U.S. patent application number 09/992166 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for articulated aiming support.
Invention is credited to Peterson, Thomas K. M..
Application Number | 20030205653 09/992166 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29251497 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030205653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson, Thomas K. M. |
November 6, 2003 |
ARTICULATED AIMING SUPPORT
Abstract
An aiming support apparatus dependable from a central portion of
a shooting platform is provided. The apparatus includes an arm
having a base and an extension selectively extendible from a free
end of the arm base. The arm extension includes a socket adapted to
receive a shooting staff. The arm base is suspended from a bracket
assembly for pivot motion about a pivot axis. The bracket assembly
is affixable to the shooting platform so as to substantially
underlay a shooter positioned thereon, the socket being swingingly
positionable beyond a perimeter of the shooting platform in
response to a marksman's torso motions in furtherance of pursuit of
a scoped target.
Inventors: |
Peterson, Thomas K. M.;
(Courtland, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NAWROCKI, ROONEY & SIVERTSON, P.A.
Broadway Place East, Suite 401
3433 Broadway Street N. E.
Minneapolis
MN
55413
US
|
Family ID: |
29251497 |
Appl. No.: |
09/992166 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/286.1 ;
248/229.15; 42/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 23/06 20130101;
A01M 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/286.1 ;
248/229.15; 42/94 |
International
Class: |
F16B 001/00; E04G
003/00; F41A 009/62; F41C 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An aiming support apparatus dependable from a central portion of
a shooting platform, said apparatus comprising: a. an arm having a
base and an extension selectively extendible from a free end of
said arm base, said arm extension including a socket adapted to
receive a shooting staff; and, b. a bracket assembly affixable to
the shooting platform so as to substantially underlay a shooter
positioned thereon, said arm base being suspended from said bracket
assembly for pivot motion about a pivot axis, said socket being
thereby swingingly positionable beyond a perimeter of the shooting
platform.
2. The aiming support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means
for reversibly locking said arm extension to said arm base.
3. The aiming support apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for
reversibly locking said arm extension to said arm base includes a
set screw.
4. The aiming support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pivot axis
substantially passes through a center of mass of the shooter
positioned on the shooting platform.
5. The aiming support apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bracket
assembly comprises a bracket equipped with a depending rod, said
arm base adapted to securingly receive said rod therethrough.
6. The aiming support apparatus of claim 5 wherein said rod defines
said pivot axis.
7. The aiming support apparatus of claim 6 wherein said arm base
includes portions opposingly extending from said pivot axis.
8. The aiming support apparatus of claim 6 wherein said arm base
includes major and minor segments, said major and minor segments
separated by said pivot axis.
9. The aiming support apparatus of claim 6 wherein said bracket
includes flange portions, said flange portions adapted for
engagement with the shooting platform.
10. The aiming support apparatus of claim 9 wherein said bracket
assembly further includes a bolster positionable to engage the
shooting platform and overlay said flange portions for indirect
securement therewith.
11. The aiming support apparatus of claim 9 wherein said socket
defines a free end for said arm extension.
12. The aiming support apparatus of claim 11 wherein said socket
has a circular cross section.
13. The aiming support apparatus of claim 11 wherein said socket is
at least partially lined with a thermoplastic element for
engagement with the shooting post.
14. The aiming support apparatus of claim 6 wherein said arm base
is a tubular member.
15. The aiming support apparatus of claim 14 wherein said tubular
member has a rectangular cross section.
16. The aiming support apparatus of claim 15 wherein said arm
extension is configured as an I-beam.
17. The aiming support apparatus of claim 14 wherein said tubular
member includes an apertured segment for receipt of said rod of
said bracket.
18. The aiming support apparatus of claim 17 wherein apertures of
said apertured segment include bushings for engagement with said
rod.
19. An aiming support assembly comprising: a. a shooting platform;
and b. an articulated armature assembly depending from an interior
portion of said shooting platform, said armature assembly including
an extendable arm adapted at a free end thereof to receive a staff,
said arm being pivotable about a pivot axis, said pivot axis being
substantially aligned with a center of mass of a marksman
positioned upon said shooting platform.
20. The aiming support assembly of claim 20 wherein said shooting
platform includes a continuous surface terminating at a perimeter
edge of said shooting platform.
21. The aiming support assembly of claim 20 wherein said shooting
platform includes a discontinuous surface terminating at a
perimeter edge of said shooting platform.
22. The aiming support assembly of claim 21 wherein said shooting
platform comprises a grate structure.
23. The aiming support assembly of claim 19 wherein said shooting
platform is a component of a tree stand.
24. An aiming support assembly comprising: a. a shooting platform;
b. an articulated armature assembly depending from said shooting
platform, said armature assembly including an extendable arm
adapted at a free end thereof to receive a staff, said arm being
pivotable about a pivot axis, said pivot axis being substantially
aligned with a center of mass of a marksman positioned upon said
shooting platform; and, c. a staff receivably supported at said
free end of said extendable arm, said staff having a free end
adapted to receive a cradle.
25. The aiming support assembly of claim 24 wherein said staff
includes a telescoping member.
26. The aiming support assembly of claim 24 wherein said cradle is
configured to receive a firearm.
27. The aiming support assembly of claim 24 wherein said cradle is
configured to receive a bow.
28. The aiming support assembly of claim 24 wherein said cradle is
configured to receive a viewing device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an aiming support
apparatus, and still more particularly to an articulated, easily
guidable, platform dependable device for supporting a weapon or
other viewing type apparatus, for instance a camera, telescope,
etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many field viewing scenarios require, at a minimum, a
steady, oftentimes long duration readied support of a viewing
apparatus, or device incorporating a viewing apparatus. Such filed
viewing scenarios that immediately come to mind, include, but are
not limited to hunting, photography, videoegraphy, and astronomy.
The viewing apparatus may be integral to another device (e.g.,
scope of a rifle, sight of a bow, view finder of a camera, etc.),
or stand alone (e.g., telescope).
[0003] As is well known by practitioners of the aforementioned
activities, particularly hunting, the "perfect shot" is sought.
Inherent in this goal, is not just waiting, but waiting at the
ready while supporting the viewing apparatus/weapon. In a perfect,
arguably all be it less challenging world, sought after targets
could cooperate by being not only stationary, but by also being
predictable, to the point of absolute certainty, with regard not
only to their position, but also to their entrance into a viewer's
field of vison, as if on cue (e.g., a cineamatographic environment
or scenario). Instead, as is well known, the "target" typically
enters with very little notice, and, in all instances,
unpredictably moves about, as is the case with a deer, a boar, or
the game's leading rusher. Furthermore, there are a plurality of
potential distractions typically encountered, for instance, weather
or a combination of weather related conditions (e.g., heat, cold,
precipitation, wind, glare, etc.), and field obstacles (e.g.,
ground or other cover), each of which weigh upon a viewer's
concentration and focus, thusly being a foe to alertness.
[0004] In a hunting scenario, using weapon or camera, a person
either in a standing, crouching or prone position can aim a
approximately 180.degree. horizontally and 180.degree. vertically,
and at all points in between. Without the aid of a stabilizing
device such as, for example, a conventional weapon support, a
marksman may shoot within the above described parameters. However,
it is known that a marksman holding a weapon in an unsupported
fashion is less able to establish and maintain an accurate aim than
is one who is utilizing a stabilizing device. A conventional weapon
support, however, greatly restricts the spherical range of one's
shooting, and increases the time requirement of taking aim,
particularly at a moving target.
[0005] Conventional weapon supports generally include a seat in
combination with a table-like surface upon which the marksman rests
his or her arms. The inherent disadvantage of such firearm supports
is that the user remains limited or restricted in the number of
adjustments he or she can make in connection with his or her aim.
For example, a flat bench-type firearm support is of little
assistance if the target is significantly uphill or downhill from
the shooter. A further disadvantage of a conventional firearm
support is that, as a general rule, such devices are not designed
to be transported into the field, tending to be bulky and/or heavy,
therefore effectively limiting their application to one particular
prearranged area such as, for example, a shooting range.
[0006] More recent approaches to improving upon conventional weapon
supports have included the inclusion of an arm, segmented or
otherwise, extending from a base, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,913,668 (Messer), a tripod, 5,688,024 (Arizpe-Gilmore) and
5,149,900 (Buck), rotating seats, and 4,886,229 (Arizpe-Gilmore), a
fixed seat. In the heretofore referenced approaches, a pivotable or
swivelling weapon cradle is provided at a free end of the arm,
which is fixed to the base, itself being capable of swivelling or
rotation. Although permitting an improved degree of freedom of
motion for pursuit of game, such structures are beneficially
limited, lacking among other features, a common pivot axis for the
shooter and the weapon. This shortcoming, in addition to others, is
also evident in user attachable weapon supports (i.e., those
securable to an edge of a base, for instance a seat or a platform),
such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,032,911 (Osborne),
5,481,817 (Parker), 5,344,110 (Scarpa), and 4,936,415 (Williams).
Thus, there remains a need to provide viewers with an improved
aiming support apparatus which performs a resting and stabilizing
function, as well as one which respondingly and ergonomically
swivels in response to the pivoting torso motions of a marksman
following a sighted target.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An aiming support apparatus dependable from a central
portion of a shooting platform is provided. The apparatus includes
an arm having a base and an extension selectively extendible from a
free end of the arm base. The arm extension includes a socket
adapted to receive a shooting staff. The arm base is suspended from
a bracket assembly for pivot motion about a pivot axis. The bracket
assembly is affixable to the shooting platform so as to
substantially underlay a shooter positioned thereon, the socket
being swingingly positionable beyond a perimeter of the shooting
platform in response to a marksman's torso motions in furtherance
of pursuit of a scoped target.
[0008] An aiming support assembly is further provided, the assembly
including a shooting platform and an articulated armature assembly
depending from an interior portion thereof. The armature assembly
includes an extendable arm adapted at a free end thereof to receive
a staff. The arm is pivotable about a pivot axis which is
substantially aligned with a center of mass of a marksman
positioned upon the shooting platform.
[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent with reference to the figures and
from the following DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION. The
figures are not necessarily to dimensional or geometric scale, nor
do they necessarily represent structures in accurate or
representative relative scale. Emphasis rather is placed upon
illustrating principals of the invention in a clear manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a marksman
actively employing the aiming support apparatus of the subject
invention in combination with a tree stand and weapon staff;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts the marksman of FIG. 1 having followed a
sighted target to his left and down;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective underside view of the aiming support
apparatus in combination with a weapon staff, more particularly a
staff including a cradle, namely a fork;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective underside view of a camera/scope
platform;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective underside view of a bow cradle;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 showing
the base affixation assembly of the aiming support apparatus of
FIGS. 1-3;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a view as FIG. 6 of an alternate base affixation
assembly of the aiming support apparatus of the subject
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a is a sectional view along line 8-8 of FIG. 3
showing the arm extension in cross section;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a is a is a sectional view along line 9-9 of FIG.
3 showing the arm in cross section, and further illustrating a
locking element for the arm portions; and,
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional plan view of the free end of the arm
of the aiming support apparatus of FIGS. 1-3, more particularly the
socket thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 & 2, a marksman 12 is shown in
shooting readiness, observing a target from a tree stand, or more
generally a platform or base 14 equipped with the aiming support
apparatus 16 of the subject invention in combination with a weapon
staff 18. In FIG. 1, the marksman 12 is shown having at least
preliminarily sighted the target, while in FIG. 2 the marksman 12
has followed the target which has moved marginally closer, and to
his left. Prior to detailed discussion of the apparatus of the
subject invention, its features and their interrelationships, the
general benefits associated with same will be highlighted by way of
discussion of an aiming support assembly 20 of the subject
invention.
[0021] Again referring to FIGS. 1 & 2, the aiming support
assembly 20 preferably includes the aiming support apparatus 16,
the platform or base 14, and a ideally includes a telescoping
weapon staff 18. The marksman 12 is shown generally positioned upon
the platform 14 such that his center of mass is centrally located
and supported, a seat assembly 22 optionally extending upwardly and
forwardly from the rear edge 24 of the platform 14 (i.e., the
platform edge adjacent tree 26).
[0022] A weapon 28, more particularly the forestock 30, is shown
supported by the weapon staff 18 for angulation of the weapon 28
relative to the horizon. The weapon staff 18 in turn is supported
within a socket 32 of an arm 34 of the aiming support apparatus 16.
As will subsequently discussed in further detail, the arm 34 of the
apparatus 16 is pivotingly suspended about a pivot axis 36 from a
bracket assembly 38, which may, as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2,
includes a bolster or bolsters 40 (i.e., attachment hardware). The
bracket assembly 38 generally depends from a central portion 42 of
the shooting platform 14 (i.e., in a spaced apart condition
relative to a perimeter 44 thereof) so as to underlay the marksman
12 supported thereon. The pivot axis 36 of the arm 34 substantially
passes through the marksman's center of mass, the weapon staff 18
being thereby swingingly responsive to the marksman's torso motions
in pursuit of the target.
[0023] The characteristic posture of the marksman 12 has the
trigger hand 46 (right) positioned for firing, the support hand 48
engaging a grip 50 of the staff 18, and a butt stock 52 of the
weapon 28 resting upon the marksman's shoulder 54. An aiming axis
56 extends through an aiming aid or viewing apparatus 58 (e.g.,
scope) and includes, as points thereupon, the target and the
marksman's eye, the aiming axis defining a variable angle .theta.
with an axis normal to the horizon.
[0024] As the mechanics of the marksman change in pursuit of a
scoped target (i.e., the changes in body position from FIG. 1 to
FIG. 2), the supported weapon, vis-a-vis the aiming support
apparatus, literally follows: the arm 34 pivots about the pivot
axis 36 in response to the swivel (i.e., torso) motion of the
marksman. With this arrangement of structures in the assembly, the
marksman may have a secure "base" (e.g., legs/feet while standing,
hips/feet while sitting) while the weapon, for all practical
purposes, behaves as a supported extension of the marksman's torso,
greatly aiding shooting accuracy. As can be readily appreciated,
the range of motion is hindered only by, in the case of a tree
stand application, the tree trunk 26, a 300.degree.+ range of
swivel or pivot motion being generally achievable. It should
further be apparent that further fine tune sighting adjustments are
possible via left/right, forward/backward deviations of the weapon
staff 18 relative to the socket 32 (i.e., by tilting of the free
end 60 of the staff 18, via the grip 50, in the sought after
direction) of the arm 34.
[0025] In addition to aiding aiming per se (i.e., providing a
stabilized naturally guided weapon support), the assembly 20 is
further advantageous in that a sustainable long term "ready"
posture is easily maintained. During transition times, the weapon
may be received upon the weapon staff 18 for stand by supporting,
as for instance by receipt of a shoulder strap (not shown) upon the
fork 60. Furthermore, as the armature swings relative to the
platform, ingress/egress relative thereto is greatly
facilitated.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, the aiming support apparatus 16
generally includes the bracket assembly 38 and the arm 34 pivotably
joined or supported thereby. The arm 34 has a base 62 and an
extension 64 selectively extendible from a free end 66 of the arm
base 62. The arm extension 64 includes the socket 32 which is
adapted to receive a shooting post or staff. The bracket assembly
38, affixable to a shooting platform so as to substantially
underlay a shooter positioned thereon, suspendingly supports the
arm base 62 for pivot motion about the pivot axis 36, the socket 32
being thereby swingingly positionable beyond a perimeter of the
shooting platform. Although the apparatus is preferable a tempered
aluminum construction having a durable powder coat finish, it
should be readily appreciated that other strong, durable light
weight materials are equally suitable and considered well within
the skill of those in the mechanical or allied arts.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the bracket assembly 38
generally includes a bracket 68 and platform mounting hardware 40.
The hardware of FIG. 6, consistent with the apparatus of FIG. 3,
provides a through bolt style for securing a portion of the
platform between bracket assembly elements, namely the bracket 68
and a bolster 70 (e.g., bars, plate, etc.) via through bolts 72 and
lock nuts 74. The hardware of FIG. 7 provide a direct screw mount
attachment style, self tapping screws 76 or the like fastening the
bracket 68 to the base 14.
[0028] Referring especially to FIG. 6 or 7, the bracket, more
particular a profiled base mount 68, has a body 78 and laterally
extending legs or flange portions 80 adapted for engagement with a
shooting platform or the like. Apertures 82 pass through the flange
portions 80 for receipt of fasteners 72/76 therethrough (see FIG.
3, and compare FIGS. 6 and 7). Depending from the body 78 is a rod
84 (e.g., a bolt having a threaded free end), the arm base 62
adapted to be securingly received thereon as by a locking washer
and wing nut, or a locking wing nut 86. The rod 84, which is fixed
relative to the bracket 68, as by receipt of the bolt head 88 in a
bolt head channel 90 as shown, or other known technique, defines
the pivot axis 36 for the arm 34 of the apparatus 16. The rod 84
extends through apertured opposing surfaces 92, 94 of the arm base
62, snap bushings 64 being disposed therebetween to insure noise
free, low friction pivot motion of the arm 34 relative to the
bracket assembly 38.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 3, and 8-10, the arm 34 of the
apparatus 16 includes the base 62 and the extension 64 selectively
extendible from the free end 66 of the arm base 62. A set screw 98
is preferably provided to lock (i.e., reversibly secure) the arm
extension 64 to the arm base 62, with other such locking structures
well known and suitable to alter the length of the arm so as to
accommodate the size of a given marksman, in addition to
positioning the socket 32 beyond the perimeter 44 of the platform
14.
[0030] The arm base 62 is preferably, but not necessarily,
configured as a tubular member (e.g., a box beam FIG. 9), the top
100 and bottom 102 sides having opposingly paired apertures 104
therethrough and adjacent an end 106 opposite the free end 66, but
ideally not at the terminus thereof. Said another way, the arm base
62 is received upon the rod 84 of the bracket assembly 38 so as to
extend in opposite directions therefrom (i.e., the arm base 62
includes major 108 and minor 110 segments separated or delimited by
the pivot axis 36 of the arm 34).
[0031] The arm extension 64 is preferably configured as an I beam
(FIG. 8) and has a cross sectional extent substantially equivalent
to that of the arm base 62 (FIG. 9). The free end 112 of the arm
extension 64, more particularly the terminus of the free end,
includes the weapon staff receiving socket 32 (FIGS. 3 and 10). The
socket 32 preferably has a round (i.e., non-angular) cross section,
however it is not so limited. At least some portion (i.e., inner
surface) of the socket 32 is ideally lined or fitted with a
thermoplastic element 114 (e.g., washer or sleeve) for engagement
with the weapon staff 18 (FIG. 10).
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the weapon staff 18, which is
preferably, but not necessarily, of a variable height to suit a
particular marksman's build, generally includes a telescoping strut
116 joined to an upper shaft 118 by a locking collet 120 or the
like, and an end 122 (i.e., a base) opposite the fork 60 for
receipt within the socket 32 of the arm 34 of the aiming support
apparatus 16. Such weapon staffs are well known and of various
styles, see for example the sportsman staffs of Stoney Point
Products Inc. of New Ulm, Minn., namely the Expedition.TM. or the
Explorer.TM., subject of U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,087 entitled
RELEASABLY RETAINING TELESCOPING TUBING SEGMENTS (Lindemann et
al.).
[0033] The fork or v-yoke 60 of the staff 18 readily receives the
forestock/barrel 30 of a firearm 28, the lens of a camera, or other
viewing device. The staff 18 may be alternately and suitably
equipped with a more conventional camera platform 130 (FIG. 4),
which includes registration posts 132 and a mounting screw 134, or
a commercially available bow mount or bracket 140.
[0034] This invention disclosure provides apparatus and assembly
configurations which achieve the disclosed functionality and
methodology. There are other variations of this invention which
will become obvious to those skilled in the art. It will be
understood that this disclosure, in many respects, is only
illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in
matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts without
exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims.
* * * * *