U.S. patent application number 16/298742 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-12 for support.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spartan Precision Equipment Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Spartan Precision Equipment Limited. Invention is credited to James Barr, Rob Gipson, Richard Stone.
Application Number | 20190277593 16/298742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61972931 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190277593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barr; James ; et
al. |
September 12, 2019 |
SUPPORT
Abstract
This invention relates to the field of firearms, and in
particular to a bipod for supporting a firearm, particularly
high-calibre weapons. A bipod for supporting a bipod for supporting
a firearm having a barrel, the bipod comprising: two legs rotatably
mounted at respective opposing ends of a yoke and moveable between
folded, intermediate, and firing positions, an elongate support
member extending rearwardly of the yoke, and attachment means for
attaching the bipod to the firearm in which the elongate support
member is fixed to the yoke, and the attachment means is pivotally
mounted on the elongate support number to permit canting of the
firearm about a longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Barr; James; (West Sussex,
GB) ; Stone; Richard; (West Sussex, GB) ;
Gipson; Rob; (West Sussex, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spartan Precision Equipment Limited |
West Sussex |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Spartan Precision Equipment
Limited
West Sussex
GB
|
Family ID: |
61972931 |
Appl. No.: |
16/298742 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 23/08 20130101;
F41A 23/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 23/08 20060101
F41A023/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 9, 2018 |
GB |
1803831.5 |
Claims
1. A bipod for supporting a bipod for supporting a firearm having a
barrel, the bipod comprising: two legs rotatably mounted at
respective opposing ends of a yoke and moveable between folded,
intermediate, and firing positions, an elongate support member
extending rearwardly of the yoke, and attachment means for
attaching the bipod to the firearm in which the elongate support
member is fixed to the yoke, wherein the attachment means is
pivotally mounted on the elongate support number to permit canting
of the firearm about a longitudinal axis.
2. A bipod according claim 1 in which the legs are independently
movable between folded, intermediate, and firing positions and can
be retained in positions selected from any of an upright,
forward-extending, or rearward-extending horizontal position.
3. A bipod according to claim 1, in which the elongate support
member includes a shaft about which the attachment means can
pivot.
4. A bipod according to claim 1, in which the yoke has a curved
profile.
5. A bipod according to claim 4, in which the yoke is of unitary
construction.
6. A bipod according to claim 1, in which each leg may be rotated
through 360.degree. on the respective side of the bipod.
7. A bipod according to claim 6, in which the retaining means,
controlling leg movement are operated by a user from the rear of
the bipod.
8. A bipod according to claim 7, in which the retaining means are
operated by means of a button located at a rearward facing portion
of the bipod.
9. A bipod according to claim 8, in which the retaining means can
be operated to release a leg from a horizontal, intermediate or
upright position.
10. A bipod according to claim 9, in which the retaining means
includes a slidable element, which in a retained condition engages
indexing means mounted to or integral with the yoke, and, in a
released condition, disengages the indexing means allowing rotation
of an associated leg.
11. A bipod according to claim 10, and in which the retaining means
is in the form of a slidable plate, in which the slidable plate
includes at least one portion shaped to engage the indexing means
in a retained condition, which at least one said portion is
disengaged from the indexing means when the retaining means is in a
released condition.
12. A bipod according to claim 11, in which the said portion
includes at least one regular side, shaped to engage a
corresponding regular side provided by the indexing means.
13. A bipod according to claim 1, which attaches to an accessory
mounting rail of, or attached to, the firearm.
14. A bipod according to claim 13, in which the accessory mounting
rail is on a lower portion of the firearm below the barrel whereby
the firearm is supported from below by the bipod or in which the
accessory mounting rail is on an upper portion of the firearm above
the barrel whereby the firearm is suspended below the yoke and
between the legs of the bipod.
15. A bipod according to claim 1, which is able to pivot about a
vertical axis to permit the supported rifle to pan at least 20
degrees in either side to side direction.
16. A bipod according to claim 15, in which pivoting of the yoke
about the longitudinal axis can be partially or completely
inhibited.
17. A bipod according to claim 16, in which the pivoting of the
yoke about the longitudinal axis can be controlled by locking
means, preferably including a lever, arranged to extend leftward or
rightward of the bipod.
18. A bipod according to claim 1, in which the yoke spaces the legs
apart such that a line extending the longitudinal axis of each leg
would meet above a firearm supported by the bipod.
19. A bipod for supporting a bipod for supporting a firearm having
a barrel, the bipod comprising: two legs rotatably mounted at
respective opposing ends of a yoke and moveable between folded,
intermediate, and firing positions, an elongate support member
extending rearwardly of the yoke, and attachment means for
attaching the bipod to the firearm in which the elongate support
member is fixed to the yoke, wherein the attachment means is
pivotally mounted on the elongate support number to permit canting
of the firearm about a longitudinal axis, in which the legs are
removable so that they can be replaced by alternative length legs
or trekking poles.
20. A combination of a bipod according to claim 1 and a firearm,
the firearm being attached to the bipod.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of firearms, and in
particular to a bipod for supporting a firearm.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bipods are often used by shooters to stably support the
front-end of firearms, such as rifles, machine guns and air weapons
to improve accuracy. Early bipods were formed from wire. Subsequent
bipod designs usually comprise tubular legs depending from a body
fixed to the underside of a firearm by a clamp typically clamping
on a sling swivel. The Harris (trade mark) bipod originally
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,422, which includes spring-loaded
telescopic legs depending from a narrow base body clamped to a
quick detach stud fixed to the firearm and which can be deployed
from a horizontal folded position to extend downwardly in a firing
position, has been commercially successful for many years.
Subsequent bipod designs, including those disclosed in US patent
publications U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,614,174; 4,625,620; and 9,581,403
have included various refinements including means for absorbing the
recoil of a rifle; means to allow for pivoting the firearm about
vertical (panning) and/or horizontal (canting) axes to adjust the
aiming point; and means for facilitating deployment of the bipod
legs from a folded position.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 9,255,751 discloses a detachable bipod having
a two part body, including an upper rifle engaging portion and a
rotatably-connected lower portion which pivots about a vertical
axis running through the point of attachment to a rifle, in the
plane of the legs, permitting limited panning of the rifle. Panning
of the rifle is inhibited by the design of the lower portion to
about 15 degrees to the left or right.
[0004] Certain current bipod designs permit legs to be rotated, or
folded, into a horizontal folded position either extending
forwardly or rearwardly of the firearm. In the bipods of the Harris
design, the legs are folded forwardly. Bipod legs may be fixed in
different downward positions typically about 45.degree., or about
90.degree. from the horizontal, allowing the firearm to be raised
or lowered without having to extend telescopic legs. A problem with
some bipod designs is that a leg may be inadvertently folded, for
example if it accidentally contacts vegetation or the ground around
the firing position, requiring resetting which can lose a shooting
opportunity.
[0005] Some bipods are fitted as standard to firearms i.e fitted to
the firearm as sold. Other bipods may be clamped e.g. to a quick
release swivel stud or to an accessory rail (such as a Picatinny,
Weaver or other rail) or magnetically attached as described in
GB2504680.
[0006] Bipod requirements vary. A bipod for a relatively
recoil-free pre-charged air weapon can be of relatively light
construction. On the other hand, military shooters, especially
snipers, use high calibre weapons (typically, .308-.50 calibres)
often using a more sturdy bipod for support and long range
accuracy. Such military shooters have particular requirements for
robust, stable and functional bipod supports.
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
biped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a bipod for supporting a biped for supporting a firearm having a
barrel, the bipod comprising: two legs rotatably mounted at
respective opposing ends of a yoke and moveable between folded,
intermediate, and firing positions, an elongate support member
extending rearwardly of the yoke, and attachment means for
attaching the bipod to the firearm in which the elongate support
member is fixed to the yoke, and the attachment means is pivotally
mounted on the elongate support number to permit canting of the
firearm about a longitudinal axis.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the legs are independently
movable between folded, intermediate, and firing positions. Each
leg may be retained in any of a forward-extending or
rearward-extending horizontal position or an upright, downward or
intermediate position.
[0010] The elongate support member may include a shaft.
[0011] The yoke may have a curved, preferably upwardly curved,
profile. The yoke may be of unitary construction.
[0012] The bipod may include retaining means at either end of the
yoke for retaining a leg in a horizontal, intermediate, upright, or
downward position. This is especially advantageous in the tactical
type environment, for example, being able to position the legs
forward at around 45 degrees, to provide better support, when a
user is shooting downwards (such as from the high window of a
building to the ground below). By rotating and locking the legs
forwards or rearwards, the user may be able to get lower, such as
when shooting through floor level `loop holes`, air holes, drainage
gaps etc.
[0013] The retaining means may be operated by a user to release a
leg from a particular position allowing it to rotate. One suitable
retaining means includes a slidable plate, which in a retained
condition, engages indexing means mounted to or integral with the
yoke, and in a released condition disengages the indexing means
allowing leg rotation. The slidable plate may include one portion
shaped to engage the indexing means in a retained condition, which
portion is disengaged from the indexing means when the retaining
means is in a released condition. For example, the portion may
include at least one regular side shaped to engage a corresponding
side provided by the indexing means. In one embodiment, the portion
has six or more, preferably eight, regular sides. For example the
portion may be hexagonal or octagonal. This means that the leg
sections may rotate, indexing at for example eight positions, and
can be positively locked into each of these positions. The leg
sections may rotate through 360.degree. indexing at eight
positions.
[0014] Preferably the retaining means is operated into a retained
condition by rearward (i.e towards the rear of the firearm or
towards the shooter) movement of an element--such as the above
slidable plate. Alternatively, the element may move forwardly. As
the slidable plate extends rearwardly, accidental contact of a
bipod with deployed legs (for example with vegetation in front of
the firearm) when moving to a shooting position leaves the legs
retained in a firing position rather than causing them to rotate
and fold inadvertently lowering the firearm.
[0015] The bipod may attach by virtue of the attachment means to an
accessory mounting rail integral with or attached to the firearm.
The accessory rail may, for example, be one of the Picatinny (or
MIL-STD-1913), Weaver, or NATO Accessory Rail types. The accessory
mounting rail may be on a lower portion of the firearm.
Alternatively, or additionally, the accessory mounting rail is on
an upper portion of the firearm. Accordingly, the bipod of the
invention may attach above or below the barrel of the firearm. In
one embodiment, the attachment means is able to fix the bipod below
or above the firearm. When the bipod is attached above the barrel,
the firearm can be suspended below the yoke and between the legs of
the bipod, to provide a stable shooting platform suitable for
certain shooting situations where it is advantageous to have the
weight of the rifle as low as possible.
[0016] The attachment means may comprise an upper and lower
accessory rail/adapter component/other component-engaging element.
For example an upper element may be arranged to engage an accessory
rail (e.g. Picatinny or other standard rail) and a lower element
may be arranged to engage an adapter component which can be used to
connect the bipod to another device such as a tripod. The upper and
lower elements may be the same or different. In a preferred
embodiment, the attachment means may be rotated or otherwise
translated so that the upper element becomes a lower element, and
the lower element becomes an upper element.
[0017] The advantages to the user for under-hanging the firearm
from the bipod include creating a lower profile for the rifle and
user behind the firearm. In the tactical environment this helps to
reduce the possibility of detection by hostile observers. It also
aids stability of firearms by lowering the centre of gravity. This
can be relevant when the rifle is `top heavy` with accessories
typically used in the tactical arena (such as scopes, night vision
devices, laser range finders/designators, amp units, thermal
Imaging cameras/sights). The `underhung` or "underslung"
configuration may also aid the speed in which the firearm and scope
can be leveled for use, and for follow up shots by enabling the
firearm to pivot naturally to a neutral position, in a pendulum
type fashion.
[0018] The yoke may space the legs apart such that a line upwardly
extending the longitudinal axis of each leg would meet above the
firearm, preferably significantly above the longitudinal axis of
the barrel of the firearm. The dimensions would vary depending upon
the type of rifle, & rail location in relation to the barrel.
Typically, lines extending upwardly along each leg in this manner
would meet somewhere between about 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) to 6.4 cm
(2.5 inches) above the longitudinal axis of the barrel (when the
rifle is conventionally top mounted, and more if underslung from
the bipod). Such a configuration provides a particularly stable
shooting platform for military firearms compared to bipod designs
in which the legs depend from a narrow bipod base fixed below the
rifle. The legs of the bipod are preferably removable so that they
can be replaced by alternative legs.
[0019] Preferably the legs are extendable. For example, the leg
sections may be telescopic. In a preferred embodiment, the leg
sections are telescopic and may be rapidly extended or retracted.
For example, a leg may include a user-operated clamp which can be
released to extend or contract a leg or deployed to fix a leg
section in position.
[0020] The lower leg sections may have replaceable feet. For
example, metal spikes for added grip. Such boots may be covered by
flexible boots in normal use until required.
[0021] The bipod may feature, extending rearwardly of the yoke,
vertical pivot means allowing the bipod to pivot about a vertical
axis rearward of the legs, and attachment means for attaching the
bipod to the firearm, extending rearwardly of the elongate support
member and cooperating with the vertical pivot means to allow the
pivoting of the bipod. Pivoting of the bipod about a vertical axis
(in effect lengthwise folding of the bipod) allows effective
panning of an attached firearm over wider panning angle than
conventional designs. Having the pivot point spaced behind
(typically 1-10 cm behind) the legs of the bipod provides a
particularly stable shooting platform. A feature of this aspect of
the invention is that greater panning angles (i.e 20 or more
degrees in either direction) may be achieved.
[0022] The bipod may include user operated means for at least
partially inhibiting pivoting of the bipod about the vertical axis
i.e to control the extent of panning of the attached firearm. For
example, relative movement of the vertical pivot means may be
constrained. In one embodiment, one part of the pivot mechanism
provides an element which tracks within an elongate recess defined
by another part of the pivot mechanism when the two parts of the
pivot mechanism pivot about each other, the element being stopped
by contact with either end of the recess.
[0023] The attachment means is capable of being pivoted about a
horizontal axis to allow canting of the firearm out of or into an
upright condition, for example, when shooting across a sideways
sloping firing position. Pivoting of the attachment means about the
horizontal axis (or conversely pivoting of the yoke) may be
partially or completely inhibited. For example, locking means may
be provided for locking the attachment means in a fixed position,
or released to allow the attachment means to pivot about the
horizontal axis. The locking means may be provided on the left or
right hand side of the bipod. In one embodiment the locking means
is mounted on the attachment means and includes a locking lever.
Such a locking lever may be arranged to be fitted to the left or
right hand side of the attachment means, according to the
handedness of the user. Being behind the yoke, the lever can be
conveniently operated by a user.
[0024] The vertical pivot means is preferably at the rearward end
of the elongate support member. The vertical pivot means may be
provided by adjacent elements, integral or fixed to the elongate
support member and attachment means, which are pivotally
interconnected so as to allow the pivoting about a vertical axis.
The adjacent elements may be substantially disc-shaped. The bipod
may include means for limiting the pivoting about a vertical axis
in one or either direction.
[0025] According to another aspect of the invention there is
provided a bipod for supporting a firearm in use, the bipod
comprising two legs which are readily detachable (e.g. without the
use of tools) so they can be readily replaced by alternative legs
or poles. For example the legs can be unscrewed, and fixed length
legs replaced by medium length telescopic legs, or trekking poles
or shooting sticks for shooting from a standing position. The bipod
may be a biped according to a previous aspect of the invention.
[0026] According to another aspect of the invention there is
provided the combination of a biped according to any preceding
aspect of the invention and a firearm attached to the bipod.
[0027] It is also contemplated that a bipod in accordance with the
invention may be integrated with the firearm--i.e. not readily
detachable or detachable only with tools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] A bipod in accordance with the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1 to 15, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from above and one side, of a
bipod in accordance with the invention fitted to an accessory rail
of a firearm;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below and one side of the
biped of FIG. 1 fitted to an accessory rail of a firearm;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view
through the biped of FIG. 1 and accessory rail;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the bipod of FIG.
1 showing the support member, attachment means, and vertical pivot
mechanism means;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the attachment means
of the biped of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating the leg retaining
means of the biped of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the biped of FIG. 1
with legs retained in an intermediate position;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the biped of FIG. 1
with legs retained in a rearward folded position;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a biped of FIG. 1
supporting a firearm by means of attachment to an upper accessory
rail;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative biped in
accordance with the invention, with lower leg portions not
shown;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the attachment means of the
bipod of FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 12 is an elevation of the bipod of FIG. 10 in use
supporting a rifle;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a detail view from below of the biped of FIG. 10
showing the attachment means;
[0042] FIG. 14 shows the bipod of FIG. 10 in use acting as an
intermediate support between a firearm and a tripod; and
[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view from the front of the bipod of
FIG. 10 showing the lower leg portions.
DESCRIPTION
[0044] It should be noted that in some of the accompanying
drawings, certain fixing elements, such as bolts and screws; as
well as springs and other standard components are omitted, or shown
in a detached condition (e.g. as in FIG. 5) for clarity.
[0045] In this specification, references to orientations such as
forward, vertical, horizontal, upright or downward will be
understood by the skilled addressee to relate to a user and a
firearm in normal usage.
[0046] In this specification, "bipods" may include devices having
more than two legs, for example tripods or quadrapods.
Bipod Attached to Lower Accessory Rail
[0047] A bipod 10 in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG.
1.
[0048] The bipod 10, which comprises an upwardly curved yoke 11
supporting fixed length legs 12, 13, is fitted to a firearm such as
a rifle (not shown) by means of clamp 14 which clamps to an
accessory rail 16. In this case the clamp 14 is fixed to a
Picatinny rail, previously fixed on the lower surface of the
fore-end of the rifle. The clamp 14 a to be designed to fit to
other weapon interfaces such as Key-Mod, M-Lock etc.
[0049] Although the bipod 10 is described as being attached to an
accessory rail directly by use of a suitable adapter components,
the bipod may be connected magnetically to a fitting fixed to the
rifle as described for example in GB 2504680. This also permits the
substitution of the bipod of the present invention with another
support such as a tripod, bipod or monopod designed or adapted to
be used with such a magnetic connection.
[0050] The clamp 14 is mounted on a plate 15 which has a generally
disc-shaped shaped portion 15 A at its forward end, which defines a
central axial aperture 16. Plate 15 overlies a correspondingly
shaped element 17, mounted for rotation around a longitudinal
horizontal axis on support member 18 which extends rearwardly from
the yoke 11. In the embodiment shown, the support member 18 is
integral with the yoke 11. Plate 15 and element 17 are pivotally
interconnected by a screw (not shown in FIG. 1) so that they can
pivot mutually around a vertical axis passing through their
respective centres as described in detail below.
[0051] In FIG. 1, the legs 12 and 13 are shown retained in an
upright, generally vertical firing position.
[0052] As shown particularly in FIG. 3 the elongate support member
18 supports element 17 for rotation around a horizontal axis. A
locking lever 20 (one example of locking means) is threadably
mounted at the rear of the support member 18, and is arranged to
clamp (when in a locked condition) element 17 against support
member 18 to prevent rotation about the horizontal axis i.e. in use
to maintain the firearm in a set vertical position. Alternatively
when the locking lever 20 is in an unlocked condition, element 17
is free to rotate about the horizontal axis i.e. to allow the
firearm to be canted from, or to, the vertical.
[0053] Advantageously, lever 20 can be mounted so as to be operated
from either the left or right hand sides to control cant of the
rifle for left-handed or right-handed operators as the case may be.
This is more convenient in terms of operation than a bottom mounted
locking mechanism which is in practice obscured to a shooter in a
shooting position.
[0054] Element 17 has an upper portion 17A at its rearward end
which is generally disc-shaped, and defines a central axial
aperture 22, and an arcuate recess 24. In the assembled bipod,
disc-shaped portion 15A of plate 15 overlies the upper portion 17A
of element 17 so that apertures 16 and 22 are coaxial. A fixing
element such as a bolt or screw passes through apertures 16 and 22
interconnecting plate 15 and element 17 allowing mutual rotation
about a vertical axis. A pin 26 shown particularly in FIG. 3 is
received in arcuate recess 24, so as to limit rotation of plate 15
about the vertical axis when it contacts the end of the recess in
either direction. In use, this restricts panning of a firearm
mounted on the bipod.
[0055] A substantially disc-shaped cover plate 27 is shaped to fit
a corresponding recess defined by disc-shaped portion 15A of plate
15. In the embodiment described, cover plate 27 is held against
disc-shaped portion 15A by magnets which are obscured in FIG. 4.
Alternatively, cover plate 27 could be held in place by alternative
fixing means such as one or more bolts or screws. Cover plate 27
has a number of functions. The cover plate 27 protects the pivoting
components below from dust and dirt. Furthermore, the cover plate
also provides a useful promotional surface which can be engraved or
embossed with, for example, the firearm manufacturer's trade mark,
such that different plates can be used for use with firearms from
different manufacturers.
[0056] As shown particularly in FIG. 3, clamp 14 is securely fixed
to plate 15 by means of a bolt 28 inserted through axial aperture
30 defined by clamp 14 into a further axial aperture 32 defined by
plate 15.
[0057] Clamp 14 comprises plates 34 and 36 which securely clamp, by
means of fixing elements such as bolts 38, 39, onto accessory rail
16. Longitudinal movement of the bipod is prevented by transverse
clamp ribs 40, 41 which fit securely into corresponding transverse
slots 42, 43 provided as standard by accessory rail 16.
[0058] As shown in more detail in FIG. 6, leg 13 is rotatably
mounted for movement through 360.degree. on one end of elongate
curved yoke 11 by a retaining mechanism 50. Leg 12 is rotatably
mounted on the other end of the yoke 11 by a corresponding
mechanism 52. Mechanism 50 only is now described in more detail,
but mechanism 52 works in the same way. A central polygonal
indexing stud 54 is formed integral with yoke 11 and has a number
of indexing faces (preferably eight) about its circumference e.g.
56. A release button 58 is provided with a central aperture 68
which is shaped to engage opposing indexing faces of stud 54. The
corresponding retaining mechanism 52 includes a release button 60.
Release button 58 is arranged to run in slot 62 defined by end 64
of leg 13, against a spring (not shown). Leg end 64 is rotatably
fixed to yoke 11 by means of a fixing element such as a bolt (not
shown) which passes through central aperture 68 in release button
58 and engages a central recess 66 defined by indexing stud 54. A
cover plate 70 protects the retaining mechanism 50. In use, leg 13
can be moved between forward-extending and rearward-extending
folded positions by moving release button 58 away from the user
(i.e. in a forward direction) so that the central aperture 68 no
longer engages opposing indexing faces of stud 54. Release of the
release button 58 re-engages opposing indexing faces of stud 54
holding the leg securely in one of a number of a folded or
intermediate positions.
[0059] Having a rearward-facing release button 58 is advantageous
in that it is unlikely to be operated accidentally, for example
through contact with undergrowth when a shooter is moving forward
which would result in an inadvertent movement of leg 13. However,
the release button may be located in any orientation to suit your
user requirements e.g. upward, downward, forward or in between.
[0060] In the embodiment described, with the multi-faced polygonal
indexing stud shown, each leg can be moved through 360.degree. and
retained between a number of positions. FIGS. 1-3; and 5, 6 show
the legs in a vertical or upright firing position. FIG. 7 shows the
legs 12, 13 in a forward-extending intermediate firing position. A
rearward-extending intermediate firing position is also possible
with the bipod of the present invention. Either such intermediate
firing position is used to quickly lower the firearm without having
to operate telescopically extending legs. FIG. 8 shows the legs 12,
13 retained in a rearward-extending folded position. FIG. 9 shows
the legs completely rotated from a normal downward position.
[0061] It should be noted that the retaining mechanism described
above securely retains the legs in each position providing a
particularly stable firing platform especially for high calibre
weapons.
Bipod Attached to Upper Accessory Rail
[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the bipod of the invention can be used
to support a firearm by inverting the claim and fixing the clamp to
an upper accessory rail of the firearm and suspending the firearm
below. As shown in FIG. 9, bipod 10 is fitted with alternative
longer telescopic legs 80, 82, and supports firearm 84 by clamping
to an upper accessory rail 86. It will be seen in FIG. 9 that the
legs 80, 82 have been rotated about yoke 11 into a downward
position so that for example release button 58 extends rearwardly.
Such a configuration can provide an alternative stable shooting
platform.
Alternative Bipod
[0063] An alternative bipod 100 in accordance with the invention is
shown in FIGS. 10 to 15. The bipod 100 is generally similar to the
bipod 10 of FIG. 1, save for not featuring means for pivoting about
a vertical axis.
[0064] The bipod 100 comprises an upwardly curved yoke 101
supporting variable length legs 102, and 103 respectively. Each leg
102, 103 has a ribbed upper portion 102U, and 103U respectively
formed from a light alloy. Clamp bodies 102C and 103C are arranged
to move up and down the upper portions 102U and 103U respectively
by depressing a lever 102L and 103L (obscured in FIG. 10) against a
biasing spring (not shown). Releasing lever 102L or 103L causes it
to engage with the respective upper leg portion 102U or 1030
preventing further movement of the clamp bodies 102C or 103C. The
bipod 100 is fitted to a firearm such as a military rifle 105 by
means of a clamp 104 which engages an accessory rail 106 on the
lower surface of the forestock of the rifle 105 to support the
rifle conventionally above the bipod as shown in FIG. 12.
[0065] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the body of the
clamp 104, which forms the attachment means, is pivotally mounted
on shaft of bolt 110 but lockable in one upward facing position.
The clamp 104 includes an upper dovetail track 108 which is shaped
to receive and securely fit the accessory rail 106 of a rifle. The
track 108 includes retaining projections e.g. 112. Although a
dovetail track 108 is described, other configurations are possible
depending on the accessory rail of the rifle to be fitted. For
example, the clamp 104 may include a track or similar to receive a
Key-Mod Mod or M-Lok accessory rail on a rifle. A side lever 114 is
operable to permit rotation of the body 104 about the shaft 110
i.e. to permit canting of an attached rifle from side to side or to
retain the rifle in a canted position or upright position. The side
lever 114 may be mounted on either side of the clamp body 104
according to the handedness of the user. The clamp 104 also
includes a lower "male" accessory rail 116 which is capable of
receiving further accessories. The features 114 and 116 may be the
same or different. As shown in FIG. 14, the accessory rail 116 may
receive an adapter component 118 for receiving a magnetic spigot
119 mounted on a tripod 120 in the general manner described for
example in GB 2504680. In this configuration, the legs 102 and 103
are folded to a horizontal, forward facing, position in which they
do not in hinder operation of the rifle.
[0066] It should be noted that, when released, the clamp body 104
is free to rotate through 180.degree. about the shaft 110 so that
the upper dovetailed track 108 and lower accessory rail 116 are
reversed in position. This may be particularly convenient in that
in practice, a user can choose between the type of upper and lower
accessory rail according to the application. This rotation of the
clamp body also makes it possible to underhang a rifle below the
bipod so that the body engages an upper accessory rail on the rifle
generally as described in relation to the FIG. 1 embodiment in FIG.
9.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 15, the legs 102 and 103 also comprise
lower portions 1028 and 103B respectively. The lower leg portions
102E and 103B are made principally of carbon fibre. The legs 102
and 103 terminate in spiked feet 102F and 103F which are obscured
in normal use by rubber boots.
[0068] By operating the levers 102L and 103L, the lower leg
portions 102B and 103B can be quickly moved to extend or reduce the
length of the legs according to user requirements.
[0069] Legs 102 and 103 fit into retaining mechanisms 122 and 123.
The retaining mechanisms are similar to retaining mechanisms 52 and
53 described in relation to the FIG. 1 embodiment. The legs 102 and
103 are detachable from the corresponding retaining mechanisms 122
and 123, and may be replaced by other leg units. For example, they
may be replaced by trekking poles arranged to fit into the
retaining mechanisms 122 and 123. Those retaining mechanisms 122
and 123 include release buttons 124 and 125 which in form and
operation correspond to the release buttons 58 and 60 described in
relation to the FIG. 1 embodiment. In particular, both release
buttons 124,125 include a central aperture which has a multi-sided
portion shaped to engage opposing indexing faces of a multi-sided
stud when a release button is released holding the respective leg
securely in a number of folded or intermediate positions generally
as described in relation to the FIG. 1 embodiment. When a release
button 124, 125 is depressed, the multi-sided portion of the
central aperture is disengaged from the opposing indexing faces of
the stud so that the corresponding leg 102, 103 can be freely
rotated. In this manner, the legs 102 and 103 can be moved into
vertical, horizontal forward and horizontal rearward and
intermediate forward and rearward positions.
[0070] Although two embodiments of a bipod in accordance with the
invention have been described above, the skilled addressee will
appreciate that numerous modifications can be made, or alternatives
employed to this embodiment without departing from the spirit of
the invention set out in the claims.
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