POWER ON INDICATOR FOR SIGHT SYSTEM

Abstract

An aiming device is provided including a body, an optical element joined with the body that has selectively displayed thereon a dot visible to a user along a first line of viewing, and a power indicator distal from the optical element, where the power indicator emits illumination along a second line of viewing, offset from the first line of viewing. The power indicator can alert the user via the illumination that the dot is or is not displayed on the optical element, without the user needing to directly view the dot along the first line of viewing. The illumination emitted by the power indicator can be of a first visible wavelength range, e.g., blue, and the dot can illuminate in a second visible wavelength range different from the first visible wavelength range, e.g., green or red, so the likelihood of confusing the power indicator with the dot can be reduced.

Claims

1. An aiming device comprising: a body having a front, a rear and opposing sides, the rear configured to face toward a user during use of the aiming device to aim at a target; an illumination device housed in the body; a power source in electrical communication with the illumination device; a protective frame joined with the body; an optical element joined with the protective frame such that the protective frame extends at least partially around the optical element; and a power indicator located distal from the optical element, the power indicator in electrical communication with the power source, the power indicator joined with at least one of the body and the protective frame, wherein the illumination device is operable to display a dot on the optical element that is visible to a user along a first line of viewing from the rear of the body, wherein the power indicator is operable to emit illumination along a second line of viewing that is offset from the first line of viewing such that the user cannot view the displayed illumination from the power indicator while the user is viewing the dot along the first line of viewing from the rear of the body and aligning the dot with a target distal from the aiming device.

2. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the power indicator includes an illumination element that emits a first illumination therefrom, the first illumination being in a first visible wavelength range, wherein the dot is displayed on the optical element in a second visible wavelength range different from the first visible wavelength range.

3. The aiming device of claim 2, wherein the power indicator includes a recess defined in at least one of the body and the frame, wherein the illumination element is disposed in the recess, below an exterior surface of the at least one of the body and the frame, whereby the user cannot see the illumination element when the user is viewing along a line parallel to the exterior surface.

4. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the power indicator includes a recess defined in at least one of the body and the frame, wherein the illumination element is disposed in the recess, below an exterior surface of the at least one of the body and the frame, whereby the user cannot see the illumination element when the user is viewing the dot along the first line of viewing.

5. The aiming device of claim 4, wherein the recess is a bore that includes a bore longitudinal axis, wherein the bore longitudinal axis is offset at an angle between 5 and 85 inclusive, relative to a longitudinal axis of the body when viewed from a top view of the aiming device.

6. The aiming device of claim 5, wherein the bore extends at least lmm below the exterior surface, wherein the power indicator is adjacent at least one of a right side and a left side of the body, distal from the rear of the body.

7. The aiming device of claim 1, comprising: a closure movably joined with at least one of the body and the frame, the closure being selectively disposable over an illumination element of the power indicator, wherein the closure can be placed over the illumination element to conceal the illumination element while the illumination element emits illumination, wherein the dot is visible to the user along the first line of viewing while the closure conceals the illumination element from the user viewing the dot along the first line of viewing.

8. The aiming device of claim 1, comprising: a position sensor configured to detect when the body is in at least one of a generally horizontal orientation and a generally vertical orientation, wherein the power indicator is illuminated in response to the sensor detecting the body is in the generally vertical orientation, wherein the power indicator is not illuminated in response to the sensor detecting the body is in the generally horizontal orientation.

9. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the power indicator includes an illumination element in a recess which is offset relative to the first line of viewing such that the user cannot view the illumination element when the user is viewing the dot along the first line of viewing.

10. The aiming device of claim 1, wherein the dot is not visible to the user when the user is viewing illumination from the power indicator from the second line of viewing, wherein the dot is obscured by at least one of the body and the frame when the user is viewing illumination from the power indicator from the second line of viewing.

11. An aiming device comprising: a body including a frame; an illumination device housed in the body; an optical element joined with the frame; a power indicator located distal from the optical element and joined with the body, wherein the illumination device is operable to display a dot on the optical element such that the dot is visible to a user along a first line of viewing from a rear of the body, wherein the power indicator is operable to emit illumination along a second line of viewing that is offset from the first line of viewing.

12. The aiming device of claim 11, wherein the second line of viewing is offset from the first line of viewing such that the user cannot view the displayed illumination from the power indicator while the user is viewing the dot along the first line of viewing from the rear of the body.

13. The aiming device of claim 11, wherein the power indicator includes an illumination element that emits a first illumination away from at least one of a side and a rear of the body.

14. The aiming device of claim 13, wherein the first illumination is in a first visible wavelength range, wherein the dot is displayed on the optical element in a second visible wavelength range different from the first visible wavelength range.

15. The aiming device of claim 14, wherein the optical element is a lens, wherein the dot is at least one of a circular shaped dot, a pattern, a reticle and a sight indicia, wherein the illumination element is disposed in an aperture defined by the body.

16. The aiming device of claim 15, wherein the aperture is an elongated bore having a bore longitudinal axis, wherein the bore longitudinal axis is angularly offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the body, wherein the second line of viewing is angularly offset from the first line of viewing.

17. The aiming device of claim 11, wherein the optical element is transparent such that at user can view a target through the optical element while the dot is displayed on the optical element, wherein the first line of viewing lays in a horizontal plane, wherein the second line of viewing is transverse to the horizontal plane and to the first line of viewing.

18. The aiming device of claim 17, wherein the second line of viewing is angled upward from the horizontal plane and angled away from the first line of viewing.

19. An aiming device comprising: a body including a frame; an optical element joined with the body, the optical element having selectively displayed thereon a dot that is visible to a user along a first line of viewing; and a power indicator located distal from the optical element and not displayed thereon, the power indicator operable to emit illumination along a second line of viewing that is offset from the first line of viewing, the power indicator configured to alert a user via the illumination emitted that the dot is displayed on the optical element without the user needing to directly view the dot along the first line of viewing.

20. The aiming device of claim 19, wherein the illumination emitted by the power indicator is within a first visible wavelength range, wherein the dot illuminates within a second visible wavelength range different from the first visible wavelength range.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the aiming device of a current embodiment mounted on a firearm;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the aiming device, with a red dot on an optical element of the sight is viewable along a first line of viewing, while a power indicator is illuminated and projecting illumination along a second line of viewing to indicate that the dot is illuminated;

[0024] FIG. 3 is section view of the power indicator of the aiming device;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the aiming device from a user's point of view while acquiring a target, with the red dot visible along a first line of viewing by a user viewing the rear of the sight, but the power indicator not visible to the user along the second line of viewing;

[0026] FIG. 5 is front view of the aiming device;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a top view of the aiming device;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user looking vertically down at a holstered firearm with the aiming device to view the power indicator along a second line of viewing, with a dot on an optical element not visible from that perspective to the user; and

[0029] FIG. 8 is a first alternative embodiment of the aiming device, with a power indicator on a side of the body of the aiming device and a closure movable over the indicator to selectively conceal the illumination therefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

[0030] A current embodiment of the aiming system, also referred to as a sight herein, is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and generally designated 10. To begin, the sight 10 is shown mounted on a semi-automatic pistol. The sight 10 can, however, be mounted on other types of projectile shooting devices. For example, it can be mounted to other types of firearms, including but not limited to a rifle (for example, a long rifle, a carbine, an assault rifle, a bolt pump rifle or a battle rifle); a shotgun (of any gauge) and/or a machine gun (for example, a machine pistol, a light machine gun, a mini gun, a medium machine gun or a heavy machine gun). The firearm can include any type of action, for example, bolt action, lever action, pump action and/or break action. The firearm can be single shot, automatic and/or semiautomatic. Further optionally, the firearm can be in the form of a vehicle-mounted weapon, mounted directly to the vehicle, a watercraft or other mode of transportation of course. As used herein, firearm can also include cannons, howitzers, handheld rocket launchers and similar weaponry, as well as equipment such as paint ball markers and air rifles such as bb guns, air soft guns and/or pellet guns. The projectile shooting device alternatively can be in the form of an archery bow, including but not limited to a compound bow, a recurve bow, a crossbow, or other device from which arrows or bolts can be shot.

[0031] Returning to the sight 10 mounted on the firearm in FIG. 1, the sight can be mounted atop a slide 97 of the pistol 90, generally to the rear of the slide, over a grip of the pistol. The sight 10 can be mounted in the same location where a mechanical rear sight was once located.

[0032] The sight 10 can include a body 20 that functions as a housing for electronics, an illumination device 30 and a power source 39, such as a battery, capacitor or other electricity storing or generating element. The body 20 includes an upwardly extending protective frame 60 joined with the body and optionally forming a portion thereof. An optical element 50, optionally in the form of a non-magnifying lens can be mounted in a generally upright position in the protective frame, thereby providing a viewing window for a target T in a field of view. Light, illumination and/or a holographic image is emitted from an illumination device 30, which in some cases can be in the form of a miniature light emitting diode (LED), positioned at a focal point rearward of optical element 50 and within the body 20.

[0033] The illumination device 30 can be operable to selectively display a dot 59 (FIGS. 4, 5) on the optical element 50 that is visible to a user within a field of view 1LOV of the user. In this regard, the light from the illumination device 30 optionally can be reflected rearward toward the user's eye by a dichroic reflection layer or coating of the optical element, which can be a lens 50, as collimated light, so that the user perceives the reflected light as the dot is superimposed on the field of view at infinite distance by electronics housed in the body.

[0034] Although shown as a circular shaped dot, the dot 59 can come in variety of shapes, sizes and configurations. As used herein, the term dot can refer to any dot, mark, image indicia and/or reticle pattern used to sight the aiming device on a target. The term dot also can refer to holographic images that are used to sight the aiming device on a target, whether or not disposed or displayed on the optical element, or in front of it or behind it.

[0035] The power source 39 can be disposed in a battery compartment defined by the body 20. The power source 39 can be a button cell battery that powers electronics 38 that drive the illumination device 30. The battery can be accessed via a threaded lid 39L that covers a threaded opening to the compartment located in body 20 between optical element 50 and the illumination device 30. The lid 39L can be recessed below the illumination device 30 to provide a clear optical path for illumination generated by it to reach lens 50. A small slot or notch is provided in a top of lid to assist in grasping it with a user's fingernail for toolless opening, or with the rim of a cartridge, a coin or tool. When closed, the lid 39L can be sealed to body 20 via an O-ring (not shown) that is compressed between lid and a tapered surface bordering the opening to the compartment.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 3-4, the body 20 can include a set switch 25 including a selector button 26 formed of an elastomeric or flexible plastic material that is manually depressible to actuate switch 25 and thereby control a setting of sight 10. The selector button 26 may allow a user to control a setting of the sight, such as an illumination mode, illumination brightness, reticle pattern, other attribute of illuminated aiming mark 59, or an on/off function of the sight 10. Generally the selector button can be in electrical communication with the electronics 38 of the sight, which can include a circuit, a processor or other elements that are further in communication with the illumination device 30 and/or the power source 39. Again, the selector switch 25 provides signal input to the electronics and enables a user to cycle through various illumination settings of sight 10. Optionally, the selector button 26 can be depressed to toggle between an automatic mode and one or more manual modes for an illumination setting of aiming mark 59. In an automatic mode, a photo sensor or other light sensor (not shown) of sight 10 can measure ambient light and a brightness control circuit may automatically determine and set an appropriate illumination intensity of the dot or aiming mark 59 based on the measured ambient light. In a manual mode, the user can cycle through various illumination settings by manually depressing selector button until a suitable light intensity level is obtained. Further optionally, a user can depress the selector button to cycle through several settings in sequence, including: on, high, medium or low intensity, and/or off.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the sight includes the optical element 50 noted above. This optical element 50 can be joined with the body 20 via a protective frame 60, which can form a part of the body. The protective frame 60 can be integrally formed with the body or a housing of the body. In many cases, the protective frame can be aesthetically integrated into and can form an extension of the body and its components. The frame itself and/or the body can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as polymers, composites, metals and combinations thereof. Optionally, the optical element, frame and body can form an aiming device such as that disclosed in copending U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019/0360777 to Grace, et al, first filed on May 23, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protective frame 60 can include a base 63, a first upright arm 61, a second upright arm 62 and a roof 64. The base, first arm, second arm and roof 64 can cooperatively form a viewing recess 69 within which the optical element 50 is at least partially disposed. The base 63 can extend laterally from a left side to a right side of the sight 10, generally crossing the longitudinal axis LA of the base and the aiming device in general. This longitudinal axis LA can generally bisect the sight 10 into corresponding left and right sides.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the optical element 50 is disposed in the viewing opening 69 defined in the frame. Faces of the optical element include the front surface 50F and the rear surface 50R. The rear surface 50R is faced toward a user when using the sight, while the front surface 50F faces away from the user using the sight. The optical element can be constructed from glass, polymer, polycarbonate, crystal, or other light transmissive or transparent materials. Some non-limiting examples of lenses can include TRIVEX lenses, commercially available from PPG Industries of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as a nanolayered gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses, commercially available from Peak Nano of Coppell, Tex. Optionally, lens material can be doped with or otherwise include thermal chromic, photochromic or other light adaptive materials. In this manner, the optical element can function like photochromic lenses, thermochromic lenses or other light adaptive lenses. When including a photochromic material or compound, the optical element, when activated by ultraviolet rays from the sun, can darken. When ultraviolet rays are not present, the optical element can be less darkened or more clear.

[0040] As mentioned above and shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the dot 59 can be displayed on the optical element 50. The dot 59 can be in a field of view of a user viewing the sight 2 from the rear 20R of the body, that is, with the user looking toward the rear of the body. When the dot is viewable on the optical element, the optical element has selectively displayed thereon the dot that is visible to the user U. The dot itself is visible along a first line of viewing 1LOV. This line of viewing can be a line or area that when viewed by the user enables the user to see the dot 59. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the line of viewing 1LOV can also include the area 1LOVA within which a user U can move their eye or eyes and yet still be able to view the dot 59 in or on the optical element 50. This area can be a horizontal area as shown in FIG. 6 and/or a vertical area similar to that horizontal area in dimension, except extending vertically out of the page and into the page of FIG. 6. Of course, the area of the first line of viewing 1LOV can change depending on the orientation, shape and size of the dot and the optical element.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the first line of viewing 1LOV can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the body. Optionally the first line of viewing 1LOV can lay above the longitudinal axis LA of the body, as shown in FIG. 4. The first line of viewing 1LOV also can lay generally within a horizontal plane HP as shown in FIG. 4. That horizontal plane optionally can separate the optical element 50 into upper and lower portions of same or different dimensions.

[0042] As mentioned above, the dot 59 can become obscured or not visible outside the first line of viewing 1LOV and optionally its associated area 1LOVA. For example, when the user moves their eyes to positions U3 and U4 as shown in FIG. 6, the user can no longer see the dot 59. Of course, there can be many other positions where the user cannot see the dot 59, such as when viewing the sight 10 from a top plan view as shown in FIG. 6, or when a user U views the sight 10 from the view shown in FIG. 7. There, the aiming device 10 is mounted to the firearm 90 which is in a holster 92 on a user's belt 93. This is a common position for a user to carry the firearm on which the sight 10 is mounted. In this position, the firearm and sight are oriented generally vertically, with the longitudinal axis LA a generally vertical orientation. As such, the line of viewing 1LOV is obscured by a portion of the frame 60. Thus, the dot 59 cannot be viewed by the user. In this case, the user cannot visually confirm that the dot itself is illuminated or otherwise directing illumination back toward the user.

[0043] Accordingly, the aiming device 10 of the current embodiments includes a power indicator 70 that emits illumination along a second line of viewing 2LOV that is offset, optionally, at the same angle from the first line of viewing 1LOV. With this power indicator, a user visually can confirm that the dot 59 is displayed and/or the aiming device is powered on such that the dot is displayed on the optical element or the aiming device and/or otherwise functioning and operable for use of the aiming device in a predetermined mannerwithout the user actually viewing the dot on the optical element along the first line of viewing 1LOV. Using the example shown in FIG. 7, the user U can view the power indicator 70 along the second line of viewing 2LOV without viewing the first line of viewing and/or the associated dot 59 that is within that first line of viewing 1LOV. Thus, the user can maintain their eyes outside the first line of viewing 1LOV (FIG. 6) without directly viewing the dot 59, and the user can be assured that the dot will be displayed on the optical element when the aiming device 10 is oriented later, as shown for example in FIG. 4, such that the dot is visible to the user along the first line of viewing 1LOV.

[0044] As mentioned above, the second line of viewing 2LOV can be offset relative to the first line of viewing 1LOV. For example, the second line of viewing can be angularly offset relative to the first line of viewing as shown in the top view of the aiming device in FIG. 6. There, the first line of viewing is angularly offset by an angle Al relative to the second line of viewing. This angle Al can be optionally between 0 and 180, between 1 and 179 inclusive, between 5 and 90 inclusive, between 5 and 85 inclusive, between 10 and 80 inclusive, between 15 and 75 inclusive, between 30 and 60 inclusive, or about 45. Of course, depending on where the power indicator 70 is located, this angle Al can vary significantly. For example, in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 8, the second line of viewing 2LOV can be disposed generally perpendicular to the first line of viewing 1LOV as described below.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 4, the second line of viewing 2LOV also can be angularly offset relative to the first line of viewing 1LOV in another orientation. For example, the second line of viewing can be offset at an angle A2, which can be equal to any of the optional angles referenced above in connection with angle A1. As shown, this angle A2 and the second line of viewing, however extends upwardly relative to the horizontal plane HP. In some cases, the second line of viewing can be transverse to the horizontal plane and transverse to the first line of viewing. The degree by which the second line of viewing is transverse to these other elements can correspond to the angles mentioned herein and others, depending on the application. The second line of viewing 2LOV also can originate at an illumination element 71 of the power indicator 70. Thus, the second line of viewing 2LOV can originate and can be vertically displaced a distance D1 above or below the horizontal plane HP and/or the dot 59. This distance D1 can be optionally 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm or 50 mm or other distances depending on the application and the orientation of the power indicator relative to the dot on the optical element.

[0046] The power indicator 70 of the current embodiments can come in a variety of configurations and include various components. One configuration is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. There, the power indicator 70 can be associated with a side 20S1 of the body 20. Optionally, the side 20S1 can be associated with an arm 61 of the frame 60. The power indicator can be located at the transition between the roof 64 and the arm 61, generally on the side 20S1 and perhaps partially on the top 20T of the body 20. In other applications, the power indicator 70 can be located on the top 20T of the body, the opposite side 20S2, the front 20F and/or the rear 20R of the body. In other applications, multiple power indicators can be disposed on different portions of the sight 10.

[0047] For example, as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 8, a first power indicator 170 can be disposed on a first side 20S1 of the sight body 120 to project a second line of viewing 2LOV from that side. As mentioned above, the second line of viewing can be perpendicular to the first line of viewing. As also shown in FIG. 8, the light source or illumination source 130 that is used to generate the dot on the optical element 150 can include a diffuser, reflector, fiber optic or special lens 131 that projects illumination upward from the body 120 along a third line of viewing 3LOV. With this third line of viewing 3LOV and second power indicator 170, the sight can include two power indicators, so that a user can confirm that the dot 59 is displayed on the optical element 150 from multiple viewing perspectives of the body 120 as described in further detail below. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment, either the first or the second power indicators also can be used individually, without the other.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 13, the power indicator 70 can include an illumination element 71 as mentioned above. This illumination element 71 can be in the form of an LED, and/or any of the other light sources mentioned above in connection with the illumination source 30. The illumination element 71 can be in electrical communication with the electronics and/or the power source 39 of the sight via a wire 71W or other connection.

[0049] The illumination element 71 can be disposed in a recess 72. This recess optionally can be a form of a bore or aperture that extends inwardly from the exterior surface 20 of the body 20. The recess itself can extend below that exterior surface 20 the body and/or the frame. In this manner, the user cannot directly view or see the illumination element 71 when the user is viewing the sight and the body along a line or plane parallel to that exterior surface 20. The illumination element 71 can be partially hidden and/or concealed within the body and/or frame. Being inside the recess, the illumination element also is less likely to be engaged by an object or the user to potentially damage it. The bore can extend optionally at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 25 mm, between 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm, inclusive, or between 1 mm and 8 mm inclusive below the exterior surface, with the illumination element optionally not extending beyond the opening 720 of the recess or bore 72.

[0050] The recess or bore, both referred to interchangeably, can include a bore longitudinal axis BLA, which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. Where the bore 72 is of a cylindrical shape, and the bore 72 is angled relative to the exterior surface 20E, the opening 720 of the bore can be elliptical and/or parabolic. Of course, where the bore is polygonal or some other shape, the opening can be correspondingly shaped. The bore longitudinal axis BLA can be aligned with and/or parallel to the second line of viewing 2LOV. Accordingly, this axis also can have same angular and spatial relationships relative to the first line of viewing 1LOV as the second line of viewing 2LOV, as mentioned above.

[0051] The aiming device 10 can be set up with the power indicator so that a user using the device 10 while aiming does not inadvertently confuse the power indicator for the dot 59 or vice versa. Although shown with the power indicator 70 located on the sides, top and/or front of the body, in some applications, the power indicator and the illumination element can be set up to be viewable from the rear 20R of the body. In this case, the first line of viewing and second line of viewing can project from the rear 20R of the body. A user viewing the dot along the first line of viewing also can see the illumination element of the power indicator along the second line of viewing. In this case however, it can be helpful to ensure that the power indicator and the dot are visibly distinct or generally different from one another in appearance to reduce the likelihood of confusion.

[0052] Optionally, the power indicator can emit a first illumination therefrom with the illumination element. The illumination element can emit illumination that is within a first visible wavelength range. The wavelength range can correspond to a color or range of colors. As an example, the first wavelength range optionally can be between 490 nm-450 nm inclusive, which generally corresponds to the color blue. The dot, on the other hand, can be displayed in a second, different wavelength range. As an example, the second wavelength range optionally can be between 560 nm-520 nm inclusive, 590 nm-560 nm, inclusive or 700 nm-635 nm, inclusive, which can correspond to the colors green, yellow and red respectively. Generally, the illumination emitted by the power indicator can be a different color than that of the dot. In other applications, the intensity of illumination of the power indicator in the dot can be different.

[0053] A first alternative embodiment of the aiming device is shown in FIG. 8 and generally designated 110. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above in structure, function and operation with several exceptions. For example, this aiming device 110 includes a body 120 having a frame 160 that is disposed at least partially around an optical element 150. A dot 159 is displayed on the optical element 150 via illumination from an illumination source 130. The illumination emitted by the illumination source 130 to project the dot 159 on the optical element 150 serves another function. In particular, one power indicator 170 in this embodiment is powered by the illumination source 130 that also projects the dot 159. For example, the power indicator 170 can include a reflector, diffuser, fiber-optic or other light redirecting element 131 that captures and redirects a portion of the illumination from the illumination source 130. This in turn emits illumination along a third line of viewing 3LOV (sometimes considered a second line of viewing). This second or third line of viewing 3LOV is transverse to the first line of viewing 1LOV. As shown, it is generally perpendicular to the first line of viewing, but may be disposed at other angles depending on the particular configuration of the power indicator 170. With this construction, the aiming device 110 need not have a separate illumination element in a power indicator (although as shown it does).

[0054] This alternative embodiment also can include another power indicator 170. This power indicator 170 can be disposed in a side 120S1 of the body 120. It can also emit illumination along a second line of viewing 2LOV, which is offset or transverse to the first line of viewing 1LOV as described above, as well as the third line of viewing 3LOV. In this embodiment, the illumination element 171 can lay in a shallow recess 172. Optionally, although not shown, the illumination element in some cases can project slightly outward from the exterior surface 120E of the body 120.

[0055] In this embodiment, the aiming device 110 also can include a closure 180. The closure can be movably joined with the body and/or the frame. The closure can be selectively disposable over the illumination element 171 of the power indicator 170. Generally, the closure can include a door 182 that is slidable in tracks 181. The door 182 can be slidable in directions N1, generally to conceal and protect or cover the illumination element when the illumination element emits illumination. This closure can be used to conceal the illumination element in, while the dot 159 is visible to a user along the first line of viewing 1LOV. With this feature, a user can effectively conceal the illumination emitted by the power indicator 170 in special situations. For example, the aiming device may be used in a particular activity in low light, where concealment of the power indicator prevents third parties from seeing the illumination and thus determining the location of the user. Although shown with a sliding door, the closure can include a door that hingably closes over the power indicator or a plug that plugs into the recess or otherwise can be secured or placed over the illumination element.

[0056] The aiming device 110 of the alternative embodiment or the device 10 of the current embodiment can include a position sensor 133 housed in the body or otherwise associated with the electronics of the device. This position sensor can be configured to detect when the body 20 is in a generally horizontal orientation and/or a generally vertical orientation. In response to the sensor detecting the body is in a particular orientation, the electronics and the device can illuminate or not illuminate the illumination element of the power indicator to conserve battery life. For example, the power indicator can be illuminated in response to the sensor detecting the body 20 is in the generally vertical orientation. The power indicator is not illuminated in response to the sensor detecting the body is in the generally horizontal orientation. Of course, the precise orientations can be calibrated depending on the particular application.

[0057] With the calibration mentioned above, when aiming device is on a firearm 90 that is holstered, similar to that shown in FIG. 7, the position sensor can detect that the body is in a generally vertical orientation which can correspond to a holstered condition. In this case, the user likely cannot see the dot along the first line of viewing. Accordingly, the power indicator can be illuminated to confirm for the user that the device is powered and the dot is illuminated along the second line of viewing. When the user draws the firearm 90 and the body attains a generally horizontal orientation, the power indicator can be turned off with the illumination not illuminated in response the sensor detecting that orientation. In the generally horizontal orientation, the user likely is aiming the sight and has full view of the dot along the first line of viewing. Accordingly, the power indicator need not be on and can be off to conserve battery life.

[0058] Directional terms, such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper, lower, inner, inwardly, outer and outwardly, are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

[0059] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles a, an, the or said, is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as at least one of X, Y and Z is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.