view look through the rear sight of a rifle and at the front sight with a sight enhancer according to certain aspects of the present invention.

    DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

    (28) Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-7 show a first set of embodiments of a sight enhancer 10 according to certain aspects of the present invention. Sight enhancer 10 can be selectively securable to a front sight 12 of a firearm 14. In other embodiments, it can be “permanently” affixed to the firearm without mechanical changes to the firearm. As is noted above, while the invention of this application is primarily directed toward military and police applications wherein the showings are directed to military and police firearms, the invention of this application can be used on any open sight wherein it is not to be limited to the examples shown. Moreover, the disclosure of this application includes certain dimensional details; however, these are also directed to the version shown only wherein this disclosure is not intended to limit the invention of this application.

    (29) In greater detail, sight enhancer 10 is selectively securable to front sight 12. Accordingly, sight enhancer 10 can be installed and removed from the weapon 14 with ease. This is important because the front sights of many military and police weapons are used to make the elevation adjustments for the sighting of the weapon. All of these weapons are adjusted from the top, which is why the front sight posts are typically open. As will be discussed in greater detail below, when sight enhancer 10 is attached to front sight 12, it shields the front post from sunlight thereby preventing sunlight distortion. The method of sighting firearm 14 includes the following steps. 1—Sight enhancer 10 is secured to front sight 12; 2—A first group of rounds is then fired at a target and this step is completed without the effect of sunlight distortion produced by portions of the front sight post being too bright to see which again will be discussed more below. 3—The target is checked for the group of rounds that were fired; 4—A determination is made concerning the necessary adjustment needed for the front sight; 5—Sight enhancer 10 is removed from the front sight; 6—The needed adjustments are made to front sight 12; 7—Sight enhancer 10 is re-secured to front sight 12; and, 8—A second group of rounds is then fired at the target and this step is again completed without the effect of sunlight distortion.

    (30) This process is repeated until the weapon is zeroed with a true front sight post un-affected by light distortion. This process also applies to other embodiments of the sight enhancer of this application.

    (31) Sight enhancer 10 has body 20 with a front 22 and a rear 24 wherein rear 24 faces a rear sight 25 shown in FIG. 26 having a rear sight opening 26. Sight enhancer 10 further includes a top 30 and a bottom 32 wherein the bottom faces firearm 14. In particular, the bottom faces the barrel of the firearm in the example shown. Sight enhancer 10 has an overall height 34 between top 30 and bottom 32. Height 34 can be based on the front sight dimension and can vary without detracting from the invention of this application. In one set of embodiments, height 34 is greater than 1.0 inches. In another set of embodiments, height 34 is greater than 1.25 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 34 is greater than 1.5 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, height 34 is between 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 34 is between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches.

    (32) Sight enhancer 10 further includes one or more sun shades 40 that block light, such as sunlight, from shining on the front sight post 50, which will be discussed in greater detail below. In the embodiment shown in these figures, sun shade 40 includes a top sun shade portion 60, a first side sun shade portion 62 and a second side sun shade portion 64. In this set of embodiments, sight enhancer 10 has a curved configuration wherein top sun shade 60 and/or at least some portions of side shades 62 and 64 are curved. Moreover, as is shown in this embodiment and others, top sun shade portion 60, first side sun shade portion 62 and/or second side sun shade portion 64 can be a unified and continuous structure and can be an extension of a unified body component. However, other shapes and/or configurations could be utilized without detracting from the invention of this application. Sight enhancer 10 can further include a vertically extending panel 70 that can include an enhancer opening 72. In the embodiment shown, vertically extending panel 70 is a front panel.

    (33) Sun shade 40 can extend from vertical panel 70. In this embodiment, sun shade 40 extends rearward from front panel 70. Moreover, some or all of top sun shade portion 60, first side sun shade portion 62 and second side sun shade portion 64 can extend rearwardly from vertical panel 70. In this set of embodiments and others, sun shade has an extension extent 77 that can further enhance the sun blocking effect of the sight enhancer. In one set of embodiments, extension extent 77 is greater than 0.5 inches. In another set of embodiments, extension extent 77 is greater than 0.75 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 77 is between 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 77 is about 0.95 inches. This extension extent dimension can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted below.

    (34) Sight enhancer 10 further includes one or more securing arrangements 78 that are configured to selectively secure the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. The securing arrangement 78 can include a wide range of configurations to fix enhancer 10 relative to the front sight and/or align the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. The securing arrangements can include, but are not limited to, one or more tie openings 80 and opposing barbs or flanges 82 and 84. As is shown, the openings can be any form of opening including one or more slots. Moreover, the flanges of securing arrangements can both help secure and align sight enhancer 10 relative to the front sight and can include other forms of barbs, flanges and/or rearwardly extending walls. Yet even further, flanges 82 and 84 can be one or more flanges wherein in the embodiment shown in these figures, they include a slot 85 that forms part of the one or more opening 80. In this respect, the securing arrangement of the sight enhancer can further include one or more securing straps 86, such as wire ties, to secure sight enhancer 10 relative to front sight 12. In this embodiment, openings 80 are shaped to receive securing strap(s) 86 wherein the strap(s) can extend about sight enhancer 10 and about the front sight to secure the enhancer relative to the front sight. Securing arrangement 78 can further include one or more magnets, which will be shown in described in greater detail below. In that many police and military front sights are iron sights, magnets can help selectively secure sight enhancer 10 relative to the front sight. As will also be discussed more below, there can be two magnets and two magnet pockets, but this is not required. Any combination of these securing arrangements could be used without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, other securing arrangements could be used.

    (35) Sight enhancer 10 can further include one or more enhancing rings 92, which can outline opening 72 and further help target acquisition when the firearm is used. Enhancing ring 92 can utilize different colors to improve the performance of the sight enhancer. The colors can include, but are not limited to red, orange, yellow, white, blue and green. As can be appreciated, the colors can be bright eye-catching colors to aid in target acquisition. Yet further, the enhancing rings can utilize other “eye-catching” features including, but not limited to, fiber optic technologies to further improve target acquisition. In one set of embodiments, enhancing ring itself can be a transparent ring that acts like fiber optic technology wherein the entire ring will gather light and “glow.” This can include, but is not limited to, a ring made out of an acrylic material. Yet even further, the enhancing rings of this application can be a separate ring structure that is selectively securable. Accordingly, the enhancing rings of different colors and/or different levels of transparency can be selectively secured to the sight enhancer without detracting from the invention of this application. According to one set of embodiments, this can allow the different ring technologies to be used without significantly affecting the size and/or diameter of the enhancer opening. While not shown, other types of fiber optic technology could be utilized in the sight enhancer of this application. This can include, but is not limited to, fiber optics aligned relative to the front sight post, which are spaced from ring 92. This can also include one or more fiber optic inserts within the sight enhancer.

    (36) Yet further, the opening 72 has an inward opening shape 94. As is shown, shape 94 is circular having an inner diameter 96 that can be based on the size of the sights and/or the desired performance of the sighting system. In one set of embodiments, inner diameter 96 is greater than 0.4 inches. In another set of embodiments, inner diameter 96 is greater than 0.5 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, inner diameter 96 is between 0.45 inches and 0.7 inches. In yet even another set of embodiments, inner diameter 96 is about 0.60 inches. As with other feature discussed with reference to this set of embodiments, inner diameter 96 can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted below.

    (37) Similarly, enhancing ring(s) 92 can have a specific ring inner opening shape 94a that can be the same as shape 94 discussed above including the inner ring diameter of ring 92 being that same as diameter 96 discussed above. Moreover, rings 92 can have different configurations from one another including rings 92 that have different inner opening diameters. Yet further, enhancing rings 92 can also be selectively securable relative to body 20 wherein enhancing rings 92 can be changed for multiple reasons that can include, but are not limited to, changes to the color, changes to optic technology and/or changes to the inner opening diameter. Similarly top sun shade portion 60, first side sun shade portion 62 and second side sun shade portion 64 of sun shade 40 can be a unified structure having an inner sun shade shape 98. This inner sun shade shape can be similar in shape and size as inward opening shape 94. Moreover, inward sun shade shape 98 can be circular having an inner sun shape diameter that can be based on the size of the inner enhancer opening diameter 96. The inward sun shade shape also can be coaxial with the inner enhancer opening thereby extending the length of the opening. FIGS. 5-7 show how sight enhancer is fixed relative to front sight 12.

    (38) FIGS. 8-12 show yet another set of embodiments of the invention of this application. These figures show a sight enhancer 200.

    (39) Sight enhancer 200 has a body 220 and includes a front 222 and a rear 224 wherein rear 224 faces a rear sight (not shown). Sight enhancer 200 further includes a top 230 and a bottom 232 wherein bottom 232 faces firearm 14. In particular, the bottom faces the barrel of the firearm. Sight enhancer 200 has an overall height 234 between top 230 and bottom 232. Height 234 can be based on the front sight dimension and can vary without detracting from the invention of this application. In one set of embodiments, height 234 is greater than 1.0 inches. In another set of embodiments, height 234 is greater than 1.25 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 234 is greater than 1.5 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, height 234 is between 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 234 is between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches.

    (40) Sight enhancer 200 further includes one or more sun shades 240 that block light, such as sunlight, from shining on the front sight post 50 and/or side blades 52 and 54 (see FIGS. 5-7), which will be discussed in greater detail below. In the embodiment shown in these figures, sun shade 240 that is the widest part of body 220. Sun shade 240 includes a top sun shade 260, a right side sun shade portion 262 and a left side sun shade portion 264. In this set of embodiments, sight enhancer 200 also has a curved sun shade configuration, but wherein it has a width 267 that is greater than a lower body portion 268. Moreover, lower body portion 268 has parallel sides. Again, this shows that the invention of this application can have a wide range of configurations without detracting from the invention of this application.

    (41) As noted above, sun shade 240 that is the widest part of body 220 wherein it has a width 267 that is wider than lower body portion 268. Width 267 is measured from the left and right extents of the right and left side sections of sun shade 240. Width 267 also can be based on the front sight dimension and can vary without detracting from the invention of this application. In one set of embodiments, width 267 is greater than 0.50 inches. In another set of embodiments, width 267 is greater than 0.65 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, width 267 is between 0.65 inches and 1.0 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, width 267 is between 0.70 inches and 0.85 inches.

    (42) Sight enhancer 200 can further include a vertically extending front panel 270 that can include an enhancer opening 272, which are discussed above in greater detail.

    (43) Sun shade 240 can extend from vertical panel 270. In this embodiment, sun shade 240 extends rearward from front panel 270. Moreover, some or all of top sun shade portion 260, first side sun shade portion 262 and second side sun shade portion 264 can extend rearwardly from vertical panel 270. In this set of embodiments and others, sun shade has an extension extent 277 that can further enhance the sun blocking effect of the sight enhancer. In one set of embodiments, extension extent 277 is greater than 0.5 inches. In another set of embodiments, extension extent 277 is greater than 0.75 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 277 is between 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 277 is about 0.95 inches. This extension extent dimension can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted below. As will be discussed more below, the sun shade can extend on both sides of the vertical panel without detracting from the invention of this application in this embodiment and the others too.

    (44) Sight enhancer 200 further includes one or more securing arrangements 278 that can selectively secure the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. The securing arrangement 278 can include a wide range of configurations to fix enhancer 200 relative to the front sight and/or align the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. The securing arrangements can include, but are not limited to, openings 280 and opposing flanges 282 and 284. Again, the openings can be any form of opening including one or more slots. In addition, the flanges of securing arrangements can both help secure and align sight enhancer 200 relative to the front sight and can include other forms of flanges and/or rearwardly extending walls. Flanges 282 and 284 can also include slots 285 that form part of the one or more opening 280. The securing arrangement of the sight enhancer can further include one or more securing straps, which was discussed above in greater detail.

    (45) Again, securing arrangement 278 can include one or more magnets 288 that can be secured within magnet pockets 289. Again, since many police and military front sights are iron sights, magnets can help selectively secure sight enhancer 10 relative to the front sight. As is shown in this set of embodiments, there can be two magnets 288 and two magnet pockets 289, but this is not required. Again, any combination of these securing arrangements could be used without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, other securing arrangements could be used.

    (46) Sight enhancer 200 can further include one or more enhancing rings as discussed above that can outline opening 272 and further help target acquisition when the firearm is used.

    (47) FIGS. 13-17 show yet other sets of embodiments of the sight enhancer according to yet other aspects of the invention of this application. These figures show a more streamlined version of the device that has more of a “lollypop” configuration. In greater detail, shown is a sight enhancer 300 having an enhancer body 320. In this set of embodiments, sight enhancer is more concealed behind front sight 12 wherein they provide the greater amount of viewing range around the front sight for even yet better target acquisition.

    (48) Sight enhancer 300 has a front 322 and a rear 324 wherein rear 324 faces a rear sight (not shown). Sight enhancer 300 further includes a top 330 and a bottom 332 wherein the bottom faces firearm 14. In particular, the bottom faces the barrel of the firearm in the example shown. Sight enhancer 300 has an overall height 334 between top 330 and bottom 332. Height 334 can be based on the front sight dimension and can vary without detracting from the invention of this application. In one set of embodiments, height 334 is greater than 0.9 inches. In another set of embodiments, height 334 is greater than 1.20 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 334 is greater than 1.30 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, height 334 is between 1.30 inches and 1.80 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 334 is between 1.35 inches and 1.75 inches.

    (49) Sight enhancer 300 further includes one or more sun shades 340 that blocks light, such as sunlight, from shining on the front sight post 50, which will be discussed in greater detail below. In the embodiments shown in these figures, sun shade 340 includes a top sun shade portion 360, a first side sun shade portion 362 and a second side sun shade portion 364. In this set of embodiments, sight enhancer 300 also has a curved configuration wherein top sun shade 360 and/or at least some portions of side shades 362 and 364 are curved. In addition, the sight enhancer of this set of embodiments includes sun shade 340 that has a circular configuration wherein the sun shade can be a generally unified structure and can be coaxial with an enhancer opening 372. Sight enhancer 300 can further include a vertically extending front panel 370 that includes enhancer opening 372.

    (50) Opening 372 has an inward opening shape 394. As is shown, shape 394 is circular having an inner diameter 396 that can be based on the size of the sights and/or the desired performance of the sighting system. In one set of embodiments, inner diameter 396 is greater than 0.4 inches. In another set of embodiments, inner diameter 396 is greater than 0.5 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, inner diameter 396 is between 0.45 inches and 0.7 inches. In yet even another set of embodiments, inner diameter 396 is about 0.60 inches. As with other feature discussed with reference to this set of embodiments, inner diameter 396 can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted below.

    (51) Sun shade 340 can extend from vertical panel 370. In this embodiment, sun shade 340 extends rearward from front panel 370. Moreover, some or all of top sun shade portion 360, first side sun shade portion 362 and second side sun shade portion 364 can extend rearwardly from vertical panel 370. In this set of embodiments and others, sun shade has an extension extent 377 that can further enhance the sun blocking effect of the sight enhancer. In one set of embodiments, extension extent 377 is greater than 0.5 inches. In another set of embodiments, extension extent 377 is greater than 0.75 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 377 is between 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 377 is about 0.95 inches. This extension extent dimension can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted below. As will be discussed more below, the sun shade can extend on both sides of the vertical panel without detracting from the invention of this application in this embodiment and the others too.

    (52) Sight enhancer 300 further includes one or more securing arrangements 378 that are configured to selectively secure the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. In the embodiments shown in these figures, securing arrangement 378 can include includes one or more clips 380 that can include opposing barbs 382 and 384. Clips 380 can be a part of the enhancer body itself or can be one or more separate clips that attached relative to the sight enhancer and that are selectively securable to the front sight (not shown). In the embodiments shown, sight enhancer 300 can include a pair of strap slots or openings 389. Sight enhancer can further include one or more securing straps, such as wire ties, to secure sight enhancer 300 relative to front sight 12. Securing arrangement 378 can further include one or more magnets that can be positioned within magnet pockets. In that many police and military front sights are iron sights, magnets can help selectively secure sight enhancer 300 relative to the front sight. Any combination of these securing arrangements could be used without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, other securing arrangements could be used.

    (53) Moreover, the securing arrangements of this application can include different levels of securing the sight enhancer relative to the front sight for all embodiments. This can include a first level wherein the sight enhancer is held relative to the front sight for zeroing only. This first level is used to zero the sight and allows the sight enhancer to be easily removed and repositioned on the front sight. For example, the first level can be the use of the magnets in the magnet pockets that will have sufficient holding power to allow the firearm to be zeroed. The securing arrangement can then include a second level that can more “permanently” secure the sight enhancer to the front sight. The second level can be used to fire the weapon during police or military activities. This second level of attachment can include the use of straps to make sure that the sight enhancer remains fixed relative to the front sight, clips or the like. But, again, these are examples only wherein the first and second levels can utilize a wide range of attachment arrangements. Moreover, while the use of straps can be used to “permanently” secure the sight enhancer to the front sight, the sight enhancer is still selectively removable so that it can be removed each time the sight needs to be adjusted.

    (54) Again, securing arrangement can further include alignment features or elements. In this set of embodiments, clips 380 can be utilized to help align the sight enhancer relative to the front sight wherein proper alignment of these components is achieved. Sight enhancer 300 can further include side flanges 388 and 389 that can both help secure the sight enhancer relative to the front sight and/or help align the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. This can be more important for sun shades that are configured in relation to the enhancer opening, such as sun shades that are coaxial to the enhancer opening. Again, this can include utilizing the clips, or other arrangements, that prevent a lower portion of the sight enhancer from moving left or right. It can also prevent the sight enhancer from moving forwardly or rearwardly relative to the front sight. Again, different levels of attachments are associated with the attachment arrangement including alignment control wherein clips can be mounting and/or alignment clips.

    (55) Sight enhancer 300 can further include one or more enhancing rings, which are discussed in greater detail above. As is noted above, these rings can partially and/or fully outline opening 372 and further help target acquisition when the firearm is used. Again, enhancing ring(s) can utilize different colors to improve the performance of the sight enhancer. As can be appreciated, and as is referenced above, the colors can be bright eye-catching colors to aid in target acquisition. Yet further, the enhancing rings can utilize other “eye-catching” features including, but not limited to, fiber optic technologies to further improve target acquisition. Moreover, other types of fiber optic technology could be utilized in the sight enhancer of this application. This can include, but is not limited to, fiber optics aligned relative to the front sight post, which are spaced from the ring(s). This can also include one or more fiber optic inserts within the sight enhancer and/or fixed relative to the front sight post.

    (56) FIGS. 18-22 show yet other sets of embodiments of the sight enhancer according to yet other aspects of the invention of this application. These embodiments show a rear mount sight enhancer 400. Sight enhancer 400 has an enhancer body 420, but much of the body is behind the front sight instead in front of the front sight.

    (57) Sight enhancer 400 has a front 422 and a rear 424 wherein rear 424 faces a rear sight (not shown). Sight enhancer 400 further includes a top 430 and a bottom 432 wherein the bottom faces firearm 14. Sight enhancer 400 has an overall height 434 between top 430 and bottom 432. Height 434 can be based on the front sight dimension and can vary without detracting from the invention of this application. In one set of embodiments, height 434 is greater than 1.0 inches. In another set of embodiments, height 434 is greater than 1.25 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 434 is greater than 1.50 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, height 434 is between 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, height 434 is between 1.50 inches and 2.0 inches.

    (58) Sight enhancer 400 further includes one or more sun shades 440 that blocks light, such as sunlight, from shining on the front sight post 50. Sun shade 440 includes a top sun shade portion 460, a first side sun shade portion 462 and a second side sun shade portion 464. In this set of embodiments, sight enhancer 400 also has a curved configuration wherein top sun shade 460 and/or at least some portions of side shades 462 and 464 are curved. In addition, the sight enhancer of this set of embodiments includes sun shade 440 that has a circular configuration wherein the sun shade can be a generally unified structure and can be coaxial with an enhancer opening 472.

    (59) While sight enhancer 400 includes a vertically extending panel 470, panel 470 is a rear panel and not a front panel. Moreover, vertically extending rear panel 470 extends upwardly at an angle. Accordingly, while sight enhancer includes an enhancer opening 472, an opening axis 474 of enhancer opening 472 is not perpendicular with panel 470. Moreover, as is shown in this embodiment, the sun shade can extend beyond the vertically extending panel of the sight enhancer on both sides of the vertical panel.

    (60) Opening 472 has an inward opening shape 476. As is shown, shape 476 is circular having an inner diameter 478 that can be based on the size of the sights and/or the desired performance of the sighting system. In one set of embodiments, inner diameter 476 is greater than 0.4 inches. In another set of embodiments, inner diameter 476 is greater than 0.5 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, inner diameter 476 is between 0.45 inches and 0.7 inches. In yet even another set of embodiments, inner diameter 476 is about 0.60 inches. As with other feature discussed with reference to this set of embodiments, inner diameter 476 can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted below.

    (61) Sun shade 440 can extend from vertical panel 470. In this embodiment, sun shade 440 extends both forwardly and rearward from front panel 470. Moreover, some or all of top sun shade portion 460, first side sun shade portion 462 and/or second side sun shade portion 464 can extend both forwardly and rearwardly from vertical panel 470. In this set of embodiments and others, sun shade has an extension extent 477 that can further enhance the sun blocking effect of the sight enhancer. In that extension extent in this embodiment extends both forwardly and rearwardly of panel 470, it can be longer than other embodiments. In one set of embodiments, extension extent 477 is greater than 0.5 inches. In another set of embodiments, extension extent 477 is greater than 0.85 inches. In yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 477 is between 0.85 inches and 1.35 inches. In even yet another set of embodiments, extension extent 477 is about 1.05 inches. This extension extent dimension and/or configuration can equally relate to other embodiments of this application including those noted above.

    (62) As with the other sight enhancers, sight enhancer 400 further includes one or more securing arrangements 478 that are configured to selectively secure the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. However, in this set of embodiments, sight enhancer 400 is secured relative to a back side of the front sight. Securing arrangement 478 can include includes one or more slots 480 and opposing forwardly extending flanges 482 and 484 wherein slots 480 can extend through the flanges. Sight enhancer 400 can further include one or more securing straps, such as wire ties, to secure sight enhancer 400 relative to front sight 12. Securing arrangement 478 can further include one or more magnets. Any combination of these securing arrangements could be used without detracting from the invention of this application. Moreover, other securing arrangements could be used. Again, this can also include the noted different levels of securing the sight enhancer relative to the front sight. As with the other embodiments, this embodiment can also include a securing arrangement that has alignment features, such as flanges 482 and 484. Sight enhancer 400 can further include one or more enhancing rings as are discussed above in greater detail.

    (63) With reference to FIGS. 23-25, shown is how the invention of this application prevents sunlight distortion wherein it takes sunlight out of the equation. This can be used when zeroing the sights of a firearm or anytime it is used. Once the firearm is zeroed, the zeroing is maintained. Moreover, these figures show how the sight enhancer of this application takes the open area above the sight out of sighting thereby making target acquisition quicker. Further, in that the sight enhancer is selectively securable to the front sight, it allows for quick front sight adjustment to quickly zero the sights of the firearm while still preventing sunlight distortions.

    (64) With particular reference to FIG. 23, shown is the sunlight distortion caused by the sunlight L being positioned to the right of the open sight. These figures show front sight 12 having front sight post 50, left side blade 52 and right side blade 54. When the sun is to the right of the sight, wherein the sunlight L engages the right of the sight, the sunlight distortion is shown by the stippling in the drawings wherein the stippling shows a glare that distorts the edges of the front sight and prevents portions of the front sight components from being visible. In this respect, sunlight distortion is caused by sunlight L brightening a right portion 500 of blade 50 making right portion 500 a non-visible portion of the sight. A left portion 502 of blade 50 will be in shade and; therefore, will be a visible portion of blade 50. Similarly, a top portion 510 of right blade 54 will be brightened causing it to be a non-visible portion of the front sight. Similarly, an inner top portion 512 of left blade 52 will also be a non-visible portion of the front sight. Solid circle 514 is the true sight line or focal point to the target for the front sight and dashed circle 516 is the sight line the shooter will aim at based on the sunlight distortion. Thus, the sunlight distortion in this example will cause the shot to be wide right.

    (65) With particular reference to FIG. 24, shown is the sunlight distortion caused by the sunlight L being positioned above the open sight. This figure again show front sight 12 having front sight post 50, left side blade 52 and right side blade 54. When the sun is above the sight, the sunlight L engages a top portion 520 of blade 50 making it a non-visible portion of the sight. A bottom portion 522 of blade 50 will be in shade and; therefore, will be a visible portion of blade 50. Similarly, an inner top portion 530 of left blade 52 will be brightened causing it to be a non-visible portion of the front sight. In addition, an upper and inner top portion 532 of right blade 54 will be a non-visible portion of the front sight. Solid circle 524 is the true sight line or focal point to the target for the front sight and dashed circle 526 is the sight line the shooter will aim at based on the sunlight distortion. Thus, the sunlight distortion in this example will cause the shot to be high and to the right.

    (66) With particular reference to FIG. 25, shown is the sunlight distortion caused by the sunlight L being positioned to the left of the open sight. This figure also show front sight 12 having front sight post 50, left side blade 52 and right side blade 54. When the sun is to the left of the sight and the sunlight L engages the left of the sight. In this example, sunlight distortion is caused by the sunlight L brightening a left portion 540 of blade 50 making it a non-visible portion of the sight. A right portion 542 of blade 50 will be in shade and; therefore, will be a visible portion of blade 50. Similarly, a top inner portion 550 of left blade 52 will be brightened causing it to be a non-visible portion of the front sight. Similarly, an inner top portion 552 of right blade 54 will be a non-visible portion of the front sight. Solid circle 554 is the true sight line or focal point to the target for the front sight and dashed circle 556 is the sight line the shooter will aim at based on the sunlight distortion. Thus, the sunlight distortion in this example will cause the shot to be wide left.

    (67) FIGS. 23-25 show a typical day period for sunlight distortion wherein in the morning, the sunlight is on one side of the sight, such as on the right side of the sight as is shown in FIG. 23. During mid-day, the sun is above the target as is illustrated in FIG. 24. Then, in the afternoon, the sunlight moves to the other side of the sight, as is shown in FIG. 25. However, this assumes that the angle of the shot remains the same during the entire day, which is the case for a shooting range, but not in real world tactical situations encountered by the police and military personnel. These figures show how sunlight distortion can effect sighting accuracy at both different times of the day and for different shooting angles relative to the sun.

    (68) With reference to FIG. 26, sight enhancer 10, 200, 300, 400 prevents sunlight distortion caused by the sunlight L no matter what time of day and no matter the sight line. Sun shade 40, 240, 340, 440 blocks sunlight L wherein true sight line or focal point to the target 514, 524, 554 are in alignment with front sight post 50 and blades 52 and 54.

    (69) Moreover, it has also been found that sight enhancer 10, 200, 300, 400 also creates quicker target acquisition. As can be appreciated, the speed as to which a target can be acquired can save the lives of our military personnel and police officers. In a traditional open front sight, there is a wide open area above the sight that slows target acquisition in that the user of the sight must align the target in this open area. This coupled with the sunlight distortion discussed above, slows target acquisition. The figures of this application show how the invention of this application both prevents sunlight distortion and reduces the open area above the front sight. This has been found to both eliminate misalignment of the front sight due to sunlight distortion and to improve target acquisition speeds. Moreover, this figure shows a sight enhancer in relation to a rear sight wherein the sight enhancer forms an overlapping circle with a portion of the circular rear sight. When the front and rear sights are properly aligned, they will form overlapping circles between openings 72, 272. 372 and 472, and rear sight opening 26. If the front and rear sights are not lined up, the shooter will see noticeable shadowing along with the sights not being symmetrical.

    (70) The invention of this application has been found to improve the sight performance relating to the open sight systems used by our military and police personnel in many ways. Many of these improvements have been described above, but the benefits of the invention have also been found to be ever expanding. While the invention primarily relates to eliminating sunlight distortion in the open front sight, it has been found to have yet other benefits. One such benefit that has been found is that it also helps recruits who are new to shooting. Beyond the benefits described above, it helps these new shooters by forcing them to use both the front and rear sights when aiming.

    (71) While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that other embodiments, and equivalences thereof, can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined to form yet other embodiments of the invention of this application. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.