U.S. patent application number 12/276223 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for firearm support assemblies with stacking geometries and associated methods of use and manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Russell A. Potterfield.
Application Number | 20100126055 12/276223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42194911 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100126055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Potterfield; Russell A. |
May 27, 2010 |
FIREARM SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES WITH STACKING GEOMETRIES AND ASSOCIATED
METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE
Abstract
Firearm support and rest assemblies having nested stacking
geometries are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the disclosure,
for example, is directed to a firearm rest assembly for supporting
a firearm having a first section spaced apart from a second
section. The firearm rest assembly includes a base having a lower
surface spaced apart from an upper surface, and an intermediate
surface positioned between and generally parallel to the lower and
upper surfaces. The firearm rest assembly further includes first
and second supports coupled to the base in a configuration selected
from a stored arrangement and a support arrangement. The stored
arrangement includes the first and second supports positioned
between the lower surface and the intermediate surface, and the
support arrangement includes the first support extending from the
base beyond the upper surface to support the first section of the
firearm, and the second support extending from the base beyond the
upper surface to support the second section of the firearm.
Inventors: |
Potterfield; Russell A.;
(Columbia, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Assignee: |
Battenfeld Technologies,
Inc.
Columbia
MO
|
Family ID: |
42194911 |
Appl. No.: |
12/276223 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/94 ;
206/505 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 23/16 20130101;
F41A 23/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/94 ;
206/505 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02 |
Claims
1. A firearm rest assembly for supporting a firearm having a first
section spaced apart from a second section, the firearm rest
assembly comprising: a base having a lower surface spaced apart
from an upper surface, and an intermediate surface positioned
between and generally parallel to the lower and upper surfaces;
first and second supports coupled with the base in a configuration
selected from a stored arrangement and a support arrangement,
wherein-- the stored arrangement includes the first and second
supports positioned between the lower surface and the intermediate
surface; and the support arrangement includes the first support
extending from the base beyond the upper surface to support the
first section of the firearm, and the second support extending from
the base beyond the upper surface to support the second section of
the firearm.
2. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein the firearm rest
assembly is a first firearm rest assembly, and wherein the base
includes a storage cavity that is configured to at least partially
receive a second firearm rest assembly in a nested configuration,
wherein the second firearm rest assembly is generally similar to
the first firearm rest assembly, and wherein the nested first and
second firearm rest assemblies have a combined nested height that
is less than the sum of the individual heights of the first and
second firearm rest assemblies.
3. The firearm rest assembly of claim 2, further comprising a
packaging material at least partially covering the base of the
first firearm rest assembly, wherein the packaging material does
not interfere with the nested configuration of the first firearm
rest assembly and the second firearm rest assembly.
4. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein the base further
comprises a support cavity configured to receive the first and
second support members in the stored arrangement, and wherein the
firearm rest assembly further includes a packaging material at
least partially covering the base, wherein the packaging material
generally conforms to the shape of the support cavity and at least
partially retains the first and second supports in the support
cavity in the support arrangement.
5. The firearm rest assembly of claim 4 wherein the packaging
material includes a paper-based material having a series of bends
conforming to the shape of the support cavity.
6. The firearm rest assembly of claim 4 wherein the packaging
material includes vacuum-wrapped plastic generally conforming to
the shape of the support cavity.
7. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein: each of the first
and second supports includes a tapered end portion; and the base
further includes a first opening configured to removably retain the
tapered end portion of the first support in the support
arrangement, and a second opening configured to removably retain
the tapered end portion of the second support in the support
arrangement.
8. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein in the stored
arrangement the first and second supports are positioned generally
parallel to the lower and intermediate surfaces, and in the support
arrangement the first and second supports extend from the base in a
direction generally perpendicular to the upper surface.
9. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
handle operably coupled to the base, wherein the handle is movable
between a stored position between the lower surface and the
intermediate surface and a carrying position extending from the
base beyond the intermediate surface.
10. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein the intermediate
surface is spaced apart from the lower surface by a distance
approximately equal to a thickness of the first support member.
11. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein the base further
comprises: a support cavity configured to receive the first and
second support members in the stored arrangement; a first retaining
member carried by a sidewall portion of the support cavity, wherein
the first retaining member at least partially retains the first
support in the stored arrangement; and a second retaining member
carried by the sidewall portion of the support cavity, wherein the
second retaining member at least partially retains the second
support in the stored arrangement.
12. The firearm rest assembly of claim 11 wherein each of the first
and second supports includes a plurality of protrusions extending
laterally from an edge portion of each support, and wherein the
protrusions are generally aligned with the retaining members when
the first and second supports are in the stored arrangement.
13. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein the first support
is coupled to the base with a first hinge, and the second support
is coupled to the base with a second hinge, and wherein the first
and second supports pivot between the stored arrangement and the
support arrangement.
14. The firearm rest assembly of claim 1 wherein in the support
arrangement each support has an adjustable height extending from
the base.
15. A stacked assembly of individual shooting rests, the stacked
assembly comprising: a first packaged shooting rest comprising: a
base having a storage cavity; first and second supports coupled to
the base in a configuration selected from a first arrangement and a
second arrangement; a handle coupled to the base in the
configuration selected from the first and second arrangements;
packaging material covering at least a portion of the base, wherein
the packaging material at least partially conforms to the shape of
the storage cavity, wherein-- in the first arrangement the first
support, the second support, and the handle are each positioned in
the storage cavity; and in the second arrangement the first
support, the second support, and the handle extend from the base;
and a second packaged shooting rest generally similar to the first
packaged shooting rest, wherein the second packaged shooting rest
is at least partially received in the storage cavity of the first
packaged shooting rest in a nested configuration, and wherein the
combined height of the nested first and second packaged shooting
rests is less than the sum of the heights of the individual first
and second packaged shooting rests.
16. The stacked assembly of claim 1 wherein: the base further
includes a lower surface spaced apart from an upper surface, and an
intermediate portion having an intermediate surface positioned
between the lower and upper surfaces; the storage cavity includes a
support cavity separated from a handle cavity by the intermediate
portion; in the first arrangement the first and second supports are
positioned in the support cavity between the first surface and the
intermediate surface, and the handle is positioned in the handle
cavity between the first surface and the intermediate surface; and
in the second arrangement the first and second supports extend from
the base beyond the upper surface, and the handle extends from the
intermediate portion beyond the intermediate surface.
17. The stacked assembly of claim 15 wherein each of the first and
second packaged shooting rests includes means for retaining the
corresponding first and second supports in the support cavity in
the first arrangement.
18. The stacked assembly of claim 17 wherein the means for
retaining the first and second supports in the support cavity
include a plurality of retaining members in the support cavity that
engage protrusions extending from each of the first and second
supports.
19. A method of packaging shooting rest assemblies that are used
for supporting a firearm having a first section spaced apart from a
second section, the method comprising: providing a first shooting
rest assembly having a first base with a storage cavity, a first
support configured to project from the first base to support the
first section of the firearm, and a second support configured to
project from the first base to support the second section of the
firearm; placing the first and second supports in the storage
cavity of the first base; providing a second shooting rest assembly
that is generally similar to the first shooting rest assembly,
wherein the second shooting rest assembly includes a second base;
and positioning at least a portion of the second base in the
support cavity of the first base in a nested configuration.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein positioning at least a portion
of the second base in the support cavity of the first base includes
stacking the first and second firearm rest assemblies to have a
combined height in the nested configuration that is less than the
sum of the individual heights of the first and second firearm rest
assemblies.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising individually
packaging the first firearm rest assembly with a packaging material
when the first and second supports are in the storage cavity,
wherein the packaging material generally conforms to the shape of
the storage cavity of each of the first and second bases.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein placing the first and second
supports in the storage cavity of the first base comprises engaging
each of the first and second supports with retaining members
carried by a sidewall portion of the first base, wherein the
retaining members at least partially retain the first and second
supports in the storage cavity.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is directed generally to firearm
support assemblies and more specifically to firearm support
assemblies that can be stacked in a nested configuration.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Shooters often use firearm rests or supports to steady a
firearm during operation (e.g., target practice, accuracy testing,
etc.). Holding a firearm without a stable support may not provide
the required repeatability to determine the accuracy of the
firearm. Many shooters accordingly use a firearm support in an
attempt to reduce or eliminate human movement inherent to holding
the firearm. For example, a shooter may position the front or
forestock section of a firearm on a front firearm support, and the
rear or buttstock section on a rear firearm support. Firearm
supports can also conveniently hold a firearm, or portions of a
firearm, for cleaning and maintenance. For example, placing the
firearm in a firearm support can conveniently position the firearm
and free the user's hands to clean or disassemble the firearm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar elements. The size and relative position of elements in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the
shapes of various elements and angles may not be drawn to scale,
and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and
positioned to improve drawing legibility.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of a firearm rest assembly
configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of a firearm support configured
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 3A is a side isometric view and FIG. 3B is a top plan
view of the firearm rest assembly of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of the firearm rest
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 5 is side view of a stacked assembly of firearm rest
assemblies configured in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 6 is an isometric side view of a packaged firearm rest
assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 7 is an isometric side view of a firearm rest assembly
configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a firearm rest
assembly configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] A. Overview
[0013] The following disclosure describes several embodiments of
firearm rest assemblies and associated methods of use and
manufacture. One embodiment of the disclosure, for example, is
directed to a firearm rest assembly for supporting a firearm having
a first section spaced apart from a second section. The firearm
rest assembly includes a base having a lower surface spaced apart
from an upper surface, and an intermediate surface positioned
between and generally parallel to the lower and upper surfaces. The
assembly also includes first and second supports coupled with the
base in a configuration selected from a stored arrangement and a
support arrangement. In the stored arrangement, the first and
second supports are positioned between the lower surface and the
intermediate surface, and in the support arrangement the first
support extends from the base beyond the upper surface to support
the first section of the firearm, and the second support extends
from the base beyond the upper surface to support the second
section of the firearm.
[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a stacked
assembly of individual shooting rests. The stacked assembly
includes a first packaged shooting rest that receives a second
packaged shooting rest in a nested configuration. The first
packaged shooting rest includes a base having a storage cavity. The
first packaged shooting rest also includes a first support, a
second support, and a handle, each of which is coupled to the base
in a configuration selected from a first arrangement and a second
arrangement. The first packaged shooting rest also includes
packaging material covering at least a portion of the base and at
least partially conforming to the shape of the storage cavity. In
the first arrangement the first support, the second support, and
the handle are each positioned in the storage cavity, and in the
second arrangement the first support, the second support, and the
handle extend from the base. The second packaged shooting rest is
generally similar to the first packaged shooting rest. When the
second packaged shooting rest is at least partially received in the
storage cavity of the first packaged shooting rest in a nested
configuration, the combined height of the nested first and second
packaged shooting rests is less than the sum of the heights of the
individual first and second packages shooting rests.
[0015] A further aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method
of packaging shooting rest assemblies that are used for supporting
a firearm having a first section spaced apart from a second
section. The method includes providing a first shooting rest
assembly having a first base with a storage cavity, a first support
configured to project from the first base to support the first
section of the firearm, and a second support configured to project
from the first base to support the second section of the firearm.
The method also includes placing the first and second supports in
the storage cavity of the first base. The method further includes
providing a second shooting rest assembly that is generally similar
to the first shooting rest assembly. The second shooting rest
assembly includes a second base, and the method further includes
positioning at least a portion of the second base in the support
cavity of the first base in a nested configuration.
[0016] Specific details of several embodiments of the disclosure
are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-8 to
provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments. A person
skilled in the art will understand, however, that the disclosure
may be practiced without several of these details or that
additional details can be added to the disclosure. Several details
describing well-known structures or processes often associated with
firearms and firearm supporting devices have not been shown or
described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
description of the embodiments of the disclosure. Where the context
permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or
singular terms, respectively. Moreover, unless the word "or" is
expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the
other items in reference to a list of two or more items, the use of
"or" in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any
single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c)
any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term
"comprising" is used throughout to mean including at least the
recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature
or additional types of features are not precluded.
[0017] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore,
particular features, structures, or characteristics of the
different embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in one
or more embodiments.
[0018] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do
not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.
[0019] B. Embodiments of Firearm Supports
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of a firearm rest assembly
100 ("assembly 100") configured in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure. The assembly 100 is configured to support a firearm
102 (shown in broken lines). For example, the assembly 100 can be
used to support the firearm 102 when shooting or cleaning the
firearm 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 100
includes multiple supports 120 (identified individually as a first
support 120a and a second support 120b) that are removably attached
to a base 110. The supports 120 can be operably coupled to the base
110 in a configuration selected from a support arrangement and a
stored arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the
base 110 removably receives the supports 120 in the support
arrangement with the first support 120a extending from the base 110
to support a buttstock section of the firearm 102, and the second
support 120b extending from the base 110 to support a forestock
section of the firearm 102. As described in detail below, the base
110 also removably receives the supports 120 in a storage cavity
130 in the stored arrangement. According to one feature of the
illustrated embodiment, when the storage cavity 130 removably
retains the supports 120 in the stored arrangement, the entire
assembly 100 can be stacked in a nested configuration with similar
firearm rest assemblies to provide a reduced overall stacked height
of multiple firearm rest assemblies.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of one of the supports 120
illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the support
120 includes an upper portion 222 extending from a lower portion
224. The upper portion 222 has a generally U-shaped configuration
that is designed to receive a section of a firearm (FIG. 1). In
other embodiments, the upper portion 222 can include other shapes
suitable for supporting a firearm (e.g., a V-shape, ridged
portions, planar portions, etc.). The illustrated upper portion 222
includes a pad member 221 attached to the support 120 to at least
partially cushion or protect the firearm. For example, the pad
member 221 can be made from a cushioned, pliable, or non-marring
material (e.g., rubber, leather, etc.) that can provide a
slip-resistant contact surface for the firearm. In other
embodiments, however, the pad member 221 can be made from the same
material as the support 120 and integrally formed with the support
120. In still further embodiments, the pad member 221 can be
omitted from the support 120.
[0022] The lower portion 224 of the support 120 has a tapered width
that is configured to allow the support 120 to be removably
inserted into a corresponding opening in the base 110. More
specifically, the support 120 has a first width W.sub.1, and the
lower portion 224 of the support 120 has a second width W.sub.2
that is less than the first width W.sub.1. Accordingly, in the
support arrangement (FIG. 1), the support 120 can be at least
partially retained in the base 110 by inserting the lower portion
224 into an opening in the base 110 to frictionally engage the base
110. In other embodiments and as described below with reference to
FIGS. 7 and 8, the supports 120 can attach to the base 110 in other
configurations. For example, the lower portion 224 can have the
same width as the support 120 and be inserted into a tapered
opening in the base 110.
[0023] According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment,
the support 120 includes multiple protrusions 226 (identified
individually as a first through third protrusions 226a-226c)
extending laterally from the support 120. The protrusions 226 act
as retaining features to removably retain each support 120 in the
base 110 when the support 120 is in the stored arrangement. For
example, as explained in detail below with reference to FIG. 3A,
the protrusions 226 engage corresponding retaining features (e.g.,
openings, tabs, etc.) in the base 110 when the support 120 is in
the stored position. In certain embodiments, the support 120, as
well as other components of the assembly 100 such as the base 110,
can be molded (e.g., injection molded, thermoformed, etc.) from
plastic materials to provide a lightweight configuration. In the
illustrated embodiment, for example, the support 120 includes a
plurality of ribs or stiffeners 225 to provide adequate
reinforcement to the support 120 and allow the support 120 to be
formed with a reduced thickness and weight. In other embodiments,
however, the support 120 can be formed from other manufacturing
methods or from other materials suitable for firearm rests.
[0024] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower portion
224 of the support 120 also includes a retention opening 228. The
retention opening 228 is configured to facilitate attachment of the
support 120 to the base 110 in the stored arrangement. For example,
a fastener (e.g., a cable tie, zip tie, string, wire, etc.) can
pass through the retention opening 228 to attach the support 120 to
the base 110 when the assembly 100 is packaged for retail sale or
shipment.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a side isometric view and FIG. 3B is a top plan
view of the assembly 100 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B
together, the supports 120 are shown in the stored arrangement in
the storage cavity 130 of the base 110. More specifically, the base
110 includes an intermediate portion 336 in the storage cavity 130.
The intermediate portion 336 divides the storage cavity 130 into a
support cavity 338 and a handle cavity 339. The intermediate
portion 336 also has an intermediate surface 333 that is positioned
between a lower surface 332 and an upper surface 334 of the base
110. In the stored arrangement, the base 110 retains the supports
120 in the support cavity 338 between the lower surface 332 and the
intermediate surface 333. According to one feature of the
illustrated embodiment, the distance from the lower surface 332 to
the intermediate surface 333 is approximately equal to the
thickness of the supports 120. In other embodiments, however, the
distance from the lower surface 332 to the intermediate surface 333
can be greater than or less than the thickness of the supports
120.
[0026] The base 110 also includes retaining members 342 in a
sidewall portion 340 (FIG. 3A) of the base 110. The retaining
members 342 are configured to engage the corresponding third
protrusions 226c (FIG. 2) of each support 120 to retain the
supports 120 in the stored arrangement in the support cavity 338.
The intermediate portion 336 also includes retaining members 342
(FIG. 3B) to engage the corresponding first protrusions 226a and
second protrusions 226b of each support 120. In certain
embodiments, the retaining members 342 can be flexible tabs that
are integrally formed with the base 110. To move the supports 120
from the stored arrangement to the support arrangement, a user can
disengage each support 120 from the retaining members 342 and
insert the lower portion 224 of each support 120 into a
corresponding support opening 344 (identified individually as a
first support opening 344a and a second support opening 344b) in
the base 110. The support openings 344 frictionally engage the
tapered width of the lower portion 224 of each support 120 to
securely retain the supports 120 in the base 100. In other
embodiments, however, the retaining members 342 can be attached or
otherwise operably coupled to the base 110 to engage or retain the
supports 120 in the stored arrangement. For example, the retaining
members 342 can include bumps or other types of extensions that are
attached or integrally formed with the base 110 to engage the
corresponding protrusions 226 of the supports 120. In still further
embodiments, the supports 120 can be formed without the protrusions
226, and retaining members 342 protruding from the base 110 can
engage the supports 120 to retain the supports 120 in the stored
arrangement.
[0027] The assembly 100 also includes a handle 312 that can be used
to carry the entire assembly 100. The handle 312 is pivotally
attached to the base 110 in a configuration selected from a stored
position (FIG. 1) and a carrying position (FIGS. 3A and 3B). In the
stored position, the handle storage cavity 339 receives the handle
312 between the lower surface 332 and the intermediate surface 333
of the base 110. In the carrying position, the handle 312 extends
from the base 110 in a direction generally perpendicular to the
intermediate surface 333 to allow a user to carry the assembly 100.
In certain embodiments, the base 100 can include retaining features
to retain the handle 312 in the stored or carrying positions. For
example, the base 110 can include protrusions or tabs that engage
the handle 312 in either of the stored or carrying positions.
[0028] According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment,
the base 110 includes multiple storage features in addition to the
support cavity 338 and the handle cavity 339. For example, the base
110 includes multiple recesses 346 in the upper surface 334 and
intermediate surface 333 for holding various firearm paraphernalia
(e.g., tools, accessories, cleaning supplies, etc.). In the
illustrated embodiment, the recesses 346 include various shapes and
sizes, such as relatively large recesses 346 having generally
hemispherical shapes or frusto-conical shapes, or relatively small
recesses 346. The recesses 346 enable a user to easily store and
access various firearm accessories or cleaning supplies in the base
110. The base 110 also includes grooves 349 in the upper surface
334. The grooves 349 can be configured to hold, for example, a
firearm cleaning rod or other firearm accessory. Another feature of
the assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B is that the base
110 also includes generally contoured corners 347. For example,
each corner 347 has a generally concave upper portion 348 that
facilitates the stacking of multiple assemblies 100 as described
below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0029] The illustrated embodiment also includes a display area 353
(FIG. 3A) on the base 110 that is configured to display information
related to the assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the display
area 353 can show graphical or textual information related to the
assembly 100. For example, labels or stickers can be attached to
the base 110 in the display area 353 to illustrated the use or
advertise other features of the assembly 100. In other embodiments,
information related to the assembly 100 can be applied directly
(e.g., printed, molded, etc) on the display area 353. Moreover, one
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the display area
353 can be positioned at various locations on the base 110, or that
that the assembly 100 can include multiple display areas 353.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view of the firearm rest
assembly 100 of FIG. 1 illustrating an underside 460 of the base
110. The underside 460 is shaped to allow the assembly 100 to be
stacked in a nested configuration with similar firearm assemblies.
For example, in certain embodiments the base 110 can be formed from
a molded plastic material (e.g., with injection molding, blow
molding, thermoforming, etc.). Accordingly, several of the features
of the base 110 described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B
are visible in FIG. 4 extending into the underside 460 of the base
110. For example, the support cavity 338, the handle cavity 339,
the second support opening 344b, and the various recesses 346 are
shown in FIG. 4 projecting into the underside 460. The retaining
members 342 can also be seen from the underside 460 of the base
110. Moreover, each corner 347 of the base 110 includes one or more
stiffeners 464 extending from a leg retention portion 462. The leg
retention portion 462 can include an opening (e.g., a threaded
hole) that receives a corresponding foot or leg (not shown). The
stiffeners 464 provide support or rigidity to the corners 347. Each
stiffener 464 is also configured to align with the concave upper
portion 348 of each corner 347 when multiple assemblies 100 are in
a stacked or nested configuration.
[0031] According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment,
the base 110 includes retention holes 452 in the lower surface of
the support cavity 338. The retention holes 452 can be used to
secure the supports 120 in the base 110 when the assembly 100 is
packaged or shipped. For example, when the supports 120 are in the
stored arrangement, the retention holes 452 align with the
retention openings 228 in each support 120. A fastener (e.g., a
cable tie, zip tie, wire, string, etc.) can be inserted through the
retention holes 452 in the base 110 and corresponding retention
openings 228 in the supports 120 to securely retain the supports
120 to the base 110 during shipment or for retail sale. In other
embodiments, however, the supports 120 can be retained in the
stored arrangement with other methods suitable for keeping the
supports 120 in the support cavity 338. For example, the supports
120 can be retained in the support cavity 338 for shipment or
retail sale with an adhesive (e.g., tape, glue, non-drying silicon
glue, etc.), molded protrusions, tabs, vacuum wrapping, etc.
[0032] FIG. 5 is side view of a stacked or nested assembly 502
including two firearm rest assemblies 500 (identified individually
as a first firearm rest assembly 500a and a second firearm rest
assembly 500b). Each firearm rest assembly 500 ("assembly 500") is
generally similar in structure and function to the assembly 100
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. For example, each
assembly 500 carries supports or other components (not shown) in a
stored arrangement to provide the stacked nested geometry of the
assemblies 500. According to one aspect of the illustrated
embodiment, the stacked assembly 502 has an overall nested height
H.sub.n that is appreciably less than the sum of individual heights
H.sub.i of each assembly 500. In certain embodiments, for example,
the nested height H.sub.n is approximately 1.3 times greater than
the individual height H.sub.i of each assembly 500. In other
embodiments, however, the nested height H.sub.n can be as great as
approximately 1.8 times the individual height H.sub.i of each
assembly 500. In still further embodiments, the nested height
H.sub.n can be greater than 1.8 times, or less than 1.3 times, the
individual height H.sub.i of each assembly 500.
[0033] The reduced overall nested height H.sub.n of the stacked
assembly 502 provides several advantages for shipping and storing
the assemblies 500. For example, the nested height H.sub.n of the
stacked assembly 502 can provide reduced shipping costs by allowing
more units or assemblies 500 per volume when shipping. Retailers
can also maximize shelf space due to the reduced nested height
H.sub.n of the assemblies 500. For example, and as explained in
detail below with reference to FIG. 6, complete packaged assemblies
500, including all of the components associated with each assembly
500, can be stacked or nested together while still retaining the
reduced overall nested height H.sub.n of the stacked assembly
502.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a packaged firearm rest
assembly 600 ("assembly 600") configured in accordance with another
embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the
assembly 600 includes a base 610 that is generally similar in
structure and function to the bases of the assemblies 100, 500
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. For example, the base
610 includes multiple cavities and recesses for storing supports
620 (identified individually as a first support 620a and a second
support 620b), a handle 612, and other firearm paraphernalia. In
the illustrated embodiment, however, the assembly 600 also includes
packaging material 604 at least partially covering the base 610.
The packaging material 604 can help to at least partially retain
accessories, components, or hardware associated with the assembly.
Moreover, the packaging material 604 is configured to allow the
assembly 600 to be stacked or nested with other similar assemblies
while still maintaining an overall reduced nested height.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging material 604
generally conforms to the shape and contour of the base 610 to
thereby allow the assembly 600 to be stacked in the nested
configuration with similar packaged assemblies. More specifically,
the illustrated packaging material 604 includes a series of folds
or bends that follow the shape of the cavities in the base 610. In
certain embodiments, the packaging material 604 can be made from
paper or a paper-based material (e.g., cardboard) that is folded to
match the shape or contour of the base 610. In other embodiments,
however, the packaging material 604 can be made from other
materials, including, for example, plastic. In one embodiment, for
example, the assembly 600 can include plastic packaging that is
vacuum sealed to at least partially cover the base 610 and
generally conform to the shape and contour of the base 610. In
still further embodiments, the assembly 600 can include shrink wrap
packaging that conforms to the shape of the base 610. In yet
another embodiment, the assembly 600 can include a box generally
surrounding the base 610 with cut-out portions corresponding to
projections from the underside of a similar assembly to allow
stacking of the assemblies in a nested configuration.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the packaging material 604 can also
include textual or graphical information relating to the assembly
600. For example, the packaging material 604 can include
instructions relating to the use of the assembly 600, features of
the assembly 600, pictures of the assembly 600, etc. The packaging
material 604 can also include brand identifying information such as
a trademark or logo for the assembly 600. Moreover, in certain
embodiments the packaging material 604 is configured to be
positioned under the handle 612 to allow the handle 612 to pivot
between the stored and carrying positions when the packaging
material 604 is in place. In other embodiments, however, the
packaging material 604 can at least partially cover the handle 612
to retain the handle 612 in the stored position.
[0037] According to another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6, the packaging material 604 also includes retention holes
606. A retention member 608 (e.g., a wire, twist tie, cable tie,
zip tie, string, etc.) can pass through each retention hole 606 in
the packaging material 604 and corresponding holes in the supports
620 and base 610. In this manner, the retention member 608 can
secure the supports 620 to the base 610 and the packaging material
604, and still allow the assembly 600 to be stacked with a similar
assembly in a nested configuration.
[0038] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a firearm rest assembly 700
("assembly 700") configured in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the disclosure. The assembly 700 includes several
features that are generally similar in structure and function to
the assemblies 100, 500, 600 described above with reference to
FIGS. 1-6. For example, the assembly 700 includes a base 710 with
supports 720 (identified individually as a first support 720a shown
in the stored arrangement and a second support 720b shown in the
support arrangement). Similar to the embodiments described above,
the supports 720 can be positioned in the stored arrangement in a
storage cavity 730. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the
supports 720 are pivotally coupled to the base 710 to move from the
stored arrangement to the support arrangement, and vice versa. More
specifically, the assembly 700 includes hinges 721 (only one of
which is visible in FIG. 7) that pivotally attach each support 720
to the base 710. The base 710 also includes storage retaining
members 742 (identified individually as a first storage retaining
member 742a and a second storage retaining member 742b) and support
retaining members 744 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 7). The
storage retaining members 742 and the support retaining members 744
can be generally similar to the retaining members 342 described
above with reference to FIGS. 3A-4. In the illustrated embodiment,
however, the storage retaining members 742 retain the supports 720
in the stored arrangement, and the support retaining members 744
retain the supports 720 in the support arrangement. In this manner,
the supports 720 can be pivotally attached to the base 710 and
securely retained in each of the stored and support arrangements.
Moreover, when the supports 720 are in the stored arrangement, the
assembly 700 can be stacked with similar assemblies in a nested
configuration.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the supports 720 can be retained in
the storage or support positions with features other than the
storage retaining members 742 and the support retaining members
744. For example, in certain embodiments the hinges 721 can be
spring-loaded hinges that can be used to position and retain the
supports 720 in the desired configuration. In still further
embodiments, other biasing features can be used to move or retain
the supports 720 in the stored or support arrangements.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a firearm rest
assembly 800 ("assembly 800") configured in accordance with a
further embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated
embodiment, the assembly 800 includes a base 810 with a support
opening 844 configured to receive an adjustable support 820. For
purposes of illustration, the cross-sectional view shown of FIG. 8
is taken substantially along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3B, although the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B does not include an adjustable
support 820. Referring to FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment the
assembly 800 includes fasteners 874 (identified individually as a
first fastener 874a and a second fastener 874b) that are rotatably
retained in the base 810 in the support opening 844. The fasteners
874 receive corresponding threaded shafts 872 (identified
individually as a first shaft 872a and a second shaft 872b)
extending from the support 820. In certain embodiments, each
fastener 874 can be a threaded nut having an exterior surface that
facilitates rotation of the fastener 874 by a user. For example,
the fasteners 874 can include a knurled exterior surface, a
hexagonal surface, a wing nut configuration, etc. When a user
rotates each fastener 874, the fasteners 874 move the corresponding
shafts 872 up or down in the directions indicated by arrow 876.
Accordingly, a user can adjust the height of the support 820 to
move the section of the firearm positioned in the support 820.
Moreover, similar to the embodiments described above, the support
820 can also be removably retained in the base 810 in a stored
configuration to allow the assembly 800 to be stacked with similar
assemblies in a nested configuration.
[0041] Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 includes two
shafts 872 and corresponding fasteners 874, in other embodiments
the assembly 800 can include a different number of adjustment
mechanisms, including, for example, a single shaft 872 and
corresponding fastener 874. In still further embodiments, the
assembly 800 can include other adjustment mechanisms to adjust the
height of the support 820 when the support 820 is in the support
arrangement. Moreover, although only a single adjustable support
820 is shown in FIG. 8, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
the assembly 800 can include at least a second adjustable support
that is generally similar to the illustrated adjustable support
820.
[0042] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications can be
made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
For example, the base of the assemblies described herein may have
other configurations or include other suitable packaging assemblies
(e.g., plastic clamshell packaging, shrink-wrapped packaging,
etc.). Moreover, specific elements of any of the foregoing
embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other
embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain
embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of
these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such
advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such
advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
embodiments of the disclosure are not limited except as by the
appended claims.
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