U.S. patent number 3,731,818 [Application Number 05/189,275] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-08 for holder for a plurality of weapons.
Invention is credited to Jesse R. Young.
United States Patent |
3,731,818 |
Young |
May 8, 1973 |
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.
Inventors: |
Young; Jesse R. (Hawthorne,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
22696658 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/189,275 |
Filed: |
October 14, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/317; 211/120;
211/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
81/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
81/00 (20060101); A47b 081/00 (); A47f
007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;211/64,120,39,69.8,4,69.9,60,67,68,124 ;224/1R,42.1F ;24/263A,125R
;206/16R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Frazier; Roy D.
Assistant Examiner: Frankel; Abraham
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.
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.
* * * * *