U.S. patent application number 11/506100 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for rifle platform.
Invention is credited to Larry Hancock, Maurice Sween.
Application Number | 20070068379 11/506100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37892301 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070068379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sween; Maurice ; et
al. |
March 29, 2007 |
Rifle platform
Abstract
A rifle platform includes a single body apparatus with upper and
lower components mounted to the single body, to reduce mechanical
stresses associated with firing a rifle from a platform. A return
to battery arrangement allows the rifle to freely move on firing,
but to be replaced in the exact same position for successive shots.
A sport rifle converter allows mounting of a sport rifle to the
rifle platform.
Inventors: |
Sween; Maurice; (Nemo,
SD) ; Hancock; Larry; (Mankato, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Leffert Jay & Polglaze, P.A.
P.O. Box 581009
Minneapolis
MN
55458-1009
US
|
Family ID: |
37892301 |
Appl. No.: |
11/506100 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60708997 |
Aug 17, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/37.04 ; 42/94;
73/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 23/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
089/037.04 ;
073/167; 042/094 |
International
Class: |
F41A 23/00 20060101
F41A023/00 |
Claims
1. A rifle platform, comprising: a base comprising an upper
component and a lower component, the upper component pivotally
mounted to the lower component, the lower component comprising a
windage control and a plurality of levelers, the upper component
comprising rough height adjustment, mid-range elevation adjustment,
fine elevation adjustment, a rear stock rest, and a forward stock
rest.
2. The platform of claim 1, wherein the forward stock rest
comprises: a battery stop; and a stock capture element, the stock
capture element to capture a rifle stock, and comprising: a first,
fixed stock pad on a first, substantially vertical arm; and a
second, spring tensioned stock pad on a second, substantially
vertical arm, the first and second stock pads aligned on a
substantially horizontal axis facing each other, the second stock
pad biased toward the first stock pad.
3. The platform of claim 1, wherein the rear stock rest comprises:
a body having a groove at its top, the groove to fit a rear rifle
stock, the body being slidably and reversibly mounted to the upper
component.
4. The platform of claim 1, and further comprising: a converter for
mounting to a sport rifle, the converter mountable to the forward
stock rest and comprising a converter plate.
5. The platform of claim 4, wherein the converter further
comprises: a mounting stud connectable to a sling nut of a rifle;
and a plurality of openings, the mounting stud affixed to the
converter using one of the openings.
6. The platform of claim 5, and further comprising: a set screw
threaded into the mounting stud to assist in securing the mounting
stud to the sling nut.
7. A converter for mounting a sport rifle to a rifle platform, the
converter mountable to the forward stock rest.
8. The converter of claim 7, and further comprising: a mounting
stud connectable to a sling nut of a rifle; and a plurality of
openings, the mounting stud threaded attached through one of the
openings with a knurled nut.
9. The converter of claim 8, and further comprising: a set screw
threaded into the mounting stud to assist in securing the mounting
stud to the sling nut.
10. A method of firing a rifle, comprising: aligning a rifle to an
exact position on a platform using a plurality of settings; firing
a shot; and re-aligning the rifle to the exact position using the
original settings.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/708,997, filed on Aug. 17, 2005, hereby
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to firearm stands
and in particular the present invention relates to rifle
platforms.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the testing of rifles and ammunition for accuracy and
repeatability, it is important to remove as many controllable
sources of inconsistency as possible, so that only the
characteristics of the rifle or ammunition are taken into account
in the testing. This is accomplished, for example, by removing as
much of the movement of the rifle during shooting, so that any
differences in the placement or position of the rifle are
substantially eliminated.
[0004] Numerous previous devices have purported to provide a mount
for a rifle, but they have several problems. Any mechanical
stresses on the rifle during shooting can create unnatural motion
of the bullet being fired from the rifle. These stresses can be
introduced in a number of ways, and include by way of example only
and not by way of limitation, contacting the barrel of the rifle,
by using a multiple piece platform that is not on a single base, or
by restricting recoil motion.
[0005] Still further, in many instances, the rifle cannot be
properly returned to the same shooting position for each successive
shot. This also introduces error. When the rifle is not returned to
the exact spot of firing, that is to the exact position, incline,
etc., the trajectory of any bullet fired from the rifle will be
different not only because of any differences in the ammunition
itself, but also due to the different position of the rifle.
[0006] Examples of the types of rifle mounts and stands that have
been used in the past include sandbags, rifle rests, and the like.
Each of these has certain problems or issues that arise in
shooting. Sandbags contain sand, and can provide a more stable base
than simple hand-balancing. However, with each shot or movement,
the sane in the bag can shift, making it nearly impossible to
return the rifle to its initial position for each successive shot.
Another type of rifle platform has a rounded rest into which a
rifle fore stock can rest. However, such a system allows for
movement of the rifle and does not allow the rifle to be returned
to the same position for each shot.
[0007] Other rifle stands have two-piece mounts. While they are
more amenable to reducing certain stresses in rifles, they can
introduce other stresses. A two-piece stand easily introduces
side-to-side stresses in rifles from movement of either the forward
or the back element. Whenever any adjustment is made with a rifle
platform that is not on one solid base, any movement of one of the
base pieces introduces stress due to its movement and the
stationary position of the other piece.
[0008] Still other rifle stands restrict recoil motion of a rifle
mounted therein. These stands or mounts, by restricting recoil,
introduce motion to the barrel of the rifle that is not normal for
firing. If there is recoil, for example, and the butt of the rifle
cannot move backward, the rifle itself must necessarily impart the
recoil energy to some other outlet. This is most often the rifle
itself. When a recoil is restricted, it often results in the barrel
of the rifle moving vertically instead of a normal backward recoil
of the butt stock of the rifle.
[0009] For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated
below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
reading and understanding the present specification, there is a
need in the art for an improved rifle stand that allows for
repeatability of shots without introducing unnecessary stress on a
rifle.
SUMMARY
[0010] The above-mentioned problems with rifle platforms and other
problems are addressed by the present invention and will be
understood by reading and studying the following specification.
[0011] In one embodiment, a rifle platform comprises a single
platform on which all adjustment and motion guiding devices are
mounted. The changing of one adjustment mechanism does not
introduce other stresses to the rifle. Instead, platform is
designed to allow a return-to-battery (RTB) operation, in which the
rifle can be consistently returned to the same position for each
successive round that is being fired.
[0012] Other embodiments are described and claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a rifle platform according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
on which a rifle has been mounted;
[0016] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of an upper component of a
rifle platform according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4B is a top view of the upper component of the
embodiment of FIG. 4A;
[0018] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a sport rifle converter
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG.
5A;
[0020] FIG. 5C is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A; and
[0021] FIG. 5D is a partial front elevation view of a sport rifle
converter mounted on a rifle platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part
hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the
drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components
throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural,
logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0023] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope
of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0024] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a rifle platform 100
includes a base 102 on which all the components of the platform 100
are mounted. The base 102 has a lower component 101 and an upper
component 103. The single platform provides a stable base for
movement of the components without the introduction of mechanical
stresses. Base 102 lower component 101 includes levelers 104,
windage adjustment 120, and a pivot point 107.
[0025] Levelers 104 are used to level the platform 100 on a
surface. A lower component 101 leveling bubble 105 is used in one
embodiment. Leveling bubble 105 can be a side to side leveling
bubble
[0026] Windage control 120 allows for side-to-side adjustment for
wind conditions. Since windage control 120 is mounted to the
platform base 102 lower component 101, the components all move
together without introducing additional stresses to a rifle being
used with the platform 100. Windage control 120 in one embodiment
uses a threaded rod 121 to move the upper component 103 from side
to side. The entire upper component 103 moves, so that no
additional stresses are placed on a rifle mounted to the upper
component 103. Base 102 lower component 101 is shown in greater
detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0027] Base 102 upper component 103 includes rough height
adjustment 106, mid range elevation adjustment 108, fine elevation
adjustment 110, rear stock rest 112, and front stock rest 114
having a battery stop 116 and a stock grip 118. The upper component
103 pivots about pivot point 107 for adjusting elevation of the
upper component 103.
[0028] Height and elevation adjustments 106, 108, and 110 are used
to adjust the height and elevation of the upper platform 103, which
holds a rifle as shown in FIG. 3. Rough height adjustment 106 is
used to approximately aim the rifle to a target. Mid range
elevation adjustment 108 is used to move the rifle in smaller
increments to allow for finer adjustment. Fine elevation adjustment
110 is used to finely adjust the height to its desired position.
Fine elevation 110 in one embodiment pivots the upper component 103
about pivot point 107 for elevation adjustment.
[0029] Rear stock rest or support 112 is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 1. Support 112 has a groove 122 in the center in which the
rear stock of a rifle rests (shown in FIG. 3). The rifle is free to
move, as in a recoil motion, when slidably mounted in the rear
stock support 112. Rear stock mount 112 is reversible, that is it
can be positioned on the platform base 102 upper platform 103 so
that its sloped face 124 is facing the front end 128 of the
platform 100 or that its substantially vertical face 126 is facing
front end 128 of the platform 100. Rear stock support is
positionable along stock support base 130.
[0030] Front stock rest 114 comprises a battery stop 116 that is
used to position a rifle such as rifle 150 shown in FIG. 3 in the
same position for each successive shot.
[0031] Front stock rest grip (or rifle capture) 118 is in one
embodiment spring loaded. The spring loading is fixed on one side
and spring tensioned on the other side, as is shown in FIG. 1. The
rifle capture 118 has two stock pads, 132 and 134. In one
embodiment, stock pad 132 is fixed and stock pad 134 is spring
tensioned. The fixed position of stock rest pad 132 is sufficient
so that the horizontal position of the rifle is always maintained.
That is, one edge of the rifle stock rests against the fixed
position rest 132, while the spring tensioned pad 134 holds the
rifle stock under tension to the fixed rest 132. A pair of bearing
surfaces 135, in one embodiment nylon tipped, provide further
stability for the bottom of a rifle or a rifle converter such as
that described in more detail below. This configuration, in
conjunction with other features of the rifle platform, allows the
position of the rifle to be the same for each successive shot, even
if the rifle moves during shooting. The rifle can be easily and
accurately returned to the same position as the previous shot,
since the fixed rest pad 132 is in the same position for every
shot.
[0032] In operation, the fore stock or forearm of a target rifle
(not shown) is butted against battery stop 116 to place the rifle
in position. In this position, the fore stock is held in place by
rifle capture 118, and by rear stock rest 112. Height and elevation
adjustments can be made, windage adjustment can be made, and with
the rifle forearm or fore stock butted against the battery stop,
the rifle is ready for firing. In shooting, the rifle mat recoil
naturally, and is allowed to do so. Once the shot is completed,
however, for repeatability and testing, the rifle needs to be
placed back in the same position for firing the next shot. This is
accomplished with the platform 100 by resting the rifle back in the
rests 112 and 114, by capturing the rifle forearm or fore stock
with rifle capture 118, and butting the forearm or fore stock
against battery stop 116. The rifle capture places the rifle in the
same lateral position as it was for the previous shot, and since
height adjustments and windage have already been adjusted, when the
rifle is butted against the battery stop 116, it is in the same
position as it was for the previous shot.
[0033] Target rifles typically have flat bottom forearms or fore
stocks. When using a target rifle with the rifle platform 100 the
stock bottom fits into the stock grip (or rifle capture) 118, and
is movably secured there by the spring tension on the stock from
the tensioned rest as described above. Typical sport rifles have a
rounded bottom of the forearm or fore stock. As such, it is
difficult to properly and consistently align the sport rifle in a
rifle platform. Because of this, one embodiment of the present
invention for use on sport rifles includes a sport rifle converter
150. This converter 150 attaches to the forearm or fore stock of a
sport rifle to create a profile more similar to that of a target
rifle. The sport rifle converter 150 is shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. The sport rifle converter is in one
embodiment mounted to a sport rifle using an existing sling
connector opening 152 and sling stud 154. Many sport rifles use a
sling stud 154 to connect a sling to a rifle. The sling stud 154
has a hole 156 bored therethrough allowing connection of the rifle
to a sling. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting
stud 158 for the sport rifle converter 150 has a roll pin 160 to
engage the hole in a conventional sling stud such as stud 156 and a
hole 161 in mounting stud 158 to hold mounting stud 158 and sling
stud 154 together. In one embodiment, the mounting stud 158 is
threaded to engage an opening (such as openings 162) in the sport
rifle converter plate 151, and fastens thereto using knurled nut
163 to affix and hold the mounting stud to the mounting plate using
one of the openings 162 in converter 150. In another embodiment, a
set screw 164 is used to hold the mounting stud 158 to the sling
stud 154 on the rifle.
[0034] FIG. 5D is a partial front elevation view of a front stock
rest grip (rifle capture) 118 and a sport rifle converter 150
mounted thereto. Converter 150 rests on nylon bearing surfaces 135
of rifle capture 118, and is held in a consistent side to side
alignment by two stock pads, 132 and 134. In one embodiment, stock
pad 132 is fixed so that an edge of the rifle converter 150 rests
against pad 132. Stock pad 134 is spring tensioned with spring 133,
which biases stock pad 134 in the direction shown by arrow 137. The
fixed position of stock rest pad 132 is sufficient so that the
horizontal position of the rifle is always maintained. That is, one
edge of the rifle stock rests against the fixed position rest 132,
while the spring tensioned pad 134 holds the rifle stock under
tension to the fixed rest 132.
[0035] In operation, the rifle is free to move naturally before,
during, and after a shot. However, it is an easy matter to place
the rifle in the same starting position for each shot due to the
configuration of the components of the platform 100. Once initial
adjustments are made, the rifle can be returned to the exact same
position for firing each successive shot simply by butting the
forearm/fore stock or a target rifle, or the front of a sport
converter such as converter 150, against battery stop 116.
[0036] In one embodiment, all of the various controls for
adjustment, including windage control 120, height and elevation
adjustments 106, 108, and 110, and rifle capture 118, are
reversible so that the platform 100 can be used for right-handed or
left-handed shooting as desired.
[0037] It should be understood that windage control, and rough to
fine height adjustment mechanisms 120 and 106, 108, and 110 have
been shown, but that other windage controls and height and
elevation adjustment mechanisms will be evident to those of skill
in the art, and can be used equally well with the embodiments of
the present invention, provided that the elements of height and
elevation adjustment operate on the same platform and therefore do
not introduce additional stress to the rifle.
CONCLUSION
[0038] A rifle platform has been described that includes a single
platform on which all components are mounted. The platform has
rough, medium, and fine height and elevation adjustments, windage
control, and allows a return to battery so that each successive
shot from a target rifle mounted on the platform is taken from the
exact same starting position. The rifle is free to move with the
shot, and is not restricted. A sport rifle converter allows for the
mounting of sport rifles on the platform with the same degree of
accuracy and return to battery conditions as those of a target
rifle mounted on the platform.
[0039] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the
same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that
this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *