Abstract:
An inflatable and adjustable shock absorption system including a shock absorption unit with interacting, force-dispersing dimple arrays and an intervening, reversibly inflatable air bladder.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to accessories for firearms, or accessories for hunters and shooters, and more specifically to devices that dampen the recoil effects of a discharging firearm. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    When a firearm is discharged, there is a “kick,” or recoil. Recoil is the backward kick or force produced by a gun is discharged. The inevitable recoil is equal to the derivative of the backward momentum resulting upon discharge. 
         [0005]    Recoil of a firearm has been associated with poor shooting ability because of flinching. In other words, the way in which the shooter anticipates, perceives and compensates the shock or pain of recoil can have a significant impact on the shooter&#39;s experience and performance. It may also lead to a loss of the desire to shoot larger firearms, which may be more effective for certain purposes. So, if a gun “kicks like a mule,” then the shooter may approach a firearm with too much caution, as he or she will anticipate the recoil and overcompensate as the shot is being fired. This overcompensation may manifest as a jerking motion that can disturb the alignment of the gun and result in a miss. 
         [0006]    This perception of recoil is related to the momentum associated with a particular gun. The total force of recoil is associated with the momentum of a gun. This momentum is the product of the firearm&#39;s mass and the backwards (recoil) velocity of the gun. Therefore, for a given load, a heavier firearm, i.e., a gun with more mass, will have less momentum upon firing and be directly perceived as having a smaller recoil. Reducing the initial jolt, the rate and/or extent of rearward displacement, and/or any internal impacts in the operating parts of a firearm can reduce the shooter&#39;s perception of recoil and may also work to extend the life of the mechanism and its parts. 
         [0007]    In an attempt to control or lessen the felt recoil, manufacturers employ different techniques and technologies. A recoil buffer or arrestor is a factory-installed or aftermarket component of firearms, which serves to reduce the velocity of and/or cushion the impact of recoiling parts of a firearm. The simplest form is just a type or variation of resilient/deformable material, like leather pads, gel pads, closed cell foam pads, the rubber butt pad of a shotgun, recoild pads mounted on stocks, or the newer “Navcom” (Noise and Vibration Control Material) shoulder pads. With closed cell foam systems the recoil simply “imprints” the pads in a very localized area, and although the recoil is softened, it still results in “felt recoil” in a very confined region. The gel, leather and Navcom pads have similar problems reducing recoil, and are still inadequate in dissipating the recoil energy as they cannot effectively disperse it broadly. 
         [0008]    Another means to control or lessen the felt recoil is via muzzle breaks on the end of a barrel, which can increase the harmful decibel levels by approximately 30%. Such a dramatic acoustic concussion can cause hearing loss to the shooter and to those in the vicinity. In fact, a PH or Guide would prefer that a hunter not arrive in camp with a recoil arrestor on the barrel, which can cause tinnitus, if not permanent hearing loss. 
         [0009]    3. Background Art 
         [0010]    Current devices or pads are inadequate at effectively dampening recoil, or widely dispersing the recoil, or limited in their scope of application. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,562, entitled “Liquid filled vibration isolating device” and issued to Takashima on Jul. 10, 2001, is a liquid filled vibration isolating device which is mainly used for supporting a vibration generating body. Significantly, the &#39;562 patent uses a liquid filled device to support an engine or other vibrating part of the automobile, in order to separate the vibration from other components such as the transmission or body of the vehicle. 
         [0012]    U.S. Patent Application No. 20060254112, entitled “Double air valve recoil dampener for firearms” and filed by Snoderly on May 13, 2005, is a device that uses a dual piston system mounted on the butt section of a firearm. As the gun discharges, the recoil allows air to escape from the holes in the bottom of each cylinder. Significantly, the proposed invention is not mounted on the stock, but worn on the body and utilizes a different method of dissipation of the energy force. In the Snoderly application, the force is still directly in line with the butt section of the stock dampener. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,152,356 B2, entitled “Recoil reducing accessories for firearms” and issued to Sims on Dec. 26, 2006, is a firearm accessory that uses a pad on the shoulder of the shooter made of a viscoelastic material and a complementary component mounted on the butt section of the stock of the gun. It also utilizes a mushroom-like configuration defined by a head and stem, which can move in 360 degrees to dampen the recoil. Their “pneumatic compression” is in sealed compartments and are not adjustable. The elastomeric pad on the shoulder only cushions the impact by elastic compression of small stems, which are free to move 360 degrees. One major drawback of this type of design is that it maintains the impact still in line with the butt section of the stock. In other words, it will imprint the recoil in line with the stock on the shooters shoulder. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,277 B2, entitled “Recoil reducing accessories for firearms” and issued to Sims on Jun. 6, 2006, is similar to the &#39;356 patent. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,333, entitled “Recoil reducing accessories for firearms” and issued to Sims on Dec. 20, 2005 is similar to the &#39;356 patent. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,466, B2 is entitled “Fluid-elastomeric damper assembly including internal pumping mechanism” and issued to Russell on Jul. 6, 2004. The mechanical properties, materials, and intent for use of the &#39;466 patent are different than the proposed invention. The &#39;466 patent uses fluid to reduce motion between two structures, such as the moveable rotor and body of an aircraft. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,547, B2, entitled “Firearm recoil dampening assembly” and issued to Poff on Feb. 3, 2004, uses a recoil reduction system related to the bolt and stock. It specifically utilizes shock absorbers and spacers between the bolt and stock. It is therefore not worn like the proposed invention and utilizes a totally different technology. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,813, entitled “Air Coil” and issued to Mazzola on Jan. 1, 2000, is a recoil pad for a shoulder gun such as a rifle or shotgun having a compressible pad on the butt of the stock to absorb and cushion the shock to the shooter when the gun is fired. Specifically, this patent utilizes a recoil pad attached to the butt section of the stock and uses elastomeric material and a closed-cell-foam containing an air, fluid, or gas. An embodiment was a bladder and pump for inflation of the recoil pad at the will of the shooter. However, the pad of this &#39;813 patent will still “imprint” the shoulder in the dimensions of the stock as it contacts the skin. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,118, B2, entitled “Fluid filled vibration damping device” and issued to Maeno on Jun. 19, 2007, is a fluid filled vibration-damping device that includes an elastic body disposed between a first mounting member and a second mounting member and partially defines a fluid chamber having a non-compressible fluid sealed therein. This patent exhibits vibration damping action on the basis of flow action of the non-compressible fluid created within the fluid chamber during vibration input. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,641, entitled “Recoil pad” and issued to Johnson on May 8, 1990, is an improved recoil pad for attachment to the butt end of a firearm&#39;s stock. A series of springs, preferably helical, are utilized to reduce the transfer of recoil energy to the shooter. Interior air is released through air channels to reduce the forces opposing compression of the recoil pad. Further, the pad utilized compressible foam to aid in overall compressibility. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,774,060, entitled “Foam recoil pad for firearms” and issued to Hodge on Nov. 30, 1993, is a recoil pad for attachment to a firearm buttstock of the type having a retaining sleeve and an end wall that communicate to form a unitary boot. The sleeve and wall are constructed of similar density foam material, so as to absorb recoil upon the discharge of the firearm. The predetermined exterior dimension of the unitary boot is substantially larger than the dimension of rifle buttstock. This increased area allows the pad to disperse recoil impact more effectively. Significantly, the &#39;060 patent uses a cap or sleeve attached to the butt section of a firearm stock. There is a pneumatic chamber which in the sleeve which allows air to be inserted with a needle. Upon withdrawal of the needle the opening formed automatically closes. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,438,142, entitled “Recoil pad device” and issued to Brower on Dec. 28, 2004, is a recoil pad device that includes a pad having a working surface that increases by more than approximately 15% when moving from a first condition in which the pad is pressed against a shooter and a second condition when the firearm is fired. This patent also uses a pad placed on the butt section of a firearm stock. Air is compressed out of the tubes or “valves” as the gun recoils. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,360, entitled “Cushioned Shoulder Pad for Rifle or Shotgun” and issued to Vatterott on Dec. 27, 1994, uses a recoil pad fitted to the butt section of a firearm and another pad pressed against a shoulder of the shooter. The pads “interfit” with each other. When the gun discharges, a seal is effected between the pads and compress the air causing a cushioning effect and compression springs and eventually restores the pad members to their original position after the recoil. 
         [0023]    However, to date, no pad or device both effectively dampens the recoil and widely disperses the recoil via a device that can be readily inflated into the pad to any desired degree. The internal circular material, which is very rigid and made of a low density polyethylene material with “memory,” makes contact with each other at the apex or top of the opposing circle to spread the impact 360 degrees from the point of the impact. Thus, this inflatable air system can be utilized and adjusted for a variety of recoil-sensitive users, the type of caliber or weapon selection, and the user volume and type of shooting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved firearm accessory. 
         [0025]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved air recoil suppressor that is inflatable. 
         [0026]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved air recoil suppressor using an outer low density polyethylene material and middle inflatable air system. 
         [0027]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved air recoil suppressor that can have variable inflation or deflation, depending on the need. 
         [0028]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that both dampens recoil associated with a firearm discharge and disperses the recoil compared to the other products. 
         [0029]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a single, improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that can accommodate recoil sensitivity for a variety of users. 
         [0030]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a single, improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that can accommodate a variety of calibers or weapon selections. 
         [0031]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a single, improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that can accommodate the user volume and type of shooting. 
         [0032]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a single, improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that can be fitted into any vest, shirt, jacket, or vest-like garment. 
         [0033]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a single, improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that can help the shooter avoid flinching. 
         [0034]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a single, improved, inflatable and adjustable air recoil suppressor that can improve shot placement. 
         [0035]    The inflatable air recoil suppressor of the present invention uses a uniquely designed outer low density polyethylene material and middle inflatable air system, which can be varied by the amount of air in the system depending on the need. The design and construction of the outer shell provide some rigidity and disperses the recoil by the internal dimples or circles, which if contacted with the opposing apex of the other internal dimple, will spread the recoil. It also has some “memory” and will return to its preformed shape after the recoil occurs. Specifically, by inflating the device with air or deflating some of the air in the device, the shooter or user can make the necessary adjustments with air pressure of his or her preference. The present invention not only dampens the recoil, but also widely disperses the recoil compared to the other products. The air can be inflated into the pad to the necessary degree, depending on the recoil sensitivity of the user, the caliber or weapon selection, volume or type of shooting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a front, perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a back, perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a shooting vest with an embodiment of the present invention incorporated for recoil suppression. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the shock absorption unit  12  of  FIGS. 1-3 , along line A-A, at a resting or deflated configuration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the shock absorption unit  12  of  FIGS. 1-3 , along line A-A, when a force applied shock absorption unit  12  depresses shock absorption face  22  toward face  20 , causing respective dimples to juxtapose or contact each other to further disperse forces. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of an individual dimple of the shock absorption unit  12  of  FIGS. 1-3 , 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  depicts the vest of  FIG. 4  in use. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  depicts the vest of  FIG. 4 , with the user/shooter adjusting the recoil suppression system for varying recoil suppression. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0045]    Referring principally to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the presently-envisioned recoil suppression system of the present invention is identified generally by the reference number  10 . Recoil suppression system  10  includes a recoil suppression unit  12 , a pump  14 , and (in the case of a separate pump, as is shown in the preferred embodiment), a conduit  18  which integrates recoil suppression unit  12  and pump  14 . 
         [0046]    In the depicted embodiment, pump  14  is shown as the type most commonly seen in use with a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff). However, it should be understood that alternative pumps may be substituted. Alternatives include (but are not limited to) other, manual pumps, such as is integrated into modern day basket balls, and which “pop up” for inflating operations, but which recesses into the ball between uses. Also, electric, preferably battery-powered air pumps may be used. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , recoil suppression unit  12  includes an outer shell member  16 . Shell member  16  is, in the preferred embodiment, constructed of low density polyethylene material, of approximately 0.02 (thin point at bottom of each dimple) to 0.04 (thickest point) inch in thickness. This material selection imparts a desirable balance between flexibility for shock absorption purposes and force distribution purposes, and resilience (or “memory”) for returning to a pre-use configuration between uses. Alternative materials may be used, provided they exhibit similar stiffness, memory and resiliency. 
         [0048]    Shell member  16  is, in the depicted embodiment, made from two complimentary, front and rear shell halves  20  and  22  (joined at their respective peripheries by mechanical, thermal or chemical means). It should be noted, however, that shell member  16  may be injection or blow-molded in alternative embodiments, so long as provisions are made for defining the interior space for, and encasing the embedded, to-be-discussed internal air bladder  24  therein. 
         [0049]    An air bladder member  24  resides within, and substantially fills the interior space of shell member  16 . Bladder member  24  is in sealed fluid communication with pump  18  by way of conduit  16 . A valve  17  allows the user to manually adjust the bladder air pressure, as needed or desired. 
         [0050]    The shallow (back) shell half  22  of shell member  16  is a thin flexible piece that is to be placed in contact with a user&#39;s shoulder area (or other bodily structure that is to be protected from recoil trauma). The deep (front) shell half  31  of shell member  16  provides the interior volume needed to define the shell&#39;s interior face for housing air bladder member  24  (if the air bladder is included, as in the preferred embodiment). 
         [0051]    Shell member  16  is molded to include structural ribbing  19  which maintains shell member  16 &#39;s somewhat rigid shape and defines the edges of the shock (rifle recoil) absorbing area  26 . 
         [0052]    When, as an example, recoil suppression system  10  is used with a rifle or shotgun, the shock absorbing area  26  of shell member  16  contacts the firearm&#39;s stock when it is in position for firing. This area  26  deflects to absorb and dampen shock (which is also transmitted to bladder member  24 —to be discussed in more detail below). 
         [0053]    Referring also to  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6 , shock absorbing area  26  is characterized by a plurality of shock-absorbing dimples  28 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , each of the dimples  28  of one side of shell member  16  (front half  20 , for example) radially disperses recoil forces throughout the shock absorption area of its shell half as the apex  30  or top of the dimple is compressed. Force is further dispersed as each dimple of one shell half contacts (directly, or indirectly through intervening air bladder  24 ) its respective, opposing dimple  28  of the other shell half  22  of shell member  16  at that dimple  28 &#39;s respective apex or top (assuming adequate forces are imparted to cause this degree of surface deflection) to transfer forces for similar dispersion throughout the opposing, dimpled shell half. Of course, the pliable air bladder  24  itself, when installed in preferred embodiments, absorbs and disperses some of the forces to compliment the effect of dimples  16  and maximize the effectiveness of system  10 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the apex  30  of the depicted dimple  28  is not compressed nor inverted into itself (the force which would have created this situation is not sufficient, or yet to a level to effect this deformation). In this case, or at this stage, the recoil suppression system  10  or air bladder  24  will fill the void space under impact. However, referring to  FIG. 6 , under greater impact forces, the apex portion  30  of the inverted dimple  28  collapses inward to dissipate energy in 360 degrees. The area  32  between the shell member  16  and the apex portion  30  is fluid filled in with air when the air bladder  24  expands to the area  32  under impact. After impact the low density polyethylene material will return to its memory shape. 
         [0056]    With the rigidity and resilience provided by the use of low density polyethylene, the felt pressure imparted by a firearm stock during recoil is effectively spread and dampened. The absorbing dimples  16  have a “memory” quality wherein the dimples  16  automatically reform to their original shape after collapsing to absorb the shock or recoil. 
         [0057]    Referring principally to  FIG. 3 , shell member  16  is contoured to include a molded curve  23  to allow the user to turn his or her head and neck freely during use. The low profile of the shock absorption unit  12  allows the user or shooter to raise the firearm or weapon to the appropriate position unimpeded. 
         [0058]    The slope at the top of unit  12  is parallel with the user&#39;s collar, which allows the user to turn his or her head and neck freely. In the preferred embodiment, there is also a slight extension over shoulder (like that pictured in  FIG. 3  with the air bladder). That little extension at the tubing entry has some molding over it, which further protects the shoulder. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 , embodiments of the present recoil suppression systems are presently envisioned as being optimally used with a shooting vest  40 , or similar garment (shirt, jacket, or the like). 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the front view of the embodiment of the present invention shows that the recoil suppression unit  12  can be worn in a vest, shirt, jacket, or vest-like garment  40 . The vest  40  holds the shock absorbing device  10  of the present invention, with the shock absorbing unit  12  and pump  14  being respectively positioned for most convenient use. The vest  40  for use with the present system would be provided with pockets for use by either left or right-handed shooters, with the shock absorption unit  12  being reversed in orientation relative to the user for proper, respective use. Therefore, unit  12  can be positioned on either side, by simply turning the device over, so that the shape conforms to the side used. Vest  40  features left and right pockets  42  for holding the shock absorbing unit  12  in its proper position. The hand pump pocket  44  keeps the pump  18  in an easy to reach area. The push button valve  17  is exposed for easy reach and adjustment. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the user places the rifle stock in the shock absorbing area  26  just before firing. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the user can manually inflate or deflate air via the pump  18  into the shock absorbing pad  12 , thus adjusting the desired recoil dampening, while wearing the pad  12  in the vest, shirt, jacket, or vest-like garment  70 , and holding the firearm. When the garment is provided with suitably positioned pockets, such use will assure proper positioning of the shock absorption unit  12 , as well as convenient positioning of any remotely positioned pump  14 . 
         [0063]    It should be understood that, while use of the present recoil suppression system has been discussed in the context of firearm recoil suppressions, alternative uses and embodiments will fall within the scope of the present invention. Because the present design and structure of shock absorption until  12  is, in an extraordinarily economical fashion, uniquely capable of dispersing “jarring” forces, of which firearm (rifle or shotgun) recoil is only one example, the potential, beneficial implementations of the present invention are wide and varied. Even within the firearms context, alternative embodiments may involve use in a glove, for recoil suppression for hand guns. Further still, however, embodiments of the invention may be incorporated into systems for protecting delicate items during shipping, for protecting trauma patients during transport, for protecting delicate instruments or equipment during use aboard moving vehicles or aircraft, and so on, and even for use in sports protective or industrial protection pads, helmets and devices. Therefore, although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. It is contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.