Abstract:
A recoil reducing device that reduces the recoil felt by users of rifles and shotguns. The recoil reducing device includes of a force-distribution member that increases the area over which the recoil force is distributed, thereby reducing the force per unit area, and a compressible element that cushions the user from the force of recoil. The force-distribution member can include tabs along its edges. Any number of the tabs may be bent outward, relative to the shoulder of the user to better form the recoil reducing device to the user. Also alternatively, the force-distribution member can include a plurality of grooves along a portion of its edge, and can also include interior cuts within.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Recoil-Reducer,” having Ser. No. 60/759,816, filed Jan. 17 th , 2006, and is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application entitled, “Recoil-Reducer,” having Ser. No. 11/172,311, filed on Jun. 28th, 2005, which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional application entitled, “Recoil Protector,” having Ser. No. 60/583,546, filed Jun. 29, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to recoil-reducing devices, and specifically to an improved recoil reducing device for users of shoulder mounted firearms.  
         [0004]     2. Background  
         [0005]     A basic law of physics can be paraphrased as: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. In the case where force is applied to accelerate an object in one direction, an equal force occurs in the opposite direction. One manifestation of this phenomenon is the recoil felt by users of rifles and shotguns, hereinafter referred to as felt recoil. The recoil felt by rifle and shotgun users, or shooters, as it increases, progresses from uncomfortable to painful, and frequently leads to an undesirable and uncontrollable habit of “flinching”. Felt recoil becomes increasingly detrimental to shooters as the weight and velocity of the projectile increases, particularly when high-powered loads are used in relatively lightweight rifles and shotguns, hereinafter referred to as longarms.  
         [0006]     For many years, shooters have used various means to reduce felt recoil. These have mostly involved attaching compressible pads to the ends of longarm butt stocks. Early recoil pads typically consisted of solid rubber that provided a cushion against the force of recoil. However, solid rubber recoil pads suffer from disadvantages such as the limited amount of reduction of felt recoil. Furthermore, solid rubber recoil pads may gradually degrade over time, thereby reducing their effectiveness, which results in an increase in the felt recoil as the solid rubber recoil pad degrades. In addition, solid rubber recoil pads provide secondary recoil, which is caused by the pads expanding after being compressed by the initial recoil.  
         [0007]     The development of vented rubber recoil pads represented a limited, but significant, improvement over the solid rubber pads, in terms of felt recoil. Vented rubber recoil pads have an open, thin-walled structure which provides for greater compressibility, and hence, greater cushioning against the force of recoil. However, the tendency toward loss of elasticity and secondary recoil remained.  
         [0008]     Similarly, recoil reduction has also been achieved through various methods placing compressible pads between the butt stock and the shooter&#39;s shoulder. This technique provides the benefit of compound felt recoil reduction when used with pads fixed to the butt stock. However, it possesses the same limitations as devices attached to the butt stock.  
         [0009]     With the development of new materials, other components, such as foams and gels have been utilized to cushion the shooter from the recoil force. Improvements due to improved cushioning have been incremental. Prior solutions have not filled the need for an improved recoil-reducing device for longarm users with a high level of need, such as those who use high-powered calibers or carry out highly repetitive shooting sports. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a recoil-reducer of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of a pouch enclosing the recoil-reducer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  shows the recoil reducer attached to the butt stock of a longarm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded perspective view of components of the recoil-reducer of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view, seen from the side, of a preferred embodiment of a recoil-reducer system.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a force-distribution member of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of a force-distribution member of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  shows a front view of a force-distribution member configured to conform to a user&#39;s shoulder.  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a recoil-reducer configured to a user&#39;s shoulder, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  shows a front view of a force-distribution member with a surface area less than that of a compressible member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  shows a front view of a force-distribution member with a surface area greater than that of a compressible member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  shows cross-sectional view, seen from above, of a force distribution member with two compressible members with differing size and shape, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of a recoil-reducer  100 , or recoil reducing device. In one embodiment, a user  102 , also referred to herein as a shooter, disposes the recoil-reducer  100  over a cushioned portion  104  of the user&#39;s shoulder. The cushioned portion is a specific area of the user&#39;s front side  106 , which is proximal to a user&#39;s shooting shoulder  108 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the recoil reducer receives a butt stock end  109 B. The butt stock end is the terminal portion of a longarm&#39;s butt stock  109 . In an operable position  1000 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the recoil-reducer  100  interposes the longarm&#39;s butt stock  109 , and the cushioned portion  104 . A butt stock surface area  110  is the approximate surface area of any given butt stock end  109 B, projected onto the recoil-reducer  100 . The butt stock surface area  110  is approximated in  FIG. 1 , as the area enclosed by a heavy dashed line. It should be noted that the surface area of the recoil-reducer  100  is preferably larger than the butt stock surface area  110 , as represented by the heavy dashed line.  
         [0024]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recoil-reducer  100  is contained within a pouch  112 . The pouch  112  is configured receive the recoil-reducer  100 . The pouch  112  can also serve to contain, support, and secure the recoil-reducer  100  in the operable position  1000 , over the cushioned portion  104  of the user&#39;s shooting shoulder  108 .  
         [0025]     The pouch  112  can be adapted to couple to clothing of the shooter  102 . For example, the pouch  112  might include fasteners such as, but not limited to, Velcro®, snaps, buckles and buttons, for coupling the pouch to clothing. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,115 the pouch  112  can be coupled to a pouch-suspension (not shown). Typically, the pouch-suspension is configured to support the pouch  112  in the desired position on the user  102 . Alternative pouch-suspensions include straps, harnesses, and articles of clothing. Preferably, these straps, harness and/or other pouch-suspension measures may be adjusted to support the pouch  112  in the desired position of the shooter  102 .  
         [0026]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the recoil-reducer  100  can be removably attached to the longarm&#39;s butt stock  109 . In use, the shooter  102  brings the longarm&#39;s butt stock upward to brace against the cushioned portion  104  of the shooter&#39;s front side  106 . Thus, in operable position, the recoil-reducer  100  is disposed over cushioned portion  104  by the shooter  102  placing the longarm&#39;s butt stock in shooting position.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  demonstrates an additional embodiment of the present invention, wherein the recoil reducer  100  can be removably attached to the butt stock end  109 B, the recoil imparting end of the longarm&#39;s butt stock  109 , via a coupling device  113 . In operation, the shooter  102  brings the butt stock  109  with attached recoil reducer  100  upward to brace against the cushioned portion  104  of the shooter&#39;s front side  106 . Thus, in the operable position  1000 , the recoil-reducer  100  is disposed over the cushioned portion  104  by the shooter  102  placing the longarm&#39;s butt stock in shooting position. The coupling device can be removably attached to the longarm&#39;s butt stock.  
         [0028]     In other alternative embodiments of the present invention, the recoil-reducer  100 , which is designed to fit on the front of the user&#39;s shooting shoulder  108 , can be placed in a pocket that is integrated with a garment. Thus, the garment functions as the pouch and pouch-suspender. In a further embodiment, the recoil reducer  100  or pouch  112  containing a recoil reducer  100  may be held in place by the shooter  102 , between the butt stock of the longarm and the cushioned portion  104  of the shooter.  
         [0029]     When the shooter  102  wears a pouch  112  that is maintained in the desired position by a suspension, the pouch  112  containing the recoil reducer  100  is disposed over the cushioned portion  104  of the shooter  102 . Further embodiments include garments with pockets and/or other integrated systems that secure the pouch  112  containing a recoil reducer  100  over the cushioned portion  104  of the shooter  102 .  
         [0030]     Among other things, the pouch  112  may have open, or fastenable compartments, or permanently fastened compartments for holding the recoil-reducer  100 . The pouch  112  with open or fastenable compartments allows the user to interchange recoil reducers  100  with different recoil dampening characteristics depending on the individual&#39;s needs.  
         [0031]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recoil reducer  100  is covered with protective material, including but not limited to canvas, nylon or leather; thus, the cover is considered an integral part of the recoil reducer  100 . The recoil reducer  100  is uncovered in alternative embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the recoil-reducer  100  in exploded view. The recoil-reducer  100  includes a force-distribution member  114 , and a compressible member  118 . Typically, the force-distribution member  114  is coupled to the compressible member  118  by a coupler  1111 . The coupler may be an adhesive, such as glue, or by mechanical fasteners including but not limited to Velcro or elastic straps. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the coupler  1111  may adhere an entire side of the force distribution member  114  to an entire side of the compressible member  118 . In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the coupler  1111  may adhere a portion of the force distribution member  114  to a portion of the compressible member  118 .  
         [0033]     In other alternative embodiments of the present invention, the force-distribution member  114  and the compressible member  118  need not be coupled together. For example, in one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the pouch  112  may receive the force-distribution member  114  and the compressible member  118 , and the pouch  112  may be configured to hold and/or align the force-distribution member  114  and the compressible member  118  in a predetermined relative position. Typically, the pouch  112  may hold and/or align the force-distribution member  114  and the compressible member  118  such that there is little, or no, relative motion between the force-distribution member  114  and the compressible member  118 .  
         [0034]     The force-distribution member  114  is comprised of rigid or semi-rigid material capable of withstanding, with virtually no plastic deformation or compression, the impulse caused by the discharging of a longarm against the force-distribution member  114 . The force-distribution member  114  may be constructed of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyethylene thermoplastics. As a non-limiting example, the force-distribution member  114  is made from Lexan by General Electric Plastics such as Lexan 9030 or Lexan 9034, which both have a Flexural Modulus of 345,000 pounds per square inch (psi) as measured by the American National Standards Institute ASTM D790 test (D790). Additional suitable materials for the force-distribution member  114  include, but are not limited to; hard rubber, hard neoprene, aluminum, and steel. Typically, the force-distribution member is made from a material having a D790 flexural modulus of less than 15,000 psi to 700,000 psi or more.  
         [0035]     The material specifications can be varied, while using the same basic principles to meet a broad array of applications. For instance, in the case of skeet shooting competition the firearms may recoil with as little as 5 ft/lb of recoil energy. However, the skeet shooter must move while shooting and is often required to fire a hundreds of shots in the course of a day&#39;s competition, thus, a thinner more flexible force-distribution member  114  would be desirable to facilitate ease of movement while still retaining perceivable recoil dampening characteristics. Conversely, shooters who fire heavy recoiling firearms (sometimes in excess of 200 ft/lb of recoil energy per shot in the case of 4 bore rifles) will require greater rigidity in the force-distribution member  114 . The flexibility, and consequent recoil distributing characteristics, of the force-distribution member  114  can be controlled by using materials listed above, in thicknesses ranging approximately from 0.015 inch to 1.0 inch. The thickness can also be varied across the force-distribution member  114  to achieve desired flexing and recoil dispersing characteristics for given applications. The terms “approximately,” “generally” and “substantially” are used herein to refer to a range of values or relative orientations, understood by a person skilled in the pertinent field or skill, as being substantially equivalent to the herein stated values, orientations or positions in achieving the desired results, in a range typical to the accuracy and precision of conventional tooling, instrumentation or techniques, or a functionally equivalent positioning or orientation of features to produce equivalent results to those described herein.  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a recoil reducer system  100 . The recoil reducer  100  includes a first force-distribution member  1014 , a second force-distribution member  1015 , a first compressible member  1018 , and a second compressible member  1019 . In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the force-distribution members and the compressible members are disposed in alternating layers. The first distribution member  1014  abuts the first compressible member  1018 . The first compressible member  1018  is sandwiched between the first distribution member  1014  and the second force-distribution member  1015 , which abuts the first compressible member  1018 . The second force-distribution member  1015  is sandwiched by the first compressible member  1018  and the second compressible member  1019 , both of which abut the second force-distribution member  1015 .  
         [0037]     It should be noted that  FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In other embodiments, a recoil-reducer may include additional force-distribution members and/or additional compressible members. Typically, force-distribution members and compressible members may be added in pairs. However, in some alternative embodiments, the number of compressible members and the number of force-distribution members may not be the same. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a recoil-reducer may include up to ten or more force-distribution members alternating with ten or more compressible elements. In additional alternative embodiments of the present invention many multiple force distribution members and/or compressible members can be employed. Each of the many multiple force distribution members may be of the same size, shape, thickness, and material composition. Additionally, each of the many multiple compressible members may be of the same size, shape, thickness, and material composition. In an alternative of the present invention each of the many multiple force distribution members may be dissimilar in size, shape, thickness, and material composition. In an alternative of the present invention, each of the many multiple compressible members may be dissimilar in size, shape, thickness, and material composition.  
         [0038]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a force-distribution member  1114  having a front surface  1115  and plurality of grooves (or cuts)  1116  forming a plurality of tabs  1117 . The grooves (or cuts)  1116  may be formed in the force-distribution member  1114  so as to control the flexing and recoil distribution characteristics of the force-distribution member  1114 . In some embodiments, the grooves (or cuts)  1116  may be formed through the thickness of the force-distribution member  1114 . In other embodiments, the grooves (or cuts  1116 ) may reduce the thickness of the force-distribution member  1114  to increase flexing in predetermined areas.  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , other grooves, and/or cuts, and/or void shapes that may be formed into the force-distribution member  1114  include, but are not limited to, parallel sided rectangular cuts  1216 , curved cuts  1218 , serpentine style cuts  1220 , and voids  1222  of various shapes and sizes, which may be collectively referred to as interior cuts  1125 , that increase flexibility of the force distribution member in predetermined axes. Cutting, forming, molding, punching, shaving, or otherwise providing for grooves, and/or cuts, and/or voids in the force-distribution member  1114  is one mechanism for controlling flexing in predetermined portions of the force-distribution member  1114 . The number of grooves, and/or cuts, and/or voids  1116  in the force-distribution member  1114  may be varied from one to many to achieve the desired axis and level of flexibility, and recoil force distribution. Similarly, the angle and location of grooves, and/or cuts, and/or voids  1116  in the force-distribution member  1114  may be varied to achieve the desired axis and level of flexibility, and recoil force distribution. Other mechanisms for controlling flexing in predetermined portions of the force-distribution member are intended to be within the scope of this invention.  
         [0040]     The force-distribution member  1114  shown in  FIG. 6  includes a vertical edge  1130  and an angled edge  1132 . In operable position, the vertical edge  1130  is oriented proximal to the shooter&#39;s neck. Consequently, the angled edge  1132  projects out over the shooter&#39;s shoulder, towards the arm. In this alterative embodiment of the present invention the cuts  1116  are arranged to form inner tabs  1118  along all or a portion of the vertical edge  1130  of the force-distribution member  1114  and outer tabs  1120  along all or a portion of the angled edge  1132  of the force-distribution member  1114 .  
         [0041]     Because the tabs are attached to the remainder of the force-distribution member  1114  in only one axis, the tab portion(s)  1118  have greater flexibility along their length and can flex independently from the remainder of the force distribution member  1114 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  represents a frontal view of the force-distribution member  1114  disposed on the cushioned portion  104  of user  102  in operable position  1000 . The force-distribution member  1114  is configured to approximately conform to the general shape of the cushioned portion  104  of user  102 . It should be noted that the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 8  is provided for the sake of clarity and is a non-limiting example. In the alternative embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 8 , the inner tabs  1118  are shaped along the dashed line  1134  such that, in operable position, the inner tabs  1118  protrude generally outward from the user  102 , and more specifically the inner tabs protrude outward and away from the shooting shoulder  108  of the user. Alternatively, the inner tabs  1118  may be angled or curved upward from the front surface  1115  of the force-distribution member  1114  to an angle, compound angle, or arc approximately between ten (10) degrees and ninety (90) degrees. For the purposes of this disclosure, an angle, compound angle, or arc will be collectively referred to as an angle. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the tabs may be shaped at different angles. As a non-limiting example, the inner tabs  1118  may be shaped such that the inner tabs  1118  approximately follows the angle formed at the juncture of the shooter&#39;s neck and shoulder. Also alternatively, the force-distribution member  1114  may also be shaped along dashed line  1135  such that the portion  1137 , delineated by dashed lines  1134  and  1135 , generally protrudes away from the user  102  such that in operable position the force-distribution member generally conforms to the cushioned portion  104  of the user&#39;s shoulder when in operable position  1000 . In some embodiments of the present invention the outer tabs  1120  can be formed to generally protrude outward from the user at an angle approximately between ten (10) degrees and ninety (90) degrees. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the tabs  1118  and/or tabs  1120  may be shaped at different angles. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention the force distribution member  1114  has the same overall shape as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , but instead with edges that are entire with no tabs formed therein. For this alternative embodiment of the present invention the grooves  1116  are eliminated.  
         [0043]     In additional alternative embodiments of the present invention, the force-distribution member  1114  is configured to approximately conform to the vertical contour of the cushioned portion  104  of the user  102 , which is illustrated by the dashed line  1136 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer tabs  1120  extend generally outward and approximately parallel to the users front side  106 .  
         [0044]     All configurations of the present invention, wherein part or all of the edges  1130  and  1132  of the force-distribution member  1114  are formed to angle away from the recoil-receiving cushioned portion  104  of the user&#39;s shoulder, are intended to be within the scope of this invention. All configurations of the present invention wherein a portion of, or all of the force-distribution member  1114  is formed to approximately conform to the contours of the cushioned portion  104  of the user&#39;s shoulder are within the scope of this invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a recoil reducer  1100  in operable position  1000  on the user  102  (represented by the dotted line), comprised of the force-distribution member  1114 , and a compressible member  1118 . The inner tabs  1118 , which may be defined by the grooves (or cuts)  1116  in the force-distribution member  1114 , are shown protruding away from the front surface  1115  of the recoil distribution member  1114 . The vertical axis of the recoil reducer  1100  is formed to follow the contour of the shooter&#39;s shoulder. The compressible member  118  cushions the shooter  102  against the backward thrust of a recoiling object. The compressible member  118  can be made from a variety of materials that elastically deform under pressure, including, but not limited to, Poron (manufactured by Rogers Corporation), other high density Ployurethane foams, low density Polyurethane foams, Urethane foams, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate foam, Nitrile Vinyl foams, Vinyl foams, Polyvinylchloride foams, neoprene foams, rubber foams, and other closed or open celled foams, soft rubber, or materials with viscoelastic properties. The compressible member  118  may be of uniform or varying thickness and may be constructed of one or multiple pieces with differing thicknesses, densities, and compression and rebound characteristics. Alternatively, the compressible member  118  can generally conform to the contour of the cushioned portion  104  of the shooter&#39;s shoulder. In other embodiments of the present invention, the compressible member  118  can generally conform to the shape of the force-distribution member  1114 . The thickness of the compressible member  118  can also be varied to suit specific applications. The total thickness of the compressible member  118  will range from less than 0.100″ to 1.50″ or more.  
         [0046]     As illustrated by  FIG. 1 , the surface area of a butt stock of a longarm represented by the dashed line  110  is smaller than the surface area of the force-distribution member  114 . In some embodiments, the surface area of the compressible member  118  is approximately the same as the surface area of the force-distribution member  114 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein all or a portion of the surface area of the compressible member  118  is greater than the surface area of the force-distribution member  114 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 11  illustrates an additional alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the surface area of the compressible member  118  is less than the surface area of the force-distribution member  114 . All embodiments wherein the surface area of the compressible member  118  is greater than, equal to, or less than the surface area of the force-distribution member  114  are intended to be within the scope of this invention.  
         [0049]      FIG. 12 , a cross-sectional view seen from above, illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the surface area of the first compressible member  118  is smaller than the force-distribution member  114  and a second compressible member  119  is larger than the force-distribution member  114 . In operable position, compressible member  119  is positioned against the shooter&#39;s shoulder, and force-distribution member  114  receives the butt stock of the longarm. All embodiments with more that one compressible member  118 , one or more of which differs in size and/or shape from the others is intended to be within the scope of this invention. All embodiments with more that one compressible member, wherein one or more of the compressible members differs from the others in material, thickness, cushioning and rebound characteristics are intended to be within the scope of this invention.  
         [0050]      FIG. 12  also illustrates a preferred embodiment where both the inner tabs  1118  and the outer tabs  1120  are formed to generally protrude outward from the user at an angle approximately between ten (10) degrees and ninety (90) degrees. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the tabs  1118  and/or tabs  1120  may be shaped at different angles.  
         [0051]     The force-distribution member  114 , in conjunction with the compressible member  118 , distributes the recoil force over a surface area greater than the impinging portion of the recoiling longarm (see  FIG. 1 , where the dashed line  110  represents the surface area of the butt stock, which is the portion of the longarm that delivers recoil force to the shooter  102 , when the longarm is discharged.). The recoil-reducer  100  distributes the recoil force from the discharging longarm over a surface area greater than the surface area of the butt stock of the longarm. Consequently, the shooter  102  receives a smaller force applied per unit area when using the recoil-reducer  100 . The end of a butt stock is typically an elongated oval shape, with an area of 4 to 6 square inches for longarms normally used by youths and an area of 6 to 12 square inches for longarms normally used by adults. A child&#39;s model of the recoil-reducer  100  typically ranges from an area of approximately 9 square inches to approximately 20 square inches. For a model used by an adult, the surface area of the recoil-reducer  100  typically ranges from approximately 17.5 square inches to approximately 75 square inches or more. Typically, the minimum ratio between the surface area of an adult-sized recoil-reducer  100  and the surface area of an adult sized butt stock of a longarm is approximately 1.5, and the minimum ratio between youth sized recoil-reducers and youth sized longarms is also approximately 1.5.  
         [0052]     Because the recoil reducer  100  is interposed between the butt stock and the shooter, the firearm must be extended by the thickness of the recoil reducer  100  from the shooter. Thus, the thinner the total thickness of the recoil reducer  100  the more convenient it is to use. Typically, the thickness of the recoil reducer  100 , including the pouch  112 , would range from an approximate minimum of 0.125 inch to an approximate maximum of 3.00 inches or more. In this way, by using the same fundamental principles the present invention can be fashioned in a thin-flexible configuration to suit the needs of high volume-low recoil user up to a virtually rigid-maximum thickness configuration for users of heavy recoiling firearms.  
         [0053]     All configurations wherein one or more of the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are of uniform thickness are intended to be within the scope of this invention. All configurations wherein one or more of the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are of varying thickness are also intended to be within the scope of this invention  
         [0054]     All configurations wherein one or more of the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are flat are intended to be within the scope of this invention. All configurations wherein one or more of the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are shaped to conform to the contours of the cushioned portion  104  of the user&#39;s body are also intended to be within the scope of this invention. All configurations wherein one or more of the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are shaped to conform to the contours of the recoil-imparting device (e.g., butt stock) are intended to be within the scope of this invention.  
         [0055]     All configurations wherein the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are fixedly attached to each other are within the scope of this invention. All configurations wherein the components of the recoil-reducer  100  are not fixedly attached to each other are also within the scope of this invention.  
         [0056]     All configurations wherein the compartment of the pouch  112  is permanently closed are within the scope of this invention. All configurations wherein the compartment of the pouch  112  is temporarily closed are within the scope of this invention. All configurations wherein the compartment of the pouch  112  is open are within the scope of this invention.  
         [0057]     In another alternative embodiment of the present invention the recoil-reducer  100  is removably attached to or suspended from the butt of a gun.  
         [0058]     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred”, “exemplary”, or “alternative” embodiments disclosed herein, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. It should also be appreciated that any particular embodiment may include only some of the various aspects of the present invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention.