Abstract:
A magnetic supporting device can include a body having a generally triangular shape with a magnet or set of magnets positioned in each corner of the bottom surface of the body. Because of its shape and the positioning of the magnets, the bottom surface of the body can be placed on uneven surfaces while still retaining contact between each magnet and the surface. In this way, the supporting device can be coupled to the surface with sufficient strength to allow many different items such as guns, fishing rods, and bows to be supported against or even hung vertically from the device. The supporting device can include a support structure that extends from a top surface of the supporting device. The support structure can form a number of channels and slots within which items such as guns and fishing rods can be placed. The magnetic nature of the device can also secure it to the hood of a vehicle for use as a rest while shooting a gun, or support optical devices such as cameras, scopes, and other attachable items.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Outdoor sportsmen oftentimes travel by vehicle to engage in an outdoor activity such as hunting or fishing. In such cases, upon arriving at a desired location, a sportsman will typically remove a gun, fishing rod, bow or other item from the vehicle and place the item on or against the vehicle. However, because many of such items are constructed of metal or other hard materials, the vehicle is likely to be scratched. 
     Additionally, a vehicle does not provide many adequate surfaces for supporting such items. For example, if a gun is leaned against the side of a vehicle, it is likely to tip over thereby increasing the likelihood of scratching or, more seriously, the likelihood that the gun will fire inadvertently. 
     Various supporting devices have been created for use outdoors. For example, United States Patent Publication No. 2008/0087785 by Phillip Roche discloses an object support that includes a magnetic sheet for attaching the object support to the side of a vehicle. Various problems exist with Roche&#39;s design including that the magnetic sheet does not function well when attached to an uneven surface and only provides sufficient force to support items that are placed on the ground and leaned against the object support. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention extends to a magnetic supporting device for use outdoors. A supporting device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include a body having a generally triangular shape with a pivoting or fixed magnet, or set of pivoting or fixed magnets positioned in each corner of the bottom surface of the body. Because of its shape and the positioning of the magnets, the bottom surface of the body can be placed on uneven surfaces while still retaining contact between each magnet and the surface. In this way, the supporting device can be coupled to the surface with sufficient strength to allow many different items to be supported against or even hung from the device. 
     The supporting device can include a support structure that extends from a top surface of the supporting device. The support structure can form a number of channels and slots within which items such as guns and fishing rods can be placed or suspended. The support structure may also include an exposed magnet or magnetic surface to which a knife or other steel item can be magnetically attached. In some instances, the support structure further includes an integrated mounting system for attaching a camera, spotting scope, fly tying vice, or other component that is capable of being attached to, or supported by the mounting system. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a magnetic supporting device that includes a body having a triangular shape, a substantially flat bottom surface and a curved top surface. The magnetic supporting device also includes one or more pivoting magnets positioned in each corner of the triangular shape on the bottom surface of the body. A bottom surface of each magnet is spaced from the bottom surface of the body. The supporting device also includes a support structure that extends upwardly from the top surface of the body. The support structure includes one or more outwardly protruding structures for supporting an item when the item is placed in contact with the support structure. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a magnetic supporting device that includes a body having a triangular shape, a substantially flat bottom surface, and a curved top surface; one or more magnets positioned in each corner of the triangular shape on the bottom surface of the body, each magnet extending outwardly from the bottom surface to form a three point tiltable interface for coupling the magnetic supporting device to a surface; and a support structure that extends upwardly from the top surface of the body, the support structure including one or more protruding structures for vertically supporting an item. In some instances, the one or more protruding structures support an item such that the item is suspended above the ground surface. In some instances, the magnetic interface between the support structure and the surface (such as a side of vehicle) is sufficiently strong enough to support a suspended position of an item that is coupled to, or otherwise supported by the support structure. In some instances, the one or more protruding structures is sufficiently strong enough to support a suspended position of an item that is coupled to, or otherwise supported by the one or more protruding structures. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a magnetic supporting device that includes a body having a triangular shape, a substantially flat bottom surface, and a curved top surface; one or more magnets positioned in each corner of the triangular shape on the bottom surface of the body, a bottom surface of each magnet being spaced from the bottom surface of the body; and a support structure that extends upwardly from the top surface of the body, the support structure including a first protruding structure positioned on one side of the top surface, a second protruding structure positioned on an opposite side of the top surface, and a third protruding structure positioned between the first and second protruding structures. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of a magnetic supporting device that includes a supporting structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the magnetic supporting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of the magnetic supporting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a left side view of the magnetic supporting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a front view of the magnetic supporting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates side top view of a magnetic supporting device having an interchangeable supporting structure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a threaded mount that can be included within a protrusion of the supporting structure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates that the supporting structure can include a magnet for securing a knife or other magnetic item to the supporting structure; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates the magnetic supporting device when used to hang an item while the device is attached to the side of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a detailed view of the hook in an extended position. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the magnetic supporting device when used to support a gun and a scope while the device is placed on the hood of a vehicle; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the magnetic supporting device when used to support a gun and fishing rod while the device is attached to the side of a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-5  illustrate various views of a magnetic supporting device  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Supporting device  100  comprises a body  101  having a generally triangular shape. Body  101  can be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic or metal. A top surface of body  101  can have a generally curved or convex shape. In some embodiments, the outer surfaces of body  101  can be coated with a rubber material. 
     A bottom surface of body  101  can be substantially flat. As best shown in  FIG. 3 , a magnet or set of magnets  106   a - 106   c  can be positioned in each of the three corners of the triangular shaped bottom surface. In some instances, magnets  106   a - 106   c  are rigidly fixed to the bottom surface. In other instances, magnets  106   a - 106   c  are pivotally coupled to the bottom surface, wherein each magnet may pivot about a central axis or connection point to achieve an optimal interface with a compatible surface, such as the side of a vehicle. In some embodiments, such as is shown in  FIG. 4 , magnets  106   a - 106   c  can protrude from the bottom surface so that when supporting device  100  is placed on a surface, the bottom surface of the device will be spaced from the surface. Because of this spacing and the triangular arrangement of the magnets, when supporting device  100  is placed on an uneven surface, each magnet  106   a - 106   c  can still make contact with the surface. In other words, magnets  106   a - 106   c  provide a three point tiltable interface for coupling supporting device  100  to a surface. In some embodiments, more precise contact between the magnets and the surface may be achieved by providing a pivoting connection between magnets  106   a - 106   c  and the bottom surface of supporting device  100 . In this way, supporting device  100  can still be coupled to an uneven surface with its full magnetic force. 
     Magnets  106   a - 106   c  can comprise any suitable magnetic material. However, to provide the greatest magnetic coupling force, magnets  106   a - 106   c  can comprise rare earth magnets such as neodymium or samarium-cobalt magnets. In some embodiments, magnets  106   a - 106   c  can be coated in a non-abrasive material such as rubber to prevent scratching of a surface to which supporting device  100  is coupled as well as to inhibit sliding of supporting device  100  while secured to the surface. To facilitate removing supporting device  100  from a surface, a loop  105  may extend from a front edge of body  101 . Because loop  105  is positioned at the front edge of body  101 , an upward force applied to loop  105  will cause magnet  106   c  to decouple prior to magnets  106   a ,  106   b  thereby reducing the force required to fully remove supporting body  100  from the surface. 
     Supporting device  100  also comprises a support structure  102  that extends outwardly from the top surface of body  101 . Support structure  102  can be formed of a flexible, resilient material such as foam or rubber and can include a number of channels and slots within which items such as guns and fishing rods can be placed. By using a resilient material, items such as fishing hooks can be partially inserted into support structure  102  for temporary storage. In some embodiments, support structure  102  comprises a semi-rigid rubber material and further comprises a thin layer of resilient material  109 , such as neoprene or sportsman foam that is added to one or more surfaces of support structure  102 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, resilient material  109  provides a surface that may be used to temporarily store a fishing hook, such as during the process of attaching fishing line to the hook. 
     Support structure  102  may further include one or more fishing line clamps  111 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, 5B and 7 . In some instances, clamp  111  comprises a slit that is located through or in one or more surfaces of support structure  102 . Clamp  111  may be temporarily opened by bending or otherwise manipulating the portion of support structure  102  on which clamp  111  is located. The resilient nature of the material of support structure  102  causes clamp  111  to close once support structure  102  is released. In some embodiments, fishing line  113  is positioned and maintained within clamp  111 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some instances, fishing line  113  is inserted into clamp  111  by simply aligning fishing line  113  with the opening of clamp  111  and forcing fishing line  113  into clamp  111 . The opening and width of clamp  111  is less than the diameter of fishing line  113 , and as such fishing line  113  is maintained within clamp  111  when clamp  111  is in a closed or released position. Once within clamp  111 , the free end of fishing line  113  may be accessed by a user without fear of dropping or otherwise losing control of the free end. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , support structure  102  can comprise three protruding structures: protruding structure  102   a  positioned on a left side of body  101 , protruding structure  102   b  positioned in the center of body  101 , and protruding structure  102   c  positioned on a right side of body  101 . Due to the curved top surface of body  101 , protruding structures  102   a - 102   c  can be positioned at different heights. 
     A channel  102   d  can be formed between protruding structures  102   a ,  102   b . Likewise, a channel  102   e  can be formed between protruding structures  102   b ,  102   c . A similar channel  102   b   1  may also be formed within protruding structure  102   b . Channels  102   b   1 ,  102   d ,  102   e  can be used to support a gun, bow, or other relatively larger item while supporting device  100  is attached to a magnetic surface including the side or hood of a vehicle. The curved top surface of body  101  causes channels  102   b   1 ,  102   d ,  102   e  to be at different heights to allow different sized items to be supported properly. 
     Protruding structures  102   a - 102   c  may also include a number of slots within which fishing rods, arrows, or other relatively smaller items can be placed and/or secured while supporting device  100  is attached to a magnetic surface. For example, protruding structures  102   a ,  102   c  each include a central slot  102   a   1 ,  102   c   1  having a width that conforms to the width of a standard fishing rod. Because support structure  102  can be formed of a resilient, flexible material, a fishing rod or similar item can be compressed within slots  102   a   1 ,  102   c   1  to substantially secure the fishing rod or other item to supporting device  100 . In some instances, this can allow a fishing rod to be hung from supporting device  100 . In other instances, a middle portion of the fishing rod is supported by device  100  while a terminal end of the fishing rod is supported on the ground. Similarly, slots  102   b   2 ,  102   b   3  can be formed on opposite sides of protruding structure  102   b . Slots  102   b   2 ,  102   b   3  can have an initially decreasing width that transitions into a circular end portion having a diameter that conforms to the diameter of an standard arrow. Because of the flexibility of protruding structure  102   b , a fishing rod or other similarly sized item can be snapped into slots  102   b   2 ,  102   b   3  and secured within the circular end portion. In some instances, at least one of slots  102   a   1 ,  102   b   2 ,  102   b   3  and  102   c   1  are sized to receive and retain the leg of a harvested game bird, thereby suspending the bird from the device. 
     As discussed above, in some instances protruding structures  102   a - 102   c  may further include a fishing line clamp  111 . Clamp  111  can be used to securely hold a fishing leader line while attaching a hook. Thus, the fishing rod may be secured in one of slots  102   a   1 ,  102   b   2 ,  102   b   3 ,  102   c   1  while the fishing line is secured in clamp  111 . 
     In some embodiments, slots  102   d ,  102   b   1  and  102   e  comprise varying depths, as shown. The varying depths permit slots  102   d ,  102   b   1  and  102   e  to support objects of various lengths without requiring the vertical position of supporting device  100  to be adjusted. For example, an object having a shorter length may be supported in slot  102   e  while an object having a longer length is simultaneously supported in slot  102   b   1 . An object having a middle length may also simultaneously be supported in slot  102   d.    
     In some instances, slots  102   d ,  102   b   1  and  102   e  comprise a wedged or tapered shape, wherein the sidewalls of slots  102   c ,  102   b   1  and  102   e  taper outwardly from top surface of body  101 . The wedge shape of slots  102   d ,  102   b   1  and  102   e  are provided to support objects of various shapes and sizes. For example, in some instances the wedge shape is provided to support a gun barrel or the fore end of a gun stock. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , in some embodiments body  101  further comprises a channel  115  configured to receive a removable support structure  117 . In some instances, channel  115  is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of removable support structures  117 . In some embodiments, removable support structure  117  is slidably inserted and retained within channel  115 . Some embodiments further comprise a keyed interface between channel  115  and removable support structure  117 , as shown. In some instances, a removable support structure is provided having various surfaces and structures that are optimized for a particular sport, such as fishing. In other instances, a removable support device is provided having a variety of pieces that may be selectively removed or altered by a user to customize the surfaces and structure of the support device to one or more particular sports. Removable support surface  117  may further comprise a secondary support surface (not shown) that may be exposed for use by inserting removable support surface  117  into channel  115  in an inverted orientation, whereby the presently exposed support surface  117  is positioned within channel  115  and a secondary support surface (not shown) extends outwardly from the top surface of body  101 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in some embodiments, supporting device  100  can include a light  103  that is embedded within the top surface of body  101 . A switch  103   a  can also be positioned on the top surface of body  101  for controlling the functionality of light  103 . In some embodiments, light  103  may be removably attached to body  101  so that light  103  can be used separately from supporting device  100 . Light  103  can have different modes of operation such as different levels of brightness, different colors of light, etc. Such modes could be controlled via switch  103   a  or another input device. In some embodiments, light  103  can be configured to pivot within body  101  to provide light at different angles without moving supporting device  100 . In some instances, light  103  provides supplemental light for loading gun ammunition, connecting fishing hooks and rods, and/or field dressing game animals in low light conditions. These types of activities are often performed in low light conditions due to the requirements of various outdoor activities, and as such light  103  may assist the user while these types of activities or tasks are carried out. 
     In some embodiments, supporting device  100  can also include a hook  104  which can be used to hang items from supporting device  100  while the supporting device is coupled to a surface. Hook  104  can be configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position. For example, as best shown in  FIG. 2 , hook  104  can be positioned against the top surface of body  101  when the hook is not in use. When in the open position, hook  104  provides a hanging surface which may be used to support a variety of items, including but not limited to a bow, a jacket, a camera strap, car keys, and the like. In some embodiments, the top surface of body  101  can include a groove within which hook  104  sits when in the closed position. In some embodiments, hook  104  can be coated with a rubber material to better secure items hung therefrom and/or to prevent damage to such items. In some embodiments, loop  105  can also be used to hang an item from supporting device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, support structure  102  can incorporate a threaded mount to allow an item such as a camera, camcorder, scope, or fly tying vice to be mounted to supporting device  100 . For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a threaded mount  107  that is incorporated into protruding structure  102   a  adjacent slot  102   a   1 . Threaded mount  107  can be configured to accept a threaded adapter (e.g., a tripod screw) to allow supporting device  100  to function similar to a tripod. In some embodiments, an adapter for mounting a fly tying vice to threaded mount  107  can also be provided. Such an adapter can include a screw on one end for inserting into threaded mount  107  and an adapter on the other end that is configured to attach to a fly tying vice. 
     In some embodiments, support structure  102  can include one or more magnets to allow a magnetic item to be secured directly to the support structure. For example, in  FIG. 7 , a knife is shown secured to a magnet  701  that is positioned along the side of protruding structure  102   c . Other items such as forceps, pliers, or line cutters could also be secured to support structure  102  via magnet  701 . Magnet  701  could be embedded within protruding structure  102   c  or could be attached to an exterior surface of protruding structure  102   c . In embodiments where magnet  701  is attached to the surface of support structure  102 , magnet  701  can be coated with a rubber or other material to protect items that may be secured thereto. In some embodiments, a magnet may additionally or alternatively be positioned on the top surface of body  101 . 
     As stated above, supporting device  100  can be coupled to any magnetic surface whether horizontal or vertical and used to support a number of items.  FIGS. 8-10  illustrate various examples of how supporting device  100  can be used. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates supporting device  100  when attached to the side of a vehicle  130  via magnets  106   a - 106   c . Supporting device  100  is oriented with its back end facing up so that when hook  104  is pivoted into the open position, it can be used to hang an item, as discussed above. A detailed view of the extended position of hook  104  is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     For example, if a sportsman were hunting or fishing, hook  104  could be used to hang a bird or fish. If a sportsman were bow hunting, hook  104  may be used to support the sportsman&#39;s bow  121 . At the same time, a gun may be supported within one of channels  102   b   1 ,  102   d ,  102   e  while a fishing rod may be supported in slots  102   a   1 ,  102   b   2 ,  102   b   3 ,  102   c   1 . Similarly, hook  104  could be used to hang keys, binoculars, a jacket, a fishing or shooting vest, a gear box, sunglasses, or any other item. 
     In one embodiment, device  100  is positioned on vehicle  130  at a height sufficient to support an item (such as bow  121 ) at a position that is suspended above the ground surface. As such, the item is prevented from touching the ground. In one embodiment, magnets  106   a - 106   c  are sufficiently strong, and provide a sufficient magnetic interface with vehicle  130  to support the weight of the item or items coupled to hook  104 , as well as other items that may be coupled to or supported by support surface  102 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates supporting device  100  when placed on the hood of a vehicle. In this position, one of channels  102   b   1 ,  102   d ,  102   e  could be used to support the barrel of a gun during a shot. The differing heights of channels  102   b   1 ,  102   d ,  102   e  can facilitate use of supporting device  100  to support guns of different sizes and lengths. A telescopic or spotting scope  902  is also mounted to protruding structure  102   a  via threaded mount  107 . Similarly, a camera or camcorder could be mounted to protruding structure  102   a  to capture the shot. Magnets  106   a - 106   c  secure supporting device  100  to the hood to prevent it from sliding. Light  103  could also be turned on to illuminate and facilitate a shot at in dark or low light conditions. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates supporting device  100  when attached to the side of a vehicle via magnets  106   a - 106   c  in a similar orientation as shown in  FIG. 8 . However, in  FIG. 10 , hook  104  is in a closed position. A gun  1001  is supported within channel  102   e  while a fishing rod is snapped into slot  102   b   2 . In this orientation, support structure  102  could also be used to support a phone by placing the phone on top of support structure  102  and leaning it against the top surface of body  101 . The phone could then be used to take a timed picture of sportsmen or game. 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to use supporting device  100  on a non-magnetic surface. Accordingly, various attachments can be provided to configure supporting device  100  for coupling to such surfaces. For example, for coupling supporting device  100  to a non-magnetic smooth surface such as when a vehicle includes a plastic or aluminum surface, suction cup adapters can be provided. Each suction cup adapter can include a magnetic side for coupling the adapter to one of magnets  106   a - 106   c  and a suction cup side for securing the adapter to the surface. In some embodiments, one or more of the suction cup adapters may be interconnected. 
     A strap adapter may be provided to allow supporting device  100  to be coupled to a tree or other large structure. The strap adapter may comprise a magnetic frame that secures to magnets  106   a - 106   c  and to which an adjustable strap is coupled. The adjustable strap can be wrapped around a tree or similar structure and tightened until supporting device  100  is held firmly against the structure. Supporting device  100  can then be used as described above such as is shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . 
     A mounting adapter may be provided to allow supporting device  100  to be mounted to a bumper or roll bar of a utility vehicle, including an all tertian or side-by-side vehicle. Similar to the strap adapter, the mounting adapter can include a magnetic frame that secures to magnets  106   a - 106   c . The mounting adapter can also include a mounting bracket that can be tightened around a rod-shaped object such as a bumper or roll bar to secure supporting device  100  to the object. Once secured, supporting device  100  can be used in any of the ways described above. 
     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.