U.S. patent application number 11/828990 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for firearm rest.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.. Invention is credited to Tom Knudtson, David Nau, Jeffrey Reinert.
Application Number | 20090025267 11/828990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40293993 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090025267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reinert; Jeffrey ; et
al. |
January 29, 2009 |
Firearm Rest
Abstract
A firearm rest is constructed and arranged to receive a weight
plate of standard size and shape. The firearm rest can secure the
weight against movement in three orthogonal directions. In some
embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame defining a planar
weight support surface, a front firearm support, and a rear firearm
support, wherein the frame is constructed and arranged to support
and secure a weight plate. In some embodiments, the frame comprises
a clamp, a magnet, a strap, a vertically oriented shaft, a friction
pad, and/or a platform having a raised perimeter flange. In some
embodiments, the frame comprises a shaft that is moveable between
first and second positions.
Inventors: |
Reinert; Jeffrey; (Sparta,
WI) ; Knudtson; Tom; (Holmen, WI) ; Nau;
David; (Onalaska, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ATK;c/o Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.
6640 Shady Oak Road, Suite #400
Eden Prairie
MN
55344-7834
US
|
Assignee: |
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
Edina
MN
|
Family ID: |
40293993 |
Appl. No.: |
11/828990 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/00 20130101;
F41C 27/00 20130101; F41A 23/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/94 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00 |
Claims
1. A firearm rest comprising: a frame; a front support; a rear
support; and a shaft attached to the frame, the shaft moveable
between first and second positions; wherein a longitudinal axis of
the shaft is oriented substantially vertically in the first
position.
2. The firearm rest of claim 1, further comprising a weight having
an aperture, the shaft oriented within the aperture.
3. The firearm rest of claim 2, wherein the weight comprises a
standard-sized or Olympic-sized plate.
4. The firearm rest of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a front
portion, a central portion and a rear portion, the front support
attached to the front portion, the shaft attached to central
portion, and the rear support attached to the rear portion.
5. The firearm rest of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first
rail and a second rail, the shaft located between the first rail
and the second rail.
6. The firearm rest of claim 5, the first rail comprising a first
flat surface and the second rail comprising a second flat surface,
the first flat surface and the second flat surface oriented on a
common plane.
7. The firearm rest of claim 6, wherein the shaft is attached to
the frame at a location below said common plane, the shaft
extending upwards through said common plane when in the first
position.
8. The firearm rest of claim 6, wherein the entire shaft is located
below said common plane when the shaft is oriented in the second
position.
9. The firearm rest of claim 6, wherein the frame further comprises
a first cross-member and a second cross-member, the shaft located
between the first cross-member and the second cross-member, each
cross-member spanning between the first rail and the second
rail.
10. The firearm rest of claim 9, the first cross-member comprising
a third flat surface and the second cross-member comprising a
fourth flat surface, the third flat surface and the fourth flat
surface oriented on the common plane, the first, second, third and
fourth flat surfaces forming a continuous perimeter around the
shaft.
11. The firearm rest of claim 9, further comprising a pin, the pin
attached between the first cross-member and the second
cross-member; the shaft further comprising a shaft aperture
oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the pin extending
through the shaft aperture.
12. The firearm rest of claim 1, the shaft further comprising
threadings, the firearm rest further comprising a fastener that
engages the threadings.
13. A firearm rest comprising: a frame defining a planar weight
support surface; a front firearm support; a rear firearm support;
and a shaft attached to the frame at a location below the planar
weight support surface, the shaft extending upwards through a plane
defined by the planar weight support surface.
14. The firearm rest of claim 13, further comprising a weight
supported by the planar weight support surface.
15. The firearm rest of claim 14, the weight comprising an
aperture, the shaft oriented within the aperture.
16. The firearm rest of claim 14, wherein the weight comprises a
standard or Olympic plate.
17. The firearm rest of claim 13, wherein the shaft is moveable
between first and second positions, the shaft oriented
substantially vertically in the first position.
18. A firearm rest comprising: a frame defining a planar weight
support surface; a front firearm support; and a rear firearm
support; wherein the frame is constructed and arranged to support
and secure a weight plate.
19. The firearm rest of claim 18, wherein said weight plate is
secured against movement in three orthogonal directions.
20. The firearm rest of claim 18, wherein the frame comprises at
least one structure selected from a group consisting of: a clamp, a
magnet, a strap, a vertically oriented shaft, a friction pad, and a
platform having a raised perimeter flange.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a firearm rest, and more
specifically to a recoil-reducing firearm rest.
[0002] The use of firearm rests is known in the art. A firearm
rest, such as a rifle rest, can be used to support a firearm during
aiming and shooting, thereby increasing accuracy. A firearm rest
can also help brace the firearm against movement immediately after
firing, which can reduce the amount of recoil felt by the
shooter.
[0003] More recently, firearm rests have been introduced that can
accept additional weight. Thus, the mass of the firearm rest can be
adjusted according to properties of the firearm and the ammunition.
One example is disclosed in Patent Application Publication US
2007/0074439, which teaches a rifle rest having a u-shaped holder
that accepts 25 pound bags of lead shot.
[0004] It has been found that in some instances, bags having
additional mass, such as lead shot or sand, will undesirably shift
in position when the firearm is fired. Further, the firearm user
often must buy the shot bags and the lead shot specifically for use
with the rifle rest. Thus, the additional weight for the rifle rest
is only useful to the owner in conjunction with the rifle rest.
[0005] There remains a need for novel firearm rest designs that are
capable of accepting and securing various amounts of weight.
Further, it would be desirable for the weights to be useful to the
owner in applications other than in conjunction with the firearm
rest.
[0006] All US patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0007] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
[0008] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the
specification is provided as well only for the purposes of
complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be
used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame, a
front support, a rear support and a shaft attached to the frame.
The shaft is moveable between first and second positions. A
longitudinal axis of the shaft is oriented substantially vertically
in the first position.
[0010] In some embodiments, a weight plate of standard size can be
supported by the frame, and the shaft can extend through a central
aperture of the weight. The shaft can brace the weight against
lateral movement with respect to the frame.
[0011] In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame
defining a planar weight support surface, a front firearm support,
a rear firearm support and a shaft. The shaft can be attached to
the frame at a location below the planar weight support surface,
and can extend upwards through a plane defined by the planar weight
support surface.
[0012] In some embodiments, a firearm rest comprises a frame
defining a planar weight support surface, a front firearm support,
and a rear firearm support, wherein the frame is constructed and
arranged to support and secure a weight plate. In some embodiments,
the frame comprises a clamp, a magnet, a strap, a vertically
oriented shaft, a friction pad, and/or a platform having a raised
perimeter flange.
[0013] These and other embodiments which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the
invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use,
reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part
hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are
illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A detailed description of the invention is hereafter
described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest supporting
weight plates of a standard size.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the weight plates
removed.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows another view of an embodiment of a firearm
rest.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a frame in greater detail.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest with weight
bags.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest with a raised
flange.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest with
clamps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] While this invention may be embodied in many different
forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of
the invention. This description is an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals
in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise
indicated.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest 10 supporting a
firearm 8. The firearm rest 10 may also be referred to herein as a
rifle rest, a gun rest, etc. The firearm rest 10 can be used with
any suitably sized firearm, for example, rifles, shotguns and the
like.
[0025] The firearm rest 10 generally comprises a frame 20, a front
support 40, and a rear support 60. The front and rear supports 40,
60 are arranged to support the firearm 8, and the frame 20 is
arranged to support the front and rear supports 40, 60. The frame
20 is preferably constructed and arranged to receive a weight 16,
such as a standard or Olympic size weight plate 18. Weight plates
18 are desirable because they can be secured to the firearm rest 20
quickly and easily, and because a purchaser of a firearm rest 20
may already own weight plates 18.
[0026] In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a plurality of
legs 12 that can contact a surface 9 that is supporting the firearm
rest 10. In some embodiments, each leg 12 can further comprise a
foot 14, which can be made from a material having a higher
frictional coefficient than the leg 12. Desirably, a foot 14 will
frictionally engage the support surface 9 and resist lateral
movement. In some embodiments, feet 14 comprise rubber. In some
embodiments, a foot 14 is adjustable with respect to the leg 12,
for example comprising a threaded shaft that is received by the leg
12. Thus, the feet 14 can be adjustable in height, which allows the
firearm rest 10 to be oriented level on a supporting surface 9 that
is not level.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows the firearm rest 10 of FIG. 1 with the weight
16 removed. The firearm rest 10 can comprise a shaft 36. A shaft 36
can comprise a portion of the frame 20 and/or can be attached to
the frame 20. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis 37 of the
shaft 36 is oriented vertically or substantially vertically when
the firearm rest 10 is on a horizontal surface. Preferably, a
longitudinal axis 37 of the shaft 36 is oriented within 30 degrees
of vertical.
[0028] The shaft 36 is preferably arranged to receive and secure a
weight 16, such as a plate 18 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a
weight 16 comprises an aperture, and when the weight 16 is placed
on the firearm rest 10, the shaft 36 extends through the aperture,
for example as shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] The firearm rest 10 can further comprise a fastener 39 that
engages the shaft 36 via any suitable engagement mechanism. For
example, in some embodiments, a fastener 39 can frictionally engage
or clamp to the shaft 36. In some embodiments, the shaft 36
comprises threads 38, and the fastener 39 comprises complimentary
threads as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the fastener 39
can be shaped to allow a user to easily rotate the fastener 39 with
respect to the shaft 36, for example having knurling, or comprising
a star shape as illustrated in FIG. 2. The fastener 39 can be used
in conjunction with the shaft 36 to secure a weight 16 against
movement in three orthogonal directions.
[0030] The shaft 36 is preferably sized to allow use with both
standard-sized and Olympic-sized weight plates 18. In some
embodiments, the shaft 36 comprises a diameter of approximately 1
inch, or slightly less, and is therefore sized to receive a
standard-sized weight plate 18. In some embodiments, a sizing
adapter 17 can be provided, such as a cylindrical tube. The sizing
adapter 17 desirably comprises a central aperture 19 that is sized
to receive the shaft 36, for example having an inner diameter of
approximately 1 inch, or slightly larger. The adapter 17 is
desirably sized to receive an Olympic-sized weight plate 18, for
example having an outer diameter of approximately 2 inches, or
slightly less. An adapter 17 desirably has a length that is less
than the length of the shaft 36, to allow for use of a fastener
39.
[0031] In some embodiments, a fastener 39 comprises a lower flange
58 that can extend into the aperture of a weight plate 18. In some
embodiments, a lower flange 58 comprises a cylindrical shape having
a diameter of approximately 2 inches, or slightly less. Thus, the
fastener 39 can be used to secure an Olympic-sized weight, and an
adapter 17 is not required.
[0032] In some embodiments, the shaft 36 can comprise a diameter of
approximately 2 inches, or slightly less, and is therefore sized to
receive an Olympic-sized weight plate 18.
[0033] In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a front portion
21, a central portion 22 and a rear portion 23. The shaft 36 is
located in the central portion 22. The front support 40 can attach
to the front portion 21, and the rear support 60 can attach to the
rear portion 23. Legs 12 can be attached to the front and rear
portions 21, 23. Preferably, the firearm rest 10 comprises at least
three legs 12. For example, at least two legs 12 can attach to the
front portion 21 and at least one leg 12 can attach to the rear
portion 23. Additional legs 12 can provide improved stability. In
some embodiments, a plurality of legs 12 can attach to the front
portion 21, and a plurality of legs 12 can attach to the rear
portion 23.
[0034] The front support 40 is constructed and arranged to support
a firearm 8. In some embodiments, the front support 40 comprises a
contoured sandbag 42.
[0035] The front support 40 can be vertically adjustable. In some
embodiments, the front support 40 comprises a threaded shaft 44 and
an adjustment mechanism 46, such as a nut with complimentary
internal threadings. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism
46 abuts the front portion 21 of the frame 20. In some embodiments,
rotation of the adjustment mechanism 46 will cause the threaded
shaft 44, and thus the front support 40, to actuate upwards or
downwards with respect to the frame 20. In some embodiments, the
adjustment mechanism 46 comprises a shape that allows easy
adjustment of the mechanism, for example having knurling, or
comprising a star shape as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0036] In some embodiments, the height of the front support 40 can
be locked with a locking mechanism 48. In some embodiments, for
example as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking mechanism 48
comprises a threaded pin that is received by the front portion 21
of the frame 20. The locking mechanism 48 preferably abuts and
tightens against the threaded shaft 44 in order to lock the
threaded shaft 44 in place. In some embodiments, the threaded shaft
44 can comprises a groove or channel 49 that can receive the
locking mechanism 48. The channel 49 allows the locking mechanism
48 to be quickly released, and the height of the front support 40
to be adjusted without complete removal of the locking mechanism
48. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism 48 can comprise a
T-shape, which allows for easier rotation.
[0037] The front support 40 can further comprise a lateral
adjustment mechanism 52. A lateral adjustment mechanism 52 can
comprise a receiving member 54 that mounts upon the threaded shaft
44, or in some embodiments, mounts upon the front portion 21 of the
frame 20. The receiving member 54 is laterally adjustable with
respect to the rest of the front support 40. In some embodiments,
the receiving member 54 is engaged to a threaded adjustment shaft
56, which comprises a knob 57. Rotation of the threaded adjustment
shaft 56 causes the receiving member 54 to actuate laterally.
[0038] The rear support 60 is constructed and arranged to support a
firearm 8. In some embodiments, the rear support 60 comprises a
contoured sandbag 62. In some embodiments, the rear support 60
comprises a recoil strap 64. In some embodiments, the recoil strap
64 comprises a non-metallic material, such as a fabric. In some
embodiments, the recoil strap 64 can be removed. In some
embodiments, the size/length of the recoil strap 64 is adjustable,
thus allowing for use with firearms of different sizes and
shapes.
[0039] The rear support 60 can be vertically adjustable, for
example comprising a vertical adjustment mechanism similar to that
of the front support 40. In some embodiments, the rear support 60
comprises a threaded shaft 44a, an adjustment mechanism 46a and a
locking mechanism 48a, for example as described with respect to the
front support 40.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows another view of an embodiment of a firearm rest
10, wherein the central portion 22 of the frame 20 is more
visible.
[0041] The frame 20 can have any suitable shape and comprises at
least one structural member spanning between the front portion 21
and the rear portion 23. In some embodiments, the frame 20
comprises a first rail 30 and a second rail 32 spanning between the
front portion 21 and the rear portion 23. The first rail 30 and
second rail 32 are preferably oriented on opposite sides of the
shaft 36, and can therefore provide stable support for a weight 16.
In some embodiments, the first rail 30 comprises a mirror image of
the second rail 32, wherein the mirror image is taken across a
longitudinal axis 11 of the firearm rest 10.
[0042] In some embodiments, each rail 30, 32 comprises a flat
surface 24 that defines a support area for a weight. The flat
surfaces 24 of the rails 30, 32 are preferably oriented on a common
plane 26. In some embodiments, the common plane 26 is oriented
horizontally. Supporting surfaces that are oriented in the common
plane 26, such as the flat surfaces 24, can collectively define a
planar weight support surface.
[0043] In some embodiments, the frame 20 further comprises at least
one cross-member 34 that spans between the first rail 30 and the
second rail 32. In some embodiments, the frame 20 comprises a
plurality of cross-members 34. In some embodiments, a cross-member
comprises a flat surface 24 oriented in the common plane 26. In
some embodiments, flat surfaces 24 of the rails 30, 32 and
cross-members 34 can form a continuous perimeter that extends
around the shaft 36, wherein each surface of the continuous
perimeter is oriented in the common plane 26.
[0044] In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is attached to a
cross-member 34. In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is supported by
multiple cross-members 34. For example, the shaft 36 can be
connected between a first cross-member 34a and a second
cross-member 34b.
[0045] In some embodiments, the shaft 36 can be attached to a
connector 28, and the connector 28 can be attached to the frame 20,
for example being attached to one or more cross-members 34. As
shown in FIG. 3, the connector 28 comprises a pin that is attached
between the first cross-member 34a and the second cross-member 34b.
The shaft 36 is hingedly attached to the pin. In some embodiments,
the shaft 36 can comprise an aperture, and the pin can extend
through the shaft aperture.
[0046] In some embodiments, the firearm rest 10 further comprises
at least one magnet 66. The magnet(s) 66 are preferably arranged to
attract and help secure a weight positioned on the frame 20. In
some embodiments, the magnet(s) 66 are attached to the frame 20. In
some embodiments, an upper side of a magnet 66 can be placed flush
with a flat surface 24 of one or more frame 20 elements. Thus, an
upper side of a magnet 66 can lie in the common plane 26.
[0047] In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is moveable between at
least first and second positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3,
the shaft 36 is hingedly attached to the frame 20 and rotatable
about an axis 11 that passes through the center of rotation of the
shaft 36.
[0048] A first position can comprise a deployed position wherein
the shaft 36 is arranged to receive and secure a weight plate 18,
for example as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, a
longitudinal axis 37 (see FIG. 2) of the shaft 36 is oriented
vertically or substantially vertically when the shaft 36 is in the
first position.
[0049] A second position can comprise a stowed position wherein the
shaft 36 is not positioned to receive a weight plate 18. In some
embodiments, when in the second position, the shaft 36 is oriented
such that it will not interfere with any type of weight placed upon
the frame 20. In some embodiments, the entire shaft 36 is
positioned below the common plane 26 or weight support area when in
the second position.
[0050] Preferably, the longitudinal axis 37 of the shaft 36 has
different orientations in the first and second positions. Thus, the
longitudinal axis 37 in the second position is oriented at an angle
to the longitudinal axis 37 in the first position. In some
embodiments, the longitudinal axis 37 is oriented vertically in the
first position and non-vertically in the second position, for
example being oriented horizontally.
[0051] In some embodiments, the shaft 36 is attached to the frame
20 at a location below the common plane 26. In some embodiments,
the shaft 36 extends up through the common plane 26 when oriented
in the first position.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a view of the shaft 36 oriented in a second or
stowed position. In some embodiments, a securement device 64 can be
included to retain the shaft 36 in a given position. In some
embodiments, the securement device 64 comprises a strap. As shown
in FIG. 4, the securement strap 64 is arranged to secure the shaft
36 in the stowed position.
[0053] In some embodiments, the firearm rest 10 can further
comprise a weight strap 68. When the shaft 36 is oriented in the
second position, any suitable weight can be placed on the frame 20.
One or more weight straps 68 can be used to secure the weight in
place. In some embodiments, a weight strap 68 can be threaded
between cross-members 34 of the frame 20.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a firearm rest 10 supporting
weight bags 74. Weight bags 74 can be filled with sand, lead shot,
etc. Desirably, each weight bag 74 can be secured to the frame 20
with a securement device, such as a weight strap 68.
[0055] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a firearm rest 10. In
some embodiments, the frame 20 further comprises a raised flange 72
that extends around a support area for the weight. In some
embodiments, a support area comprises the collective supporting
surfaces of various frame 20 elements, for example the flat
surfaces 24 described with respect to FIG. 3.
[0056] The raised flange 72 desirably defines the shape of a
perimeter of a weight. Thus, the raised flange 72 can encircle a
weight and brace the weight against lateral movement. In various
embodiments, a raised flange 72 can have any suitable shape and can
have any suitable height. In some embodiments, a shaped weight (not
shown) can be provided for the firearm rest 10, and the raised
flange 72 can define a perimeter of the shaped weight--for example
a square or other polygon, or even an irregular shape. In some
embodiments, a raised flange 72 comprises a circular shape. In some
embodiments, a raised flange 72 can be sized for use with specific
standard-sized or Olympic-sized weight plates 18. For example, a
raised flange 72 having an 11 inch diameter lends itself to use
with one or more 25 pound Olympic-sized weight plate(s). The height
of the raised flange 72 can be sized to secure any suitable amount
of weight plates 18, for example, two, three or four stacked weight
plates 18. A raised flange 72 having a diameter of approximately 18
inches lends itself to use with one or more 35 pound Olympic-sized
weight plate(s).
[0057] A raised flange 72 can be used with or without a shaft 36 as
described previously herein.
[0058] In some embodiments, a raised flange 72 can be attached to
the frame 20. For example, in some embodiments, the raised flange
72 comprises a ring, which can be attached to the frame 20 at any
location where the frame 20 and raised flange 72 overlap. In some
embodiments, the raised flange 72 can be attached to the frame
rails 30, 32.
[0059] In some embodiments, the firearm rest 10 further comprises a
shaped platform 76 that is arranged to support the weight. In some
embodiments, the platform 76 comprises a planar piece of material
that is attached to the frame 20. In some embodiments, a platform
76 can include a raised flange 72.
[0060] In some embodiments, a platform 76 can include a frictional
surface that engages the weight. In some embodiments, the platform
76 can comprise a rubber coating. In some embodiments, the platform
76 can comprise a leather or suede surface. In some embodiments,
the platform 76 can comprise a foam material. In some embodiments,
the platform 76 can include one or more suction cups (not shown)
oriented to engage a weight.
[0061] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a firearm rest 10.
[0062] In some embodiments, a firearm rest 10 comprises one or more
clamps 80. Clamps 80 are preferably arranged to secure a weight
that is placed upon the frame 20. A clamp 80 can comprise any
suitable structure and shape, and preferably can be actuated
between secured and released positions.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a clamp 80 can
threadably engage the frame 20. In some embodiments, a clamp 80
engages the frame 20 at a location outside of the weight support
area and comprises an arm 81 that overhangs the weight support
area. Thus, the arm 81 can engage a weight that is placed in the
weight support area, and secure the weight against movement.
[0064] In some embodiments, each rail 30, 32 of the frame 20 can
comprise two clamps.
[0065] Clamps 80 can be used with or without a shaft 36 as
described previously herein. Clamps 80 can secure a weight against
movement in three orthogonal directions.
[0066] Various embodiments of a firearm rest 10 can be designed for
use with various amounts of weight. Preferably, a firearm rest 10
is capable of accepting at least 50 pounds of weight. It has been
found that 25 pounds of weight is suitable for many shooting
applications, while some shooters prefer 50 pounds. In some
embodiments, a firearm rest 10 is constructed and arranged to
support and secure at least two 25 pound weight plates.
[0067] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and
alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All
these alternatives and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means
"including, but not limited to". Those familiar with the art may
recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described
herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the
claims.
[0068] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent
claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the
scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized
as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other
possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For
instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim
which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a
multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all
antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple
dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction
(e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be
alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In
jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are
restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also
taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim
format which creates a dependency from a prior
antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in
such dependent claim below.
[0069] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *