U.S. patent application number 11/679832 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for portable storage case with integral stabilizing platform for use with a firearm support.
This patent application is currently assigned to Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dennis Cauley, Russell A. Potterfield.
Application Number | 20100270201 11/679832 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991172 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cauley; Dennis ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
PORTABLE STORAGE CASE WITH INTEGRAL STABILIZING PLATFORM FOR USE
WITH A FIREARM SUPPORT
Abstract
A storage case for storage and transportation of firearm
supports including a case having a semi-rigid internal support
structure configured to resist external forces. The internal
support structure is configured to allow storage of a firearm
support when not in use and further includes an integral
stabilizing platform for use with the firearm support. The integral
stabilizing platform can further include a plurality of mounting
portions to accommodate a variety of firearm support devices.
Inventors: |
Cauley; Dennis; (Boonville,
MO) ; 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: |
42991172 |
Appl. No.: |
11/679832 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60777691 |
Feb 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/525 ;
42/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 33/06 20130101;
F41A 23/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/525 ;
42/94 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00; F41A 23/02 20060101 F41A023/02 |
Claims
1. A firearm support system comprising: a firearm support, wherein
the firearm support is freestanding; and a storage case configured
to receive the firearm support, the storage case having first and
second portions, wherein at least one of the first and second
portions has a semi-rigid conformal interior surface configured to
receive the firearm support, and wherein at least one of the
interior surfaces includes a stabilizing base to increase the
stability of the firearm support and configured to releasably
retain the firearm support in a fixed position relative to first or
second portions so that the firearm support is useable to support a
firearm.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the firearm support includes a
first portion configured for removably supporting a firearm and a
second portion, positioned beneath and supporting the first
portion, having a plurality of feet, and wherein the stabilizing
base includes a plurality of mounting portions releasably
supporting the feet of the second portion when the firearm support
is in the storage case.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the mounting portions comprise at
least one of an indentation, detent, groove, depression and slot
integrally formed in the first or second surface.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein at least one of the mounting
portions further comprises a retaining device for securing the feet
of the second portion to the corresponding mounting portions.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the firearm support is at least
partially unassembled when the first and second portions are in a
closed storage position.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the firearm support is fully
assembled when the first and second portions are in a closed
storage position.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are
removably coupled to each other.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are
connected by a hinge, wherein the hinge is configured to be locked
in an open position such that the first and second portions are
positioned proximate to each other in an open position to provide a
greater stability of the system when the firearm support is in the
fixed position.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the firearm support defines a
support footprint, and the first or second portion is configured to
provide a storage case footprint greater than the support footprint
to provide greater stability when the firearm support is in the
fixed position.
10. The storage case of claim 1 for use with a second firearm
support, wherein a first interior surface includes the stabilizing
base for the first firearm support and a second interior surface
includes a second stabilizing base configured to receive the second
firearm support.
11. The storage case of claim 1 wherein the interior surfaces
define a protective zone for the firearm support, wherein the
protective zone is configured to protect the firearm support from
external forces applied to the storage case.
12. A system for storing and supporting a firearm rest, the system
comprising: a firearm rest, wherein the firearm rest is
freestanding and configured for supporting a firearm; and a
container having first and second portions removably coupled to
each other and moveable between open and closed positions, wherein
the second portion includes an integral firearm rest stabilization
platform to increase stability of the firearm rest, and wherein in
the closed position the first portion is coupled to the second
portion and the firearm rest is enclosed in the container, and in
the open position the first portion is spaced apart from the second
portion and the firearm rest stabilization platform.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the first portion includes a
contoured first interior surface and the second portion includes a
contoured second interior surface, wherein the first and second
interior surfaces are shaped to conform to the general shape of at
least a portion of the firearm rest.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the first portion includes a
first interior surface and the second portion includes a second
interior surface, wherein the first and second surfaces include a
deformable material.
15. The system of claim 12 wherein the second portion includes a
substantially flat exterior surface.
