US20210270559A1

US20210270559A1 - Shooting rest for supporting a firearm

Info

Publication number: US20210270559A1
Application number: US16/804,068
Authority: US
Inventors: Doug Hepler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2021-09-02

Abstract

An adjustable shooting rest for supporting a stock portion of a firearm is disclosed. The shooting rest comprises a support section, a housing, at least one spring plunger, a threaded member, an elevation adjustment, and a base. The housing supports the support section and is defining a central recess and at least one opening in perpendicularly communication with the central recess and extending radially outward therefrom at its lower portion. The threaded member having one end securely disposed within the central recess. The elevation adjustment nut threadedly and operably engaged to another end of the threaded member. The spring plunger is threadedly disposed within the opening of the housing, configured to enable contact between the threaded member and the elevation adjustment nut by applying adequate pressure. The user could adjust the shooting rest at the required heights by rotating the elevation adjustment nut.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to shooting rests. Specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable shooting rest for supporting a firearm so as to enable the user to more accurately fire the firearm while aiming and shooting a target.

B. Description of Related Art

Gun rests or mounts find use in a variety of applications, such as hunting, target shooting, and shooting training, etc. In the past, gun owners have been used a variety of makeshift gun rests such as rocks, crotches of trees, fence posts, etc. for holding and steadying firearms in order to aim a target.
Generally, the gun rests consist of sand bag rests that are difficult to transport and set up due to their bulk and weight. Sand bag rests tend to become hard and non-pliable and thus, are unsatisfactory as an aid in aiming. The sand bags are space consuming, awkward to use, and are not truly provide stability for the firearm while shooting the target. It is consequently a common practice for shooters and hunters to lay their gun or rifle on the ground or to lean it against any objects, for example, a tree or a rock. Such practices may not only damage the gun, but may also result in accidents caused by unintentional firing of the gun or rifle.
Various forms of adjustable long gun rests have been heretofore provided to enable long gun sights to be properly adjusted and also to enable close checking of the accuracy of the long gun. However, most long gun rests heretofore designed have proven to be less than 100% efficient in various operational environments with the result that no one form of long gun or rifle rest has been widely accepted for standardization purposes.
One such a prior art device is described in US20120294672 to Kim Melvin Hicks., discloses an adapter installs on the head of a conventional tripod, bipod, monopod, or other type of stand. The adapter threads directly on the threaded bolt of the stand or uses a busing to thread onto the smaller bolt. Once installed, the top opening of the adapter can receive the quick-connect stem of an accessory, such as a shooting rest, riffle rest, swivel ballhead camera or scope mount, or another accessory. Though the above-mentioned prior art discloses an adapter installs on the head of a conventional tripod. However, the user could feel difficult to arrange install the adapter on the head of a conventional tripod, bipod, monopod, or other type of stand. It is difficult to carry, transport, and set up due to their bulk and weight.
Accordingly, there is a need for a shooting rest or mounting device for supporting a firearm so as to enable the shooter to more accurately fire the firearm while aiming and shooting the target. Further, there is also a need for a shooting rest which is extremely stable, inexpensive, simple to set up with minimal effort, small in size and readily transportable, and requires a minimum of surface area to set up and which could be used with all manner of firearms, for example, rifles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally discloses a shooting rest. The present invention directed to an adjustable shooting rest for supporting a firearm so as to enable the user to more accurately fire the firearm while aiming and shooting a target.
In one embodiment, the shooting rest is configured to provide support a firearm at one end, thereby enabling the shooter to quickly align the firearm sight with the target. In one embodiment, the shooting rest is lightweight and adjustable at different heights for use in aiming the firearm. The user could simply carry the shooting rest without any cumbersome. The shooting rest provides an extremely simple, inexpensive, rugged, and durable structure for firmly supporting the stock portion of a rifle during firing.
In one embodiment, the shooting rest comprises a support section, a housing, a threaded member, an elevation adjustment nut, and a base. In one embodiment, the support section is configured to provide support for the stock portion of the firearm, for example, a sniper rifle. In one embodiment, the support section is securely affixed to the top portion of the housing using one or more fasteners. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut is configured to enable a user or a shooter to adjust the shooting rest at different heights by rotating it, thereby quickly and easily adjusting and aligning the firearm while aiming and shooting a target. In one embodiment, the base is configured to provide support for the shooting rest.
In one embodiment, the base is further configured to securely and threadedly affix to another end of the threaded member. In one embodiment, the base is made of a material, but not limited to, plastic and aluminum. In one embodiment, the base could be, but not limited to, a tripod. The base is provided for supporting the shooting rest in the prone, sitting or benchrest positions. In one embodiment, the base comprises at least three foot pads in order to provide for stable mounting of the shooting rest upon a surface, even uneven surfaces, when it is set up for usage.
In one embodiment, the user could simply adjust the height of the shooting rest by rotating the elevation adjustment nut, thereby enabling quick and ease in adjustment by the user and align the firearm while aiming and shooting a target. In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one opening. In one embodiment, at least one spring plunger is threadedly disposed within the opening of the housing. In one embodiment, the spring plunger is configured to enable contact between the threaded member and the elevation adjustment nut by applying adequate pressure, thereby the user could adjust the shooting rest at the required heights. In one embodiment, the user could push in the elevation adjustment nut at sideways against to the spring plungers. Rapid movements are allowed by pushing in the elevation adjustment nut against the spring plungers so it decouples from the threaded member, which allows the threaded member to move up and down. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member, thereby enabling the threaded member to move up and down when it is disengaged from the elevation adjustment nut. This allows rapid vertical up and down motion without rotation of the elevation adjustment nut. The spring plungers provides contact between the threaded member and the elevation adjustment nut. In one embodiment, the shooting rest further comprises a cover, which is securely affixed to a bottom of the housing using at least one or more fasteners at the lower portion to conceal the elevation adjustment nut.
In one embodiment, the housing defining a central recess and at least one opening. In one embodiment, the opening is in perpendicularly communicated with the central recess and extended radially outward therefrom at the lower portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the threaded member having one end is securely disposed within the central recess of the housing. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut is threadedly and operably engaged to another end of the threaded member. The elevation adjustment nut is configured to enable the user for adjusting the shooting rest at different heights by rotating it, thereby quickly and easily adjusting and aligning the firearm while aiming and shooting the target. In one embodiment, the spring plunger is configured to enable contact between the threaded member and the elevation adjustment nut by applying adequate pressure. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member. In one embodiment, the base is a tripod and is configured to support the shooting rest in the prone, sitting or benchrest positions.
In one embodiment, the support section could be a platform and is configured to support the stock portion of the firearm during usage. In one embodiment, the housing is made of a material, but not limited to, plastic and aluminum. In one embodiment, the threaded member could be a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the housing comprises at least two openings. In another embodiment, at least two spring plungers are threadedly disposed within the openings of the housing.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable shooting rest used for supporting a stock portion of a firearm in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the adjustable shooting rest in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a base of the adjustable shooting rest in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of the adjustable shooting rest in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the adjustable shooting rest in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the adjustable shooting rest in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the elevation adjustment nut and a threaded member of the adjustable shooting rest in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the adjustable shooting rest in another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that 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 that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable shooting rest 100 of the invention used for supporting a firearm 102 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the shooting rest 100 is configured to provide support a firearm 102 at one end, thereby enabling the shooter to quickly align the firearm 102 sight with the target. In one embodiment, the shooting rest 100 is lightweight and adjustable at different heights for use in aiming the firearm. The user could simply carry the shooting rest 100 without any cumbersome. The shooting rest 100 provides an extremely simple, inexpensive, rugged, and durable structure for firmly supporting the stock portion of a rifle during firing.
Referring to FIG. 2, the shooting rest 100 of the invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the shooting rest 100 comprises a support section 106, a housing 104, an elevation adjustment nut 108, a threaded member 110 (shown in FIG. 4), and a base 112. In one embodiment, the support section 106 is configured to provide support for the stock portion of the firearm 102 (shown in FIG. 1), for example, a sniper rifle. In one embodiment, the support section 106 is securely affixed to the top portion of the housing using one or more fasteners. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut 108 is configured to enable a user or a shooter to adjust the shooting rest 100 at different heights by rotating it, thereby quickly and easily adjusting and aligning the firearm 102 while aiming and shooting a target. In one embodiment, the base 112 is configured to provide support for the shooting rest 100.
Referring to FIG. 3, the base 112 of the shooting rest 100 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the base 112 is further configured to securely and threadedly affix to another end of the threaded member 110. In one embodiment, the base 112 is made of a material, but not limited to, plastic and aluminum. In one embodiment, the base 112 could be, but not limited to, a tripod. The base 112 is provided for supporting the shooting rest 100 in the prone, sitting or benchrest positions. In one embodiment, the base 112 comprises at least three foot pads 118 in order to provide for stable mounting of the shooting rest 100 upon a surface, even uneven surfaces, when it is set up for usage.
Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the shooting rest 100 adjusted to a height using the elevation adjustment nut 108 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the housing 104 comprises at least one opening 115 (shown in FIG. 6). In one embodiment, at least one spring plunger 114 is threadedly disposed within the opening 115 of the housing 104. In one embodiment, the spring plunger 114 is configured to enable contact between the threaded member 110 and the elevation adjustment nut 108 by applying adequate pressure, thereby the user could precisely adjust the shooting rest 100 at the required heights by rotating the elevation adjustment nut 108 to align the firearm 102 while aiming and shooting a target. Rapid movements are allowed by pushing in the elevation adjustment nut 108 against the spring plunger 114 so it decouples from the threaded member 110, which allows the threaded member 110 to freely move up and down. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut 108 comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member 110, thereby enabling the threaded member 110 to move up and down when it is disengaged from the elevation adjustment nut 108. This allows rapid vertical up and down motion without rotation of the elevation adjustment nut 108. The spring plungers 114 provides contact between the threaded member 110 and the elevation adjustment nut 108. In one embodiment, the shooting rest 100 further comprises a cover 116, which is securely affixed to a bottom of the housing 104 using at least one or more fasteners at the lower portion to conceal the elevation adjustment nut 108.
Referring to FIG. 6, the sectional view of the shooting rest 100 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the housing 104 defining a central recess 120 and at least one opening 115. In one embodiment, the opening 115 is in perpendicularly communicated with the central recess 120 and extended radially outward therefrom at the lower portion of the housing 104. In one embodiment, the threaded member 110 having one end is securely disposed within the central recess 120 of the housing 104. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut 108 is threadedly and operably engaged to another end of the threaded member 110. The elevation adjustment nut 108 is configured to enable the user for adjusting the shooting rest 100 at different heights by rotating it, thereby quickly and easily adjusting and aligning the firearm 102 while aiming and shooting the target. In one embodiment, the spring plunger 114 is configured to enable contact between the threaded member 110 and the elevation adjustment nut 108 by applying adequate pressure. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut 108 comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member 110. In one embodiment, the base 112 is a tripod and is configured to support the shooting rest 100 in the prone, sitting or benchrest positions.
In one embodiment, the support section 106 could be a platform and is configured to support the stock portion of the firearm 102 during usage. In one embodiment, the housing 104 is made of a material, but not limited to, plastic and aluminum. In one embodiment, the threaded member 110 could be a threaded shaft.
Referring to FIG. 7, the elevation adjustment nut 108 and the threaded member 110 of the adjustable shooting rest 100 is disclosed. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut 108 comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member 110, thereby enabling the threaded member 110 to move up and down when it is disengages from the elevation adjustment nut 108.
Referring to FIG. 8, the adjustable shooting rest 100 in another embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In another embodiment, the housing 104 comprises one or more openings. In another embodiment, one or more spring plungers 114 are threadedly disposed within the openings of the housing 104. In one embodiment, the spring plungers 114 are configured to enable contact between the threaded member 110 and the elevation adjustment nut 108.
In one embodiment, the user could simply and precisely adjust the height of the shooting rest 100 by rotating the elevation adjustment nut 108, thereby enabling quick and ease in adjustment by the user, and align the firearm 102 while aiming and shooting the target. Rapid movements are allowed by pushing in the elevation adjustment nut 108 against the spring plungers 114 so it decouples from the threaded member 110, which allows the threaded member 110 to move up and down. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment nut 108 comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member 110, thereby enabling the threaded member 110 to freely move up and down when it is disengaged from the elevation adjustment nut 108. This allows rapid vertical up and down motion without rotation of the elevation adjustment nut 108. The spring plungers 114 provides contact between the threaded member 110 and the elevation adjustment nut 108.
The advantages of the present invention include that the shooting rest 100 will eliminate the need for the user or shooter to carry sand bags to the shooting site, will be sturdy, neat in appearance and compact. The shooting rest 100 will support the firearm 102 at one end and will be quickly and easily adjustable so as to enable the user or shooter to quickly align the firearm 102 sight with the target. The shooting rest 100 includes at least three-point base, which will give it lateral stability. In some embodiments, the base 112 including rubber cushioned members for preventing the shooting rest 100 from slippages on the surface. The shooting rest 100 is extremely stable, inexpensive, simple to set up with minimal effort, small in size and readily transportable, requires a minimum of surface area to set up, and which could be used with all manner of camera devices, firearms, laser and optical devices, and the like.
Although a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the above detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment developed herein, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable shooting rest for supporting a firearm, comprising:

a support section for supporting a stock portion of the firearm;

a housing supporting the support section, wherein the housing defining a central recess and at least one opening in perpendicularly communication with the central recess and extending radially outward therefrom at its lower portion;

at least one spring plunger threadedly disposed within the opening of the housing;

a threaded member having one end securely disposed within the central recess of the housing;

an elevation adjustment nut threadedly and operably engaged to another end of the threaded member, wherein the elevation adjustment nut is configured to enable a user for adjusting the shooting rest at different heights by rotating it, thereby enabling quick and ease in adjustment by the user, and align the firearm while aiming and shooting a target, and

a cover securely affixed to a bottom of the housing using at least one or more fasteners at the lower portion to conceal the elevation adjustment nut.

2. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the spring plunger is configured to enable contact between the threaded member and the elevation adjustment nut by applying adequate pressure.

3. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, is further configured to enable the user to push in the elevation adjustment nut at sideways against to the spring plunger, which allows the threaded member to freely move up and down.

4. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the elevation adjustment nut comprises a larger thread diameter than the threaded member, thereby enabling the threaded member to move up and down when it is disengaged from the elevation adjustment nut.

5. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, further comprises a base, wherein the base is configured to securely and threadedly affix to another end of the threaded member.

6. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 5, wherein the base is a tripod and is configured to support the shooting rest in in the prone, sitting or benchrest positions.

7. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the threaded member is configured to move up and down when it is disengaged from the elevation adjustment nut.

8. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the support section is a platform, wherein the support section is configured to support the stock portion of the firearm during usage.

9. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of plastic.

10. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of aluminum.

11. The adjustable shooting rest of claim 1, wherein the threaded member is a threaded shaft.