U.S. patent application number 12/702373 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for portable rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus and kit.
Invention is credited to James S. Lombardi.
Application Number | 20100223832 12/702373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42676994 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100223832 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lombardi; James S. |
September 9, 2010 |
PORTABLE RIFLE OR SHOTGUN AIMING SEAT APPARATUS AND KIT
Abstract
A rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus is portable, erectable
on the ground and/or as part of a ladder or tree stand. The
apparatus incorporates therewith a seat and a rifle-positioning
cradle that enables the user to remain in position and
simultaneously rotate and selectively and rapidly adjust the
height, distance and angular orientation of the rifle barrel,
depending on the shooting environment presented. Additionally, the
seat and rifle support assembly are adapted to be adjusted and
leveled as to sloping ground and enables a hunting blind be erected
to hide the hunter while in position.
Inventors: |
Lombardi; James S.; (Fenton,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE WEINTRAUB GROUP, P.L.C.
28580 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 140
Farmington Hills
MI
48334
US
|
Family ID: |
42676994 |
Appl. No.: |
12/702373 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11983323 |
Nov 8, 2007 |
7658140 |
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12702373 |
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60857632 |
Nov 8, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/94 ;
297/188.21; 42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/025 20130101;
F41A 23/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/94 ;
297/188.21; 42/90 |
International
Class: |
F41A 23/02 20060101
F41A023/02; A47C 3/18 20060101 A47C003/18 |
Claims
1. A rifle aiming seat apparatus comprising: a support frame
including a plurality of spaced apart support legs defining a base;
a seat assembly including a seat and a ball joint assembly, the
seat having a bottom surface, the ball joint assembly disposed
below the bottom surface and including a ball, an upper ball seat,
and a lower ball clamp, the ball having a spindle extending
therefrom, the spindle being rotatably secured to the support
frame, the upper ball seat mounted to the bottom surface of the
seat and having an upper receiving surface dimensioned and
contoured to receive an upper portion of the ball, the lower ball
clamp having a lower receiving surface dimensioned and contoured to
envelop a lower portion of the ball, the lower ball clamp further
including a bottom surface having a hole extending therethrough,
thereby allowing a portion of the ball and the spindle to extend
through the hole, the upper ball seat and the lower ball clamp
being hingedly connected at a first position, and connected at a
second position by a fastener, wherein tightening the fastener
draws the upper ball seat and the lower ball clamp together to
frictionally engage and clamp the ball therebetween; an elongated
rifle support assembly having a first end and a second end, the
first end of the rifle support assembly connected to the seat
assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, the second end of the
rifle support assembly having a rifle cradle attached thereto; and
a level disposed on the rifle support assembly for assuring the
seat and the rifle support assembly are level with a horizontal
plane.
2. The rifle aiming seat apparatus of claim 1 comprising a hunting
blind connected to the support frame for hiding the user from view
when seated upon the seat and positioning the rifle barrel in the
rifle cradle.
3. The rifle aiming seat apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein
said hunting blind comprises: a curved support ring having opposite
ends, means for supporting the support ring in vertically spaced
relation to the base, a rectangular shaped closure blind having
upper and lower edges and laterally spaced opposite ends, and means
for connecting the upper edge portion of the closure blind to the
support ring in a manner that the closure blind hangs vertically
downwardly therefrom, the closure blind being dimensioned such that
when hung from the support ring the lower edge portion thereof is
proximate to the ground, the laterally spaced opposite ends are
positionable with the opposite ends of the guide rail, and the
hunter is substantially enclosed within and hidden by and behind
the closure blind.
4. The rifle aiming seat apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said means for supporting the support ring comprises a plurality of
struts extending upwardly and outwardly from the support frame.
5. The rifle aiming seat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support
frame includes a socket, and the spindle extends from the ball
joint assembly for receipt into the socket.
6. The rifle aiming seat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat
includes a seat back hingedly connected to the seat and for
movement between a folded down storage position and an upright in
use position.
7. A rifle aiming support assembly, said aiming support assembly
comprising: a horizontal main support frame, said frame including
forward and rearward support bars and a semi-circular shaped guide
bar, each bar including medial and opposite end portions and
disposed symmetrically about a center line, a seat brace rotatably
mounted to said frame by use of a ball joint, said seat brace
including a proximal end portion mounted to said rearward support
bar, a seat structure, a medial portion, and a distal end portion,
said seat structure including a seat fixedly mounted to said
proximal end portion and a seat back hingedly mounted to said seat
for movement between stored and in use positions, and the medial
portion of said seat brace supported for gliding movement atop and
between the opposite ends of said guide bar, an L-shaped rifle
positioning bracket having first and second legs, said first leg
being removably connected to the distal end portion of said seat
brace and releasably locked thereto in selected positions
therealong, and said second leg having a connectible upper end
portion, a rifle cradle assembly including a cradle sleeve and a
cradle, the cradle sleeve being removably connected to the upper
end portion of said second leg and releasably locked thereto in
selected positions therealong, and said cradle being generally
U-shaped, upwardly open, pivotally connected to the cradle sleeve,
and releasably locked in selected angles relative to an imaginary
line drawn through the geometric center of the cradle assembly.
8. The rifle aiming support assembly of claim 7, further comprising
means for releasably locking and preventing the seat brace from
moving away from a fixed position relative to the support
frame.
9. The rifle aiming support assembly of claim 7, further comprising
an erectable frame, said erectable frame including a plurality of
struts that connect to the support frame in a manner to angle
outwardly, upwardly and away from the support frame, a
semi-circular shaped support bar having opposite ends, means for
connecting the support bar to the struts in a manner that the
support bar is generally parallel to and vertically above the guide
bar and the opposite ends of the support bar and guide bar are
disposed in a common vertical plane generally proximate to the seat
structure, and a closure cover, the cover being mountable to the
support ring and dimensioned to extend between the opposite ends
thereof and form a closure about the seat structure.
10. The rifle aiming support assembly of claim 7, wherein said
forward and rearward support bars define a plurality of spaced
apart support legs, wherein each support leg includes means for
leveling the support frame relative to the ground and in a manner
that the guide bar is disposed generally horizontally.
11. The rifle aiming support assembly of claim 10, wherein said
means for leveling includes, for each support leg, a support foot
and means for connecting the support foot to the leg in a manner
that the foot may extend towards or away from the connection to the
leg, whereby the plurality of legs enable the support frame to be
adjusted in a manner that the plane of the guide bar is
horizontally disposed.
12. The rifle aiming seat apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein
each said foot comprises an enlarged swivelable ground engaging
pad.
13. A kit of components for providing a transportable rifle aiming
seat assembly, the kit comprising a horizontal support frame having
a socket for receiving a pivot pin and a guide rail, an elongated
seat brace for removable mounting atop the support frame, the brace
having proximal and distal end portions with the proximal end
portion provided with a seat structure atop a ball joint assembly
having a pivot pin projecting therebelow for receipt in said socket
to removably mount the seat brace to the support frame for rotation
relative thereto, said distal end provided with an array of
registrable apertures, and said seat structure including a seat and
a seat back hingedly connected to said seat wherein to fold
downwardly into a stored or transportation position when not in use
and project upwardly when in an in use position, an L-shaped rifle
positioning bracket having first and second legs, each leg provided
with registrable apertures and the first leg being telescopically
connectible with and removably mountable to the distal end portion
of the seat brace for relative axial positioning movement of the
sets of apertures, a rifle cradle assembly including an extender
sleeve provided with registrable apertures and an upwardly open
rifle cradle for cradling a rifle pivotably connected to the cradle
sleeve, the cradle sleeve and second leg being telescopically
interconnectible with one another for relative axial positioning
movement of the sets of apertures therebetween and removable from
one another, and a plurality of quick release locking pins for
receipt in respective of registered pairs of apertures wherein to
rapidly lock and/or release the rifle positioning bracket and erect
the rifle cradle assembly in a desired positions.
14. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a lock socket and a
lock pin, said lock socket being adapted to operate between the
seat brace and the frame, and said lock pin for locking entry into
the lock socket and locking the seat brace from rotation.
15. The kit of claim 13, further comprising erectable structure to
form an enclosure about said support frame, said erectable
structure including a plurality of struts that removably connect to
the support frame, a support ring that removably connects to the
struts in a manner to be disposed vertically above and in
encircling relation about the support frame, and a closure curtain
that removably connects to and hangs vertically downwardly from the
support ring.
16. The kit of claim 13, wherein said support frame includes a
plurality of support legs, further comprising frame leveling
structure, said frame leveling structure comprising for each
support leg, a ground engaging foot structure that is removable and
axially positionable relative to the leg.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 11/983,323, filed Nov. 8, 2007, which in turn, claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/857,632,
filed Nov. 8, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are
incorporated in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a rifle or shotgun aiming
seat apparatus that is portable, erectable on the ground, or as
part of a ladder or tree stand, and enables a shooter to remain
seated on the apparatus and simultaneously rotate with the rifle
while maintaining the rifle in a desired shooting position, and
more particularly, to such apparatus that enables each of the
height, distance and angular orientation of a rifle positioning
cradle to be rapidly adjusted depending on the shooting environment
presented.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Aiming apparatus to assist a shooter in aiming a long rifle
is known. Such aiming apparatus includes many features, which, in
and of themselves, provide aid and assistance to a hunter or
sharpshooter in shooting at a target, such as a deer. For example,
illustrative are cradles for supporting and positioning the
shooting end of a rifle (or shotgun) barrel, seats and benches to
position the shooter with respect to a rifle cradle, and vertical
(height) and/or horizontal adjustment arrangements.
[0006] Many of these arrangements, while useful, have not been
integrated together to provide an aiming apparatus that is easy to
use, is transportable, and once assembled in the field, enables the
sharpshooter to make minor adjustments in the orientation of the
rifle barrel relative to the physical frame of the shooter.
[0007] Generally, there remains a need for a wider choice of rifle
aiming apparatus that enables a shooter, whether novice or
experienced, and with different physical frames, both lean and
portly, to rapidly transport and erect a rifle aiming apparatus on
the ground, or on a tree stand, and thereafter make minor
adjustments in the height, distance and angle of the end of the
rifle barrel relative to a seat of the apparatus. Positioning the
shooting end of the barrel is important to enable use of the
apparatus by both right and left-handed shooters.
[0008] As used herein, the term rifle and rifle barrel is intended
to encompass a wide variety of shooting arms, such as a shotgun,
for example.
[0009] To maintain repeatability, should the hunter need to rotate
and follow the target, the aiming structure would desirably
integrate the aiming structure with the user and enable the hunter,
rifle and aiming frame to rotate as a unit, thereby enabling rapid
continuous tracking of the target without loss of height and range
adjustments.
[0010] Briefly, and in general terms, an object of this invention
is the provision of rifle aiming apparatus that enables rifle
aiming components to be set relative to a seat element and the
shooter and aiming components to be rotated simultaneously relative
to a support frame wherein to maintain a preset arrangement between
the hunter, the rifle, and a rifle barrel positioning cradle.
[0011] Another object of this invention is the provision of an
aiming support, which is transportable, as a kit, and easily
erected for use in the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one embodiment according to this invention, there is
provided a rifle aiming seat apparatus comprising:
[0013] a support frame including a plurality of spaced apart
support legs defining a base;
[0014] a seat assembly including a seat and a ball joint assembly,
the seat having a bottom surface, the ball joint assembly disposed
below the bottom surface and including a ball, an upper ball seat,
and a lower ball clamp, the ball having a spindle extending
therefrom, the spindle being rotatably secured to the support
frame, the upper ball seat mounted to the bottom surface of the
seat and having an upper receiving surface dimensioned and
contoured to receive an upper portion of the ball, the lower ball
clamp having a lower receiving surface dimensioned and contoured to
envelop a lower portion of the ball, the lower ball clamp further
including a bottom surface having a hole extending therethrough,
thereby allowing a portion of the ball and the spindle to extend
through the hole, the upper ball seat and the lower ball clamp
being hingedly connected at a first position, and connected at a
second position by a fastener, wherein tightening the fastener
draws the upper ball seat and the lower ball clamp together to
frictionally engage and clamp the ball therebetween;
[0015] an elongated rifle support assembly having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the rifle support assembly connected
to the seat assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, the second
end of the rifle support having a rifle cradle attached thereto;
and
[0016] a level disposed on the rifle support assembly for assuring
the seat and the rifle support assembly are level with a horizontal
plane.
[0017] In another embodiment, there is disclosed a rifle aiming
seat apparatus adapted to be assembled and supported on the ground
for use and disassembled and transported when not in use, said
support apparatus comprising:
[0018] a seat having an upper seat surface and a lower
undersurface,
[0019] an elongated seat brace, said brace extending between
proximal and distal end portions and including a medial portion,
the proximal end portion of said seat brace being connected to the
undersurface of said seat,
[0020] a horizontal main support frame including a seat support for
supporting the proximal end portion of said seat brace and a guide
rail for supporting the medial portion of said seat brace, said
seat support and guide rail forming a plane disposed generally
horizontally,
[0021] means for rotatably connecting the proximal end portion of
said seat brace to said seat support, the connection forming a
pivot and an axis of rotation about which the seat brace rotates,
and the medial portion of said seat brace being adapted to rotate
approximately 180.degree. relative to said axis and in supported
relation atop the guide rail,
[0022] an L-shaped rifle aiming bracket, said aiming bracket
including first and second legs disposed at right angles to one
another, and rifle cradle assembly and rifle cradle thereof,
[0023] first means for adjustably connecting and changing the
position of the first leg of said aiming bracket relative to the
distal end portion of said seat brace, said first means connecting
the first leg in different positions along the seat brace,
orienting the second leg generally perpendicularly to the
horizontal plane, and changing the separation of the second leg
from the axis of rotation, and
[0024] second means for adjustably connecting and changing the
position of the rifle cradle relative to the distal end portion of
the second leg of said aiming bracket, said second means connecting
the rifle cradle in different positions along the second leg and
moving the cradle up or down relative to the horizontal plane.
[0025] According to this embodiment, the aiming bracket also
comprises third means for rotatably connecting the rifle cradle to
the cradle assembly wherein the rifle cradle may be oriented at
different angles relative to a central axis through said second
leg. In this aspect, the third means for rotatably connecting
includes an elongated tubular cradle sleeve having upper and lower
end portions and a releasable locking pin. The lower end portion of
the cradle sleeve is adjustably connected to the distal end portion
of the second leg with the locking pin pinning and releasably
locking the rifle cradle to the upper end portion of the cradle
sleeve for pivoting rotation relative thereto, whereby the rifle
cradle may be fixed at a desired angle relative to an axis through
the cradle sleeve and the second leg to which connected.
[0026] The means for rotatably connecting the seat brace to the
seat support comprises one and the other of the proximal end of
said seat brace and seat support including a pivot pin and a socket
adapted to receive the pivot pin.
[0027] According to this embodiment, the seat includes a seat back
hingedly connected to the seat and for movement between a folded
down storage position and an upright in use position.
[0028] The first means for adjustably connecting comprises a
releasable locking pin and the distal end portions of the first leg
of said aiming bracket and the seat brace being provided,
respectively, with first and second arrays of registrable openings.
The distal end portions are adapted to telescopically interfit with
one another and register at least one opening of the first array
with at least one opening of the second array. The locking pin is
received in the registered of said one openings to connect and hold
the aiming bracket in different positions relative to and spaced
radially outwardly from the axis of rotation.
[0029] The second means for adjustably connecting comprises a
releasable locking pin and the distal end portion of the second leg
of the aiming bracket and the lower end portion of the rifle cradle
sleeve including, respectively, first and second arrays of
registrable openings. Similarly, the distal end portions are
adapted to telescopically interfit with one another and register at
least one opening of the first array with at least one opening of
the second array, and the locking pin received in the one openings
to connect and hold the rifle cradle assembly in different vertical
positions relative to and upwardly from the horizontal plane of the
seat brace.
[0030] The horizontal main support frame includes elongated
rearward and forward support bars each terminating in a downwardly
turned support leg for supporting the support frame on the ground.
The seat support is centered between the opposite end portions of
the rearward support bar. The guide rail includes opposite end
portions atop and fixed to a respective opposite end portion of the
rearward support bar and a medial portion atop and fixed to the
medial portion of the forward support bar.
[0031] The horizontal main support frame is generally symmetrical
to a centerline drawn through the seat support and the medial
portion of the guide rail. The seat brace is adapted to rotate
approximately 180.degree. including 90.degree. in each direction
away from said centerline.
[0032] The rifle aiming seat apparatus further comprises means for
releasably locking the seat brace to the main support frame. In one
preferred locking arrangement, a line through the seat brace is
align centered with the center line of the support frame and the
seat brace is prevented from rotating away therefrom. Although a
single lock point is provided, a plurality of angularly spaced
points may be provided to orient the seat brace as desired.
[0033] In another embodiment according to this invention, there is
provided a rifle aiming support assembly, said aiming support
assembly comprising:
[0034] a horizontal main support frame, said frame including
forward and rearward support bars and a guide bar, each bar
including medial and opposite end portions and disposed
symmetrically about a center line,
[0035] a seat brace removably rotatably mounted to said frame, said
brace including a proximal end portion mounted to said rearward
support bar, seat structure, a medial portion, and a distal end
portion, said seat structure including a seat fixedly mounted to
said proximal end portion and a seat back hingedly mounted to said
seat for movement between stored and in used positions, and the
medial portion of said seat brace supported for movement atop said
guide bar,
[0036] an L-shaped rifle positioning bracket, said bracket
including a first leg removably connected and positionable to and
along the distal end portion of said seat brace and a second leg
having a connectible upper end portion,
[0037] a rifle cradle assembly, said assembly including a cradle
sleeve removably connected and positionable to and along the upper
end portion of said positioning bracket and a generally U-shaped
upwardly open cradle pivotally connected to the upper end portion
of the cradle sleeve and positionable at a selected angle relative
to an imaginary line drawn through the geometric center of the
cradle assembly.
[0038] The rifle aiming support assembly further comprises means
for releasably locking the seat brace to the support frame and
preventing the seat brace from moving away from a fixed position
relative to the seat frame.
[0039] According to yet another embodiment of this invention, there
is provided a kit of components for providing a transportable rifle
aiming seat assembly, the kit comprising
[0040] a horizontal support frame having a socket for receiving a
pivot pin,
[0041] an elongated seat brace having at a proximal end thereof a
seat fixedly secured thereto and a pivot pin projecting therefrom
for receipt in said socket whereby to mount the seat brace to the
support frame for rotation relative thereto, said seat brace
including a distal end portion provided with an array of
registrable openings, and said seat including a seat back hingedly
connected to said seat wherein to fold downwardly into a stored or
transportation position when not in use and project upwardly when
in an in use position,
[0042] an L-shaped rifle positioning bracket having first and
second legs each provided with a respective array of registrable
openings, the first leg being connectible with the distal end
portion of the seat brace for relative axial positioning movement
therealong wherein to register a respective pair of openings
therealong for receipt of a releasable locking pin,
[0043] a rifle cradle assembly having a cradle sleeve provided with
an array of registrable openings and an upwardly open rifle cradle
for cradling a rifle pivotably connected to the cradle sleeve, the
cradle sleeve and second leg being interconnectible with one
another for relative axial positioning movement therebetween
wherein to register a respective pair of openings therealong for
receipt of a locking pin, and
[0044] a plurality of quick release locking pins for receipt in
respective of registered pairs of openings wherein to rapidly lock,
and release, the rifle positioning bracket in a desired axial
position along the seat brace and to lock, and release, the rifle
cradle assembly in a desired vertical position at the end of the
rifle cradle assembly.
[0045] In the kit of components, a lock socket operates between the
seat brace and the frame, and a lock pin, or threaded fastener, is
provided for locking entry into the lock socket and locking the
seat brace from rotation.
[0046] Other features of the embodiments disclosed in this
specification will become apparent from the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, by way of example, the features of a rifle aiming
support assembly and a kit for transporting and erecting the
components of such assembly in the field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and rear perspective views looking
down at a rifle aiming apparatus supported on the ground.
[0048] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the aiming apparatus
with portions of the elements thereof partially removed to show
features of the apparatus.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rifle aiming support
positioned for assembly atop a frame of the aiming apparatus and
rotation relative to the frame.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a rifle aiming adjustment
bracket mounted for horizontal movement to the forward end portion
of the rifle aiming support.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper end portion of the
aiming adjustment bracket, a rifle cradle mounted thereto, and an
arrangement for changing the height and angular relation of the
cradle relative to the adjustment bracket.
[0052] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views looking down at a
rifle aiming seat apparatus to which a hunting blind is being
assembled and a side elevation view of the hunting blind assembled
to the seat.
[0053] FIGS. 8a and 8b are partial perspective views of the seat
brace and including a leveling bubble associated therewith for
ensuring that the support frame is horizontal.
[0054] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the apparatus including a ball
joint assembly for leveling the seat and the rifle support
assembly.
[0055] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the ball joint assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 and 9 illustrate
various embodiments of a rifle aiming seat apparatus, generally
indicated by the reference number 10, adapted to be to be provided
as components and in kit form to be assembled and supported on the
ground for use and disassembled and transported when not in use.
The discussion which follows describes a use wherein the aiming
seat apparatus is supported on the ground, but the apparatus could
be used on a ladder or tree stand, as are conventional and known to
shooters.
[0057] The support apparatus 10 includes a horizontal main support
frame 12, a seat brace 14 rotatably mountable to the frame, an
L-shaped rifle aiming bracket 16 adjustably positionable to the
brace, and a rifle cradle assembly 18 adjustably mounted to the
aiming bracket. Although not shown, in some applications, an
armrest may be detachably associated with the seat brace 14.
[0058] The horizontal main support frame 12 is adapted to be
supported on the ground and includes axially elongated rearward and
forward support bars 20 and 22 and a center strut 24. The support
bars 20 and 22 terminate in downwardly turned support leg 20a and
20b, and 22a and 22b, respectively, for supporting the frame on the
ground. The connecting strut 24 has opposite end portions 24a and
24b fixedly connected, respectively, to the midpoint or center 20c
and 22c of the support bars 20 and 22, respectively. An imaginary
line "C" through the center of the strut 24 passes through the
centers 20c and 22c and symmetrically divides the support frame 12
into two like shaped halves.
[0059] A pad or seat support 26 projects upwardly from a fixed
attachment to the midpoint 20c of the rearward support bar 20 and
terminates in a generally flat support or mating face 26a. A
cylindrical recess, socket or receptacle 28 projects downwardly
from the mating face 26a.
[0060] A guide rail 30 of generally squared C-shape is atop the
support frame 12. The guide rail 30 has opposite end portions 30a
and 30b, respectively, fixedly attached atop the rearward support
bar 20 and proximate the opposite end portions 20a and 20b
thereof.
[0061] Further, the guide rail has a medial portion 30c fixedly
attached atop the forward support bar 22 and the medial portion 22c
thereof. The top surface 30d of the guide rail 30 and the top
surface 26a of the seat support 26 cooperate to form a generally
horizontal plane. Further, the top surface 30d of the guide rail 30
forms a surface for supporting a medial portion 14c of the seat
brace 14.
[0062] In some applications the support apparatus 10 can include
means for connecting the support foot to the leg which allows for
use on an angled surface or irregular terrain, and the hunter will
desire that the support frame 12, seat brace 14 and guide rail 30
be generally horizontally disposed for stability. The rearward
support legs 20a and 20b and forward support legs 22a and 22b are
provided with extender sleeves, each sleeve disposed for telescopic
movement within the end portion of a respective support leg, and
terminating in and enlarged foot or support pad that is seated on
the ground. Each extender sleeve is adapted to move axially,
towards or away from the associated support leg, by an amount
desired, and then locked in place, whereby to form a horizontal
surface for supporting the seat brace 14 for rotation. This
arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and shown by the
legs 120a, 120b, 122a, and 122b and associated support pads
121.
[0063] The seat brace 14 is axially elongated and extends between
proximal and distal end portions 14a and 14b and includes a medial
portion 14c. Preferably, for strength and resistance to bending and
torsion effects the seat brace is hollow tubing of square
cross-section. As will be described below, an array of registrable
openings 32 is provided in the distal end portion 14b for use in
adjustably connecting the seat brace 14 to the rifle-aiming bracket
16.
[0064] A seat 34 is fixedly secured to the proximal end portion 14a
of the seat brace 14. Specifically, the seat 34 has an under
surface 34a fixedly secured atop and to the seat brace 14, and an
upper surface 34b. Further, a seat back 36 is hingedly connected to
the seat, such as by piano hinge structure 37, and for movement
about a horizontal axis "A" and between a folded down storage
position (i.e., in horizontal juxtaposed relation with the upper
surface 34b) and an upright or vertical in use position.
[0065] The seat brace 14 is connected to the support frame 12 for
rotation thereto and about a vertical axis "B". As shown, an
elongated pivot pin 38 of cylindrical cross-section projects
downwardly from the proximal end portion 14a for receipt in the
socket 28. The pin-socket connection centers on the axis "B" and
forms a pivot about which distal end portion 14b of the seat brace
14 rotates.
[0066] The medial portion 14c of the seat brace 14 is supported for
rotation atop the guide rail 30 and the top surface 30d thereof.
The seat brace is adapted to rotate approximately 180.degree.
relative to the centerline "C" and about 90.degree. to each side of
the centerline.
[0067] The rotatable connection may be reversed, in that the pivot
pin 38 projects upwardly from the seat support 26 and the socket or
recess 28 is formed in the proximal end portion 14a of the seat
brace.
[0068] To allow full rotational adjustment with respect to the
ground, the present invention may include a ball joint assembly 64.
The ball joint assembly 64 being disposed below the bottom surface
34a of the seat 34, and including a ball 66, an upper ball seat 68,
and a lower ball clamp 70. The ball 66 has the pin 38, or spindle,
extending therefrom which is rotatably secured to the support frame
12. The upper ball seat 68 is mounted to the bottom surface 34a of
the seat 34 and has an upper receiving surface 72 dimensioned and
contoured to receive an upper portion of the ball 66. The lower
ball clamp 70 has a lower receiving surface 74 dimensioned and
contoured to envelop a lower portion of the ball 66. The lower ball
clamp 70 also includes a bottom surface 76 having a hole extending
therethrough to allow a portion of the ball 66 and the spindle 38
to extend through the hole. Furthermore, the upper ball seat 68 and
the lower ball clamp 70 can be hingedly connected to each other at
a first position 78, and connected to each other at a second
position 80 by a fastener 82. In use, when the fastener 82 is
tightened the upper ball seat 68 and the lower ball clamp 70 are
drawn together to frictionally engage and clamp the ball 66
therebetween.
[0069] Preferably, the aiming apparatus is provided with
arrangements to provide a quiet operation and silence possible
sounds arising from the rotation of the seat brace 14 relative to
the support frame 12. Noise arising from repositioning of the seat
brace 14 relative to the support frame 12 may generate a noise that
frightens or alerts potential targets.
[0070] In one arrangement, according to this invention, one or both
of the lower surface 14c of the seat brace 14 and the upper surface
30d of the guide rail 30 which supports the brace portion 14c for
rotation are coated with a sound deadening material, such as
Teflon.RTM., or provided with separate guides of such material.
Additionally, the interior wall of the socket 28 and exterior
surface of the pivot pin 38 may be provided with such material to
deaden possible sounds arising from rotation of the seat brace
relative to the support frame.
[0071] Preferably, to maintain the seat brace 14 orientation
relative to the support frame 12, the lower surface of the brace
portion 14c may be provided with a semi-cylindrical cut-out, or
guide (not shown). The cutout is complementary to and adapted to
fit about the upper half of the guide rail 30 and constrain and
guide rotation of the seat brace 14 atop the guide rail and
relative to the pin 38.
[0072] In another arrangement, a roller mechanism may operate
between the guide rail 30 and the seat brace 14.
[0073] In some applications, such as in target shooting, the
shooter may desire that the seat brace 14 be lockable in a desired
position. In the embodiment illustrated, a lock plate 40 is fixed
to and projects from the center 30c of the guide rail, registrable
openings 44 and 46 are provided, respectively, in the lock plate 40
and the medial portion 14c of the seat brace, and a releasable
locking pin (or threaded fastener) 48 is positioned in the openings
44 and 46. The lock pin 48 prevents the seat brace 14 from rotating
relative to the support frame 12, and away from aligned relation
with the centerline "C" of the support frame 12.
[0074] In some applications, relative rotation is prevented by the
use of a clamp (not shown).
[0075] In some applications, and depending on the aiming situation,
the shooter may desire that the seat brace 14 be locked at
different angles relative to the centerline "C" of the support
frame 12. In such case several registrable openings 44 are provided
about the guide rail 30, each opening 44 being registrable with the
opening 46 in the seat brace 14. In such arrangement, the seat
brace 14 may rotate 90.degree., in opposite directions, away from
centered relation with the centerline "C" of the support frame 12,
and then locked in place.
[0076] The aiming bracket 16 is generally L-shaped and includes
first and second legs 50 and 52 that are at right angles to one
another and extend from a corner junction to respective distal end
portions 50a and 52a. For strength, a support strut 53 angles
between the legs 50 and 52.
[0077] Additionally, for strength and resistance to bending and
torsion effects, the legs 50 and 52 are preferably of hollow tubing
of square cross-section. The distal end portion 50a of the leg 50
and the distal end portion 14b of the seat brace 14 have mating
cross-sections in that the end portions telescopically interfit
within one another and the aiming bracket 16 is axially movable
relative to the fitment.
[0078] Further, the distal end portions 50a and 52a of the legs 50
and 52 are provided, respectively, with an array of registrable
openings 54 and 56. The openings 54 in the leg 50 are adapted to
register with the openings 32 provided in the distal end portion
14b of the seat brace 14 when the leg 50 and seat brace 14 are
telescopically interfitted with one another. A releasable locking
pin 46 is inserted into a respective pair of registered openings 32
and 54 to lock and prevent the aiming bracket 16 from axial
movement relative to the seat brace 14.
[0079] Preferably, the aiming bracket 16 is capable of being
assembled, for use, and torn down, for transport. In this regard,
the opposite end portions 50b and 52b of the legs 50 and 52 are
connected by a removable pin 46 to form a corner joint. Further,
the opposite end portions 53a and 53b of the support strut 53 are
connected by a removable pin 46 to the opposite end portions 50a
and 52a, respectively, of the legs 50 and 52.
[0080] The rifle cradle assembly 18 includes a cradle sleeve 58
provided with an array of registrable openings 60 and an upwardly
open rifle cradle 62 pivotably connected to the cradle sleeve.
Preferably, for strength and resistance to bending and torsion
effects the cradle sleeve 58 is hollow tubing of square
cross-section and adapted to interfit in telescopic relation with
the second leg 52. The cradle sleeve 58 is axially movable relative
to the fitment and adapted to bring respective of the openings 56
of the second leg 52 into register with the openings 60 of the
cradle sleeve. A releasable locking pin 46 is inserted into a
respective pair of registered openings 56 and 60 to lock and
prevent the cradle sleeve 58 from axial movement relative to the
second leg 52.
[0081] The rifle cradle 62 is generally U-shaped and upwardly open
to receive and snugly position the forward end portion of the
barrel of a long rifle. The rifle cradle 62 is pivotally connected
to an upper end portion of the cradle sleeve and positionable at a
selected angle relative to an imaginary line "D" drawn through the
geometric center of the cradle assembly 18. The cradle may pivot in
a first direction, towards and away from the seat 34. To
accommodate right and left hand shooters, the cradle may also pivot
in a second direction, sideways, relative to the seat 34.
[0082] As explained herein, the seat brace 14 simultaneously
rotates the aiming bracket 16 relative to the support frame 12,
with the shooter disposed on the seat 34 and in positioning
relation with the rifle cradle 62. The aiming cradle assembly 18 is
connectible in different positions along the seat brace 14,
changing the axial separation between the vertical axis of rotation
"A" and the vertical line "D" through the cradle assembly 18. The
cradle assembly is oriented on an axis generally perpendicular to
the horizontal plane. The height or vertical separation of the
rifle cradle 62 relative to the horizontal plane is adjustable and
movable into different positions along the second leg. That is, the
cradle is movable vertically up or down relative to horizontal
plane.
[0083] According to this invention, there is provided a kit of
components for providing a transportable rifle aiming seat
assembly. The kit comprises (1) the horizontal support frame 12
having the socket 28 for receiving the pivot pin 38, (2) the
elongated seat brace 14 mountable to the support frame 12, the seat
brace having the seat 34, the seat back 36 hingedly mounted to the
seat, and the pivot pin 38 receivable in the socket 28 whereby to
mount the seat brace to the support frame for rotation relative
thereto, (3) the L-shaped rifle positioning bracket 16 adjustably
connectible to the distal end 14b of the seat brace 14 for relative
axial positioning movement therebetween, the bracket constructed by
the assembly of legs 50 and 52 and strut 53, (4) the rifle cradle
assembly 18 having the cradle sleeve 58 provided with an array of
registrable openings, and the upwardly open rifle cradle 62 for
cradling the barrel of a long rifle and pivotably connected to the
cradle sleeve, the cradle sleeve being interconnectible with the
rifle positioning bracket for relative vertical axial positioning
movement therebetween, and (5) the plurality of quick release
locking pins for receipt in respective of registered pairs of
openings in the seat brace, the cradle sleeve and the rifle
positioning bracket wherein to rapidly lock, and release, the rifle
positioning bracket in a desired horizontal position along the seat
brace and lock, and release, the rifle cradle assembly in a desired
vertical position at the end of the rifle cradle assembly.
[0084] Further, the seat brace includes a lock plate and the kit
comprises a lock socket, which operates between the lock plate and
the seat brace for locking the seat brace from rotation.
[0085] In some embodiments, the kit may include an arm rest,
connectible to the seat brace, for aiding the shooter in
positioning the rifle relative to the cradle sleeve.
[0086] In some hunting applications, the hunter should be hidden
from view. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an alternate embodiment of
a rifle seat aiming apparatus, generally indicated by the reference
number 110, is provided with structure to erect a hunting blind 70
for hiding or otherwise shielding the hunter from view. The seat
aiming apparatus 110 is similar to the seat aiming apparatus 10 and
includes a horizontal main support frame 112, a seat brace 114
rotatably mounted to the frame 112, an L-shaped rifle aiming
bracket 116 adjustably positionable to the brace, and a rifle
cradle assembly 118 adjustably positioned to the aiming bracket.
The elements 112, 114, 116, and 118 operate in the manner described
above regarding the corresponding elements 12, 14, 16, and 18 in
the seat aiming apparatus 10.
[0087] The frame 112 includes a rearward support bar 120 having
support legs 120a and 120b at opposite ends of the bar, a
semicircular support bar 122 extending forwardly of the support
bar, and a pair of support legs 122a and 122b at intermediate ends
of the support bar 122. The support legs 120a and 120b and 122a and
122b are adjustable. The legs 120a and 120b are adapted to extend
vertically and terminate in enlarged feet or support pads 121 that
are adapted to be seated on the ground. The legs 122a and 122b
include leg portions 123, the leg portions being adapted to extend
axially and terminate in enlarged feet or support pads 125 adapted
to be seated on the ground. In use, the support legs and feet
cooperate to form a horizontal surface for supporting the seat
brace 114 for rotation.
[0088] The hunting blind 70 includes a pair of first supports 72
disposed vertically, a pair of second supports 74, a support ring
76, and a closure blind or tarp 78. The first supports 72 have
lower ends 72a removably pinned to respective ends of the support
bar 120 and upper ends 72b. The second supports 74 are generally
Y-shaped and include a pair of arms 80 and 82 disposed at an acute
angle to one another and a strut 84. The arm 80 terminates in an
upper end portion 80a that is removably pinned to the semicircular
support bar 122. The arm 82 terminates in an upper end in the form
of a receiving ring 82a for receiving the support ring 76. The
strut 84 extends downwardly and away from the semicircular support
bar and terminates in a free end 84a adapted to engage the
ground.
[0089] The support ring 76 is of resilient bendable material,
flexible and generally semicircular. The ring 76 has opposite ends
removably attached to the upper ends 72b and intermediate portions
fitted into the receiving rings 82a of the support arms 82. The
upper ends 72b of the first supports 72 and rings 82a of the
support arms 82 generally define a common horizontally disposed
plane.
[0090] The closure tarp 78 is preferably comprised of weather
resistant material and preferably provided with camouflage. The
tarp 78 is adapted, much like a shower curtain, to be attached to
the support ring 76 in a manner to hang downwardly and form a
semicircular enclosure about the hunter when seated on the aiming
apparatus. In this regard, an upper end portion 79 of the tarp 78,
extending across the top and between the opposite lateral ends of
the blind, is provided with a succession of complementary mateably
engageable strips 86 of Velcro.RTM.. The upper end portion 79 is
folded about the support ring 76 and the Velcro engaged, thus
removably securing the tarp 78 to the support ring.
[0091] FIG. 7B illustrates the relationship of a hunter to the
hunting blind 70 when seated in the aiming apparatus 110.
[0092] In some applications, the extensible legs and swivelable
support pads of the support frame 12 may not make the seat frame
horizontal in making the support frame 12 horizontal.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, as an aid, a support level 150
is mounted to the seat brace 14 proximate to the seat 34a. In FIG.
8A, the "level" bubble 152 is not at the center, indicating the
support frame 12 is not horizontal. The user would then loosen the
ball valve fastener 82, adjust the seat 34 and the rifle support
assembly 14 to a level position as indicated by the bubble 152
being at the center of the support level 150, and then tighten the
ball valve fastener 82 to lock the seat 34 and rifle support
assembly 14 into a position level with a horizontal plane. The
support level 150 is intended for particular use with using the
ball joint assembly 64 to level the seat 34 and the rifle support
assembly 14 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0094] The various embodiments described above are by way of
illustration only and not construed to limit the claimed invention.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various
modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth
in the following claims.
* * * * *