16. The system of claim 12 wherein the firearm rest comprises one
or more feet, and wherein the stabilization platform comprises one
or more mounting portions corresponding to the one or more firearm
rest feet.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the mounting portions are
configured to retain the one or more firearm feet on the
stabilization platform.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein the mounting portions comprise
at least one of an indentation, detent, depression, groove, and
slot in the second portion.
19. The system of claim 12 wherein the firearm rest is at least
partially unassembled when the container is in the closed container
position.
20. The system of claim 12 wherein the firearm rest is fully
assembled when the container is in the closed container
position.
21. The system of claim 12, further comprising a second firearm
rest configured for supporting a firearm, and wherein in the closed
position the second firearm rest is stored in the container, and in
the open position the first portion includes an integral firearm
rest stabilization platform for the second firearm rest.
22. The system of claim 12 wherein the stabilizing platform is
integral with the second portion.
23. A firearm support carrying case, comprising: a first portion
having a semi-rigid first exterior surface; and a second portion
having a semi-rigid second exterior surface, wherein in a closed
position the first and second portions form a pre-defined interior
cavity corresponding to a shape of a freestanding firearm support
that may be stored in the cavity, and wherein in an open position
the second portion is a stabilizing platform for increasing
stability of the firearm support when a firearm rests on the
firearm support.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/777,691, filed Feb. 27, 2006, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to portable firearm
support storage cases, such as storage cases including a
stabilizing platform for use with the firearm support.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Transporting firearm supports to support a firearm during
target practice and accuracy testing is a difficult undertaking. By
their very nature, firearm supports are often large, heavy and
cumbersome. In addition, portions of the firearm support, such as
threaded and adjustable components, are relatively delicate in
comparison to the size and weight of the rest of the firearm
support. If the threaded components of the firearm support are
contaminated with dirt or are otherwise damaged or compromised, the
components may be rendered inoperable thereby reducing the
functionality of the firearm support. Consequently, it is
advantageous to use a storage or carrying case that can help
protect the components of the firearm support contained in the
protective case.
[0004] Conventional protective cases for firearm supports typically
include a fabric, soft-sided or padded case. However there are many
disadvantages with these soft-sided cases. First, these cases do
not adequately protect the firearm support contained in the case.
Although soft-sided cases may shield the firearm support from dirt,
soft-sided cases do not protect the firearm support from external
forces or from other contaminants, such as rain for example.
Moreover, cases that include padded sides can be deformed by
external forces and are therefore also insufficient for protecting
the firearm support.
[0005] Further, conventional protective cases fail to provide the
additional benefit of a mounting surface or stabilizing support
base for use with the firearm support. Therefore, there is a demand
for a durable and portable protective case for safely transporting
or storing firearm supports in a manner that provides ease of
transport, adequate protection, and a stabilizing support base for
mounting the firearm support thereon. Accordingly, there exists a
need to improve conventional firearm support carrying cases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a system for
transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a system for transporting
a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic partially exploded isometric view of a
system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of an open system for
transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of a system for
transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a system for transporting
a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the
system illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of a system for
transporting a firearm support assembly in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A. Overview
[0015] The following disclosure describes several embodiments of
storage cases for firearm support and firearm support assemblies.
One aspect of disclosure is directed to a storage case for storing
the firearm support within the storage case. The storage case
includes first and second portions, the first portion and the
second portion having semi-rigid conformal interior surfaces
configured to receive the firearm support. At least one of the
first or second surfaces includes a stabilizing base for the
firearm support. In one embodiment, the firearm support is at least
partially disassembled when stored in the storage case. In another
embodiment, the case is configured to contain a fully assembled
firearm support stored and transported in the case, or multiple
firearm supports of differing size and weight stored and
transported in the case. According to further aspects of the
disclosure, the internal structure and conformal surfaces of the
case protect the firearm support and resist external forces against
the firearm support. The stabilizing platform can be integral with
the case and include retaining mechanisms to further stabilize and
provide support for the firearm support when using the firearm
support in the field.
[0016] Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a system
for storing and supporting a firearm rest. The system includes a
firearm rest configured for supporting a firearm stored in a
container having a semi-rigid first portion and a semi-rigid second
portion removably coupled to the first portion. In a closed
position, the first portion is coupled to the second portion and
the firearm rest is stored in the container, and in an open
position, the first portion is removed from the second portion and
the second portion includes a firearm rest stabilization platform.
The stabilization platform includes one or more mounting portions
corresponding to one or more feet of the firearm support. The
mounting portions allow a variety of firearm supports to be used
with one stabilization platform. According to further embodiments,
mounting portions are contained in both a first portion and a
second portion of the storage case to provide a second
stabilization platform. In other embodiments, the first and second
portions include a deformable material, such as a foam material, to
contact and protect the firearm rest.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, a firearm support carrying case
includes a first portion having a semi-rigid first exterior surface
a second portion having a semi-rigid second exterior surface. In a
closed position the first and second portions form a pre-defined
interior cavity corresponding to a general shape of a firearm
support that may be stored in the cavity. In an open position the
second portion is a stabilizing platform for the firearm support
when a firearm rests on the firearm support.
[0018] Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are
described below with reference to storage cases, firearm supports
and firearm support assemblies. Several details describing
well-known structures or processes often associated with storage
cases, firearms and firearm supports are not set forth in the
following description for purposes of brevity and clarity. Also,
several other embodiments of the invention can have different
configurations, components, or procedures than those described in
this section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore,
will accordingly understand that the invention may have other
embodiments with additional elements, or the invention may have
other embodiments without several of the elements shown and
described below with reference to FIGS. 1-9.
[0019] Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also
include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless
the word "or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item
exclusive from other items in reference to a list of at least two
items, then 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 features and/or other types of features and
components are not precluded.
[0020] B. Embodiments of Firearm Supports
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a storage case 100
for transporting and storing a firearm support in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention. The case 100 includes a first
portion 102 and a second portion 104 releasably coupled to the
first portion 102 with a plurality of connection mechanisms 110a-c.
Examples of connection mechanisms include but are not limited to a
hinge, clasp, latch and/or other suitable connection mechanisms.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater or lesser
number of connection mechanisms 110a-c may be used than the number
of mechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. When the second portion 104
is coupled to the first position 102, the case 100 is in a stored
or closed position, and when the portions 102 and 104 are separated
the case 100 is an open position. The first and second portions 102
and 104 are preformed, and include semi-rigid interior surfaces
(shown in FIGS. 3-8) for retaining the firearm support in the
storage case 100 during transportation or storage. For example, the
interior surfaces can define a protective zone for the firearm
support when the storage case 100 is in a closed position. The
internal structure of the cavity resists external forces while
providing positioning support to the firearm support to prevent the
firearm support from excessive movement within the storage case in
the closed position. According to further embodiments, the storage
case 100 includes an internal cavity configured to accommodate a
variety of firearm support assembly configurations or multiple
firearm supports. Moreover, the portions 102 and 104 can be formed
in a variety of known manufacturing processes, such as by blow
molding, injection molding, roto-molding, stamping, and/or
thermoforming for example.
[0022] The first portion 102 includes a plurality of support
surfaces 118 and first and second portions 120a and 120b of a
handle 121. The plurality of support surfaces 118 allow the storage
case 100 to be set on rough or wet surfaces without causing damage
to the storage case 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the
support surfaces 118 have a generally rectangular shape, however,
the support surfaces 118 may include other sizes or configurations
to support the storage case 100. Specifically, the support surfaces
118 may be rectangular, square, spiked, generally V-shaped, planar,
or other geometries suitable for supporting the storage case
100.
[0023] The first portion 120a of the handle 121 is contained on the
first portion 102 of the storage case 100, and the second portion
120b of the handle 121 is contained on the second portion 104 of
the storage case 100. The first and second portions 120a and 120b
combine to form the handle 121 integral with the storage case 100.
In certain embodiments, the first and second portions 120a and 120b
can slide relative to each other to also act as a closure or
connection mechanism for the case 100. In addition, the handle 121
may be affixed to the storage case 100 with a strap (not shown) or
other mechanical fixation devices. As shown in the illustrative
embodiment, the handle 121 is contained along a top side 123 of the
storage case opposite the support surfaces 118. Alternative, the
handle 121 may be positioned on any portion of the storage case
100. According to still further embodiments, a plurality of handles
may be included on one storage case 100 in order to enable more
than one manner of carrying the storage case, or more than one user
to carry the storage case. Accordingly, the case 100 provides the
benefit of storing and transporting a firearm rest in a protective
manner.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the storage case 100
illustrated in FIG. 1. Like reference characters refer to like
components in FIGS. 2-7 and FIG. 1, and thus the description of
such components will not be repeated with reference to FIGS. 2-7.
Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the first portion 102 of the case
100 includes an exterior surface 113. The exterior surface 113 may
have a substantially flat region for placement of instructions or
marketing indicia. The storage case 100 is generally triangular
shaped in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments,
however, the storage case 100 can have different configurations and
shapes depending on the size of the firearm support being carried,
the relative protective zone required, and the overall bulk of the
storage case in order to maintain a portable system. For example,
as shown in FIG. 9 and discussed below, the storage case 900 may be
rectangular shaped. In other embodiments, the storage case may
contain two or more firearm supports.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric partially exploded view of a
case 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
case 100 contains a representative firearm support 130 that is at
least partially unassembled and in a stored position. The firearm
support 130 includes a base or lower portion 150 and an upper
portion 154. The lower portion 150 includes a plurality of feet or
extensions 152 and is configured to provide a stable base support
or foundation for the firearm support 130. Accordingly, the
plurality of extensions 152 define a stabilizing footprint of the
firearm support 130. The upper portion 154 is configured to
removably attach to the lower portion 150 and to receive and
provide adjustable support to a firearm. The case 100 shown in FIG.
3 also illustrates the conformal shape of the case 100 to the
corresponding firearm support 130. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the case 100 can have a different conformal shape
according to different firearm supports. An interior surface 114 of
the case 100 defines the preformed interior geometry and shape of
the case 100 to receive and protect the firearm support 130. The
internal structure of the case 100 resists external forces, such as
an impact force if the case 100 is dropped, while providing
positioning support to the firearm support 130 to prevent excessive
movement of the firearm support 130 within the storage case 100
during transportation. An additional feature illustrated in FIG. 3
is an integral retaining portion 111 corresponding to and
configured to receive the connection mechanism 110a shown in FIG.
3.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a top view of the second portion 104 of an open
storage case 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
In certain embodiments, the case 100 provides a stabilization
platform or base in the second portion 104 for the firearm support
130 during use of the firearm support 130. When the firearm support
130 is used while contained in the second portion 104 of the
storage case 100, the storage case 100 can define a stabilizing
footprint that is larger than the stabilizing footprint of the
firearm support 130 alone. In another embodiment, the first and
second portions of the case can be configured to provide an eve
large stabilizing footprint to help stabilize the firearm support
when in use. The case 100 includes a preformed interior cavity 140
that is generally shaped and conforms to the geometry of at least a
portion of the firearm support 130 in the stored position. The
cavity 140 includes a plurality of mounting portions 132a-c for
receiving feet or portions (not shown) of the extensions 152 of the
firearm support 130. The mounting portions 132a-c may include but
are not limited to preformed indentations, grooves, tabs, detents,
slots, depressions and the like. The mounting portions 132a-c are
reciprocally positioned relative to the extensions 152 of the
firearm support 130 such that feet or portions of the extensions
152 are can be positioned on the mounting portions 132a-c in the
cavity 140. For example, the feet or portions of the extensions 152
can be positioned on the mounting portions 132a-c when the firearm
support 130 is in the at least partially unassembled and stored
position, and also when the firearm support is in the assembled
position for use in the field. Moreover, the mounting portions
132a-c may further include a positive retaining mechanism, such as
a clamp, strap or other retaining device to secure the extensions
152 in place on the mounting portions 132a-c when the second
portion 104 of the storage case 100 is being used as a stabilizing
support base. The stabilization platform and mounting portions
132a-c provide a stable configuration for the firearm support in an
assembled position.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic underside bottom view of the second
portion 104 of the case 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. The second portion 104 includes an exterior surface 115.
The surface 115 provides a substantially flat portion adding
additional stability to the storage case 100 when the bottom
portion 104 is used as a stabilization base for an assembled
firearm support 130. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface
115 includes plurality of feet 116a-c to provide additional
stability to the system, especially when the storage case 100 is
used as a stabilization platform on an uneven surface. The feet
116a-c may correspond to and align with the mounting portions
132a-c described above. In other embodiments, the exterior surface
115 may be completely flat with no feet 116a-c.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the second portion 104
and an at least partially unassembled firearm support 130 including
the lower portion 150 and the upper portion 154. The embodiment of
the case 100 illustrates the overall low profile that can be
achieved when the firearm support 130 is at least partially
unassembled and stored in the second portion 104. One skilled in
the art will recognize however, that a thicker profile case may be
used to store and carry a firearm support that is fully assembled.
FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the case 100
illustrated in FIG. 6. The extension 152 shown in FIG. 7
illustrates a foot 134 that can be positioned in or on the mounting
point 132a to provide a stable platform and base for the firearm
support 130. In an alternate embodiment, the firearm support 130,
or the lower portion 150 of the firearm support 130 can be
integrally formed with the second portion 104 of the case 100 such
that the firearm support 130 is not removable from the second
portion 104 of the case 100.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of a storage case 800
for transporting a firearm support assembly in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention. The storage case 800 is
generally similar to the storage case 100 described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-7. For example, the storage case 800 includes
a first portion 802 and a second portion 804 coupled to the first
portion 802. The illustrated storage case 800, however, includes a
hinged connection point 812 and a general rectangular shape to
accommodate a different sized firearm support or more than one
firearm support. Additionally, the storage case 800 contains
alternative features which are interchangeable with the features
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Specifically, the
storage case 800 includes the hinged connection 812 to retain the
first portion 802 and the second portion 804 in a fixed
relationship when in the open or partially open position.
Alternatively, a clasp, latch or other mechanical fixation device
could be used as is known in the art. For example, the first
portion 802 and the second portion 804 are latched together in the
closed position by latching connection means 810a-b on the first
portion 802 to connection means 811a-b on the second portion of the
storage case.
[0030] The case 800 further includes an internal cavity formed by
interior surfaces such as 840 and 841 that are preformed to
correspond and protect to a firearm assembly 830 positioned in the
case 800 in the closed position. Moreover, the firearm assembly 830
is shown in FIG. 8 is a more fully assembled configuration compared
to the firearm assembly 130 shown in FIGS. 1-7. For example, the
firearm assembly 830 is contained in a stored position on a
stabilization base 850 such that extensions 852 and support feet
856a-b are properly positioned at the stabilizing or mounting
portions (not shown for clarity) of the stabilization platform.
Final assembly of the firearm support 830 can include placing a
conformal or flexible firearm bag 854 on top of the firearm support
830. The case can be configured to also contain and carry the
firearm bag 854 along with the firearm support. In additional
embodiments, the firearm support assembly may be fully assembled
when in a stored configuration in the open or closed storage
case.
[0031] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be
made without deviating from the invention. Furthermore, aspects of
the invention described in the context of particular embodiments
may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Further, while
advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention
have been described in the context of those 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, the invention is not
limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *