U.S. patent application number 12/688696 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for adjustable support for firearms.
This patent application is currently assigned to DESERT MANUFACTURING, LLC. Invention is credited to Nicholas E. Young.
Application Number | 20110173867 12/688696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44276459 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110173867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Nicholas E. |
July 21, 2011 |
ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT FOR FIREARMS
Abstract
An adjustable support for a firearm includes an extension shaft
having a distal end, a proximal end, a central axis, and a
plurality of engagement features formed at a plurality of axial
locations between the distal end and the proximal end. A housing
assembly is configured to house the extension shaft and defines a
reference datum. At least one locking member is operatively
associated with the housing assembly and is configured selectively
engage the engagement features. An actuator is operatively
associated with the housing assembly such that translation of the
actuator relative to the central axis moves the locking members
into and out of engagement with the engagement features on the
extension shaft. Rotation of the actuator relative about the
central axis moves the distal end of the extension shaft away from
the housing assembly.
Inventors: |
Young; Nicholas E.; (Murray,
UT) |
Assignee: |
DESERT MANUFACTURING, LLC
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
44276459 |
Appl. No.: |
12/688696 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/14 20130101;
F41A 23/06 20130101; F41A 23/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/94 |
International
Class: |
F41A 23/06 20060101
F41A023/06; F41C 27/22 20060101 F41C027/22 |
Claims
1. An adjustable support for a firearm, comprising: an extension
shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a central axis, and a
plurality of engagement features formed at a plurality of axial
locations between the distal end and the proximal end; a housing
assembly configured to house the extension shaft and defining a
reference datum; at least one locking member operatively associated
with the housing assembly and configured selectively engage the
engagement features; and an actuator operatively associated with
the housing assembly, wherein translation of the actuator relative
to the central axis moves the locking members into and out of
engagement with the engagement features on the extension shaft and
wherein rotation of the actuator about the central axis moves the
distal end of the extension shaft away from the reference datum
associated with the housing assembly.
2. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein translation of the
actuator relative to the central axis is translation parallel to
the central axis.
3. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein translation parallel
to the central axis moves the locking member radially inward and
outward relative to the extension shaft.
4. The adjustable support of claim 3, wherein the locking member
includes a spherical locking member.
5. The adjustable support of claim 1, wherein the engagement
features include alternative grooves and ridges.
6. An adjustable support for a firearm, comprising: an extension
shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a central axis, and a
plurality of engagement features formed at a plurality of axial
locations between the distal end and the proximal end; a housing
assembly having a reference datum, a first housing member
configured to receive at least a portion of the extension shaft,
and a second housing member configured to receive at least a
portion of the first housing member; at least one locking member
operatively associated with the housing assembly and configured
selectively engage the engagement features; and an actuator
operatively associated with the housing assembly, wherein
translation of the actuator parallel to the central axis moves the
first housing assembly relative to the second housing assembly to
move the locking members into and out of engagement with the
engagement features on the extension shaft and wherein rotation of
the actuator relative about the central axis moves the distal end
of the extension shaft away from the reference datum, the actuator
being configured to move parallel to the central axis independently
of rotation about the central axis.
7. The adjustable support of claim 6, wherein the first housing
member includes receiving recesses defined therein configured to
receive at least a portion of each of the locking members.
8. The adjustable support of claim 7, wherein the second housing
member includes an interior lumen defined therein forming an
interior surface, wherein the interior surface has an annular
groove formed therein such that alignment of the annular groove and
the receiving recesses allows the locking features to move out of
engagement with the engagement features on the extension shaft and
wherein alignment of the receiving recesses with the inner surface
adjacent the annular groove moves the locking features into
engagement with the engagement features on the extension shaft.
9. The adjustable support of claim 8, wherein a proximal end of the
second housing member includes a threaded portion.
10. The adjustable support of claim 9, wherein the housing assembly
further includes a threaded third housing member configured to be
threadingly coupled to the threaded portion of the proximal end of
the second housing member and wherein rotation of the actuator
about the central axis threads and unthreads the second housing
member to and from the third housing member.
11. An adjustable support for a firearm, comprising: an extension
shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a central axis, and a
plurality of engagement features formed at a plurality of axial
locations between the distal end and the proximal end; a housing
assembly having: a first housing member having a shaft portion
extending distally from a proximal end toward a distal end, a
flared portion positioned distally from the shaft portion, a first
lumen extending proximally from the distal end and being configured
to receive at least a portion of the extension shaft, and wherein a
plurality of receiving recesses are defined in the first housing
member and are in communication with the first lumen, a second
housing member having a second lumen defined therein extending
proximally from a distal end of the second housing member toward a
proximal end, the second lumen being configured to receive at least
a portion of the first housing member, an annular groove defined in
an inner surface of the second housing member, and alternating tabs
and slots formed adjacent the distal end of the second housing
member; a plurality of locking members positioned between the inner
housing of the second housing member and the first housing member
in the receiving recesses; and an actuator operatively associated
with the housing assembly, the actuator being configured to move
the first housing member parallel to the central axis relative to
the second housing member to move the receiving recesses into and
out of alignment with the annular groove in the second housing
member to move the locking member into and out of engagement with
the engagement features on the extension shaft, the actuator being
further configured to rotate the second housing member relative to
the central axis independently of movement of the first housing
member parallel to the central axis.
12. The adjustable support of claim 11, wherein further comprising
a biasing member between the distal end of the first housing member
and the extension shaft.
13. The adjustable support of claim 11, wherein the shaft of the
first housing member extends proximally of a proximal end of the
second housing member.
14. The adjustable support of claim 13, further comprising a
biasing member positioned between the proximal end of the first
housing member and the proximal end of the second housing
member.
15. The adjustable support of claim 11, wherein a proximal end of
the second housing member includes a threaded portion.
16. The adjustable support of claim 15, further comprising a third
housing member having a threaded distal portion configured to have
the threaded portion of the proximal end of the second housing
member coupled thereto, wherein the rotation of the actuator about
the central axis threads and unthreads the second housing member
from the third housing member to move the distal end of the
extension shaft independently from extension of the extension shaft
relative to the first housing member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application generally relates to adjustable
supports for firearms, such as monopods and bipods.
[0003] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0004] Modern firearms make use of cartridges that include a
projectile seated in a casing. The casing has an internal cavity
defined therein that contains a charge of rapidly combusting
powder. A primer is seated in a recess formed in a rear portion of
the casing. A hole in the primer casing places the primer in
communication with the internal cavity containing the power. A
projectile is seated in the front portion of the casing such that
the powder is more or less sealingly contained in the casing
between the primer and the projectile.
[0005] An action, such as a bolt action, is used to advance the
cartridge into a firing chamber ahead of firing. While in the
firing chamber, a firing pin strikes the primer, causing the primer
to ignite. The ignition is directed to the powder, which burns
within the casing. The powder burning within the casing generates a
rapidly expanding gas. The pressure generated by the rapidly
expanding gas propels the projectile from the casing and through
the barrel of the firearm toward an intended impact point. A sight
is used to allow an operator to aim the projectile to the intended
impact point.
[0006] For example, optical sights are often used that make use of
an aiming point that is projected onto the intended target. Often,
the optical sights provide magnification for the operator to view
an intended impact point at long range more clearly and thus allow
the operator to shoot more accurately. While magnification allows
the operator to see intended targets at extended range more
clearly, the field of view the operator is able to see at that
range can be relatively small. Further, relatively small movements
or variations in the orientation of the firearm can result in large
variations in the actual impact point of the projectile.
[0007] Accordingly, operators often take several measures to steady
the rifle at the desired orientation. Often, a bipod is used with
the front stock and the operator then supports the butt end of the
stock. While such a system supports the front end of the rifle,
small variations in the orientation of the rear end of the rifle
can also yield unsatisfactory results.
[0008] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to
embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in
environments such as those described above. Rather, this background
is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where
some examples described herein may be practiced.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An adjustable support for a firearm includes an extension
shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a central axis, and a
plurality of engagement features formed at a plurality of axial
locations between the distal end and the proximal end. A housing
assembly is configured to house the extension shaft and defines a
reference datum. At least one locking member is operatively
associated with the housing assembly and is configured selectively
engage the engagement features. An actuator is operatively
associated with the housing assembly such that translation of the
actuator relative to the central axis moves the locking members
into and out of engagement with the engagement features on the
extension shaft. Rotation of the actuator relative about the
central axis moves the distal end of the extension shaft away from
the reference datum associated with the housing assembly.
[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject
matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the
scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other
features of the present invention will become more fully apparent
from the following description and appended claims, or may be
learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an firearm into which a monopod can be
implemented according to one example;
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates an assembled perspective view of a
monopod according to one example;
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the monopod of FIG.
2A;
[0016] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the monopod of
FIGS. 2A and 2B in a first state taken along section 2C-2C of FIG.
2A;
[0017] FIG. 2D illustrates a view of the monopod of FIGS. 2A-2C
taken along the same section as FIG. 2A in which the monopod is in
a second state;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated cross-sectional view of the
extension shaft of FIG. 2B;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an isolated cross-sectional view of the
first housing member of FIG. 2B;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an isolated cross-sectional view of the
second housing member of FIG. 2B;
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an isolated perspective view of the third
housing member of FIG. 2B;
[0022] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the monopod
shown in FIGS. 2A-2E in an locked, retracted state;
[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the monopod of
FIG. 7A in an unlocked, retracted state;
[0024] FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the monopod of
FIGS. 7A-7B in partially extended, unlocked position;
[0025] FIG. 7D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the monopod of
FIGS. 7A-7C in partially extended, locked position; and
[0026] FIG. 7E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the monopod of
FIGS. 7A-7D in partially extended, locked position in which the
actuator is rotated while locked to adjust the extension of the
distal end of the extension shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] A monopod and rifle stocks including monopods are provided
herein that provide both incremental adjustment as well as infinite
adjustment for the extension of an extension shaft along an axis
relative to a reference datum. The incremental adjustment as well
as the infinite adjustment are controlled and manipulated by a
single actuator. In at least one example, the actuator is a knob
that is moved parallel to the axis to control the incremental
adjustment while the knob can rotated relative to the central axis
to provide infinite adjustment. Such a configuration can allow an
operator to quickly extend the extension shaft to near a desired
extension using the incremental adjustment and then to fine tune
the position of the extension shaft with the infinite adjustment to
the final desired position. Additional adjustments can be performed
quickly using the same process.
[0028] In at least one example, rotation of the actuator is
isolated from the extension shaft. Such a configuration can further
increase the speed of moving the extension shaft to the desired
extension by reducing the likelihood that fine adjustments of the
shaft will result in an unintended change in the orientation of the
associated firearm due to movement of the extension shaft relative
to the ground due to rotation.
[0029] In other examples, the actuator can have a different
configuration such that transverse or lateral movement of the
actuator or some portion of the actuator relative to the shaft
controls incremental adjustment. Such examples can include
protrusions that are moved laterally to engage and disengage
corresponding recesses in the extension shaft. For ease of
reference, exemplary monopod configurations will be discussed that
in which locking members are moved radially inward and outward by
axial translation of an actuator, though it will be appreciated
that other configurations can be provided without departing from
the scope of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a firearm system
100 according to one example that includes a stock 110, a barrel
120, an action 130, and a magazine 140. The action 130 is
operatively associated with the barrel 110. In the illustrated
example, a bolt-type action is shown. It will be appreciated that
in other examples, other types of actions, such as pump-type
actions, recoil-operated actions, gas-operated actions, as well as
any other type of actions can be operatively associated with any
types of actions.
[0031] Regardless of the type, cycling of the action 130 moves a
cartridge into position to be fired and removes the casing after
the cartridge has been fired. For example, forward operation of the
action 130 can move a cartridge through a breech and into position
with the barrel 130. Thereafter, a trigger 150 can be actuated to
release a firing pin in the action 130. The firing pin (not shown)
strikes a primer, which ignites gun powder in a casing to propel a
projectile through the barrel 120.
[0032] In the illustrated example, the stock 110 generally includes
a fore-end 110A and a butt-end 110B. A monopod 160 is coupled to or
integrated with the butt-end 110B of the stock 110. As will be
discussed in more detail below, the monopod 200 is configured to
move between an extended state and a retracted state. For ease of
reference, discussion will be made to proximal and distal portions
of the monopod in which a proximal portion is nearer the butt-end
110B than a corresponding distal portion.
[0033] The monopod 160 may be configured to allow an operator to
quickly move the monopod 160 to any state between the fully
retracted and fully extended states shown and discussed below
through the use of incremental and infinite adjustments. In the
example shown and discussed in more detail below, the monopod
includes an actuator, shown as a knob (and hereinafter referred to
as a knob for ease of reference) that controls both the incremental
as well as infinite adjustments.
[0034] For example, actuator can be moved parallel to axis C to
control incremental adjustments and can be rotated about axis C to
control infinite adjustment. Such a configuration can allow for
independent incremental and infinite adjustments using the same
actuator. One exemplary monopod will be described in more detail
below.
[0035] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a monopod 200
according to one example, FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of
the monopod 200, and FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate cross-sectional
views of the monopod 200 taken along section 2C-2C of FIG. 2A. As
illustrated in FIG. 2B, the monopod 200 generally includes an
extension shaft 300, a first housing member 400, a second housing
member 500, a third housing member 600, a foot pad 270 and an
actuator 280. By way of introduction, the extension shaft 300 is
configured to be positioned at least partially within the first
housing member 400.
[0036] The monopod 200 includes an extension spring 210, a spring
guide 215, and a retaining clip 220 that are configured to be
positioned within the first housing member 400 to allow the
extension spring 210 to exert a biasing force against the extension
shaft 300 to urge the extension shaft 300 distally out of the first
housing member 400. The extension of the extension shaft 300 will
be described with reference to a reference datum R associated with
the third housing 600, though it will be appreciated that the
extension of the extension shaft 300 can be described with
reference to any desired structure.
[0037] The first housing member 400 is configured to be positioned
at least partially within the second housing member 500. The
monopod 200 includes locking members 230, a retention spring 240,
and a retaining clip 250. The locking members 230 are configured to
be positioned between the first housing member 400 and the second
housing member 500. The first housing member 400 and the second
housing member 500 include features that house the locking members
230 in such a manner that relative axial movement between the first
housing member 400 and the second housing member 500 moves the
locking members 230 in to and out of engagement with the extension
shaft 300. When the locking members are in engagement with the
extension shaft 300, the monopod 200 will be described as being in
a locked state. Similarly, when the locking members 230 are out of
engagement with the extension shaft 300 the monopod 200 will be
described as being in an unlocked state.
[0038] The retention spring 240 and the retaining clip 250 couple
the first housing member 400 and the second housing member 500 in
such a manner as to allow the first housing member 400 and the
second housing member 500 to move between the unlocked and locked
state while exerting a biasing force therebetween to move them to a
desired one of the unlocked and locked positions.
[0039] In the illustrated example, the retention spring 240 can be
configured to bias the first housing member 400 and second housing
member 500 toward a locked state. The relative positions described
below are provided for ease of illustration only. It will be
appreciated that the components can be configured differently,
located in different positions and/or moved in different directions
to achieve the same functionality described below without departing
from the scope of the disclosure. The configurations of the
extension shaft 300, the first housing member 400, the second
housing member 500, and the third housing member 600 will each be
discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 in
conjunction with a discussion of the assembly of these elements
with reference to FIG. 2C.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the extension shaft 300
taken along section 3-3 of FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 3, the
extension shaft 300 generally includes a distal end 300A and a
proximal end 300B. As shown in FIG. 3, at least a portion of the
proximal end 300B can be generally hollow. In particular, a spring
lumen 310 extends distally from the proximal end 300B.
[0041] In the illustrated example, the spring lumen 310 can be
sized to receive at least a portion of the ejection spring 210 and
the spring guide 215 (both seen in FIG. 2B). The spring guide lumen
320 can be sized to constrain distal movement of at least a portion
of the spring guide 215 (FIG. 2A). Accordingly, the spring lumen
310 can have a larger diameter than the spring guide lumen 320 such
that a shoulder 325 is formed at the transition between the spring
lumen 310 and the spring guide lumen 320. As a result, one or more
lumens can extend distally from the proximal end 300B of the
extension shaft 300 to house and/or guide the ejection spring 210
and/or the spring guide 215.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2B, the spring guide 215 generally includes
a distal end 215A and a proximal end 215B. The proximal end 215B
can have a shoulder 217 formed thereon. The ejection spring 210 can
be positioned on the spring guide 215 and in contact with the
shoulder 217.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, when the monopod 200 is
assembled, the spring guide 215 extends proximally of the proximal
end 300B of the extension shaft 300. Further, the ejection spring
210 is positioned between the shoulder 217 on the spring guide 215
and the shoulder 325 formed at the proximal end of the spring guide
lumen 320 while the extension shaft 300 translates freely with
respect to the spring guide 215. As a result, proximal movement of
the extension shaft 300 toward the shoulder 217 of the spring guide
215 compresses the ejection spring 210. As the ejection spring 210
is compressed, the ejection spring 210 exerts a biasing force on
the extension shaft 300 by way of the shoulder 325. The extension
shaft 300 is configured to engage one or more locking member, such
as the locking member 230, to lock the extension shaft 300 in a
desired axial position within the monopod 200 despite the biasing
force.
[0044] More specifically, as particularly shown in FIG. 3, the
extension shaft 300 can also include external features configured
to engage a locking feature. The external features are positioned
at a plurality of discrete axial locations between the distal end
300A and the proximal end 300B. The external features can have any
desired configuration to engage any number of locking features in
any desired manner to constrain the axial displacement of the
extension shaft 300. In the illustrated example, the external
features are configured to receive at least a portion of the
receiving members.
[0045] In particular, the external features can include a plurality
of grooves 330 formed by alternating ridges 332 and recesses 334
configured to receive at least a portion of the locking members
230. For example, the recesses 334 may be sized and shaped to have
at least a portion of the locking member seated 230 therein. FIG.
2C illustrates a situation in which the locking members 230 have
been moved radially inward to engage the extension shaft 300. As
shown more clearly in FIG. 3, as the locking members 230 are moved
into engagement with the extension shaft 300, the locking members
230 can be moved radially inward past the ridges 332 and into
seating engagement with the recesses 334.
[0046] While locking members 230 are seated in the recesses 334,
the ridges 332 can help prevent unintended axial movement of a
locking member 230. The grooves 330 can also be shaped to
facilitate movement of the locking members 230 into and out of
contact with the grooves 330. In particular, each groove 330 can
have angled sides 336, 338 that guide the locking members 230 into
the groove 330 if an edge of the locking member 230 is slightly out
of alignment with the center of a particular recess 334.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2C, engagement between the locking members
230 and the angled sides 336, 338 (FIG. 3) and between the locking
members 230 and the first housing member 400 is sufficient to
constrain the axial position of the extension shaft 300 with
respect to the first housing 400 in opposition to the biasing force
exerted by the ejection spring 210. Accordingly, the extension
shaft 300 can be configured to engage a locking member 230 to
secure the extension shaft 300 at a desired axial position within
the first housing member 400. Structure associated with the first
housing member 400 for constraining movement of the spring guide
215 will first be discussed, followed by a discussion of
constraining axial movement of the extension shaft 300 in which the
spring guide 215 provides a base from which a biasing force is
exerted on the extension shaft 300.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the first
housing member 400 taken along section 4-4 of FIG. 2B. The general
structure of the first housing member 400 will first be discussed,
followed by a discussion of the configuration of the first housing
member 400 for cooperating with the locking members 230, and then a
discussion of the configuration of the first housing member 400 for
cooperating with the second housing member 500.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first housing member 400 can
include a shaft 402 that extends distally from a proximal end 400B.
The first housing member 400 can further include a radially
protruding portion, such as a flared skirt 404 that is positioned
distally from or extends from the shaft 402. In at least one
example, an axial length of the shaft 402 can be greater than an
axial length of the second housing member 500 (FIG. 2C). In the
illustrated example, the flared skirt 404 extends from the shaft
402 adjacent a distal end 400A of the first housing member 400.
[0050] Further, the first housing member 400 has an extension shaft
lumen 410 defined therein that extends proximally from the distal
end 400A. In the illustrated example, the extension shaft lumen 410
extends from the distal end 400A through the proximal end 400B of
the first housing member 400 to form an inner surface 412 and an
outer surface 414. In other examples, the extension shaft lumen 410
does not extend completely through the first housing member
400.
[0051] As previously discussed, the first housing member 400
includes structure to constrain the axial movement of the spring
guide 200 (FIGS. 2B, 2C) and to help constrain proximal movement of
the spring guide 215 in particular. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a
retaining clip receiving groove 420 is defined in the inner surface
412 and is positioned proximally of the distal end 400A. The
retaining clip receiving groove 420 can be positioned proximally of
the distal end 400A of the first housing member 400. For example,
the retaining clip receiving groove 420 can be defined adjacent the
proximal end 400B of the first housing member 400.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the retaining clip 220 can be
positioned within the retaining clip receiving groove 420 (FIG. 4).
When the spring guide 215 is positioned relative to the extension
shaft 300 and the extension shaft 300 is positioned within the
first housing member 400, the shoulder 217 of the spring guide 215
abuts the retaining clip 220 to constrain proximal, axial movement
of the spring guide 215 relative to the first housing member 400.
Such a configuration can provide a base from which the ejection
spring 210 is able to exert a biasing force on the extension shaft
300.
[0053] Engagement between the locking members 230 and the extension
shaft 300 can act to control the ejection of the extension shaft
300, as will now be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG.
2C and FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 4, the first housing
member 400 includes a plurality of receiving recesses 430 in
communication with the extension shaft lumen 410. Each of the
receiving recesses 430 is configured to allow a locking member 230
to pass at least partially therethrough and into engagement with
the extension shaft 300 as introduced above. Any structure, device,
or combinations thereof can be implemented to selectively move the
locking member 230 or any other structure in and out of engagement
with the extension shaft 300. In the illustrated example, the
locking member 230 is moved into engagement with the extension
shaft 300 by axial translation of the second housing member 400
relative to the second housing member 500.
[0054] The first housing member 400 also includes structure
configured to help control the axial position and translation of
the second housing member 500 relative to first housing member 400.
As shown in FIG. 4, the first housing member 400 includes an
external retaining clip groove 440 defined proximally of the distal
end 400A, such as adjacent the proximal end 400B. The retaining
clip groove 440 and the flared skirt 404 can cooperate to allow the
first housing member 400 to translate axially relative to the
second housing member 500 (FIG. 2C) to selectively move the locking
members 230 (FIG. 2C) in and out of engagement with the extension
shaft 300 (FIG. 2C). These interactions will be discussed in more
detail after a brief discussion of an exemplary structure of the
second housing member 500.
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the second
housing member 500. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second housing
member 500 includes a shaft 510 that extends at least partially
between a distal end 500A and the proximal end 500B. The shaft 510
can be sized to receive the first housing member 400 (FIG. 2C).
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second housing member 500
includes a lumen 520 defined therein. The lumen 520 extends from a
distal end 500A toward a proximal end 500B of the second housing
member 500. In the illustrated example, the lumen 520 extends
substantially through the second housing member 500 such that the
second housing member 500 has a generally tubular shape thereby
causing the second housing member 500 to have an inner surface 530
and an outer surface 540. The inner surface 530 includes features
formed therein that cause axial movement of the second housing
member 500 to result in radial movement of the locking members 230
(FIG. 2C). These can include any combination of protrusions,
recesses, or any other structure.
[0057] For example, an annular groove 532 can be defined in the
inner surface 530 that is in communication with the lumen 510. The
annular groove 532 has a larger diameter than the lumen 510
adjacent the annular groove 532. As will be described in more
detail below, such a configuration allows the annular groove 532 to
receive at least a portion of the locking members 230 (FIG. 2C)
therein when the annular groove 532 is moved into alignment with
the locking members 230.
[0058] The annular groove 532 can be moved into and out of
proximity with the locking members 230 by axial translation of the
first housing member 400 relative to the second housing member 500.
The coupling of the first housing member 400 to the second housing
member 500 will now be discussed in more detail, followed by a more
detailed discussion of the interaction between the locking members
230, the extension shaft 300, the first housing member 400, and the
second housing member 500.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 2B-2C, the first housing member 400
can be secured to the second housing member 500 in any suitable
manner. In at least one example, the locking members 230 can be
positioned in the receiving recess 430 (FIG. 4). Thereafter, the
shaft 402 of the first housing member 400 can be passed through the
second housing member 500. As the shaft 402 passes through the
shaft second housing member 402, engagement between the inner
surface 520 and the annular groove 522 allows the locking members
230 to move radially inward and outward, respectively, through the
receiving recesses 430.
[0060] In the illustrated example, the shaft 402 of the first
housing member 400 can be passed through the second housing member
500 until the external retaining clip groove 440 is positioned
proximally of the proximal end 500B of second housing member 500.
The retention spring 240 is then placed over the shaft 402.
Thereafter, the retaining clip 250 is then secured to the external
retaining clip groove 440. With the retaining clip 250 in place,
distal movement of the first housing member 400 is resisted by
compression of the retention spring 240 between the proximal end
500B of the second housing member 500 and the retaining clip
250.
[0061] As previously introduced, the first housing member 400 also
includes a flared skirt 404. As shown in FIG. 2C, engagement
between the flared skirt 404 and a distal end 500A of the second
housing member 500 can constrain proximal movement of the first
housing member 400 relative to the second housing member 500.
Further, as previously introduced, the shaft 402 can be longer than
the second housing member 500. As a result, when positioned between
the retaining clip 250 and the proximal end 500A of the second
member 500 as described above, the retention spring 240 can be
positioned to move the flared skirt 404 toward engagement with the
distal end 500A of the second housing member 500 as a default
position. Accordingly, the first housing member 400 can be moved
distally relative to the second housing member 500 by compressing
the retention spring 240, such as by drawing the flared skirt 404
away from the distal end 500A of the second housing member 500.
[0062] FIG. 2D illustrates a view of the monopod 200 in which the
first housing member 400 has been displaced distally relative to
the second housing member 500 to thereby move the receiving
recesses 430 (FIG. 4) into alignment with the annular groove 532
(FIG. 5). The first housing member 400 and second housing member
500 can be thus aligned to allow the locking members 230 to be
displaced radially outward into the annular groove 532.
[0063] In particular, the locking members 230 can be displaced
radially outward in response to engagement between the locking
member 230 and some structure in contact with the inner surface 412
of the first housing member 400. In other examples, biasing members
can bias the locking members 230 radially inward or radially
outward as desired. In the illustrated example, one such structure
can include the ridges 332 of the grooves 330 (both seen in FIG.
3). As a result, while the first housing member 400 is aligned
relative to the second housing member 500 as shown in FIG. 2D, the
locking members 230 can be displaced radially outward to allow the
extension shaft 300 to translate within the first housing member
400.
[0064] Initially, the first housing member 400 can be thus aligned
to allows the extension shaft 300, the extension spring 210, and
the spring guide 215 to be positioned within the extension lumen
shaft 410 as shown in FIG. 2D. After the extension shaft 300, the
extension spring 210, and the spring guide 215 are positioned in
the second housing member 400, returning the components of the
monopod 200 to the relative positions shown can act to release the
extension shaft 300 from the first housing member 400.
[0065] The first housing member 400 can be returned to a position
relative to the second housing member 500 as shown in FIG. 2C to
secure the extension shaft 300 within the first housing member 400.
As the first housing member 400 is returned to the position shown
in FIG. 2C, engagement between the inner surface 412 adjacent the
receiving recesses 430 drives the locking member 230 radially
inward and into engagement with the extension shaft 300.
[0066] Accordingly, movement of the first housing member 400
axially relative to the second housing member 500 between the
positions shown in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D, allows the locking members
230 to selectively engage the extension shaft 300 at various axial
locations along its length. Selectively engaging the extension
shaft 300 in such a manner can thus allow for rapid, incremental
adjustments of the position of the distal end 300A extension shaft
300 relative to a stationary reference datum R, such as a proximal
end 600B of the third housing member 600.
[0067] As previously introduced, the monopod 200 is also configured
to provide infinite adjustment which may be manipulated with the
same actuator that controls incremental adjustment. Exemplary
structure associated with infinite adjustments will first be
discussed, followed by a discussion of the manipulation of the
actuator associated with both the incremental as well as the
infinite adjustments.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, the second housing member 500 also
includes features configured to interact with other features of the
monopod to provide infinite adjustment of the extension of the
extension shaft 300. As shown in FIG. 5, the second housing member
500 can include a threaded portion 540 formed on the outer surface
530 of the proximal end 500B. Referring now to FIG. 2B, the
threaded portion 540 can be configured to engage corresponding
features in the third housing member 600 such that rotation of
second housing member 500 moves the second housing member 500
axially relative to the reference datum R. The extension shaft 300
and associated components can be coupled to the second housing
member 500 in such a manner that the extension shaft 300 and
associated components move with the second housing member 500 as it
moves axially relative to the third housing member 600.
Accordingly, rotation of the second housing member 500 relative to
the third housing member 600 moves the extension shaft 300, and
thus the distal end 300A thereof, axially relative to the reference
datum R.
[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates the third housing member 600 in more
detail. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the third housing member 600 can
include a distal end 600A and a proximal end 600B. A lumen 610 is
defined in the distal end 600A that extends proximally to define an
inner surface 620. A threaded portion 622 can be formed on the
inner surface 620 that is configured to have the threaded portion
540 of the second housing member 500 (both shown in FIG. 5) coupled
thereto.
[0070] The proximal end 600B of the third housing member 600 can
include a stock interface 630. The stock interface 630 can have any
configuration that allows the third housing member 600 to be
secured to the stock 110 (FIG. 1) in any desired fashion, such as
to allow the second housing member 500 to rotate relative to the
third housing member 600. As previously discussed, rotation of the
second housing member 500 (FIG. 5) relative to the third housing
member 600 can control the infinite adjustment of the position of
the distal end 300A of the extension shaft 300 relative to the
reference datum R.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 2B, the footpad 270 can be secured to the
distal end 300A of the extension shaft 300 by way of a fastener
272. In other examples, the footpad 270 can be integrally formed
with the extension shaft 300. The footpad 270 can be configured to
interface with the ground or another stationary surface.
[0072] As previously introduced, the incremental adjustment and
infinite adjustments can be made by manipulating a single actuator,
such as the knob 280 shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B, the
knob 280 includes an annular portion 282 and knob tabs 284
extending inward from the annular portion 282. The knob tabs 284
form a recess 286 having a diameter that is less than the diameter
of the flared skirt 404 and greater than the shaft 402. Such a
configuration allows the knob 280 to pass over the shaft 402 and
into engagement with the flared skirt 404. Further, such a
configuration allows the knob 280 to rotate about the shaft
402.
[0073] As also shown in FIG. 2B, knob slots 288 are defined between
the knob tabs 284. The knob slots 288 and knob tabs 284 can be
configured to cooperate with corresponding housing tabs 550 and
housing slots 560 formed in the distal end 500A of the second
housing member 500. In particular, the knob slots 284 can extend
through the housing slots 560 and the housing tabs 550 can extend
into the knob slots 288. Such a configuration can allow engagement
between the knob tabs 284 and the knob slots 288 such that rotation
of the knob 280 can result in rotation of the second housing member
500.
[0074] In at least one example, the length of the housing slots 560
can be greater than the thickness of the knob 280. The relative
length of the housing slots 560 can allow the knob 280 to move
axially independently from the second housing member 500.
Accordingly, axial movement of the knob 280 causes the knob tabs
284 to engage and move the first housing member 400 axially while
causing minimal or no axial movement of the second housing member
500 axially while rotation of the knob member 280 can result in
rotation of the second housing member 500 while causing minimal or
no rotation of the first housing member 400.
[0075] The axial movement can be sufficient to cause the locking
members 230 to move in and out of engagement with the extension
shaft 300 to allow for incremental adjustments of the extension of
the distal end 300A of the extension shaft 300 relative to the
reference datum R. The rotation of the second housing member 500
causes the second housing member 500, and thus the distal end 300A
of the extension shaft 300, to move axially relative to the
reference datum R to thereby provide infinite adjustments. As a
result, incremental and infinite adjustments can be made using a
single actuator. One exemplary process will now be described in
more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7E.
[0076] FIG. 7A illustrates the monopod 200 in a locked and fully
retracted state. The detailed interaction of the various components
has been described in more detail above. For ease of reference,
engagement between various components will be described generally,
though it will be appreciated that the interactions and engagement
may be similar to those described above. The locked aspect of the
state shown in FIG. 7A will first be discussed, followed by a
discussion of the fully retracted aspect.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 7A, the retention spring 240 can exert a
biasing force to move the first housing member 400 proximally
relative to the second housing member 500. Drawing the first
housing member 400 proximally places the locking members 230 in
engagement with the inner surface 520 adjacent the annular groove
522. Engagement between the locking members 230 and the inner
surface 520 moves the locking members 230 radially inward through
the first housing member 400 and into locking engagement with the
extension shaft 300. As shown in FIG. 7A, engagement between the
flared skirt 404 and the knob 280 and/or between the knob 280 and
the second housing member 500 limits further proximal movement of
the first housing member 400 relative to the second housing member
500. Accordingly, the retention spring 240 can act to move the
monopod 200 toward a locked state.
[0078] In the fully retracted position, the foot pad 270 is spaced
a first distance 710 from the reference datum R. With the foot pad
270 spaced the first distance 710 from the reference datum R, the
extension spring 210 can be compressed between the spring guide 215
and the extension shaft 300 to cause the extension spring 210 to
exert an ejection force on the extension shaft 300 that acts to
move the extension shaft 300 and thus the foot pad 270 distally
away from the reference datum R. Engagement between the locking
members 230 and the extension shaft 300 resists the ejection force
provided by the extension spring 210.
[0079] In order to move the monopod 200 from a locked state to an
unlocked state, the knob 280 is moved distally as shown in FIG. 7B.
As the knob 280 moves distally it does so in opposition to the
basing force exerted by the retentions spring 240 described above.
Further, as the knob 280 moves distally, it acts on the flared
skirt 404 to also move the first housing member 400 distally
relative to the second housing member 500. As the second housing
member 400 moves from the position shown in FIG. 7A to the position
shown in FIG. 7B, the locking members 230 are able to move radially
outward into the annular grooves 522 and thus out of engagement
with the extension shaft 300.
[0080] While the locking member 230 are out of engagement with the
extension shaft 300, the ejection force exerted by the extension
spring 210 moves the extension shaft 300 distally relative to the
first housing member 400, as shown in FIG. 7C. An approximate
separation 720 between the foot pad 270 and the reference datum R
due to the ejection force can be determined by a proximally acting
force acting on the footpad 270. For example, the approximate
separation 720 can be established by contact between the foot pad
270 and the ground or anything else to provide sufficient force.
Once the approximate separation 720 has been established, the
locking members 230 can be moved into engagement by allowing the
knob 280 to move proximally, such as in response to the proximally
acting biasing force exerted by the retention spring 240 as shown
in FIG. 7D.
[0081] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7E, the knob 280 can be rotated
to control infinite adjustment resulting in an adjusted separation
730. In the illustrated example, rotation of the second housing
member 500 can be isolated from the extension shaft 300 by the
locking members 230. As previously discussed, the locking members
230 can be spherical members. As a result, the locking members 230
may spin with the rotation of the second housing member 500,
thereby isolating the extension shaft 300 from that rotation, which
can help reduce unintended movement of the extension shaft 300 due
to rotation.
[0082] Accordingly, a monopod has been discussed herein that
provides both incremental adjustment as well as infinite adjustment
for the position of an extension shaft. The incremental adjustment
as well as the infinite adjustment are controlled and manipulated
by a single actuator. In at least one example, the actuator is a
knob that is moved parallel to the central axis provide the
incremental adjustment. In such an example, the knob can rotated
relative to the central axis to provide infinite adjustment. In
other examples, the actuator can have a different configuration
such that transverse or lateral movement of the actuator or some
portion of the actuator relative to the shaft allows for infinite
adjustment. Such a configuration can allow an operator to quickly
extend the extension shaft to near a desired extension using the
incremental adjustment and then to fine tune the position of the
extension shaft with the infinite adjustment to the desired
position. Additional adjustments can be performed quickly using the
same process.
[0083] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *