Holder For A Plurality Of Weapons

Abstract

A retaining support for a plurality of weapons is disclosed, which may be employed in a gun case. A centrally-mounted upright is affixed in a tray which is in turn received within the gun case. A pair of sets of rocker supports are disposed on opposed sides of the upright with resilient spacers therebetween and extending to receive and support guns at the barrel. A threaded shaft is affixed to the central upright and extends through both sets of rocker supports to provide studs which receive nuts for drawing the rocker supports together as to clamp guns therebetween.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At the outset some clarification of terminology is deemed appropriate. Generally, the term "gun" is in widespread use to generically describe any portable firearm, including rifles, pistols and revolvers. However, technically the term sometimes is defined in a more-limited sense. However, in view of the common usage and the somewhat universal nature of the present invention as a holding apparatus, the term "gun" is used herein in the broad, popular generic sense.

In the past, several designs have been proposed for holders to receive guns to facilitate the transportation and storage of such weapons. Generally the demands upon these structures are several and compound. Specifically, in view of the inherent nature of guns (as potentially-dangerous articles) as well as the fact that guns may also be: high-precision instruments, objects of artistic endeavor, or valuable items of historical significance; delicate handling and treatment is frequently in order. Additionally, it is generally advisable to support certain forms of guns with minimal contact in order to avoid wear as well as deterioration of the surface finish, as that resulting from moisture pockets, and the like. Consequently, a need exists for a convenient and economical gun-holding structure which is functional in view of the above considerations.

Of course, a wide variety of different gun holders, storage racks and cases have been previously proposed as, for example, set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,121,982 (Pugsley); 2,740,530 (Ponder); and 3,329,278 (Pachmayr). However, in spite of such previous apparatus, a need continues to exist for an improved structure in which guns may be simply and easily placed and removed, and which structure is economical to manufacture yet affords an effective and safe holder. Generally, in accordance herewith, such a structure is provided by the utilization of a plurality of upright rocker supports affixed on each side of a central post or upright, with resiliently-deformable members therebetween and with independent threaded clamp members for varying the space between each set of rocker supports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, an exemplary embodiment exhibiting various objectives and features thereof is set forth, specifically:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case incorporating the present invention, for carrying and storing hand guns;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the internal holding structure, as provided in the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the invention is disclosed herein. The embodiment exemplifies the invention, which may be embodied in other forms, some of which may be radically different from the illustrative embodiment disclosed. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and they provide a basis for the claims which define the scope of the invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a case 12 incorporating a handle 14 and an end door 16, mounted with catches 18 on a hinge 19, to be raised for access to a holding structure 20 (shown in phantom) which can be pulled (as a drawer) from the case 12. Generally, the case 12 and holding structure 20 may be manufactured of plastic, wood, metal, or a variety of other materials and, as suggested above, may be designed to accommodate weapons other than hand guns, e.g. rifles and so on. Of course, the manufacturing techniques employed to produce the case 12 will vary in accordance with the materials employed; however, a variety of such techniques are well known in the prior art.

As indicated, the contents of the case 12 are accessible by raising the door 16 and withdrawing a tray 21 (FIG. 2) which is received on a bottom 17 (or slots extending horizontally) within the case 12 (FIG. 1). Of course, the structure 20 may be partially withdrawn for access, or fully removed as depicted in FIG. 2.

Hand guns 22 and 24 are supported on the holding structure 20, in an upright position by a holder 26 and the tray 21 affixed thereto. Generally, the butts of the guns 22 and 24 rest on the surface of the tray 21 while the barrels are supported in fixed engagement by the holder 26.

The tray 21 may comprise simply a bottom support sheet 30 with a perpendicularly-extending wall or ridge 32 extending around the periphery. The tray 21 is affixed to the holder 26 by screw fasteners 34 extending through the opposed, longer sides of the ridge 32 to be received in a support frame 36 (FIG. 3) of the holder 26. The frame 36 includes a pair of end blocks 40 (FIG. 2) which actually receive the fasteners 34 and which are corner jointed with a pair of higher sides 42 and 44, which rise above the end members 40 to terminate in parallel beveled edges 45.

The movable elements of the holder 26 clampingly receive the barrels of the guns as described in detail below, and are supported in the frame 36 between the sides 42 and 44 (FIG. 4). The frame 36 also includes a bottom 46, providing a support surface as described below. Thus, the frame 36 is fixed with reference to the tray 21 and supports the movable elements of the holder 26.

At the center of the frame 36, a central upright or post 50 (FIG. 3) is fitted into vertical slots 41 in the sides 42 and 44. That is, the vertical slots 41, centrally located in the sides 42 and 44 receive the somewhat-flat upright post 50 in opposed, parallel, vertical grooves. Extending laterally from the post 50 are a pair of integral studs 52 and 54 (FIG. 3). Essentially, the studs 52 and 54 comprise a single elongate threaded shaft affixed to the post 50 by a pair of clamping ferrules 56. The stud 52 then extends through a first pair 57 of rocker supports, including supports 60 and 62 while the stud 54 extends through a second pair 63 of such supports including supports 64 and 66. Generally, enlarged bores 70 extending through the rocker supports accommodate the passage of the studs 52 and 54. Finally, the studs 52 and 54 pass through end-plate members 72 and 74 to receive washers and wing nuts 76 and 78, respectively.

The individual supports 60, 62, 64 and 66 are generally similar; however, the first pair 57 is oriented oppositely to the second pair 63. In general, the supports 60, 62, 64 and 66 are somewhat flat, elongated members, as are the end plates 72 and 74, and the post 50. Each of the supports includes an elongated, substantially-flat holding finger section 80 (FIG. 1) which is integral with a base section 82 (FIG. 3) of increased width which terminates in a rocker 84 of somewhat cylindrical shape. The cylindrical surface of each of the rockers 84 is positioned to rock freely upon the bottom 46 of the containing frame 36. Generally, the cylindrical surface 88 of each of the rockers 84 is a tangential continuation of the outboard surface 90 of the support.

On the inboard side of the supports 60, 62, 64 and 66, each of the rockers 84 extends beyond the section of increased thickness to provide spaces 85 in which resiliently-deformable elements 92 are placed, which elements may take the form of foamed rubber-like material. Thus, the supports are biased away from the central post 50 so as to open to the extent permitted by the studs 52 and 54 establishing the position of the end plates 72 and 74.

A wide variety of different techniques may be employed in the manufacture of units in accordance herewith, including the specific illustrative embodiment as disclosed. Specifically, for example, the case 12 may be made of wood using production techniques of the cabinet-making art or alternatively may be stamped or drawn of metal or molded of plastic. Generally, subsequent to the initial production step in forming the box 12, additional steps will be required to: affix the handle 14, set the door 16 with the catches 18 and the hinge 19, and affix the bottom 17, for supporting the holding structure 20 (FIG. 2) in the case.

Somewhat similarly to the case 12 the internal structure may also be formed of various different materials. Specifically, the tray 21 may comprise: wood, metal or vacuum-formed plastic, for example. The individual elements of the holder 26 might also, for example, be formed of wood or again, molded plastic components. Generally, the individual component parts will be separately provided in production quantities. In that regard, the end plates 72 and 74 along with the support members 60, 62, 64 and 66, and the central post 50 may be padded or cushioned, before or after assembly.

The assembly of the internal structure 20 is relatively simple after the component parts have been produced. Specifically, the internal frame 36 (comprising the ends 40 with the sides 44 and 42) is assembled and affixed to the tray 21 by the fasteners 34. The holder 26 may be produced as a subassembly initially by setting the studs 52 and 54 in the central post 50 and then turning the ferrules 56 down on the post. Next, the individual supports 60, 62, 64 and 66 are placed with the studs 52 and 54 extending through the enlarged central bores 70 after which the end-plate members 72 and 74 are placed on the studs.

The resiliently-deformable rubber-like elements 92 are next placed between the individual supports 60, 62, 64 and 66, as indicated and a covering 96 of felt, or other soft cushioned material is placed over the supports and the end-plates 72 and 74 as illustrated. To complete the assembly, washers and the wing nuts 76 and 78 are placed on the studs 52 and 54, respectively, to hold the structure together. The internal structure 20 then is simply placed in the case 12 in the manner of a sliding drawer.

In using the illustrative embodiment, as indicated above, access may be had by opening the door 16 and partly or fully withdrawing the tray 21 from the case 12. It is noteworthy that the wing nuts 76 and 78 are readily accessible with the tray 21 remaining partially within the case 12.

To place a gun in the holder, the wing nut 76 or 78 on the side of the unit to receive the gun, is turned back to release one pair of the holding supports. For example, assume it is desired to place a gun between the support 62 and the central post 50 (FIG. 3). Accordingly, the wing nut 76 is turned to relieve the elements 92 and specifically that element located between the post 50 and the support 62. It is to be noted that in so relieving (in view of the basic structure hereof) the space between the supports 60 and 62 is also opened. That is, in turning the wing nuts to open a space, each of the sapces in the set of supports is opened by the force of the compressed resilient elements 92 and accommodated by the rockers 84.

When the desired degree of opening is attained, the nut 76 is again turned down on the stud 52 forcing the supports 60 and 62 toward the post 50 while compressing the resilient elements 92 therebetween. As a consequence, the gun barrel placed in the structure is supported as illustrated between the post 50 and the support 64, firmly holding the gun.

It is to be noted that the guns, e.g. guns 22 and 24 (FIG. 1) are supported with relatively small engagement and no contact points are provided contiguous to operating mechanisms of the guns. Furthermore, the support is firm in view of the effective clamping arrangement as disclosed. The utilization of the supports in pairs enables relatively prompt action to open a space for the placement or removal of a gun especially in view of the combination of the resilient elements 92 with the rockers 84 of the holding elements. Accordingly, the holding structure is particularly easy to use with one hand for added convenience and safety.

In view of the above considerations, it is readily apparent that although the system hereof affords a specifically improved holder in view of the basic structure illustratively described, it is also apparent that a wide variety of different embodiments may be provided. Consequently, the scope hereof shall be in accordance with the claims as set forth below.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A retaining support for a plurality of weapons in a case, comprising:

a central upright affixed upon a base of said case;

a pair of sets of rocker supports, both of said sets being disposed in alignment, extending from opposed sides of said central upright, each of said rocker supports including a holding finger and a cylindrical base to engage said base as to provide a rocking action in relation to said central upright; and

a pair of elongated fasteners, each of said fasteners affixed to and extending from said central upright, through each of said sets of rocker supports to independently clamp said sets of rocker supports together.

2. A retaining support according to claim 1 further including resilient means between said rocker supports to urge said fingers apart.

3. A retaining support according to claim 2 wherein said resilient means comprises blocks of sponged resilient material.

4. A retaining support according to claim 1 wherein said elongated fasteners comprise threaded studs and nuts.

5. A retaining support according to claim 1 further including a soft cover material disposed on said holding fingers to engage said weapons.

6. A retaining support according to claim 1 further including a pair of walls extending on both sides of said sets of rocker supports.

7. A retaining support according to claim 1 wherein said base includes a support tray.

8. A retaining support according to claim 7 wherein said support is mounted in said case which includes a closed housing slidably receiving said support tray.

9. A retaining support according to claim 8 further including resilient means between said rocker supports to urge said fingers apart.

10. A retaining support according to claim 9 wherein said resilient means comprises blocks of sponged resilient material, wherein said elongated fasteners comprise threaded studs and nuts, and further including a soft cover material disposed on said holding fingers to engage said weapons.