Adjustable firearm supports and associated methods of use and manufacture

Adjustable firearm supports, and more specifically adjustable bipods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a firearm support includes a stock mount assembly configured to support a forestock of the firearm and an attachment assembly carried by the stock mount assembly. The attachment assembly is configured to releasably attach to the forestock of the firearm. The firearm support also includes first and second legs operably coupled to the support plate. Each leg is pivotable between a stowed position and an extended position. In the stowed position the legs are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the firearm, and in the extended position the legs are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the firearm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to support assemblies for firearms. More specifically, several aspects of the disclosure are directed to adjustable bipod assemblies that removably attach to and support firearms.

BACKGROUND

Shooters often use firearm rests or supports to steady a firearm during target practice, accuracy testing, and hunting. Holding a firearm without a stable support may limit the shooter's ability to accurately fire the firearm. Many shooters accordingly use a support in an attempt to reduce or eliminate human movement inherent from holding the firearm. For example, shooters may place the forestock of a rifle on a front support and the buttstock of the rifle on a rear support. Alternatively, shooters may hold the buttstock and use a support only for the forestock of the rifle.

One type of support for the forestock of a rifle is a bipod support. Conventional bipod supports include attachment mechanisms that can be fixedly attached or removably attached to the forestock of the rifle. These bipods can also include legs that can be folded generally parallel to the barrel of the rifle for storage or to facilitate carrying the rifle. Examples of bipod supports are included in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,327,422; 4,470,216; 4,625,620; 4,903,425; and 5,711,103. Examples of bipod supports are also available from the following companies: Harris Engineering, Inc., Barlow, Ky. 42024 (www.harrisbipods.com); and Keng's Firearms Specialty, Inc., 875 Wharton Drive, SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30336 (www.versapod.com).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes several embodiments of supports and bipods for supporting a firearm. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to an adjustable bipod assembly that includes several components that are made from a corrosion resistant nonferrous metal or alloy such as titanium or a titanium alloy. In one embodiment, for example, the bipod assembly includes a stock mount assembly configured to support a forestock of the firearm, and an attachment assembly carried by the stock mount assembly and configured to releasably attach to the forestock of the firearm. The stock mount assembly can include a titanium support plate, and at least a portion of the attachment assembly can be titanium. The bipod assembly further includes first and second legs operably coupled to the support plate, wherein at least a portion of each of the legs can also be titanium. The legs can pivot between a stowed position in which the legs are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the firearm, and an extended position in which the legs are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the firearm. The titanium components of the bipod assembly provide a relatively lightweight bipod assembly that has corrosion resistant properties without requiring exterior surface treatment.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a bipod assembly including a stock mount assembly that is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the firearm. In one embodiment, for example, the bipod assembly includes a first plate that is operably coupled to a second plate, and a cam lever that moves a tension screw in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firearm. The tension screw is movable between a first position that locks the first plate with reference to the second plate, and a second position that allows the first plate to rotate with reference to the second plate. The bipod assembly also includes an attachment assembly that is carried by the stock mount assembly and that is configured to releasably attach to the forestock. The bipod assembly further includes first and second adjustable legs extending from the stock mount assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the bipod assembly can include a stock mount assembly including a first plate operably coupled to a second plate, and first means for locking the first plate with reference to the second plate. The bipod assembly also includes an attachment assembly carried by the stock mount assembly. The attachment assembly is configured to attach to the forestock of the firearm and includes second means for adjusting a tension of the attachment assembly. The bipod assembly further includes a pair of legs operably coupled to the first plate. Each leg includes third means for adjusting a length of the leg.

Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular terms, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from other items in reference to a list of at least two items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features or other types of features and components are not precluded.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not provide any interpretation of the scope or meaning of the claimed inventions.

B. Embodiments of Firearm Support Assemblies

FIG. 1is an isometric view of a firearm2that is attached to a firearm support assembly100(“support100”) configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the support100includes a stock mount assembly110that is configured to releasably attach to the forestock4of the firearm2. Support members or legs150(identified individually as a first leg150aand a second leg150b) extend from the stock mount assembly110and provide an adjustable support for the forestock4of the firearm2. According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the legs150are movable between a support position as shown inFIG. 1, and a stowed position as shown in broken lines. More specifically, the legs150extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis5of the firearm2when they are in the support position. The legs150can pivot relative to the stock mount assembly110to move into the stowed position in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis5of the firearm2.

FIG. 2Ais an isometric view,FIG. 2Bis a rear view,FIG. 2Cis a left side view, andFIG. 2Dis a bottom plan view of the support100ofFIG. 1. Referring toFIGS. 2A-2Dtogether, the illustrated embodiment includes a pad209carried by the stock mount assembly110. The pad209is configured to mate with the forestock4of the firearm2(FIG. 1) and can be made from a durable non-marring material (e.g., rubber, elastomer, foam, leather, etc.). According to alternative embodiments, the pad209is eliminated and a top surface of the stock mount assembly110is configured to mate with the forestock4of the firearm2(FIG. 1). An adjustment assembly230is operably coupled to the stock mount assembly110to releasably attach to the firearm2. As described in detail below with reference toFIG. 4, the attachment assembly230includes attachment members232(individually identified as a first attachment member232aand a second attachment member232b) extending through the stock mount assembly110to engage a sling swivel stud or other component of the firearm2.

The support100further includes biasing members or springs258(individually identified as a first spring258aand a second spring258b) operably coupled to the stock mount assembly110and each of the legs150. Each spring258retains the corresponding leg150in the extended position or in the stowed position (FIG. 1). As described in detail below with reference toFIG. 5, each leg150includes an upper leg portion252(individually identified as a first upper leg portion252aand a second upper leg portion252b) that slidably receives a corresponding lower leg portion254(individually identified as a first lower leg portion254aand a second lower leg portion254b). The lower leg portions254can independently slide into and out of the upper leg portions252to adjust the height of the support100or accommodate uneven terrain.

The support100also includes locking assemblies251(individually identified as a first locking assembly251aand a second locking assembly251b) that are operably coupled to the corresponding upper leg portions252to retain the lower leg portions254at a desired position extending axially from the upper leg portions252. When the legs150are in the extended position and pivoted away from the stock mount assembly110, the legs150open to an angle A (FIG. 2B). Each lower leg portion254also includes a foot255(individually identified as a first foot255aand a second foot255b) that can be made from a non-slip or resilient material (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.). In one embodiment, each foot255can be attached to the corresponding lower leg portion254without the use of a mechanical fastener. For example, the feet255can be attached to the lower leg portions254with an adhesive.

According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, the support100is relatively light weight with reference to the firearm2(FIG. 1). More specifically, and as described in detail below, several of the components of the support100can be made from a corrosion resistant nonferrous metal or alloy such as titanium or aluminum to allow the support100to be lighter than conventional firearm supports. As used herein, titanium is intended to include pure titanium and titanium alloyed materials. Moreover, the titanium components of the support100are also corrosion resistant by virtue of the material properties of titanium. Accordingly, certain components or all of the components of the support100can be made from titanium to take advantage of the high strength to weight ratio of titanium and to avoid surface treatment processing steps (e.g., anodizing) for corrosion purposes. In other embodiments, however, portions or all of the support100can be made from other materials that are suitable for firearm supports (e.g., aluminum, steel, alloys, etc.).

FIG. 3shows an isometric view of an attachment portion of the stock mount assembly110. In the illustrated embodiment, the stock mount assembly110includes a support plate308that is configured to receive the forestock4of the firearm2, as well as support the legs150and attachment assembly230. The support plate308includes side forestock support portions312(individually identified as a first forestock support portion312aand a second forestock support portion312b) extending from a middle portion311in a generally U-shaped configuration to receive the forestock4. The forestock support portions312can also be configured to carry one or more pads209(FIG. 2A).

The stock mount assembly110further includes leg support portions314(individually identified as a first leg support portion314aand a second leg support portion314b) extending at an angle from the corresponding forestock support portions312. Each leg support portion314includes a leg attachment opening315(individually identified as a first leg attachment opening315aand a second leg attachment opening315b) to receive a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, rivet, etc.) for pivotal attachment to the corresponding leg150. Each leg support portion314also includes spring flanges318(individually identified as a first spring flange318aand a second spring flange318b). Each spring flange318extends generally parallel from the corresponding leg support portion314and includes a post319(individually identified as a first post319aand a second post319b) to be operably coupled to the corresponding springs258(FIG. 2A).

Each leg support portion314also includes a brace flange316(individually identified as a first brace flange316aand a second brace flange316b). The brace flanges316extend from the leg support portions314toward each other and are attached to a brace member320. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, the brace member320is formed from a generally flat or planar piece of material. For example, in one embodiment the support plate308and the brace member320can be made from a stamping manufacturing process. In this manner, the brace member320can be made from the parent stamping material of the support plate308. According to one feature of this embodiment, the support plate308and the brace member320can be made from a corrosion resistant nonferrous metal or alloy such as titanium or aluminum.

The planar brace member320in the illustrated embodiment provides a generally flat first mounting surface301for a first label302(shown in broken lines). In certain embodiments, the first label302can include a plaque or decal with reference indicia such as a company logo, model name, specifications, advertising, etc. Moreover, the first label302can be attached to the first mounting surface301of the brace member320with an adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc. One advantage of positioning the first label302on the generally planar brace member320is that the first mounting surface301is the most visible when the attached firearm2is standing up in a gun rack. For example, when the legs150are in the stowed position and the firearm2is resting vertically in a gun rack, the first mounting surface301faces outwardly from the firearm2to display the first label302.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate308further includes stop portions322(individually identified as a first stop portion322aand a second stop portion322b) extending from the middle portion311. Each stop portion322includes a stop surface323(individually identified as a first stop surface323aand a second stop surface323b) that is configured to contact and stop the pivotal movement of the legs150when they in the stowed position (as shown inFIG. 1in broken lines).

According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment, the support plate308also includes an attachment assembly mounting portion324extending generally perpendicularly from the middle portion311between the stop portions322. The attachment assembly mounting portion324includes a slot325for receiving the adjustment assembly230(FIG. 2A), and a generally planar or flat second mounting surface327that is configured to receive a second label303. The second label303can be generally similar to the first label302and attached to the second mounting surface327with an adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stock mount assembly110also includes a screw plate321attached to the middle portion311of the support plate308proximate to the attachment assembly mounting portion324. The middle portion311also includes an opening313extending therethrough proximate to the screw plate321to receive the attachment members232of the attachment assembly230(FIG. 2A). As explained in detail below with reference toFIG. 4, the screw plate321is configured to provide a reinforcing material to adjust a tension of the attachment assembly230. In other embodiments, however, the stock mount assembly110can be configured to omit the screw plate321.

In one embodiment, the support plate308and associated portions described above can be formed from a single piece of material. More specifically, the support plate308can include a single piece of material that can be stamped and bent into the desired shape. As noted above, the brace member320can also be stamped from the same material as the support plate308. In one embodiment, the support plate308and all of its integral portions can be formed from a corrosion resistant nonferrous metal or alloy such as titanium, aluminum or a titanium alloy. In other embodiments, however, these components can be formed from other materials suitable for forming a firearm support100, such as steel or other ferrous metals and alloys.

FIG. 4shows an exploded isometric view of the attachment assembly230. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment assembly230includes tension arms440(individually identified as a first tension arm440aand a second tension arm440b) operably coupled to side arms432(individually identified as a first side arm432aand a second side arm432b). More specifically, the tension arms440are attached to each other with multiple fasteners447(shown inFIG. 4as rivets) inserted through corresponding opening441. A ring clip448is inserted through corresponding second openings442in the tension arms440. The ring clip448movably retains the tension arms440in the slot325in the attachment assembly mounting portion324of the support plate308(as best shown inFIG. 2C). Each tension arm440includes a curved middle portion443(individually identified as a first middle portion443aand a second middle portion443b) configured to accommodate a locknut446and having a slot445(individually identified as a first slot445aand a second slot445b) formed therein. The locknut446is captured between the curved portions443in the slots445, and a tension member or thumb screw447is threadably engaged with the locknut446.

A retainer pin438operably couples the side arms432to the tension arms440. More specifically, the retainer pin438is received in openings443in the tension arms440, as well as in openings435in the side arms432. A generally U-shaped retainer plate436is positioned around the side arms432and the end portions of the retainer pin438. In this manner, each side arm432can independently pivot with reference to the tension arms440. Engagement pins434(individually identified as a first engagement pin434aand a second engagement pin434b) are retained (e.g., press-fit) into corresponding openings433in the side arms432to engage and retain the forestock4of the firearm2(FIG. 1). For example, the side arms432and associated engagement pins434can be releasably attached to a sling swivel stud (not shown) on the forestock4.

In operation, the attachment assembly230is moveable relative to the stock mount assembly110to attach the support100to the firearm2. The tension arms440can pivot with reference to the attachment assembly mounting portion324of the support plate308to move the side arms432into and out of the attachment opening313(FIG. 3). When the engagement pins434are removably attached to a forestock4of a firearm2, the thumb screw447can be rotated in the locknut446to draw the side arms432and corresponding engagement pins434attached to the forestock4toward the support plate308. More specifically, an end portion of the thumb screw447can contact and rotate against the screw plate321(FIG. 3). As the thumb screw447rotates, the locknut446travels axially along the thumb screw447away from the support plate308to pull the side arms432and increase the retention force of the engagement pins434.

According to one feature of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the captured locknut446prevents the thumb screw447from backing out or inadvertently loosening when the attachment assembly is attached to a firearm2. During operation of the firearm, recoil has traditionally caused attachment mechanisms from loosening up, according to features of the illustrated embodiment, the locknut prevents the thumb screw447from backing out during operation of the firearm, while the firearm support is in a stored position, or while the firearm support is supporting the firearm. Another feature of the illustrated embodiment is that the locknut446can be a standard hardware fastener with internal threads. For example, the locknut446can be a hexagonal locknut with metallic or nylon threads. As such, the thumb screw447of the illustrated embodiment threadably engages a locknut446having predictable threads that can be formed from high-quality material. Moreover, forming the locknut446does not require extensive manufacturing processes because a standard hardware fastener can be used. In other embodiments, the locknut446can be made from other materials suitable for engaging the thumb screw447, such as, for example, nylon, plastic, or other non-metallic materials.

FIG. 5shows an exploded isometric view of one of the legs150. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper leg portion252has a generally cylindrical hollow body553. In one embodiment, the body553is made from a corrosion resistant nonferrous metal or alloy such as titanium and is formed rolling and welding process. More specifically, the body553can include a welded seam554extending axially along the body. The body553also includes an attachment opening560that is configured to receive a fastener (not shown) to attach the leg150to the stock mount assembly110. The leg150also includes a spring retaining member556that is configured to operably couple the body553of the upper leg portion252to the spring258(FIG. 2A). More specifically, the spring retaining member258includes a generally circular opening555having a diameter that is slightly greater than an outer diameter of the body553. The opening555includes a generally planar portion557. The spring retaining member556also includes and extension portion558having an aperture559that is configured to releasably attach to the spring258. When the attached spring258is in tension, the opening555of the spring retaining member556is angled with reference to the body553of the upper leg portion252to prevent the spring retaining member556from sliding axially along the body553of the upper leg portion252.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow body553is configured to slidably receive and retain at least a portion of the lower leg portion254. More specifically, the upper leg portion252includes a groove564having a first inner diameter ID1(not shown) that is less than a second inner diameter ID2(not shown) of the body553. In one embodiment, the groove564can be formed in a rolling manufacturing process in the upper leg portion252. In other embodiments, however, the groove564can be formed using other manufacturing methods. The lower leg portion254includes a first slot578that is configured to receive and retain bushings or retention members576(individually identified as a first retention member576aand a second retention member576b). When the retention members576are positioned in the first slot578, the retention members576have a combined outer diameter OD (not shown) that is greater than the first inner diameter ID1of the groove564but less than the second inner diameter ID2of the body553of the upper leg portion252. In this manner, the lower leg portion254can slide within the upper leg portion252to extend therefrom, until the retaining members576contact the groove564in the body553of the upper leg portion252.

Another feature of the illustrated embodiment is that the lower leg portion254can be locked in incremental positions extending out of the upper leg portion252. More specifically, the lower leg portion254includes a plurality of spaced apart slots or channels580(individually identified as first through fifth channels580a-580e). The leg150also includes a locking assembly575that removably engages the channels580. The locking assembly575can be removably attached to the end portion of the upper leg portion252. The locking assembly575includes a plunger housing572having an opening573that receives a spring-loaded plunger574. A retaining ring566is positioned on top of the plunger housing572and includes a flange568having an opening569that engages the plunger574. The retaining ring566also includes a tab570extending toward an interior portion of the retaining ring566. The tab570is configured to extend into the body558of the upper leg portion252through a corresponding slot562(shown in broken lines). The tab570is configured to engage one of the channels580as the lower leg portion254slides in or out of the upper leg portion252. The tab570disengages the slot580as the flange568of the retaining ring566is pushed toward the plunger574to depress the plunger574and move the entire retaining ring566.

According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment, a lower portion of the plunger housing572can cover a lower edge581of the upper leg portion252. More specifically, a lower portion of the plunger housing572can have an inner diameter579that is smaller than the outer diameter of the body553of the upper leg portion252, and also smaller than the combined outer diameter OD of the retention members576. In this manner, the inner diameter579of the lower portion of the plunger housing572can act as a stop against the retention members576to limit the extension of the lower leg portion254from the upper leg portion252.

According to yet another feature of the illustrated embodiment, the plunger housing572can have a die-cast geometry. For example, the plunger housing572can include draft angles and parting lines suitable for die-casting manufacturing processes. One advantage of utilizing die-cast geometries for the plunger housing572is that the plunger housing572can be designed to be light weight plunger housing572. Moreover, several of the components of the leg150illustrated inFIG. 5can be made from light weight titanium or aluminum. For example, the upper leg portion252, the lower leg portion254, the retaining ring566, the plunger574, and/or the retention members576, can be made from aluminum, titanium or titanium alloys. In other embodiments, however, some or all of these components can be made from other suitable materials for firearm supports, for example, nonferrous metals or alloys, or ferrous metals or alloys.

In addition to the weight saving benefits, a further advantage of forming the upper leg portion252from nonferrous metal such as titanium is that the upper leg portion252can be attached to the stock mount assembly110without any reinforcement on or near the attachment opening560. The combination of an increased strength with light weight and corrosion resistance provides desirable advantages for a firearm support assembly. The light weight allows the support assembly to be easily carried while attached to the firearm; the corrosion resistance allows the firearm support assembly to be used in all weather conditions; and the increased strength provides a more durable firearm support.

FIG. 6Ashows an isometric of a firearm support600. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6A, the firearm support is generally similar in structure and function to the firearm support100described above with reference toFIGS. 1-5. For example, the illustrated firearm support600includes the attachment assembly130and adjustable legs150. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6A, however, the firearm support600includes a stock mount assembly610that is configured to rotate or swivel about the longitudinal axis5of the firearm2(FIG. 1). More specifically, the stock mount assembly610is configured to rotate or swivel with reference to the legs150in directions indicated by the double-headed arrow611.

FIG. 6Bshows a partial side view of the firearm support600taken along the line6B-6B ofFIG. 6A. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the stock mount assembly610includes a first stock mount plate611having a first extension portion612and a second extension portion614. A swivel bushing616is operably coupled between the first extension portion612and the second extension portion614. A swivel bushing cap618retains the swivel bushing616in position with reference to the second extension portion614. The stock mount assembly610further includes a second stock mount plate630and a third stock mount plate650positioned between a cam lever660and the first extension portion612of the first stock mount plate611. As explained in detail below, the cam lever660is configured to move a tension screw (not shown inFIG. 6B) relative to the swivel bushing616to lock or unlock the rotation of the stock mount assembly610.

FIG. 7shows an isometric view of the stock mount assembly610. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stock mount plate611has a generally U-shaped configuration and carries pads709(individually identified as a first pad709aand a second pad709b) to contact a firearm (FIG. 1). A spring plate770(only a portion of which is visible inFIG. 7) is attached to the first stock mount plate611to bias the first stock mount plate611in a generally centered position with reference to the second stock mount plate630. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam lever660is configured to move a cam bushing762that is coupled to the tension screw778. More specifically, in the position shown inFIG. 7, the cam lever660pulls the cam bushing762to position the tension screw778so that the first stock mount plate611is in a locked position with reference to the second mount plate630. When the cam lever660is pivoted about the cam bushing762, a contact surface761of the cam lever660contacts the third stock mount plate650. This movement changes the distance between the cam bushing762and the second stock mount plate630to move the tension screw778into the swivel bushing616and unlock the rotation of the second stock plate630with reference to the first stock mount plate611.

FIG. 8is an exploded isometric view of several components of the stock mount assembly610. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stock mount plate611includes an attachment assembly mounting portion824and an attachment assembly opening822, each of which are configured to receive an attachment assembly generally similar in structure and function to the attachment assembly230described above with reference toFIGS. 2A-2Dand4. The first extension portion612of the first stock mount plate611includes a generally circular first opening813having two spaced apart key portions818(only a second key portion818bis visible inFIG. 8). In the illustrated embodiment, the key portions818each have a generally rectilinear shape extending from the first opening813. In other embodiments, however, the key portions818can have other shapes or configurations. The second extension portion614also includes a generally circular second opening815aligned with the first opening813.

The first stock mount plate611also includes a spring plate attachment aperture826that is configured to be aligned with a corresponding aperture827on the spring plate770for attachment thereto (e.g., with a fastener). The spring plate770includes arms872(individually identified as a first arm872aand a second arm872b) that are configured to contact the second stock mount plate630to bias the first stock mount plate611in a generally centered position with reference to the second stock mount plate630.

In operation, the second stock mount plate630includes a generally circular opening836. The circular opening836has two spaced apart key portions838(individually identified as a first key portion838aand a second key portion838b). The circular opening836and associated key portions838are configured to be generally aligned with the first opening813and corresponding key portions818of the first extension portion612of the first stock mount plate611. The second stock mount plate630also includes leg support portions832(individually identified as a first leg support portion832aand a second leg support portion832b). Each leg support portion832includes leg attachment openings835(individually identified as a first leg attachment opening835aand a second leg attachment opening835b) and a stop portion834(individually identified as a first stop portion834aand a second stop portion834b). The leg attachment openings835are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., rivet, screw, bolt, etc.) to attach the corresponding legs150, and the stop portions834are configured to provide a stop for the legs150in a stowed position.

The third stock mount plate650includes a generally circular opening854that is configured to be aligned with the first opening813of the first extension portion612of the first stock mount plate611, as well as the opening836of the second stock mount plate630. The third stock mount650plate also includes angled side portions852(individually identified as a first angled side portion852aand a second angled side portion852b) with associated attachment apertures853(individually identified as a first attachment aperture853aand a second attachment aperture853b) to receive a protruding member (e.g., post, bolt, screw, etc.) for attachment to a spring (FIG. 6A).

FIG. 9is an exploded isometric view of the stock mount assembly610. In the illustrated embodiment, the stock mount assembly610includes a tension screw bushing972including a first end portion973having external threads and a second end portion974having internal threads. The tension screw bushing972is configured to fit within the cylindrical opening of the swivel bushing616, and the second end portion974is configured to threadably engage a portion of the swivel bushing cap618(see, e.g.,FIG. 10). The tension screw bushing972has a generally hollow and cylindrical body that is configured to receive the tension screw778and biasing members976(individually identified as a first biasing member976aand a second biasing member976b). The tension screw778includes an opening979extending therethrough that is configured to receive a lock member980. The lock member980includes spaced apart end portions982(individually identified as a first end portion982aand a second end portion982b) that are configured to correspond to the key portions818of the first extension portion612of the first stock mount plate611, as well as to the key portions838of the circular opening836of the second stock mount plate630.

The stock mount assembly610also includes a bushing nut966that is configured to threadably engage the first end portion973of the tension screw bushing972. The cam bushing762includes an opening965that is configured to receive an end portion of the tension screw778, and a clip member967retains the cam bushing762on the end portion of the tension screw778. The cam busing762includes two arm members964(individually identified as a first arm member964aand a second arm member964b) extending generally laterally from the opening965. The cam lever660has a generally Y-shaped configuration including two cam lever arms961(individually identified as a first cam lever arm961aand a second cam lever arm961b). The cam lever arms961engage the corresponding arms964of the cam bushing762. As described in detail below, that the cam lever660pulls the cam bushing762and the attached tension screw778and corresponding lock member980to lock or unlock the rotation of the stock mount assembly610.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of the assembled stock mount assembly610. In the illustrated embodiment the tension screw778extends through each of the first stock mount plate611, the second stock mount plate630, and the third stock mount plate650. The tension screw bushing972is positioned inside the swivel bushing616, and the first end portion973of the tension screw778is threadably engaged with the bushing nut966, and the second end portion974of the tension screw778is threadably engaged with the swivel bushing cap618. The tension screw bushing972includes a first cavity1075aand a second cavity1075b. The first cavity1075aencompasses the first biasing member976asurrounding the tension screw778, and the second cavity encompasses the second biasing member976balso surrounding the tension screw778.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tension screw778is movable in the directions of the double headed arrow1002to unlock or lock the rotation of the stock mount assembly610. More specifically, as the lock member980is moved by the tension screw778, the lock member980remains at least partially engaged with the key portions818of the first extension portion612of the first stock mount plate611. In this manner, the rotation of the first stock mount plate611is tied to the rotation of the lock member980.

In the position illustrated inFIG. 10, the cam lever660is extending downward and generally adjacent to the third stock mount plate650. In this position the lock member980is at least partially pulled into the key portions838of the circular opening836of the second stock mount plate630to lock the rotation of the stock mount assembly610. When the cam lever660is pivoted to extend away from the third stock mount plate650, the tension screw778moves the lock member980toward the swivel bushing616. As the lock member980moves in this direction, the lock member980disengages from the second stock mount plate630and is at least partially received in a corresponding cavity1017in the swivel bushing616. When the lock member980is moved from the second stock mount plate630, the first stock mount plate611is free to rotate or swivel about the tension screw778captured in the tension screw bushing972and the swivel bushing616. In this manner, the stock mount assembly610provides for adjustable rotational positioning of a firearm attached to the support600.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the firearm supports can include configurations other than those illustrated in the Figures. Further, while various advantages and features associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages or features, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages and/or features to fall within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited, except as by the appended claims.