U.S. patent application number 12/506736 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for rifle stock cheek rest.
Invention is credited to Steven Cales.
Application Number | 20110016764 12/506736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43496058 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110016764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cales; Steven |
January 27, 2011 |
RIFLE STOCK CHEEK REST
Abstract
A cheek rest is strapped onto a firearm stock to allow the user
to get a tighter cheek weld when using rifle scopes. The cheek rest
can be altered to fit various manufactured stocks. An adjustable
strapping system provides greater tension on the bottom of the rest
ensuring it mates tightly with the stock. A more rigid,
highly-placed structure is provided to press ones face against when
using a scope.
Inventors: |
Cales; Steven; (Meadow
Bridge, WV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DONALD W. MEEKER
924 EAST OCEAN FRONT, # E
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92661
US
|
Family ID: |
43496058 |
Appl. No.: |
12/506736 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/14 20130101;
F41C 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/90 |
International
Class: |
F41C 27/00 20060101
F41C027/00 |
Claims
1. A rifle stock cheek rest apparatus used with a rifle having an
elevated scope mounted on the rifle, the apparatus comprising: a
cheek rest body comprising a contoured cheek rest bottom for
resting on and conforming to a top of a rifle stock of any of a
variety of types of rifle stocks having a scope mounted on the
rifle, the cheek rest bottom having two downwardly extending side
walls for straddling the rifle stock; the cheek rest body further
comprising a smooth substantially horizontal cheek rest top having
an elongated transversely rounded top surface for resting a cheek
of a user thereon while aiming through the scope to fire the rifle,
the cheek rest top spaced above the rifle stock a distance equal to
a distance of a center of an eyepiece of the scope above a rifle
sight on the rifle, the cheek rest body having a series of
transverse openings through a mid portion of the cheek rest body;
adjustable means for attaching the cheek rest to any of a variety
of types of rifle stocks having the adjustable means extending
through the series of transverse openings and around a bottom of
the rifle stock.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the series of transverse
openings comprises a plurality of horizontal slotted holes through
the side of the cheek rest body to accommodate any of a variety of
types of removable adjustable strapping systems comprising a
plurality of straps as the adjustable means for attaching the cheek
rest body to any of a variety of types of rifle stocks.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a strap guide to
hold the plurality of straps in alignment.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising inserts in the
transverse openings to allow the plurality of straps to pass
through.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a channel in each
outer side of each cheek rest body extending downwardly from each
of the transverse openings to accommodate a strap recessed in the
channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the adjustable means for
attaching the cheek rest body to any of a variety of types of rifle
stocks comprises at least one type of removable adjustable
strapping system taken from the list of removable adjustable
strapping systems comprising ladderlocs, slide release buckles,
plastic zip ties, plastic worm clamps, metal zip ties, and metal
worm clamps.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transverse openings are
placed in any of a variety of positions to accommodate various
stocks.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the contoured cheek rest bottom
is configured to fit a variety of types of rifle stocks.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the contoured cheek rest bottom
is configured to fit a specific type of rifle stock.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a portion of the cheek rest
body is hollow to reduce the weight of the cheek rest.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rifle stock cheek rest has
a series of vertical holes which extend up from the bottom to the
top as a weight reduction means and spaces to receive threaded
fasteners for securing the cheek rest to the rifle stock.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rifle stock cheek rest has
at least one inner chamber extending longitudinally through the
cheek rest to store items therein, and further comprising means for
closing the inner chamber.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cheek rest top is
removably attached to the cheek rest body.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the cheek rest top comprises
an elongated resilient pad for receiving a cheek of a user resting
thereon while aiming through the scope.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cheek rest bottom and two
downwardly extending side walls are separable from the cheek rest
body and further comprising means for attaching the cheek rest
bottom and two downwardly extending side walls to an upper portion
of the cheek rest body.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one
adjustable strap attached between a transverse opening through the
cheek rest body and attached around a back butt end of the
stock.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for attaching
a rifle sling to the cheek rest body.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a high friction
outer surface on at least a portion of the cheek rest body to
prevent slipping.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to rifle stock rests for use
with rifle scopes and in particular to a cheek rest to strap onto a
firearm or non-firearm stock to allow the user to get a tighter
cheek weld when using rifle scopes that set much higher than the
natural line of sight and provide a contour of the rest where it
mates to the stock which can be altered to fit various stocks by
the manufacturer and have the straps positioned to pass through the
rest over the stock allowing for greater tension on the bottom of
the rest to mate tightly with the stock, thus having a more rigid
structure to press ones face against. Description of Related Art
including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
[0005] When using rifle scopes that set much higher than the
natural line of sight, some stock and scope configurations barely
allow for shooters chins to touch the stock and prevents a user
from getting a tight cheek weld for a more steady and accurate aim
through the scope. Prior art devices which are pulled from the
lower edges of the prior art rests do not provide straps which wrap
all the way around the stock.
[0006] What is needed is a cheek rest to strap onto a firearm or
non-firearm stock to allow the user to get a tighter cheek weld
when using rifle scopes that set much higher than the natural line
of sight and provide a contour of the rest where it mates to the
stock which can be altered to fit various stocks by the
manufacturer and have the straps positioned to pass through the
rest over the stock allowing for greater tension on the bottom of
the rest to mate tightly with the stock, thus having a more rigid
structure to press ones face against.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cheek
rest to strap onto a firearm or non-firearm stock to allow the user
to get a tighter cheek weld when using rifle scopes that set much
higher than the natural line of sight and provide a contour of the
rest where it mates to the stock which can be altered to fit
various stocks by the manufacturer and have the straps positioned
to pass through the rest over the stock allowing for greater
tension on the bottom of the rest to mate tightly with the stock,
thus having a more rigid structure to press ones face against.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable strapping system with adjustable buckles.
[0009] An added object of the present invention is to provide a
means for attaching a rifle carrying sling to the device.
[0010] One more object of the present invention is to provide a
sealable horizontal storage chamber within the body of the cheek
rest.
[0011] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a lightweight cheek rest with hollow portions inside.
[0012] In brief, the basic function of the cheek rest is to strap
on to a firearm or non-firearm stock. This allows the user to get a
tighter cheek weld when using rifle scopes that set much higher
than the natural line of sight. Some stock and scope configurations
barely allow for shooters chins to touch the stock and this cheek
rest fills that void. The contour of the rest where it mates to the
stock can be altered to fit various stocks by the manufacturer and
is not limited to one stock. Having the straps positioned to pass
through the rest over the stock allows for greater tension on the
bottom of the rest to mate tightly with the stock, thus having a
more rigid structure to press ones face against.
[0013] The cheek rest of the present invention will be mounted on
top of a rifle stock with straps that pass through rest holes
looping under and over the stock to be fastened by various means.
This is a substantial difference compared with currently
manufactured similar items. The present invention places more
downward tension inside the rest as opposed to prior art devices
which are pulled from lower edges of the prior art rests wherein
the straps do not wrap all the way around the stock. In the present
invention, the straps can be pulled out so that various other strap
types may be substituted.
[0014] There is no limit to how many straps, holes, or fasteners
can be positioned, used, molded, cut or drilled and in different
ways in the present invention.
[0015] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
cheek rest that straps onto a firearm or non-firearm stock and
allows the user to get a tighter cheek weld when using rifle scopes
that sit much higher than the natural line of sight.
[0016] An added advantage of the present invention is that it
provides an adjustable strapping system to fit a variety of stocks.
An ensuing advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
means for carrying the rifle by attaching a rifle carrying sling to
the device.
[0017] One more advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a sealable chamber to carry objects, such as shells or
batteries.
[0018] An additional advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a lightweight design with various means of hollowing out
the inside of the cheek rest body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other details of the present invention will be
described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are
furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the
invention, and in which drawings:
[0020] FIGS. 1A-1E are side elevational views of the rifle stock
cheek rest of the present invention showing hole placement to
accommodate various removable strapping systems with the holes
placed in whatever position necessary to accommodate various stocks
and having a curvature of the bottom of cheek rest which can be a
universal shape or made to fit specific firearm stocks;
[0021] FIGS. 2A-2C are side elevational views of the rifle stock
cheek rest of the present invention showing a variety of
configurations of skeletization of the cheek rest to reduce weight
of materials which can be all within the rest not visible to the
outside or visible and open to the outside as shown, or a skeletal
outside that doesn't allow for visual see through;
[0022] FIG. 2D is a top plan view of the rifle stock cheek rest of
the present invention showing vertical holes which extend up from
the bottom to the top as a weight reduction means or as screw, nut
and bolt spaces;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through the
longitudinal centerline of the rifle stock cheek rest of the
present invention showing an inner chamber extending longitudinally
through the cheek rest that can be sealed with various plug types,
screw, straight, etc. and can be modified in size to allow for more
than one chamber, and can be a series of small chambers to
accommodate shells, batteries, or other items;
[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevational views of the rifle
stock cheek rest of the present invention showing channels cut or
molded into the sides of the cheek rest for straps to lay in and
transverse holes going through the cheek rest that can be straight
or in an arch. Not shown are holes or molded areas that can serve
as strap guides aside from top holes.
[0025] FIGS. 5A-5C are side elevational views of the rifle stock
cheek rest of the present invention showing various types of
removable or secured strapping systems that can be used;
[0026] FIG. 5D is a side elevational view of the rifle stock cheek
rest of the present invention mounted on a rifle stock using four
straps;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a side elevational view in partial section of the
rifle stock cheek rest of the present invention showing a cheek
rest top that is separate from the bottom to be strapped to the
firearm stock to allow switching different height rests of the
cheek rest top interconnected to the bottom by a series of
interlocking mating protruding tabs and grooves;
[0028] FIG. 6B is an end elevational view in partial section of the
rifle stock cheek rest of FIG. 6A showing one of the series of
interlocking mating protruding rectangular tabs and grooves;
[0029] FIG. 6C is a side elevational view in partial section of the
rifle stock cheek rest of the present invention showing a cheek
rest top that is separate from the bottom to be strapped to the
firearm stock to allow switching different height rests of the
cheek rest top interconnected to the bottom by a longitudinal
upwardly protruding elongated inverted trapezoidal ridge from the
bottom portion which slides into a mating longitudinal elongated
channel to interlock along the length of the cheek rest body;
[0030] FIG. 6D is an end elevational view in partial section of the
rifle stock cheek rest of FIG. 6C showing the longitudinal upwardly
protruding elongated inverted trapezoidal ridge from the bottom
portion which slides into a mating longitudinal elongated channel
to interlock along the length of the cheek rest body;
[0031] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the rifle stock
cheek rest of the present invention showing how softer or harder
padding can be fit to a top molded or machined connector portion
which attaches to the stock mounting bottom portion;
[0032] FIG. 8A is a side elevational view of the cheek rest body of
FIG. 1A showing a loop through one of the transverse openings is
used to mount or attach a rifle sling to the cheek rest body;
[0033] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the cheek rest body of the
present invention showing straps with rings inserted through three
transverse openings to aide other straps for more downward pressure
creating a more secure positioning;
[0034] FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of the cheek rest body of
FIG. 1C showing a protruding knob extending from the cheek rest
body used to mount or attach a rifle sling to the cheek rest
body;
[0035] FIG. 8D is a side elevational view of the rifle stock cheek
rest of FIG. 2B mounted on a rifle stock using four vertical straps
under the rifle stock and an addition horizontal strap between one
of the vertical straps and the back butte end of the rifle
stock;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the rifle stock cheek
rest of FIG. 2B mounted on a rifle stock using four vertical straps
under the rifle stock and an addition horizontal strap between one
of the vertical straps and the back butte end of the rifle stock
and further comprising a strap guide along the bottom of the rifle
stock positioned to hold the vertical straps in alignment;
[0037] FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of the cheek rest body
of FIG. 1B having sleeves or inserts in the transverse openings to
allow the straps to pass through for using a harder material sleeve
in a softer rest to prevent the rigid straps from cutting into the
softer rest;
[0038] FIG. 10B is a side elevational view of rifle stock cheek
rest of the present invention mounted on a rifle stock using three
vertical straps under the rifle stock and showing a user resting
the user's cheek on the cheek rest with the user's eye aligned with
the scope for aiming to shoot the rifle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] In FIGS. 1-10, a rifle stock cheek rest apparatus 10A-10G,
used with a rifle 50 having an elevated scope 51 mounted on the
rifle, comprises a cheek rest body 20A-20R and the adjustable means
30A-30E for attaching the cheek rest 10 to any of a variety of
types of rifle stocks 50.
[0040] In FIGS. 1-10, the cheek rest body 20 comprises a contoured
cheek rest bottom 24 and a smooth, substantially horizontal cheek
rest top 22. The contoured cheek rest bottom 24 rests on and
conforms to the top of a rifle stock 50 of any of a variety of
types of rifle stocks 50 having a scope 51 mounted on the rifle.
The cheek rest bottom 24 has two downwardly extending side walls
25A and 25B for straddling the rifle stock 50. The cheek rest body
20 further comprises a smooth, substantially horizontal cheek rest
top 22 that has an elongated, transversely rounded top surface for
resting the cheek of a user thereon while aiming through the scope
51 to fire the rifle. The cheek rest top 22 is spaced above the
rifle stock 50 the same distance as from the center of the eyepiece
of the scope 51 to the rifle sight on the rifle. The cheek rest
body 20 also has a series of transverse openings 23A-23C through
the mid portion 21 of the cheek rest body 20.
