U.S. patent application number 11/025037 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for stabilizing apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Paul Meeks.
Application Number | 20060137233 11/025037 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36609735 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060137233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meeks; Paul |
June 29, 2006 |
Stabilizing apparatus and method
Abstract
A stabilizing apparatus and method according to which a force is
applied to a line to place the line in tension and stabilize a
component associated with the line, thereby facilitating the aiming
of the component.
Inventors: |
Meeks; Paul; (Tallulah,
LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP
901 MAIN STREET, SUITE 3100
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Family ID: |
36609735 |
Appl. No.: |
11/025037 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/094 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus comprising: a line; and means extending from the line
for receiving a force so that the force is applied to the line via
the means; wherein the apparatus has a stabilizing configuration in
which: the line is connected to a structure; the connection between
the line and the structure resists the force applied to the line to
place the line in tension; and the tension in the line stabilizes a
component associated with the line to facilitate the aiming of the
component.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receiving means comprises a
first loop.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a second loop
extending from the line and spaced from the first loop by a
predetermined increment along the line.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a third loop
extending from the line and spaced from the second loop by another
predetermined increment along the line wherein the second loop is
disposed between the first and third loops.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the length of extension of the
line is adjustable.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising means for adjusting
the length of extension of the line.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the component is supported by a
user of the apparatus; wherein at least a portion of a hand of the
user extends through the loop; and wherein the force is applied to
the line via the hand and the loop.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the component is a gun.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the component is a bow.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for
connecting the line to the structure.
11. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the connecting means
comprises a loop having an adjustable diameter.
12. A method comprising: connecting a line to a structure; applying
a force to the line wherein the connection between the line and the
structure resists the force to place the line in tension; and
aiming a component associated with the line wherein the tension in
the line stabilizes the component to facilitate the aiming.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein a loop extends from the line and
wherein the force is applied to the line via the loop.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising extending at least a
portion of a hand of a user of the component through the loop;
wherein the force is applied to the line via the hand and the loop;
and wherein the user supports the component.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising adjusting the length
of extension of the line between the structure and the loop.
16. Apparatus for stabilizing a component to facilitate the aiming
thereof, the apparatus comprising a line connectable to a structure
and associated with the component wherein the line is placed in
tension to stabilize the component when the line is connected to
the structure and a force is applied to the line.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising at least one loop
extending from the line and via which a force is applied to the
line to place the line in tension.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of a hand
of a user of the component extends through the loop and wherein the
force is applied to the line via the hand and the loop.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising means for
connecting the line to the structure.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising means for
adjusting the length of extension of the line.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates in general to a stabilizing apparatus
and in particular to a stabilizing apparatus that steadies or
stabilizes a component to facilitate the aiming of the
component.
[0002] In the sport of hunting, a hunter's aim and accuracy in
shooting a rifle, shotgun, pistol, bow or other component of choice
is highly dependent upon the ability of the hunter to hold the
component steady. Several factors that may contribute to a steady
shot, or the lack thereof, include the length of the shot, the
level of mental stress and/or the degree of concentration of the
hunter, the amount of sleep or rest that the hunter has had in the
past few days, the hunter's experience level and/or confidence, and
any physical limitations such as arthritis or other types of joint
pain.
[0003] Similarly, with respect to military applications, a soldier
or other user's aim and accuracy in shooting a weapon is highly
dependent upon the ability of the soldier or user to hold the
weapon steady.
[0004] To improve aim and accuracy, devices such as gun rests are
sometimes used to steady a hunter's or other user's component of
choice. However, a typical gun rest is bulky and usually requires a
predetermined amount of volumetric space for set up and operation.
Also, the gun rest may require a flat surface upon which the gun
rest must be set for proper operation. These requirements sometimes
preclude the use of the gun rest in areas where space is limited or
flat surfaces are not readily available such as, for example, tree
stands, boats, wetlands or other outdoor areas.
[0005] Moreover, although the typical gun rest may stabilize a
hunter's or other user's component of choice with respect to any
up-or-down movement of the component or the arms of the hunter or
user, and may even stabilize the component with respect to any
side-to-side movement of the component, the typical gun rest is
unable to adequately stabilize the component and the arms of the
hunter or user with respect to all three directional axes, that is,
the x axis or the side-to-side directional axis, the y axis or the
front-to-back directional axis, and the z axis or the up-and-down
directional axis.
[0006] Therefore, what is need is a stabilizing apparatus and/or
method that overcomes one or more of the above-described problems,
among others.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting an operational mode
of a stabilizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the stabilizing
apparatus of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, a stabilizing apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the
reference numeral 10 and is connected to a structure in the form of
a tree 12. A user of the apparatus 10, such as a hunter 14, is
seated in a conventional tree stand 16, holding the apparatus 10
and supporting a rifle 18 having a rifle stock 18a.
[0010] Referring to FIG. 2, with continuing reference to FIG. 1,
the apparatus 10 includes a line in the form of a strap 20, and a
buckle 22 engaged with the strap 20 so that the strap 20 extends
through the buckle in a conventional manner. The strap 20 further
extends through a clasp 24, and then extends back through the
buckle 22 so that the length of extension of the strap may be
adjusted in any conventional manner under conditions to be
described.
[0011] Loops 26a, 26b and 26c extend from the strap 20, with the
loop 26b spaced from the loop 26a by a predetermined increment
along the length of the strap, and with the loop 26c spaced from
the loop 26b by another predetermined increment along the length of
the strap. The loops 26a, 26b and 26c are in the form of looped
strips sewn to the strap 20, with portions of the strips defining a
section 20a of the strap 20. Thus, the strap 20 extends from the
clasp 24 to the loop 26c.
[0012] A loop 28 having an open and a closed configuration is
connected to the clasp 24, and includes straps 30 and 32 extending
from the clasp 24. A j-hook bracket 34 is connected to the distal
end of the strap 30. A generally rectangular bracket 36 is engaged
with the strap 32 and is further engaged with the j-hook portion of
the j-hook bracket 34, thereby placing the loop 28 in its closed
configuration and defining a diameter of the loop 28. An insert 36a
is hingedly connected to the bracket 36, and is biased against the
strap 32 in a conventional manner to prevent appreciable relative
movement between the bracket 36 and the strap 32. For example, the
hinged connection between the bracket 36 and the insert 36a may be
spring loaded to prevent any appreciable relative movement between
the bracket 36 and the strap 32. It is understood that the insert
36a may include teeth formed therein that, due to the biasing of
the insert 36a, bear upon the strap 32 to further prevent any
relative movement between the strap 32 and the bracket 36.
[0013] In operation, the apparatus 10 is placed in a stabilizing
configuration. The loop 28 is placed in its open configuration by
disengaging the bracket 36 from the j-hook bracket 34. The straps
30 and 32 are then drawn around the tree 12, and the bracket 36 and
the j-hook bracket 34 are re-engaged to place the loop 28 in its
closed configuration. The insert 36a of the bracket 36 is rotated
about its hinged connection so that the insert 36a is not biased
against the strap 32, and the distal end portion of the strap is
pulled, thereby moving the strap relative to the bracket 36 and
reducing the diameter of the loop until the straps 30 and 32 of the
loop fit snugly around the tree 12.
[0014] It is understood that, if necessary or desired, the diameter
of the loop 28 may be increased by rotating the insert 36a and
pulling the strap 32 so that the distal end portion of the strap 32
moves relative to and towards the bracket 36. It is further
understood that, prior to drawing the straps 30 and 32 around the
tree 12, the insert 36a may be rotated and the bracket 36 may be
moved along the strap 32, towards or away from the distal end of
the strap 32, in order to increase or decrease, respectively, the
initial diameter of the loop 28.
[0015] After the diameter of the loop 28 is adjusted so that the
loop fits snugly around the tree 12, the insert 36a is released and
the insert 36a is again biased against the strap 32, thereby
preventing relative movement between the strap 32 and the bracket
36 and maintaining the snug fit. As a result, the strap 20 is
connected to the tree 12.
[0016] The length of extension of the strap 20 from the clasp 24 to
the loop 26c is adjusted as desired and/or as necessary by sliding
the buckle 22 relative to the strap 20 in a conventional manner.
Sliding the buckle 22 away from the tree 12 decreases the length of
extension of the strap 20, and sliding the buckle 22 towards the
tree 12 increases the length of extension of the strap 20. It is
understood that the length of extension of the strap 20 may be
increased or decreased for several reasons such as, for example,
accommodating the length of the arms of the hunter 14. It is
further understood that the length of extension of the strap 20 may
be adjusted before, during or after the strap 20 is connected to
the tree 12.
[0017] The hunter 14 positions himself or herself on the tree stand
16 and holds the apparatus 10. The thumb of the non-shooting hand
of the hunter 14 is extended through the loop 26a, and the stock
18a of the rifle 18 is supported by the non-shooting hand of the
hunter 14, thereby associating the rifle 18 with the strap 20. The
hunter 14 aims the rifle 18 in any conventional manner, further
supporting the rifle with his or her shooting hand. Before or
during aiming, the hunter 14 applies a force to the loop 26a by
extending or pushing the non-shooting hand in a direction away from
the clasp 24 and the tree 12, thereby causing the portion of the
non-shooting hand extending between the thumb and the index finger
to bear upon the loop 26a. As a result, the force is applied to the
strap 20 via the non-shooting hand of the hunter 14 and the
force-receiving loop 26a.
[0018] The connection between the apparatus 10 and the tree 12
resists the force applied to the strap 20 via the loop 26a. That
is, due to the force received by the loop 26a, the strap 20, the
clasp 24 and the loop 28 are urged away from the tree 12. However,
the tree 12 prevents any appreciable movement of the strap 20, the
clasp 24 and the loop 28 by applying a resisting or reaction force
to the loop 28 that is equal and opposite to the force applied to
the strap 20 via the loop 26a.
[0019] The opposing forces acting on the apparatus 10, that is, the
force applied to the strap 20 via the loop 26a and the
equal-and-opposite resisting or reaction force of the tree 12 on
the loop 28, place the strap 20 in tension. Since the strap 20 is
in tension and engaged with the non-shooting hand of the hunter 14,
and since the stock 18a of the rifle 18 is supported by the
non-shooting hand, the rifle 18 is restrained from any unwanted
shifting relative to the hunter 14 or the tree 12 that may
otherwise occur due to, for example, the hunter being unable to
absolutely control the position of his or her arms. As a result,
the apparatus 10 is in its stabilizing configuration and the rifle
18, and the arms of the hunter 14, are significantly steadied or
stabilized with respect to all three directional axes, that is, the
x axis or the side-to-side directional axis, the y axis or the
front-to-back directional axis (or the towards-or-away-from the
tree 12 directional axis), and the z axis or the up-and-down
directional axis. Thus, due to the stabilization provided by the
apparatus 10, the aiming of the rifle 18 is facilitated and the
hunter 14 is better able to make a reasonable shot with a high
degree of accuracy.
[0020] Instead of solely via the loop 26a, it is understood that
the force may be applied to the strap 20 via any one of the loops
26a, 26b or 26c, or any combination thereof.
[0021] It is further understood that, when the apparatus 10 is in
its stabilizing configuration, the rifle 18 may still be
repositioned as desired or necessary to adjust the aim of the rifle
18, albeit in a highly controlled manner due to the tension in the
strap 20. It is further understood that the hunter 14 may control
the degree of tension in the strap 20 by controlling the magnitude
of the force applied to the loop 20a. It is further understood that
the strap 20 may be composed of any type of material suitable for
undergoing opposing forces and/or tension such as, for example,
durable, lightweight polyester webbing.
[0022] When not in use and/or in its stabilizing configuration, the
apparatus 10 may be easily stored by, for example, rolling,
bunching and/or winding up the straps 20, 30 and 32 and placing the
apparatus in a coat or pants pocket. Also, the apparatus 10 may be
easily transported to another location when not in use and/or in
its stabilizing configuration.
Variations
[0023] It is understood that variations may be made in the
foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For
example, during the operation of the apparatus 10, it is understood
that any of the steps described above may be carried out before,
during or after one or more of the other steps.
[0024] For another example, instead of the strap 20, 30 and/or 32,
it is understood that any other form or type of line suitable for
undergoing opposing forces and/or tension may be used in the
apparatus 10. Forms of lines that may be used include, but are not
limited to, all types of tethers, cords, ropes, bands, constructs,
braided bands and other types of bands, tape, flexible tubing,
cables, fabric, mesh, sheets, chains, or any combination thereof.
Moreover, the line may be static or rigid, dynamic or flexible, or
any combination thereof. For example, the line may be static or
rigid while undergoing one range of tension, and may be dynamic or
flexible while undergoing another range of tension.
[0025] Further, instead of via the loop 26a, 26b and/or 26c, it is
understood that the force may be applied to the line or strap 20
via other force-receiving means such as, for example, one or more
brackets tied or otherwise connected to the strap 20, a glove
connected to the section 20a of the strap and into which the
non-shooting hand of the hunter 14 extends, or a fixture connected
to the strap 20. Also, the force-receiving means may be an informal
winding or looping of the section 20a of the strap 20 in the
non-shooting hand of the hunter 14. It is understood that this
informal winding or looping of the section 20a is possible
regardless of whether the strap 20 includes one or more of the
loops 26a, 26b and 26c extending therefrom.
[0026] Still further, instead of the tree 12, it is understood that
the line or strap 20 may be connected to any type or form of
natural or artificial structure. Exemplary natural structures
include boulders, rocks, logs, earthen formations or other
structures found in natural environments. Exemplary artificial
structures include poles, walls, vehicles (cars, trucks, boats,
trains, etc.), weaponry, buildings or other structures
manufactured, assembled or built by humans.
[0027] Also, instead of the loop 28, it is understood that other
means may be used to connect the line or strap 20 to the tree 12 or
other natural or artificial structure. For example, the strap 20
may be tied around the tree 12 and secured thereto using a knot
formed from the strap. Also, one or more fasteners such as, for
example, nails, spikes or adhesives, may be used to fasten the
strap 20 to the tree 12. Moreover, an eyebolt may be connected to
and/or extend from the natural or artificial structure, and the
line or strap 20 may be tied or otherwise connected to the
eyebolt.
[0028] Further, instead of the buckle 22, it is understood that
other means may be used to adjust the length of extension of the
strap 20. For example, the strap 20 may be divided into at least
two portions and a fastener such as, for example, a fastener
similar to a cable tie or a zip tie, may be used to join the two
portions of the strap 20. Alternatively, a telescoping sleeve may
connect the two portions of the strap 20. Moreover, the two
portions could be tied together at different locations along one or
the other of the portions to adjust the length of extension of the
strap 20. Also, the strap 20 could be wound around a reel and
unwound as necessary to adjust the length of extension.
[0029] Still further, it is understood that the rifle 18 may be
associated with the strap 20 in a wide variety of ways. For
example, the stock 18a may extend through the loop 26a, 26b or 26c,
instead of the non-shooting hand of the hunter 14. The hunter 14
may then hold the rifle 18 and push or extend the rifle 18 to place
the strap 20 in tension, or a machine or device may support or hold
the rifle 18 and move the rifle 18 to place the strap 20 in
tension. Also, the strap 20 may be directly connected to the rifle
18 by, for example, tying the strap 20 around the stock 18a of the
rifle 18. Furthermore, in another configuration in which the rifle
18 is associated with the strap 20, the rifle 18 may be disposed in
one or more support structures or devices and the strap 20 may be
connected to the support structures or devices. The support
structures or devices may then be moved relative to the tree 12 to
place the strap 20 in tension.
[0030] Moreover, instead of the rifle 18, it is understood that the
apparatus 10 may be used to steady or stabilize, and thereby
facilitate the aiming of, other components. For example, components
in the form of guns include, but are not limited to, all types of
pistols, rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns or handguns, automatic or
otherwise. Other components include, but are not limited to, all
types of bows including hunting bows, surveying and other types of
construction equipment, leveling and other types of
home-improvement equipment, or any other type of device that shoots
projectiles and/or requires aiming. Accordingly, it is understood
that the apparatus 10 may be used in military applications or other
types of applications besides hunting applications, and that the
user of the apparatus 10 does not have to be a hunter.
[0031] It is understood that the presence of the hunter 14 is not
necessary, and that the operation of the apparatus 10 may be fully
automated in any conventional manner. It is further understood that
hunter 14 does not have to be positioned on a tree stand 16, and
instead may be positioned in any indoor or outdoor location.
Moreover, the hunter 14 may be standing, sitting, lying on a
horizontal surface, kneeling or positioned in another position
during the operation of the apparatus 10.
[0032] It is further understood that additional parts may be
connected to the strap 20 such as, for example, a scope or other
sighting means. Also, in the context of hunting, it is understood
that the apparatus 10 is suitable for all types of hunting such as,
for example, deer, turkey, varmint, duck or elk hunting.
[0033] It is understood that any of the foregoing variations may be
combined with one or more of the other variations.
[0034] Any foregoing spatial references, such as "upper," "lower,"
"above," "below," "between," "vertical," "angular," etc., are for
the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific
orientation or location of the structure described above.
[0035] Although an exemplary embodiment of this invention has been
described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many other modifications are possible in the
exemplary embodiment without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
* * * * *