U.S. patent application number 11/271100 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for firearm vise.
This patent application is currently assigned to Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dennis Cauley.
Application Number | 20070074440 11/271100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37068668 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070074440 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Cauley; Dennis |
April 5, 2007 |
Firearm vise
Abstract
A firearm holding device for holding a firearm having a forend,
a grip and a buttstock. The holding device comprises a base having
a longitudinal axis, a forend support mounted on the base for
supporting the forend of the firearm, a grip support mounted on the
base for supporting the grip of the firearm, and a buttstock
support mounted on the base for supporting the buttstock of the
firearm. At least one of the forend support, grip support and
buttstock support are moveable on the base along the longitudinal
axis of the base to accommodate various sizes and types of
firearms.
Inventors: |
Cauley; Dennis; (Boonville,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Assignee: |
Battenfeld Technologies,
Inc.
5885 W. Van Horn Tavern Rd.
Columbia
MO
65203
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20060218840 A1 |
October 5, 2006 |
|
|
Family ID: |
37068668 |
Appl. No.: |
11/271100 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60/626,689 |
Nov 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 23/18 20130101;
F41C 27/00 20130101; F41A 29/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/094 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00 |
Claims
1-23. (canceled)
24. A firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm with a
first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first
portion, the supporting device comprising: a base having a
longitudinal axis, the base being configured to rest on an external
surface; a first support coupled to the base and configured to
carry the first portion of the firearm; and a second support
movably coupled to the base and selectively movable between a first
position and a second position spaced apart from the first position
along the longitudinal axis, the second support being configured to
carry the second portion of the firearm and selectively inhibit
movement of the firearm along the longitudinal axis relative to the
second support.
25. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein: the first support is
removably and movably coupled to the base such that the first
support is selectively movable along the longitudinal axis; the
second support is removably coupled to the base; the second support
comprises first and second clamp assemblies for inhibiting movement
of the firearm along the longitudinal axis; the first support
comprises a first section coupled to the base and a second section
movably coupled to the first section, the second section including
a support surface positioned to contact the first portion of the
firearm; and the second section is selectively movable relative to
the first section to adjust a first distance between the support
surface and the base and a second distance along the longitudinal
axis between the first and second supports.
26. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein: the first support is
removably coupled to the base; and the second support is removably
coupled to the base.
27. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein the first support is
movably coupled to the base and selectively movable along the
longitudinal axis.
28. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein the second support
comprises first and second clamp assemblies for inhibiting movement
of the firearm along the longitudinal axis.
29. The supporting device of claim 24, further comprising a third
support coupled to the base and positioned between the first and
second supports, the third support being configured to carry a
third portion of the firearm between the first and second
portions.
30. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein: the first support
comprises a first section coupled to the base and a second section
movably coupled to the first section, the second section including
a support surface positioned to contact the first portion of the
firearm; and the second section is selectively movable relative to
the first section to adjust a distance between the support surface
and the base.
31. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein: the first support
comprises a first section coupled to the base and a second section
movably coupled to the first section, the second section including
a support surface positioned to contact the first portion of the
firearm; and the second section is selectively movable relative to
the first section to adjust a distance along the longitudinal axis
between the first and second supports.
32. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein: the base defines a
plane; the first support comprises a first section coupled to the
base and a second section movably coupled to the first section, the
first section having a surface canted relative to the plane and a
plurality of interfacing elements on the canted surface, the
interfacing elements being positioned to interface with the second
section to selectively inhibit movement of the second section
relative to the first section, the second section including a
support surface positioned to contact the second portion of the
firearm; the second section is selectively movable relative to the
first section between a first position and a second position; the
second section is spaced apart from the base by a first distance
and spaced apart from the first section along the longitudinal axis
by a second distance when the second section is in the first
position; and the second section is spaced apart from the base by a
third distance greater than the first distance and spaced apart
from the first support along the longitudinal axis by a fourth
distance greater than the second distance when the second section
is in the second position.
33. The supporting device of claim 24 wherein the second support
comprises a clamping assembly configured to selectively inhibit
movement of the firearm along the longitudinal axis relative to the
second support.
34. A firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm with a
first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first
portion, the supporting device comprising: a base having a
longitudinal axis and an upper surface, the base being configured
to rest on an external surface; a first support removably coupled
to the base and configured to carry the first portion of the
firearm; and a second support movably coupled to the base and
projecting from the upper surface, the second support being
selectively movable between a first position and a second position
spaced apart from the first position along the longitudinal axis,
the second support being configured to carry the second portion of
the firearm.
35. The supporting device of claim 34 wherein the second support is
removably coupled to the base.
36. The supporting device of claim 34 wherein the first support is
movably coupled to the base and selectively movable along the
longitudinal axis.
37. The supporting device of claim 34 wherein the second support
comprises first and second clamp assemblies for inhibiting movement
of the firearm along the longitudinal axis relative to the second
support.
38. The supporting device of claim 34 wherein: the base further
comprises a channel generally parallel to the longitudinal axis;
the first support is movably coupled to the base and positioned to
selectively slide along the channel; and the second support is
positioned to selectively slide along the channel.
39. The supporting device of claim 34, further comprising a
hand-operated retaining mechanism for releasably attaching the
first support to the base.
40. The supporting device of claim 34 wherein at least one of the
first or second support is adjustable to provide a plurality of
support height for supporting the firearm.
41. The supporting device of claim 34, further comprising a third
support removably coupled to the base and positioned between the
first and second supports, the third support including a L-shaped
member positionable to support the firearm at two different
vertical positions.
42. A firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm with a
first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first
portion, the supporting device comprising: a base configured to
rest on an external surface; a first support for supporting the
first portion of the firearm, the first support being coupled to
the base; and a second support for supporting the second portion of
the firearm, the second support including a first member coupled to
the base, a first clamping assembly movably coupled to the first
member, and a second clamping assembly movably coupled to the first
member, the first and second clamping assemblies being configured
to selectively inhibit movement of the firearm relative to the
second support; wherein at least one of the first support or the
second support is removably coupled to the base; wherein the base
is positioned such that the firearm is spaced apart from the base
when the firearm is carried by the first and second supports; and
wherein the first and second supports project from the base such
that the section of the firearm between the first and second
supports is completely accessible to an individual when the firearm
is carried by the first and second supports.
43. The supporting device of claim 42 wherein: the base comprises a
longitudinal axis; and at least one of the first or second support
is movably coupled to the base and selectively movable along the
longitudinal axis.
44. The supporting device of claim 42 wherein: the first support is
removably coupled to the base; and the second support is removably
coupled to the base.
45. The supporting device of claim 42 wherein the first and second
clamping assemblies are independently adjustable.
46. The supporting device of claim 42 wherein the first clamping
assembly is removably attached to the first member and coupleable
to the first member at a first position in which the first clamping
assembly is spaced apart from the base by a first distance and a
second position in which the first clamping assembly is spaced
apart from the base by a second distance different than the first
distance.
47. The supporting device of claim 42 wherein the first clamping
assembly comprises a lever, an eccentric cam coupled to the lever,
a cam follower in contact with the cam, and a pad operably coupled
to the cam follower and positioned to contact the second portion of
the firearm.
48. The supporting device of claim 42 wherein: the first support
comprises a first section coupled to the base and a second section
movably coupled to the first section, the second section including
a support surface positioned to contact the first portion of the
firearm; and the second section is selectively movable relative to
the first section to adjust a distance between the support surface
and the base.
49. A firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm with a
first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first
portion, the supporting device comprising: a base having a
longitudinal axis and an upper surface, the base being configured
to rest on an external surface; a first support removably coupled
to the base and projecting from the upper surface, the first
support being configured to carry the first portion of the firearm;
and a second support removably coupled to the base and projecting
from the upper surface, the second support being configured to
carry the second portion of the firearm and selectively inhibit
movement of the firearm along the longitudinal axis relative to the
second support; wherein at least one of the first or second support
is movably coupled to the base.
50. The supporting device of claim 49 wherein the first and second
supports are slidably coupled to the base and independently movable
along the longitudinal axis.
51. The supporting device of claim 49 wherein the second support
comprises a clamping assembly for selectively securing the firearm
to the second support.
52. The supporting device of claim 49, further comprising: a first
hand-operated retaining mechanism for releasably attaching the
first support to the base; and a second hand-operated retaining
mechanism for releasably attaching the second support to the
base.
53. The supporting device of claim 49 wherein: the first support
comprises a first section coupled to the base and a second section
movably coupled to the first section, the second section including
a support surface positioned to contact the first portion of the
firearm; and the second section is selectively movable relative to
the first section to adjust a distance between the support surface
and the base.
54. The supporting device of claim 49 wherein: the first support
comprises a first section coupled to the base and a second section
movably coupled to the first section, the second section including
a support surface positioned to contact the first portion of the
firearm; and the second section is selectively movable relative to
the first section to adjust a distance along the longitudinal axis
between the first and second supports.
55. A firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm with a
first section and a second section forward of the first section,
the supporting device comprising: a base having a longitudinal
axis; a first support for carrying the first section of the
firearm, the first support being coupled to the base; and a second
support for carrying the second section of the firearm, the second
support including a first portion coupled to the base and a second
portion movably coupled to the first portion, the first portion
having a canted surface and a plurality of interfacing elements on
the canted surface, the interfacing elements being positioned to
interface with the second portion to selectively inhibit movement
of the second portion relative to the first portion, the second
portion including a support surface positioned to contact the
second section of the firearm, wherein the second portion is
selectively movable relative to the first portion between a first
position and a second position, wherein the second portion is
spaced apart from the base by a first distance and spaced apart
from the first support along the longitudinal axis by a second
distance when the second portion is in the first position, and
wherein the second portion is spaced apart from the base by a third
distance greater than the first distance and spaced apart from the
first support along the longitudinal axis by a fourth distance
greater than the second distance when the second portion is in the
second position.
56. The supporting device of claim 55 wherein the first support
comprises a clamping assembly for securing the firearm to the first
support.
57. The supporting device of claim 55 wherein the first support is
configured to selectively inhibit movement of the firearm along the
longitudinal axis relative to the first support.
58. The supporting device of claim 55 wherein the base comprises a
plurality of cavities sized to hold at least one of a firearm
cleaning supply or a firearm cleaning tool.
59. The supporting device of claim 55 wherein at least one of the
first or second support is removably coupled to the base.
60. The supporting device of claim 55 wherein at least one of the
first or second support is movably coupled to the base and
selectively movable along the longitudinal axis between a first
position and a second position spaced apart from the first
position.
61. A firearm supporting device for supporting a firearm with a
first section and a second section forward of the first section,
the supporting device comprising: a base having a longitudinal
axis; a first support for carrying the first section of the
firearm, the first support being coupled to the base; and a second
support for carrying the second section of the firearm, the second
support including a first portion coupled to the base and a second
portion movably coupled to the first portion, the first portion
having a canted surface, the second portion including a support
surface positioned to contact the second section of the firearm,
wherein the second portion is selectively movable relative to the
first portion to adjust the position of the support surface along
the longitudinal axis and a distance between the support surface
and the base.
62. The supporting device of claim 61 wherein the second support
further comprises a retaining assembly for selectively inhibiting
movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.
63. The supporting device of claim 61 wherein: the base defines a
plane; the second portion further comprises a canted surface facing
the canted surface of the first portion; and the canted surfaces of
the first and second portions are canted relative to the plane.
64. The supporting device of claim 61 wherein the first support
comprises a clamping assembly for securing the firearm to the first
support.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/626,689, filed Nov. 10, 2004, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates generally to a firearm holding device
and more particularly to a device for securely holding a rifle or
shotgun for cleaning, maintenance, minor repairs, or mechanical
modification.
[0003] This invention allows both hands of the user to work with
the firearm, as the invention alone will hold and support the
firearm in a stable, secure position. In addition, the adjustable
features of the various components of the invention enable the user
to position virtually any type of rifle or shotgun securely in an
optimal position.
[0004] Traditionally, a firearm such as a rifle or shotgun is
either handheld during cleaning and maintenance or a standard metal
machinist vise or shop vise is used to hold the firearm for
cleaning or maintenance. While a shop vise can be used to secure a
rifle or shotgun and is definitely more secure than holding the
firearm with one hand, it has many potentially negative features. A
standard metal vise has metal jaws or clamping surfaces that must
be covered with a softer material to avoid damage to the metal or
stock of a firearm. The jaw coverings frequently fall from the vise
after installation or are not installed resulting in damage to the
firearm from the metal jaws.
[0005] A traditional vise can be used to support a firearm by
positioning the jaws of the vise so as to clamp the firearm at one
point along the length of the firearm. A traditional vise does not
hold and support a rifle or shotgun at points on both the forend
and butt stock simultaneously. Since a standard vise must clamp on
to the firearm at only one point, the pressure at this point to
effectively hold and secure the firearm must often be so great that
the stock or mechanism of the firearm can be damaged.
[0006] A standard vise has no compartments for holding cleaning
supplies or other items used during normal maintenance, repair or
modification of rifles or shotguns. Also, most vises sturdy enough
to hold a rifle or shotgun are usually quite large and heavy and
must be fixedly mounted and attached to a bench. Such fixedly
mounted vises cannot be readily moved from one work area to
another.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a firearm holding device that
will hold and support a rifle or shotgun securely and without
damage to the firearm. In addition, such a firearm holding device
should support the firearm on or at two or more separate points
along the longitudinal length of the firearm and it should provide
for optimal positioning of many different designs of firearms for
the task at hand. Also, there is a need for a firearm holding
device that is lightweight and portable and that provides storage
areas for holding maintenance and repair supplies.
SUMMARY
[0008] A firearm holding device of the present invention preferably
provides at least two points of support along the longitudinal
length of the firearm and allows a user to properly secure
virtually any type or design of rifle or shotgun. In one
embodiment, the firearm holding device uses non-marring synthetic
materials to eliminate the possibility of damage to the stock or
the mechanism of the firearm. The amount of clamping pressure
applied by such holding device to the firearm can be adjusted and
limited. The horizontal position of the firearm held in the firearm
holding device can be regulated by the use of the various
adjustable support components, preferably at the front, middle and
rear of the firearm. A firearm holding device of the present
invention can be permanently attached to a bench or it can be used
as a portable workstation on the flat surface of any table or
bench. The firearm holding device is relatively lightweight and can
be moved easily from one area to another. One embodiment of a
firearm holding device of this invention also incorporates numerous
built in storage areas for materials and tools used in the cleaning
and maintenance of rifles and shotguns.
[0009] In general, the present invention is directed to a firearm
holding device for holding a firearm having a forend, a grip and a
buttstock. The holding device comprising a base having a
longitudinal axis, a forend support mounted on the base for
supporting the forend of the firearm, a grip support mounted on the
base for supporting the grip of the firearm, and a buttstock
support mounted on the base for supporting the buttstock of the
firearm. At least one of the forend support, grip support and
buttstock support are moveable on the base along the longitudinal
axis of the base to accommodate various sizes and types of
firearms.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
firearm holding device for holding a firearm. The holding device
comprises a base for mounting the device on a flat surface, a
forend support moveably mounted on the base for supporting the
firearm, a grip support moveably mounted on the base for supporting
the firearm, and a buttstock support moveably mounted on the base
for supporting the firearm. The forend support, grip support and
buttstock support being moveable on the base to accommodate various
sizes and types of firearms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical bolt-action
rifle.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical bolt-action rifle
with the bolt removed.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a typical break open,
double-barreled shotgun with the action closed.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a typical break open double
barrel shotgun with the action open.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of one embodiment of
a firearm holding device of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the holding device
of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of a typical
bolt-action rifle secured in the firearm holding device.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a left side perspective view of a typical
bolt-action rifle secured in the holding device.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of a typical break
open shotgun secured in the holding device.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view of a typical break
open shotgun secured in the holding device.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a right side elevation view of a typical
bolt-action rifle secured in the holding device.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along the plane 12-12 of
FIG. 11.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a base of the holding
device.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a section view taken along the plane 14-14 of
FIG. 13.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a detail fragmentary perspective of one end of
the base.
[0026] FIG. 16 is side elevation view of a typical bolt-action
rifle secured in the holding device.
[0027] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective of a grip support of the
holding device.
[0028] FIG. 18 a side elevation view of a typical break open
shotgun secured in the holding device.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a detail view of the grip support at an extended
position.
[0030] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective of a forend support of
the holding device.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a fragmentary detail perspective of the forend
support in a lowered position.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 but showing the forend
support in a raised position.
[0033] FIG. 23 is an exploded side perspective view of a buttstock
support of the holding device.
[0034] FIG. 24 is an exploded fragmentary top perspective of the
buttstock support.
[0035] FIG. 25 is a rear elevation view of the invention with a
left buttstock clamp in a raised position and a right buttstock
clamp removed.
[0036] FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 but showing the left
buttstock clamp in a lowered position.
[0037] FIG. 27 is a rear elevation view with the buttstock clamps
in an open position, the left buttstock clamp being shown with a
cover removed.
[0038] FIG. 28 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 27.
[0039] FIG. 29 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 27.
[0040] FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 27 but showing the
buttstock clamps in a closed position.
[0041] FIG. 31 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 30.
[0042] FIG. 32 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] A firearm holding device of the present invention supports
and secures a firearm (e.g., rifle, shotgun, or other firearm) with
multi-point support for cleaning or maintenance. Two exemplary
firearms that may be supported by the firearm holding device of the
present invention include a bolt-action rifle 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and
a break open sporting shotgun 2 (FIGS. 3 and 4). A typical
bolt-action rifle 1, as shown in FIG. 1, is best secured for
cleaning, maintenance, or minor repairs by support on at least two
of the following three surfaces spaced along the longitudinal axis
L1 of the rifle: the stock forend 2; the underside of the stock at
a location 3 in front of the trigger guard 5 or at a location 4
behind the trigger guard either or both of these locations 3, 4
being referred to herein as the "grip" G of the firearm; and
preferably adjacent the rear of the buttstock 6. Access to the
interior 7 of the rifle 1 for cleaning is typically accomplished by
removal of the bolt 8 (see FIG. 2). Use of a traditional machinist,
or bench vise (not shown), to clamp the rifle 1 between the jaws of
the vice at any one of the above three locations (stock forend 2,
underside of stock 3, grip G, or rear of buttstock 6) spaced along
the longitudinal length of the rifle may result in damage to the
stock or the mechanism of the rifle due to the increased holding
pressure that is required to support the rifle at a single
point.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a typical break open sporting
shotgun 10 is hinged at the receiver 11 to provide access to the
interior of the firearm. The break open shotgun 10 should be held
in an open position (FIG. 4) for cleaning in which the receiver 11
is unlocked and the barrels 12 are pivoted away from the receiver
11. With the barrels 12 unlocked and opened, as in FIG. 4, the user
will have access to the inside 13 of the barrels 12 for cleaning or
maintenance. As with a bolt-action rifle 1, support should be
placed on the following surfaces along the longitudinal length of
the shotgun 10: the stock forend 16 or barrels 12; the lower
surface 17 in front of the trigger guard 19 or the surface 18
behind the trigger guard either or both of these locations 17, 18
being referred to herein as the "grip" G of the firearm; and near
the rear of the butt stock 20. It is understood that the mechanisms
of a typical bolt-action rifle 1 and a break open shotgun 10 are
quite different and require different mechanical supports for
optimal security and rigidity when performing routine maintenance
and cleaning.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, one embodiment of the firearm
holding device (gun vise), generally indicated 25, includes four
subsystems to provide the numerous positions necessary for
supporting a wide range of rifles and shotguns, namely, a forend
(front) support generally indicated 26, a grip (center) support
generally indicated 27, a buttstock (rear) support generally
indicated 28, and a base generally indicated 29 having a
longitudinal axis L2 for mounting the vise on a flat surface. The
forend support 26, grip support 27 and buttstock support 28 are
removably attached to the base 29 and may be translated
longitudinally along the base 29 to alter their positions relative
to each other.
[0046] FIGS. 7-10 compare the different positions of the vise 25
that are used to secure the bolt-action rifle 1 and the break open
shotgun 10 for cleaning or maintenance. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,
the bolt-action rifle 1 is supported by contact with the vise 25 at
three locations along the longitudinal length of the rifle. The
forend support 26 contacts the stock forend 2 of the rifle 1, the
grip support 27 contacts the rifle at the grip G on the stock
behind trigger guard 5, and the buttstock support 28 contacts the
rifle near the rear of the buttstock 6. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the vise 25 is positioned to support the break open shotgun 10 at
three points of contact located along the longitudinal length of
the shotgun. The forend support 26 contacts the barrels 12 of the
shotgun, the grip support 27 contacts the shotgun at the grip G
behind the trigger guard 19, and the buttstock support 28 contacts
the shotgun near the rear of the buttstock 20. As illustrated by
the different positions required to support each firearm 1, 10, the
vise 25 has a high-degree of adjustability that allows a wide range
of firearms to be supported and secured by the vise.
[0047] The forend support 26, grip support 27, and buttstock
support 28 are all removably attached to the base 29 and may be
longitudinally translated along the base for optimum positioning
for a specific firearm. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the base 29
has a top surface 33 and a recessed channel 32 extending the
longitudinal length of the base. The channel 32 receives a
retainer, generally indicated 31, that has an elongate opening or
slot 31a in the top surface of the base. As shown in FIG. 6, the
retainer 31 acts as a track along which the forend support 26, the
grip support 27, and the buttstock support 28 may be positioned. In
the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 31 is a separate part
attached to the base 29 but it is understood that the retainer may
be formed as an integral part of the base without departing from
the scope of this invention.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, the retainer 31 includes two spaced
apart side walls 34 that have a T-shaped cross-sectional shape and
a bottom wall 35 connecting the side walls. The retainer opening
31a has a bottom portion wider than an upper neck portion between
the side walls 34. The opening 31a in the retainer 31 may have
other shapes without departing from the scope of this invention. As
shown in FIG. 12, the bottom cavity of the opening 31a is sized to
slidably receive a head 37 of a threaded bolt 38 to allow the bolt
to slide along the length of the opening. The bolt 38 is restrained
from being removed from the retainer 31 by the narrow neck portion
of the opening 31a. A locking knob 39 removably retains the
threaded bolt 38 in the forend support 26. When the locking knob 39
is tightened the bolt 38 translates upward so that the bolt head 37
contacts the lower surface 40 of the upper portion of each side
wall 34 that define the neck of the opening 31a. The contact of the
bolt head with the surfaces 40 of the side walls 34 of the retainer
31 frictionally retains the forend support 26 at a desired
longitudinal position on the base 29. This method of retention and
positioning the bolt 38 along the retainer 31 is common to the
forend support 26, the grip support 27 and the buttstock supports
28. The retainer 31 and opening 31a extend the length of the base
29, so that each of the individual supports 26, 27, 28 may be
longitudinally positioned along the base or completely removed by
sliding the bolt head 37 out of either open end of the
retainer.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the base 29 is generally
rectangular and may be fabricated as a single unit, e.g., by
plastic injection molding, so a majority of its features are
integral to the part. In one embodiment, the base 29 is about 30
inches in length, about 7 inches wide, and about 1.5 inches tall.
The base 29 serves as a platform for mounting the vise 25 to a
bench or other suitable work surface. Holes 45 formed in each of
the four corners of the base 29 provide clearance for bolts or
screws to permanently mount the vise 25 to a work surface. Flat
surfaces 46 around the holes 45 provide contact points for a
C-clamp, or other user provided clamping device, to temporarily
mount the unit to a work surface.
[0050] The top surface 33 of the base 29 contains numerous
cavities, or depressions, of specific sizes and shapes
corresponding to common firearm cleaning supplies and maintenance
tools that aid in organization of the work area. For example, round
cavities 48 are sized and shaped to receive round solvent bottles
(not shown), and rectangular cavities 49 are sized and shaped to
receive rectangular bottles and cleaning patches. Two pairs of
rectangular storage cavities 52 at the ends of the base 29 are
covered with the forend support 26 and buttstock support 27 when
the vise 25 is assembled for supporting a firearm. The interior
surfaces of the cavities may be stepped to provide additional
organizational space by providing multiple layers of storage in a
single cavity. As shown in FIG. 14, the base has two elongate
rectangular cavities 51 that have hemispherical depressions 53 that
provide storage for small parts, such as screws, while longer tools
may be stored directly above the depressions in the rectangular
cavities. The hemispherical depressions 53 allow for easier small
part retrieval than flat-bottomed cavities due to the part
naturally resting at the lowest point in the cavity 54. As shown in
FIG. 15, a contoured, relieved area on each end of the base 29
between the flat surfaces 46 provides an integral handle 55 to
facilitate lifting of the vise 25.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 16-19, the grip support 27 is designed to
provide two possible heights for supporting a firearm either in
front or behind the trigger guard. The grip support 27 has a
generally L-shaped body having two legs 60, 61 oriented 90 degrees
relative to one another. In the illustrated embodiment the leg 60
is longer than the leg 61. The grip support 27 is removably mounted
to the base 29 with either the longer leg 60 or the shorter leg 61
in the vertical position. As shown in FIG. 19, the longer leg 60 of
the grip support 27 has a V-shaped support 62 that will center and
secure the underside of the firearm. The V-shaped support 62 is
particularly useful for holding firearms, such as break open
shotguns 10 (FIG. 18), that require elevation of the firearm
mechanism for cleaning or maintenance. The shorter leg 61 has a
rounded support face 63 for non-break open rifles and shotguns,
such as the bolt-action rifle 1 (see FIG. 16). Both the V-shaped
face 62 of the longer leg 60 and the rounded face 63 of the shorter
leg 61 are covered with a pliable, rubber-like material to prevent
marring the firearm finish and provide a slip resistant contact
surface.
[0052] The grip support 27 is removably attached to the base 29 via
the retainer 31 and can be positioned at any longitudinal point
along the base 29. As shown in FIG. 17, the grip support may be
attached to the base by a threaded bolt 38 that passes through a
hole 65 located in the center of the longer leg 60 of the grip
support for attachment of the support with the longer leg in the
horizontal position and the shorter leg 61 in the vertical
position. The grip support 27 may be attached to the base with
shorter leg 61 in the horizontal position and the longer leg 60 in
the vertical position (FIG. 18) by the bolt 38 passing through a
hole 66 in the shorter leg and the bolt head that is received in
the retainer 31. A locking knob 39 is threadably engaged to the
bolt 38 and secures the grip support at a desired longitudinal
position when tightened. As previously discussed in reference to
FIG. 12, tightening the locking knob 39 will translate the bolt
head 37 upward pressing the bolt head against the upper portion of
the side walls 34 of the retainer 31 to frictionally retain the
grip support 27 at the desired longitudinal position.
[0053] The grip support 27 is adjusted from its shorter height
(FIG. 16) to its taller height (FIG. 18) by removing the threadably
engaged locking knob 39 from the threaded bolt 38, lifting the grip
support 27 until the free end of the threaded bolt 38 is removed
from the hole 65 in the longer leg 61, then repositioning the grip
support 27 so the threaded bolt 38 engages the hole 66 in the
shorter leg 61. The locking knob 39 is then rethreaded onto the
threaded bolt 38 that now protrudes from the shorter leg 21 and is
tightened to secure the grip support 27 on the base 29. It is
understood that the grip support 27 is adjusted from its taller
height to its shorter height in a similar manner.
[0054] The forend support 26 is constructed to provide four
possible height settings for supporting the forend or barrel of the
firearm. As shown in FIG. 20-22, the forend support 26 has a forend
upper member, generally indicated 70, releasably engaged to a
forend base, generally indicated 71. The forend upper member 70 and
forend base 71 are releasably engaged via a locking knob 73 and a
threaded bolt 75 having a head 74 that is slidably retained in a
slot 72 in the top surface 76 of the forend base 71. The threaded
bolt 75 is inserted through a hole 77 in the forend upper member 70
and retained by the threadably engaged locking knob 73. The forend
support 26 is adjusted for height by loosening the locking knob 73
and translating the forend upper member 70 along the angled surface
or ramp 76 of the forend base 71. Three sets of arcuate
protrusions, or elevation stops 78, are formed in the angled
surface 76 of the forend base 71. The elevations stops 78 provide
three separate elevation positions for the forend upper member 70.
As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the elevation stops 78 are shaped to
engage rounded corners of the forend base 71 to prevent the base
from sliding down the top surface 76. During use, the locking knob
73 and elevation stops 78 combine to resist downward translational
movement in the direction of arrow 80 (FIG. 22) of the forend upper
member 70 relative to the forend base 71. If desired, the user may
attach the forend upper 70 directly to the base 29 by inserting the
bolt head 74 of the bolt 75 in the retainer 31 in the base rather
than the slot 72 of the forend base. This arrangement provides the
fourth, and lowest, height setting of the forend support 26. The
dual adjusting capability (i.e., longitudinal position and vertical
height) of the forend support 26 allows the user maximum
flexibility in properly supporting the barrel or forearm of
virtually any rifle or shotgun.
[0055] The forend base 71 is removably attached to the base 29 via
the retainer 31 and can be positioned at any longitudinal point
along the base 29. Referring to FIG. 12, the threaded bolt 38
passes through a hole located in the center of the forend base 71
with the head 37 engaged with the retainer 31. The locking knob 39
threadably receives the bolt 38 so that the bolt head 37 is forced
upward in the opening 31a when the knob is tightened. At the
tightened position, the bolt head contacts the lower surfaces 40 of
the spaced apart side walls 37 of the retainer 31 so that the
forend support 26 is frictionally retained at a desired
longitudinal position on the base 29.
[0056] The top surface 81 of the forend upper 70 is generally
V-shaped to help prevent any side-to-side movement of a barrel of
the firearm supported by the firearm vise 25 and to self-center the
firearm with the vise. A pliable, resilient (e.g., rubber-like)
material 82 covers the top surface 81 of the forend upper 70 to
prevent marring the firearm finish and provides a slip resistant
contact surface.
[0057] The firearm vise 25 of the present invention is designed to
completely restrict the movement of a rifle or shotgun for cleaning
or maintenance of the firearm. The forend support 26 and grip
support 27 provide vertical support and restrict lateral movement
of the firearm. The buttstock support 28 provides vertical support
for the rear of the firearm and clamps the firearm buttstock to
prevent longitudinal movement of the firearm.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the buttstock support 28
comprises a buttstock base 87, a left clamp assembly, generally
indicated 88, and a right clamp assembly, generally indicated 89.
The left clamp assembly 88 and right clamp assembly 89 mirror each
other about the longitudinal center of the gun vise 25. The
buttstock support 28 is removably attached to the base 29 via the
retainer 31 and can be positioned at any point along the
longitudinal length of the base 29. The buttstock support 28 is a
attached to the base 29 in a similar manner as the forend support
26 and grip support 27. The buttstock support 28 is attached to the
base 29 by two threaded bolts 90 that pass through a respective
front hole 91 and rear hole 92 located on the longitudinal
centerline of the buttstock base 87. Each bolt 90 has a head 93
that is received in the opening 31a of the retainer 31. The
buttstock support 28 is secured to the bolts 90 by two locking
knobs 94 which have been removed from the bolts in FIG. 24 for
clarity. Tightening each locking knob 94 will force a respective
bolt head 93 upward in the opening 31a of the retainer 31 so that
each head contacts the lower surface 40 (FIG. 12) of the upper
portion of each of the side walls 34 (FIG. 12) that define the neck
of the opening so that the buttstock support is secured to the base
29 at the desired longitudinal position.
[0059] The top surface 96 of the buttstock base 87 is "V" shaped to
help prevent any side-to-side movement of the firearm buttstock and
to self-center the firearm in the gun vise 25. A pliable,
rubber-like material 97 covers the top surface 96 of the buttstock
base 87 to prevent marring the firearm finish and provides a slip
resistant contact surface.
[0060] The clamp assemblies 88, 89 maybe adjusted in the vertical
and horizontal (lateral) directions relative to the longitudinal
axis L2 of the base 29 to accommodate a wide range of firearm
buttstock designs. The two clamp assemblies 88, 89 are
independently adjustable for height (vertical location), width of
clamping area (horizontal location), and clamping pressure. FIGS.
23 and 24 illustrate one clamp assembly 88 removed from the
buttstock base 87, but the other clamp assembly 89 is adjustable on
the base in a similar manner as described herein. As shown in FIGS.
23 and 24, each clamp assembly 88, 89 is releasably retained to the
buttstock base 87 via a threaded bolt 100 and locking knob 101. The
head of each threaded bolt 100 is retained in a respective vertical
slot 102 in the rear surface of the buttstock base 87. The threaded
bolt 100, and the clamp assembly 88, may translate the length of
the slot 102 for vertical adjustment of the clamp assembly 88.
Tightening the locking knob 101 frictionally retains the vertical
position of the clamp assembly 88 with the buttstock base 87. FIGS.
25 and 26 compare the left clamp at the highest vertical position
(FIG. 25) and the lowest vertical position (FIG. 26). An open-ended
channel 103 parallel and adjacent to the vertical adjustment slot
102 is designed to accept a mating protrusion 104 (FIG. 24) on the
clamp assembly 88. The vertical protrusion 104 is received in the
channel 103 to prevent the clamp assembly 88 from rotating on the
buttstock base 87 as clamping pressure is applied.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, each clamp assembly 88, 89
consists of a housing 106 (partially removed in FIG. 28), a clamp
lever 107, a cam 108, a threaded cam follower 109 slidably received
in a cavity 109a of the housing, a threaded adjustor stud 110, a
return spring 111 acting at one end against the follower and at its
opposite end against a surface 111a of the housing, a buttstock pad
112 and an adjustor knob 113. Referring to FIG. 27, a rear view of
the gun vise 13 is shown with a rifle buttstock 6 positioned
between the two clamp assemblies 88, 89 shown in the open position
with the buttstock pads 112 spaced away from the rifle buttstock.
As shown in FIG. 29, the housing 106 has an exterior surface that
contains a graphical indicator mark 114 for illustrating the open
position of the clamp assemblies 88, 89 and a graphical indicator
mark 115 illustrating the closed position of the clamp assemblies.
The clamp lever 107 has a pointer 116 for pointing to the indicator
mark 114, 115 indicating the corresponding open and closed position
of the buttstock pads 112.
[0062] FIGS. 28 and 31 show the relative positions of the clamp
lever 107, cam 108, cam follower 109 and adjustor stud 110 in the
open position (FIG. 28) and closed position (FIG. 31) of the left
clamp assembly 88. The operation of the right claim assembly 89 is
identical to the left clamp assembly 88 described herein. The front
half of the housing 106 has been removed in FIGS. 28 and 31 for
illustrative purposes. To actuate, or close, the clamp assembly 88,
the clamp lever 107 is pushed down to rotate the lever
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 28. The clamp lever 107 is
rotationally connected to the cam 108 that rotates with the lever.
The cam 108 has an eccentric surface 117 that contacts the follower
109. When the lever 107 is rotated counterclockwise from the
position shown in FIG. 28, the eccentric surface 117 of the cam 108
pushes the cam follower 109 linearly toward the rifle buttstock 6,
in the direction of arrow 120 (FIG. 31). The linear movement of the
follower 109 compresses the return spring 111. The follower 109 is
threadably engaged to the adjustor stud 110 so that linear movement
of the follower causes corresponding linear movement of the
adjustor stud. The buttstock pad 112 is threadably mounted to the
end of the adjustor stud 110 so linear movement of the adjustor
stud (and follower 109) causes corresponding linear movement of the
buttstock pad 112.
[0063] At the closed position of the clamp assemblies 88, 89
illustrated in FIG. 30, the buttstock pads 112 will contact the
rifle 1 on each side of the buttstock 6 and exert a clamping force
perpendicular to the buttstock for holding the rifle in a secure
holding position. As shown in FIG. 32, the pointer 116 of the clamp
lever 107 points to the symbol 115 illustrating the closed position
of the vise 25. Rotating the clamp lever 107 of the clamp assembly
88 in the clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 31, causes rotation
of the cam 108 such that the follower 109 in contact with the
eccentric surface 117 moves away from the buttstock 6 in a
direction opposite to the arrow 120. The return spring 111 biases
the follower 109 against the eccentric surface 117 so that the
follower, adjustor stud 110, and buttstock pad 112 move to the open
position when the lever 107 is returned to the position of FIG. 28.
It is understood that the lever 107 of the clamp assembly 89 is
rotated in an opposite direction (i.e., counterclockwise as viewed
in FIG. 29) to move the right buttstock pad 112 to the open
position.
[0064] The amount of pressure exerted by the clamp assemblies 88,
89 may be adjusted by rotating the adjustor knob 113 clockwise or
counterclockwise to adjust the position of the buttstock pad 112 in
the closed position of the vise 25. The adjustor knob 113 is
attached to one end of the adjustor stud 110, and the buttstock pad
is attached at the other end of the adjustor stud. The follower 109
is threadably engaged with the adjuster stud and is slidably
received in the cavity 109a (FIGS. 28, 31) of the housing so that
the follower is rotationally restrained. Therefore, when the
adjustor knob 113 and adjustor stud 110 are rotated, the adjustor
stud and buttstock pad 112 will traverse linearly as shown by the
directional arrows 120, but the follower 109 remains in a fixed
position in contact with the eccentric surface 117 of the cam
108.
[0065] It is understood that the buttstock pads may comprise foam
padding or other compressible material. The pressure exerted by the
clamp assemblies 88, 89 on the buttstock 6 is adjustable by turning
the adjustment knob 113 so that the gap between the buttstock pads
for receiving the buttstock is reduced. The reduced distance
between the buttstock pads will cause the pads to compress after
contacting the buttstock 6 when the levers 107 of the clamp
assemblies 88, 89 are positioned to close the vise 25.
[0066] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0067] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0068] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense. For example, the various components of the
firearm holding device could have other configurations.
* * * * *