U.S. patent application number 11/669717 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for dogleg stock.
Invention is credited to Josh MacLee, JARED R. ORVIS.
Application Number | 20080000132 11/669717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38875151 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ORVIS; JARED R. ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
DOGLEG STOCK
Abstract
A stock of a gun comprising a first lateral member configured to
offset the stock sufficiently to allow a user to position their
head in-line with the sight of the gun. The stock further comprises
an elongate member having first and second ends wherein the first
end is linked to the first lateral member. The stock also includes
a second lateral member linked to the second end of the elongate
member and includes a butt portion. The configuration of the first
lateral member, the elongate member, and the second lateral member
facilitate positioning of the user's head between the first lateral
member and the second lateral member to utilize the sight of the
gun without substantial interference by the stock with the user's
head or a mask or helmet worn by the user.
Inventors: |
ORVIS; JARED R.; (Bountiful,
UT) ; MacLee; Josh; (North South Lake, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
38875151 |
Appl. No.: |
11/669717 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60763635 |
Jan 31, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/73 ; 42/71.01;
42/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/20 20130101;
F41C 23/00 20130101; F41C 23/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
042/073 ;
042/071.01; 042/074 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/14 20060101
F41C023/14 |
Claims
1. A gun stock comprising: a first lateral member configured to be
coupled to a firearm; an elongate member having opposing first and
second ends, said first end being linked to said first lateral
member, wherein said elongate member extends in a direction
substantially perpendicular to said first lateral member; and a
second lateral member linked to said second end of said elongate
member, said second lateral member extending in a direction
substantially perpendicular to said elongate member.
2. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said second lateral member
extends in a direction substantially parallel to said first lateral
member.
3. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said elongate member is
adjustable in length.
4. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said first lateral member
includes one or more attachment members configured to couple said
first lateral member to a firearm.
5. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said one or more attachment
members include one or more recesses defined by said first lateral
member, said one or more recesses being configured to receive a
mechanical fastener to attach said first lateral member to said
firearm.
6. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said first lateral member and
said elongate member comprise a single unitary piece.
7. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said first lateral member and
said elongated member are discrete pieces.
8. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said elongated member creates
a vertical offset between said first lateral member and said second
lateral member when said first lateral member extends in a
horizontal direction
9. The gun stock of claim 8, wherein said second lateral member is
positioned lower than said first lateral member.
10. The gun stock of claim 1, wherein said second lateral member
comprises a butt portion.
11. The gun stock of claim 10, wherein said butt portion comprises
a cushioning material.
12. The gun stock of claim 1, further comprising an air transfer
system coupled to at least one of said first lateral member, said
second lateral member or said elongate member.
13. A gun stock, comprising: a first lateral member configured to
be coupled to a firearm, said first lateral member being configured
to offset said stock to allow a user to position their head in-line
with a sight of said firearm; an elongate member having a first end
and an opposing second end, wherein said first end is coupled to
and extends from said first lateral member; and a second lateral
member linked to said second end of said elongate member, said
second lateral member including a butt portion, wherein said
elongate member offsets said first lateral member from said second
lateral member to form an opening within the gun stock to
facilitate positioning of said user's head between said first
lateral member and said second lateral member.
14. The gun stock of claim 13, wherein said first lateral member,
said elongate member, and said second lateral member comprise a
unitary piece.
15. The gun stock of claim 13, wherein said first lateral member,
said second lateral member, and said elongate member comprise at
least two discrete pieces.
16. The gun stock of claim 13, wherein said butt portion comprises
a resilient cushioning material.
17. The gun stock of claim 13, wherein said elongate member is
configured to allow for adjustment of a size of said gun stock.
18. The gun stock of claim 17, wherein said elongate member has an
adjustable length.
19. The gun stock of claim 17, wherein said elongate member
comprises at least two pieces, each of said at least two pieces
being movable with respect to the other of said at least two
pieces, and comprising a selector to allow a user to selectively
increase or decrease a size of the gun stock.
20. The gun stock of claim 13, wherein said first lateral member is
configured to be coupled to an air-powered firearm, the gun stock
further comprising an air transfer system coupled to at least one
of said first lateral member, said second lateral member, or said
elongate member, wherein said air transfer system is configured to
transfer air from an air supply to a firing mechanism of said
air-powered firearm.
21. A firearm system comprising: a firearm configured to discharge
projectiles; and a stock coupled to a stock portion of said
firearm, said stock comprising: a first end coupled to said stock
portion of said firearm; a second end opposing said first end, said
second end comprising a butt portion configured to be positioned
against a body of a user of the firearm system while projectiles
are discharged from said firearm; and between said first end and
said second end of said stock, means for offsetting said first and
said second ends to allow a user's head to be positioned in line
with, and between, said first end and said second end of said
stock.
22. The firearm system of claim 21, wherein said first end
comprises a lateral member extending horizontally from said stock
portion of said firearm, and wherein said lateral member is
vertically offset from said second end of said stock.
23. The firearm system of claim 21, wherein said offset means
comprises a lateral member extending from said stock portion of
said firearm and an elongate member extending from, and
substantially perpendicular to, said lateral member.
24. The firearm system of claim 21 wherein said offset means
comprises an elongate member configured to selectively control a
length of said stock.
25. The firearm system of claim 21, wherein said firearm is a
paintball gun.
26. The firearm system of claim 25, further comprising: an air
transfer system coupled to said stock, said air transfer system
being configured to transfer compressed air to a firing mechanism
of said paintball gun.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/763,635, filed Jan. 31, 2006, and
entitled DOGLEG STOCK, and U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No.
29/253,022, filed Jan. 31, 2006, and entitled DOGLEG STOCK, each of
which are incorporated herein in their entireties by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a stock for a shoulder fired
weapon. More specifically, the invention relates to a gun stock
which can be used in connection with a firearm and which allows a
user to position his or her head in-line with the sights of the
weapon, without interference by the gun stock.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] During the last several years, paintballing has become
increasingly more popular. Large tracts of land and buildings, such
as warehouses, have been transformed into paintball ranges. Many of
these ranges have been designed to replicate certain surroundings,
such as war zones. Participants are able to enter these ranges and
compete with one another, the object of the competition being
shooting the opponent with a paintball before being shot.
[0006] To increase a user's comfort and accuracy and to decrease
user fatigue, many guns are equipped with, or can be altered to
include, a gun stock. Such stocks are generally mounted on the rear
end of the gun and allow a user to position the end of the stock
against a portion of their body, such as their shoulder.
Positioning of the stock against the user's body helps the user to
stabilize the gun while aiming and shooting, thus increasing
accuracy. Further, use of a stock allows a user to place some of
the weight of the gun on the user's shoulder, thereby decreasing
the amount of load carried by the user's arms. This decreased load
on the arms can decrease user fatigue, which in turn can allow the
user to maintain a higher level of activity and accuracy over a
longer duration.
[0007] Despite the many benefits stocks provide when used in
association with typical guns, stocks are often not well suited for
use with paintball guns or other firearms. For example, a user of a
paintball gun or other firearm may use a facemask, helmet, or other
type of protective device. In a paintball setting, the facemasks
are designed to protect the user's face from incoming paintballs.
In other settings, a facemask may serve other purposes. For
example, in a military or SWAT setting, a user may utilize a
facemask to guard against bullets, shrapnel, dust, toxic chemicals
or gasses, or possibly even from the recoil of the gun.
[0008] To improve a user's accuracy with a firearm, many firearms
are equipped with gun sights. Such gun sights are generally aligned
along the top surface of the barrel of the firearm. Helmets and
facemasks are used during paintballing or in other settings often
extend out from the user's face such that, when using a stock known
in the art, the stock interferences with the user's head and/or
facemask when the user aligns his or her head, and thus the
line-of-sight, with the gun sights. To minimize the interference,
the user may need to tilt his or her head at an awkward angle to
view down the gun sights. While tilting the head can potentially
reduce some of the interference from the stock, it often does not
reduce all of the interference. As a result, the user may be unable
to properly align their face and line-of-sight with the top of the
gun or the gun's sight. This interference, which makes the user
unable to properly align their face with the gun sight, can limit
the user's ability to accurately aim at a target. Moreover, the
interference may cause the user to rest a portion of his or her
head or protective gear on the stock. This increases the weight
carried on the gun and thereby also increases user fatigue.
[0009] The present invention is designed to provide a firearm user
with the benefits associated with the use of a stock, such as
decreased fatigue and increased comfort and accuracy, as well as
allowing a user to wear a protective facemask free from
interference from the stock.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention relates to a stock for use in connection with
a firearm such as a hunting rifle, assault weapon, paintball gun or
other shoulder-supported firearm. According to one aspect of the
invention, the stock includes an opening therein. One feature of an
opening in the stock is that a user can place his or her head in
the opening to easily and effectively align the user's
line-of-sight with the sights of the firearm, thereby increasing
the user's accuracy. In some cases, the user may also have a mask
or helmet on his or her head, in which case the opening in the
stock can be configured to be large enough to accommodate the mask
or helmet without the mask or helmet being interfered with by the
gun stock.
[0011] According to one example embodiment, a gun stock includes a
first lateral member which is configured to be coupled to a firearm
at, for example, a stock portion of the firearm. An elongate member
having opposing ends may be coupled to the first lateral member and
extend therefrom in a direction which is about perpendicular to the
first lateral member. A second lateral member may be coupled to the
second end of the elongate member and extend perpendicularly
therefrom. The second lateral member can include a butt portion
configured to be placed against the shoulder or other portion of
the body of the user. According to such an example embodiment, the
elongate member can create an opening between the first and second
lateral members into which a user of a firearm can position his or
her head without interference from the gun stock. The elongate
member may be a fixed length or may be adjustable so as to allow a
user to selectively create an opening of a size necessary to
accommodate the user's head and/or a mask or helmet on the
user.
[0012] In another example embodiment, a gun stock comprises a first
lateral member configured to be coupled to a firearm, the first
lateral member being configured to offset the stock to allow a user
to position his or her head in-line with the sight of a firearm,
without interference from the stock. An elongate member is coupled
to and extends from the first lateral member, and connects to a
second lateral member that includes a butt portion. In such an
embodiment, the elongate member can offset the first and second
lateral members to form an opening within the gun stock to
facilitate positioning of the user's head at least partially in
line with, and between, the first and second lateral members.
[0013] According to another example embodiment, a firearm system is
disclosed which includes a firearm for discharging projectiles, and
a stock coupled to the firearm. The stock includes a first end
coupled to the firearm and a second end which opposes the first end
and includes a butt portion configured to be positioned against the
body of a user of the firearm while projectiles are discharged from
the firearm. Offset means may also be included in the stock and
positioned between the first and second ends of the stock to allow
a user to position his or her head in line with, and/or between,
the first and second ends of the stock without interference from
the stock.
[0014] In some example embodiments, a stock can comprise a first
lateral member which is configured to be coupled to a firearm, a
second lateral member having a butt affixed thereto, and an
elongate member connecting the first and second lateral members
together. The configuration of the stock enables a user wearing a
protective mask to position his or her face to sight down the top
of the firearm without the user's head or mask substantially
interfering with such sight alignment.
[0015] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
gun stock having a lateral offset to allow mask wearing users to
position their heads in-line with the sight of the gun without the
stock substantially interfering with the mask;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary gun stock of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exemplary gun stock of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the exemplary gun stock of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the exemplary gun stock of
FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a first end view of the exemplary gun stock of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a second end view of the exemplary gun stock of
FIG. 1; and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of an example embodiment of a gun
stock which includes an air transfer system configured to be
coupled to a compressed air tank and an inlet of an air powered
firearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The invention relates to a stock of a firearm being
configured to allow a user, including a mask wearing user, to
position his or her head in-line with the sight of the firearm
without the stock interfering with the mask. The configuration of
the stock enables a user to comfortably use the firearm's sight
without the user's head and/or protective mask substantially
contacting or being interfered with by either the stock or the
firearm. The ability of a user to sight down the firearm without
the user's head and/or mask being substantially interfered with by
other parts of the firearm provides a more enjoyable and effective
experience for the user of the firearm.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 1, a firearm 150 is illustrated which
has coupled thereto an example stock 100 which is configured to
allow a user to sight down the top of firearm 150 without firearm
150 and/or stock 100 substantially interfering with the user's head
or protective headgear. It will be appreciated that firearm 150 can
be any type of firearm suitable for use in connection with a stock
such as stock 100, and that stock 100 is not necessarily limited to
any particular type of firearm. In particular, stock 100 may be
used in connection with a variety of firearms such as, by way of
example and not representation, hunting firearms, military
firearms, law enforcement firearms, assault weapons, paintball
guns, air-powered rifles, or any other suitable firearm.
[0027] As discussed herein, a gun stock such as stock 100
illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 can be configured to allow users to
position their heads to sight down firearm 150 while placing their
heads in any upright or angled position which is comfortable to the
users, and without substantial interference from firearm 150 or
stock 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for example,
the stock 100 comprises a first elongate member 120 connected to a
firearm 150. First elongate member 120 is connected, in this
embodiment, to the butt of firearm 150 and extends laterally
therefrom. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, first
lateral member 120 extends from the butt of firearm 150 in a
lateral direction, to the right side of firearm 150, although it
will be appreciated that this is exemplary only and that in other
embodiments, first lateral member 120 may extend in other
directions, such as to the left of, below, or at an angle from, the
butt of firearm 150.
[0028] As further illustrated in the example embodiment in FIG.
1-3, gun stock 100 also includes a second lateral member 130 which
is offset from first lateral member 120, with second lateral member
130 defining at least a portion of the butt of stock 100. Second
lateral member 130 may thus be positioned proximate the shoulder,
arm, or chest of a user and thereby used to secure and stabilize
firearm 150 for firing. As further illustrated, second lateral
member 130 is optionally connected to one or more additional butt
portions 140, 200 which are configured to allow a user to
comfortably support stock 100 and firearm 150 against the user's
body.
[0029] As noted previously, first lateral member 120 is, in this
example embodiment, offset from second lateral member 130. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the offset between first lateral member 120
and second lateral member 130 is in a direction substantially
aligned with an elongate axis of firearm 150, such that first
lateral member 120 is proximate the butt of firearm 150, while
second lateral member 130 is distanced and offset therefrom. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, such an offset between first lateral
member 120 and second lateral member 130 creates a void between
first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130. It is
within this void between first lateral member 120 and second
lateral member 130 that a user of firearm 150 can position his or
her head to comfortably sight down firearm 150. In particular,
first lateral member 120 is sufficiently offset from second lateral
member 130 so as to enable a user to position his or her head
behind the butt of firearm 150, and at least partially between
first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130, and take
aim without firearm 150 or stock 100 substantially interfering with
the head or mask of the user.
[0030] An offset between first lateral member 120 and second
lateral member 130 can be created in any suitable manner which
allows a void to be created within stock 100 which allows a user to
position his or her head therein to sight down firearm 150. In the
illustrated embodiment, for example, an elongate member 110 is
coupled to each of first lateral member 120 and second lateral
member 130. In particular, elongate member 110 is connected to ends
of each of first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130
in a manner which offsets them along an axis parallel to the
elongate axis of firearm 150, and in a manner which defines a void
between first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, first lateral member 120 is
configured to be coupled to the end of a firearm 150 and provide an
offset to substantially effectuate the non-interfering purpose of
the stock 100. As noted above, first lateral member 120 extends in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongate length of
firearm 150. The first lateral member 120 is configured to provide
an offset to the stock 100 sufficient to allow a user to place
their face in-line with the sight 160 of the firearm 150. Enabling
the user to place their face in-line with the sight 160 of a
firearm 150 facilitates more accurate aiming of the firearm
150.
[0032] As will be appreciated in light of the disclosure herein,
stock 100 may be coupled to firearm 150 in any of a variety of
suitable manners. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1, first lateral member 120 of stock 100 includes one or more
recesses 170 therein through which a bolt, screw, rivet, or other
mechanical fastener may be inserted and fastened to the butt end of
the firearm 150. It will be appreciated, however, that other
measures may also be taken to secure stock 100 to firearm 150. For
example, clasps, clamps, lock-fits, snap-fits, cotter pins, or any
other suitable connector or mechanical fastener may also be used to
operatively couple stock 100 to firearm 150.
[0033] As seen best in FIGS. 1-3, first lateral member 120 can
transition into and/or connect into elongate member 110 at a first
bend 180. In the illustrated embodiment, first bend 180 re-directs
stock 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the elongate
length of the firearm 150 and substantially perpendicular to the
elongate length of first elongate member 120. Elongate member 110
may further be configured to connect first lateral member 120 to
second lateral member 130, which in turn is connected to butt 140
of stock 100.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, elongate member 110 connects
to and/or transitions into second lateral member 130 at a second
bend 190. According to the illustrated embodiment, second bend 190
thus re-directs stock 100 in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the length of firearm 150. Second lateral member
130 can, accordingly, be configured to provide a surface which can
be supported against a user to facilitate firing of firearm 150.
Moreover, second lateral member 130 may include and/or be attached
to a butt portion 140 configured to be positioned proximate a
portion of the user's body, such as the user's shoulder, in
preparation for aiming and firing firearm 150.
[0035] Butt portion 140 may be sized and configured any number of
ways to effectuate its purpose, and to accommodate for a user's
preference. Butt portion 140 may also be sized and configured to
enhance the comfort of its use by the user. In one embodiment, butt
portion 140 includes a comfort portion 200 which is adapted to
enhance the comfort of the user when using stock 100. For example,
comfort portion 200 may be contoured to match or accommodate curves
of a user's shoulder or other portion of the user's body.
Additionally, or alternatively thereto, comfort portion 200 can
include a cushioning material 200, such as a resilient rubber,
foam, or fabric. As will be appreciated in light of the disclosure
herein, comfort portion 200 can be a separate portion which is
attached to butt portion 140 and/or second lateral member 130, may
be integrally formed with butt portion 140 and/or second lateral
member 130, or may even replace butt portion 140 and/or second
lateral member 130.
[0036] As will also be appreciated in view of the disclosure
herein, elongate member 110 and first and/or second lateral members
120, 130 can also be separate pieces or an integral construction.
For example, according to one embodiment, a single piece of
material is formed to create bends 180, 190 so as to form elongate
member 110 and integral first and second lateral members 120, 130.
In alternative embodiments, however, elongate member 110 is formed
independent of one or both of first lateral member 120 or second
lateral member 130. For example, first lateral member 120, second
lateral member 130, and elongate member 110 can each be formed
separately, from separate materials, and thereafter connected
together. For example, first lateral member 120 and second lateral
member 130 can each be welded or otherwise permanently secured to
elongate member 110. Alternatively, elongate member 110 can be
selectively and removable secured to first lateral member 120
and/or second lateral member 130. In yet another embodiment, any of
first lateral member 120, second lateral member 130, or elongate
member 140 can be formed of multiple separate pieces which are
permanently or selectively removably coupled together.
[0037] As best shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
3, which illustrates a bottom view of stock 100, in which first
lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130 each extend
substantially perpendicular from opposing ends of elongate member
110, first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130 can
each extend from lateral member 110 in the same direction, such
that first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130 are
substantially parallel, and such that stock 100 has a generally "C"
shaped configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that such a
configuration is exemplary only and that other configurations are
contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, a gun stock
according to the present invention can have a generally "C" shaped
construction in which first and second lateral members are not
parallel, such as where first and/or second lateral member 120, 130
extends from elongate member 110, but is not substantially
perpendicular thereto. For example, first and/or second lateral
members 120, 130 can be between, in one example embodiment, between
zero and forty-five degrees offset from perpendicular.
[0038] In other example embodiments, a gun stock according to the
present invention can include only one of first and second lateral
members and/or can include only an elongate member shaped to create
a void into which user can insert their heads to position their
lines-of-sight in line with the gun sights without substantial
interference from the stock or firearm. Accordingly, a gun stock
according to the present invention could have a generally "C", "U"
or "V" shape, a generally "O" or "?" shape, or have any other shape
or configuration suitable to define a void in the stock into which
users can insert their heads or protective head gear.
[0039] Elongate member 110 may further be configured to facilitate
the proper positioning of butt portion 140 of stock 100 in relation
to a user and to firearm 150. Such a configuration to facilitate
proper positioning of the butt portion 140 of stock 100 in relation
to firearm 150 may include, by way of representation and not
limitation, elongate member 110 having a bend 110A therein. As best
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, bend 110A can be configured so as to
create an offset between first lateral member 120 and second
lateral member 130 in a second direction. For instance, first
lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130 are offset by
elongate member 110 in a first direction, e.g. a direction which is
about parallel to the elongate length of firearm 150, to create a
void into which a user can insert his or her head, while bend 110A
in elongate member 110 creates an offset in a second direction,
e.g. a vertical direction, to facilitate positioning of butt
portion 140 on a user. The resulting vertical offset between first
lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130, resulting from
bend 110A, can be seen best in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, bend 110A in elongate member
110 results in second lateral member 130 being disposed at a lower
vertical position in relation to first lateral member 120. Bend
110A in elongate member 110, in addition to creating an offset
between of first lateral member 120 and second lateral member 130,
further facilitates a user's ability to sight down the top of
firearm 150 without stock 100 substantially interfering with the
user's head or any worn mask or other headgear.
[0041] Additionally, while FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a stock 100 which
includes bend 110A, it will be appreciated that this feature is
exemplary only. For example, in other embodiments, bend 110A may be
eliminated, such that there is no offset between first lateral
member 120 and butt portion 140, or bend 110 may be moved from
elongate member 110 to the interface between elongate member 110
and first lateral member 120. Further, while the illustrated
embodiment depicts one bend 110A in elongate member 110 to
facilitate creation of an offset between the first lateral member
120 and second lateral member 130, in alternative embodiments,
elongate member 110 and/or first and second lateral members 120,
130 may have multiple bends or may define an arch shape resulting
in an offset between the first lateral member 120 and the second
lateral member 130 in a second direction.
[0042] Stock 100 may be positioned in relation to firearm 150 in a
variety of ways without interfering with a user's ability to
comfortably and effectively sight firearm 150. For instance, the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 shows elongate member 110 being
laterally offset from firearm 150 in a first direction, e.g., the
offset is on the right side of the firearm 150. However, as will be
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the
disclosure herein, such an offset may be made in a variety of
directions to effectuate the non-interfering purpose of the stock
100. For example, in another embodiment, elongate member 110 may be
offset and positioned vertically below firearm 150. In another
example embodiment, elongate member 110 may be offset and
positioned to the left side of the firearm 150. Accordingly, stock
110 can be positioned and re-positioned to accommodate different
shooting preferences of the user, such as if the user is left
handed.
[0043] Furthermore, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of types of materials may be used to form
stock 100. For example, stock 100 may comprise a metal material, a
plastic material, a composite material, or some combination of any
of the foregoing. Stock 100 should be able to withstand the forces
exerted upon it through its normal use without failure. Thus, a
variety of sizes and configurations can be utilized without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0044] Furthermore, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill
in the art, stock 100 may be sized, shaped and configured to adapt
in size so as to accommodate users of varying shapes and sizes,
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For
example, stock 100 may be sized to fit a smaller user or may be
enlarged to accommodate a larger sized user. Such size adjustment
could be realized in a number of ways, for example, elongate member
110 can be formed from two or more pieces which are connected
together at various lengths with the use of a series of openings
and selector pins. In one embodiment, stock 100 may include one or
more curves to obtain a desired substantially non-interfering
offset. In another embodiment, stock 100 may include one or more
substantially straight members having one or more bends therein to
accomplish any desired offset. In another embodiment, stock 100 can
include one or more members having one or more substantially
straight members and one or more curved member to form a stock of a
configuration according to the present invention.
[0045] As discussed herein, a gun stock according to the present
invention can be used in connection with any of a variety of types
of firearms. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, and by way of
example only, a gun stock 200 according to the present invention
can be used in connection with a firearm 205 which includes a
firing mechanism (not shown) powered by a compressed fluid.
Accordingly, firearm 205 can include a paintball gun.
[0046] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,
a firearm 205 which operates using compressed air or another fluid,
is generally connected to a canister of compressed fluid (not
shown), which is situated behind the butt of firearm 205, or
otherwise positioned with respect to firearm 205. To facilitate
such connection, firearm 205 is equipped with a flexible hose which
runs between the canister and the firing mechanism.
[0047] In some embodiments, a gun stock, such as gun stock 200
illustrated in FIG. 8, is further configured to facilitate the
connection of firearm 205 to the canister of compressed air. As
will be appreciated, a canister which is situated immediately
behind firearm 205 may interfere with a gun stock positioned
proximate thereto. Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the
present invention, gun stock 200 is configured to displace the
canister of compressed fluid from firearm 205, so as to allow
firearm 205 to be used with both a canister of compressed fluid and
gun stock 200.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, gun stock 200 thus includes
an air transfer system 205 used to transport fluid between the
canister and the air system of firearm 205. According to one
embodiment, for example, air transfer system 205 includes a firearm
coupling 230 which connects air transfer system 205 of stock 200 to
the air system of air-powered firearm 205. Firearm coupling 205 is
in turn connected to a hose 240 which is included within stock 200.
Firearm coupling 205 can be directly coupled to hose 240 or, as
illustrated in FIG. 8, can be connected to hose 240 by using one or
more hose couplings 235.
[0049] As illustrated, firearm coupling 205 and hose 240 may be
aligned along a first lateral portion of stock 240, and hose 240
can run along substantially the entire length of stock 200, to a
canister coupling 255, where air transfer system 225 connects to
the canister (not shown) containing the compressed fluid which
powers firearm 205. At or near canister coupling 255, air transfer
system 225 can include one or more additional couplings 245, 250
which are configured to transfer fluid from the canister to firearm
205, and to connect canister coupling 255 to hose 240.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that hose 240
can run along an interior surface 210 of stock 200, and is secured
thereto by fasteners 260, and has a shape which generally conforms
to the configuration of stock 200, such that canister coupling 255
is positioned proximate the butt portion of stock 200. One feature
of positioning canister coupling 255 in this manner is that it
allows the canister to be removed from a position proximate the
butt of firearm 205. In this manner, a user can attach a stock,
such as stock 200, to firearm 205, which allows the user to aim
firearm 205 in a manner that does not interfere with the visual
sighting of firearm 205.
[0051] As discussed herein, gun stock 200 may be positioned against
a portion of a body of a user, such as the user's shoulder.
Accordingly, a canister used to power firearm 205 can thus be
connected near the butt portion of stock 200 and the canister can
be positioned adjacent the body of the user. This allows, for
example, a user to position the canister under his or her arm where
it does not interfere with the user's use of the gun sights.
Moreover, the canister is removed from the firearm such that the
weight of the canister is not cantilevered on firearm 205, but is
more easily supported by the user, thereby reducing the weight of
firearm 205 as felt by the user and decreasing user fatigue.
[0052] While FIG. 8 illustrates an air transfer system 225 which
conforms to the shape of stock 200 and runs along an interior
surface 210 thereof, it will be appreciated in light of the
disclosure herein that this is exemplary only and that other
configurations can be implemented without departing from the spirit
or characteristics thereof For example, in one embodiment, hose 240
and/or other features of air transfer system 225 may run through
the interior of the materials used to manufacture stock 200. In
still other embodiments, air transfer system 225 may run wholly or
partially along an upper, lower, or outer surface of stock 200, or
run along only a portion of stock 200.
[0053] While the foregoing description provides an example in which
a stock is attached to a paintball gun or other air-powered gun, it
will be appreciated in light of the disclosure herein that a stock
according to the present invention is not limited to use with
paintball guns and air-powered guns, but can be used with any type
of firearm. For example, any user of a firearm who desires to
position his or her head in line with the sight of a firearm may
use a stock according to the present invention, either with or
without a protective mask or helmet.
[0054] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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