Backlit sighting device

Abstract

Kits, apparatus, assemblies, and methods for mounting sighting devices are disclosed. A sighting device includes a base for coupling the sighting device to an object at a first interface, a mounting element connected to the base at a second interface, and a sighting element connected to the mounting element. A channel disposed in the bottom of the base is aligned with a channel disposed in the surface of the object and a channel insert is secured within both channels to securely couple the sighting device to the object. The secure coupling can resist movement of the sighting device relative to the object in at least one direction. The sighting element has a non-opaque body displaying a reticle. An illuminating element backlights the reticle from a first vantage point. The device optionally includes an opaque mounting body and a magnifying optic aligned with the sighting element in an open sight configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A backlit sighting device, comprising:
 a sighting element comprising at least one reticle; and   an illuminating element disposed behind the at least one reticle when viewed from a first vantage point, the at least one reticle being visible when viewed from the first vantage point.   
     
     
         2 . The sighting device of  claim 1 , wherein the illuminating element comprises a radio-isotope. 
     
     
         3 . The sighting device of  claim 1 , wherein the illuminating element comprises tritium. 
     
     
         4 . The sighting device of  claim 1  further comprising a mounting element connected to the sighting element, the illuminating element being disposed on or in a portion of the mounting element. 
     
     
         5 . The sighting device of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting element comprises a non-opaque body. 
     
     
         6 . The sighting device of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting element includes an opaque body disposed behind the illuminating element when viewed from the first vantage point. 
     
     
         8 . The sighting device of  claim 4  further comprising a base coupled to the mounting element, the base optionally comprising one or more of:
 a first connection component for coupling the base to a surface of a support structure at a first interface; and 
 a second connection component for coupling the mounting element to the base at a second interface. 
 
     
     
         9 . The sighting device of  claim 1 , wherein the reticle has an at least partially opaque configuration. 
     
     
         10 . The sighting device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one alignment component, the reticle comprising a sighting component, the alignment component comprising a line extending across and/or intersecting with at least a portion of the reticle or sighting component thereof, the line of the alignment component preferably extending from the reticle or sighting component at an angle relative to a line extending horizontally and/or substantially perpendicular to or across an apex or apex portion of the reticle or sighting component. 
     
     
         11 . The sighting device of  claim 10 , wherein the sighting component comprises a triangle or has a triangular shape, the line of the alignment component extending across and/or intersecting with an apex or apex portion of the triangle or triangular-shaped sighting component. 
     
     
         12 . The sighting device of  claim 10 , wherein the sighting component comprises a line or has a linear shape, the sighting component or line thereof preferably having a vertical configuration or orientation, the line of the alignment component extending across and/or intersecting with a top, end, end portion, apex, apex portion, or sighting portion of the linear-shaped sighting component or the line of the sighting component. 
     
     
         13 . The sighting device of  claim 12 , wherein the sighting component further comprises one or more sighting members, the one or more sighting members each comprising a line or line segment extending from the sighting component or sighting portion thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The sighting device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more secondary or supplemental alignment components each comprising one or more directional indicators pointing towards and/or providing a visual or directional indication of where the reticle is positioned or disposed relative to the one or more directional indicators 
     
     
         15 . The sighting device of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more directional indicators each comprise one or more pointing elements, preferably selected from the group consisting of an arrow, a triangle, hatching, a finger image, and a pointing member, the one or more pointing elements oriented or pointing to or towards the reticle. 
     
     
         16 . The sighting device of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the one or more secondary or supplemental alignment components or the one or more directional indicators thereof is disposed below a line extending horizontally and/or substantially perpendicular to or across an apex or apex portion of the reticle or sighting component thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A sighting device kit, comprising:
 a sighting element comprising at least one reticle;   an illuminating element disposed behind the at least one reticle when viewed from a first vantage point, the at least one reticle being visible when viewed from the first vantage point;   a base connected to the sighting element; and   a first connection component for coupling the base to a surface of a support structure at a first interface.   
     
     
         18 . The sighting device kit of  claim 17 , wherein the first connection component comprises:
 a first channel disposed in or on a bottom surface of the base;   a channel insert configured fit at least partially inside the first channel when the first channel is aligned with a second channel disposed in or on the surface of the support structure; and   one or more fasteners for coupling the base to the channel insert.   
     
     
         19 . The sighting device kit of  claim 17  further comprising a second connection component for coupling the base to a mounting element at a second interface, wherein the mounting element is connected to the sighting element. 
     
     
         20 . The sighting device kit of  claim 19 , wherein the illuminating element is disposed on or in a portion of the mounting element.