[0041] In FIGS. 1-10, the adjustable means 30A-30E (FIGS. 5, 6, 8,
9, and 10) for attaching the cheek rest to any of a variety of
types of rifle stocks 50 extend through the series of transverse
openings 23A-23C and around a bottom of the rifle stock 50
comprises any of a variety of adjustable elongated elements, such
as straps of various types. The series of transverse openings
23A-23C comprises a plurality of transverse holes 23A-23C through
the side of the cheek rest body 20A-20R to accommodate any of a
variety of types of removable adjustable strapping systems 30A-30E.
The plurality of straps 30A-30E pass through the plurality of
horizontal slotted holes 23A-23C as the adjustable means for
attaching the cheek rest body 20A-20R to any of a variety of types
of rifle stocks 50. Adjustable buckles 31 provide the means for
adjusting the straps 30A-30E to accommodate various size stocks 50
or different attachment configurations.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows how a strap guide 32 can be positioned to hold
the straps 30E in alignment. The strap guide 32 can have various
numbers of holes, molded loops, rings, hooks, or anything to
accommodate the passing through of various types of straps 30A-30E
to hold the cheek rest body 20A-20R in position. The shape is not
limited to the illustration and can be altered to accommodate
different stocks 50.
[0043] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cheek body 20L and 20M further
comprises a channel or channels 29 in each outer side 25A and 25B
of each cheek rest body 20 extending downwardly from each of the
transverse openings 23A and 23B to accommodate a strap 30A-30E
recessed in the channel 29. The channels 29 are cut or molded into
the sides 25A and 25B for straps 30A-30E to lay in so that the
straps are recessed within the outer surface of the sides 25A and
25B.
[0044] In FIGS. 1-10, the adjustable means for attaching the cheek
rest body to any of a variety of types of rifle stocks 50 comprises
at least one type of removable adjustable strapping system 30A-30E
taken from the list of removable adjustable strapping systems
including ladderlocs, slide release buckles, plastic zip ties,
plastic worm clamps, metal zip ties, and metal worm clamps.
[0045] In FIGS. 1-10, the transverse openings 23A-23C can be placed
in any of a variety of positions to accommodate various stocks 50.
The contoured cheek rest bottom 24 can be configured to fit a
variety of types of rifle stocks 50 and can also be configured to
fit a specific type of rifle stock.
[0046] In FIGS. 2A-2C, 8D, and 9 a portion of the cheek rest body
20E-20G is hollow leaving a transverse opening 19A-19C through the
midportion 21 to reduce the weight of the cheek rest 10. A variety
of configurations of skeletization of the cheek rest body 20F-20G
from side to side to reduce the weight of materials are shown
including one embodiment 20H, in FIG. 2C with some structure 18
left in to support the top 22. The skeletizaton can be all within
the cheek rest and not visible or open to the outside as shown.
Skeletal shapes are not limited to drawings and may be of any shape
or form. Grooved patterns or obtrusions can be molded, cut, fit on,
painted, etched, made into by any means, into areas touching or not
touching stocks 50 to aid in grip or for design.
[0047] In FIG. 2D, the rifle stock cheek body 20J has a series of
vertical holes 17 which extend up from the bottom to the top as a
weight reduction means and spaces to receive threaded fasteners,
such as screws, nuts or bolts, for securing the cheek rest body 20J
to the rifle stock 50.
[0048] In FIG. 3, the cheek rest body 20K has at least one inner
chamber 16 extending longitudinally through the cheek rest body 20K
to store items therein, and a means for closing the inner chamber
with any of various plugs 15 including threaded plugs or friction
fit or other plug types, wherein the cheek rest body 20K can be
modified in size to allow for more than one chamber. A series of
small chambers can accommodate shells, batteries etc. The inner
chamber can also be fitted with hinged or sliding closures. In
FIGS. 6A-6D and 7A-7B, the cheek rest top 22 and 22A is removably
attached to the cheek rest body 21.
[0049] In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cheek rest top 22A comprises an
elongated resilient pad for receiving a cheek of a user resting
thereon while aiming through the scope 51. The removable pad 22A is
separate from the base 21A and 21B that is strapped to the firearm
stock 50 to allow switching different height rests or different
types of channels. Inlets can be cut or molded, with different
grooves.
[0050] In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the rifle stock cheek rest 10 may have a
top pad 22 made from softer or harder padding, which can be hard or
soft molded or cut material, and can be fit to a top molded or
machined material connector portion 7 on the top portion of the
two-piece body 21A which attaches to the stock mounting base 21B.
The top pad 22, top portion of the two-piece body 21A, and bottom
portion of two-piece body 22B fasten with bolts or screws 8 and
nuts 9, VELCRO.RTM., glue, or any fastener that is compatible.
Molded material can have fasteners molded into, in a non-removable
or removable manner. The shapes are not limited to the shapes in
the drawings. The top pad 22, top portion of the two-piece body
21A, and bottom portion of two-piece body 22B can have flat, round,
dove tail or any shape of mating surface or non-mating surface.
This applies also to rests that do not have levels as in FIG. 7,
but are just the top portion 21A and bottom portion 21B as in FIGS.
A and 6B.
[0051] The different types of channels or inlets 11 and 11A can be
cut or molded, dovetail slide on, straight on, round, oval, etc.
The different grooves can be large and few or many and small, small
and few or large and many. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, a series of
downwardly open transverse rectangular channels or inlets 11 in the
top portion 21A receive mating upwardly protruding tabs 14 form the
bottom portion 21B and a series of intermittent upwardly opening
transverse rectangular channels or inlets 13 in the bottom portion
21B receive downwardly extending mating protrusions 12 from the top
portion 21A which do not fill the inlets 13 so that the straps 30B
fit therebetween.
[0052] In FIGS. 6A-7B, the cheek rest bottom portion 21B and two
downwardly extending side walls 25A and 25B are separable from the
upper cheek rest body 21A. Means for attaching the cheek rest
bottom portion 21B and two downwardly extending side walls 25A and
25B to an upper portion of the cheek rest body 21A may comprise
threaded fasteners, such as bolts or screws 8 and nuts 9.
[0053] In FIGS. 6C-6D longitudinal upwardly protruding elongated
inverted trapezoidal ridges from the bottom portion 21B slide into
mating longitudinal elongated channels to interlock along the
length of the cheek rest body 20P. Bolts or screws 8 pointing down
connect with nuts 9, or the sides may lock together from one side
to the other by any means. The contour of the upper portion 21A and
the lower portion 21B is not limited to the shapes in the
drawings.
[0054] In FIGS. 5B, 6A, 6C, 8D, and 9, at least one adjustable
strap 30C attaches between a transverse opening 23B through the
cheek rest body 20 and around the back butt end of the stock 50 (as
shown in FIG. 9). Sides 25A and 25B can extend from the top of the
stock 50 to a complete wrap around, including rear or butt, in
conjunction with straps 30A-30C and connect by any means available
or to be made available. The back strap 30C can be removably
connected to other straps 30A, 30B, 30D, or 30E by means of loops,
studs, sewed on or molded into one strap that does both. These
straps 30C are secondary attachments that are optional for the
user.
[0055] In FIGS. 8A and 8C, a loop 40A or rod 40B (respectively) are
used to mount or attach a rifle sling to the cheek rest body 20A.
In FIG. 8A, a string loop, D-ring, square ring, or similar device
passes through a hole 23A to allow for a rifle sling to pass
through for carrying, It may also be molded into the cheek rest
body 20A or secured asa strap, stud with hole or ring, or similar
object for the same purpose. Rings may have sleeves around them
that act as a bushing that rotates. It can be molded through the
sides or straight out the rear or top or front.
[0056] In FIG. 10A, the cheek rest body 21 comprises sleeves or
inserts 33A and 33B in the transverse openings 23A to allow the
plurality of straps to pass through. The purpose of the sleeves or
inserts 33 is that using a harder material sleeve 33 in a softer
rest will prevent the rigid straps from cutting into the softer
rests. Sleeves or inserts 33 can be molded into or affixed by any
means to be made available. Sleeves or inserts 33 can be of any
shape (round, square, etc.) and can go all the way through as one
piece or partially in from each side, creating a separate sleeve
for each side. They can be flared out as in FIG. 10A or the shape
of the hole 23 with their own strap hole.
[0057] A high friction outer surface may be on at least a portion
of the cheek rest body 20 to prevent slipping. Non-slip or smooth
textured inserts may be affixed or molded by any method to the
bottom or sides to aide in creating a movement-free, secure
positioning. Inserts may also be affixed to top or sides by any
method to add smoothness, softening, firming, non slip, or
slickness. Non-slip or slick coatings may be applied, as well, to
top, bottom, or sides for aiding non-movement or comfort to
user.
[0058] In use, in FIG. 10B, the rifle stock cheek rest 10A of the
present invention is mounted on a rifle stock 50 using three
vertical straps 30B secured under the rifle stock and a user rests
the user's cheek on the cheek rest with the user's eye aligned with
the scope 51 for aiming to shoot the rifle.
[0059] It is understood that the preceding description is given
merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the
invention and that various modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *