Portable firearm support device

The present invention is a support comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is T-shape and includes a hollow shaft perpendicularly secured to a support member. The support member will receive the item which is to be stabilized, such as a firearm or camera. The second portion is removably affixed to the first portion and includes an elongated rod. This second portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end is received in the hollow shaft and the second end includes a clamping device to allow the device to be secured to a desirable surface. The height of the device can be adjusted via an adjusting mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates generally to a firearm support device and
 more particularly to a portable and adjustable firearm support device
 which will offer support to the user's arm for rendering steadiness which
 will allow a successful discharge of the firearm.
 2. Description of the Prior Art
 Stabilizing devices, for use with firearms, have been employed successfully
 for many years. These conventional stabilizing devices are utilized by
 many for a multitude of reasons. For example, sportsmen may use device for
 resting their firearm, while biologists, environmentalists, and animal
 lovers will used the stabilizer for stabilizing their arm or camera for
 properly photographing the observed animal(s).
 These stabilizers come in a variety of forms and configurations, each
 having a particular function and design. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,817 issued
 to Parker there is disclosed a firearm support used solely for the
 sportsman. This device includes a telescopic stand which is clampable to a
 support, such as a seat, and a substantially horizontally disposed tube,
 pivotally and rotatably secured to the stand. The tube further includes an
 armrest movably attached to one end of the tube and a gun cradle movable
 attached to the opposite end thereof. Though this device may be well
 suited for hunting, this stabilizer is limiting and can be considered
 cumbersome. The use of both the arm rest and gun cradle can be obstructive
 if the device is used other than for a firearm stabilizer. Additionally,
 the use of numerous removable components provides a device with additional
 elements. This increase in elements inherently provides for an increase in
 component lose and/or failure. Such a lost or failure will consequently
 render the device useless. Further, the device requires a numerous amount
 of adjustments to be made prior to its utilization. These numerous
 adjustments can be burdensome and difficult, especially for those with
 limited dexterity, or the like. In addition, once the desired position of
 the armrest and gun cradle are locked reposition of the gun is virtually
 impossible. Thereby, if the hunted prey moves, the hunter cannot smoothly
 move his firearm, since the gun cradle and armrest will be in the way.
 Accordingly, rendering the stabilizer useless.
 Yet another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,643 issued to
 Arizpe-Gilmore. This device is a stabilizer combined with a hunting seat.
 The stabilizer is cup-shaped, thereby providing a device which can only be
 used with a gun, and which cannot be used with a camera or the like.
 Additionally, the use of the chair provides a device which is bulky and
 difficult to transport, especially during a hunting expedition. Further,
 the chair does not allow the user to utilize the device in a conventional
 portable platform, since many convention hunting platforms do not offer
 the adequate stability and surface area for a chair.
 Accordingly, it is seen that none of these previous efforts provide the
 benefits intended with the present invention, such as provide a stabilizer
 which is versatile, light weight and easily transportable. Additionally,
 prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of
 component elements as disclosed and claimed herein. The present invention
 achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior
 art device through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component
 elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number
 of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test
 and by employing only readily available material.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention is a stabilizing apparatus that is portable and
 adjustable. This stabilizing apparatus will act as a resting means for the
 user's arms in order to offer stability while aiming a firearm, camera,
 video, or the like.
 The stabilizing apparatus of the present invention comprises an upper
 portion removably secured to a lower portion. The upper portion includes a
 T-shape configuration having a support bar perpendicularly attached to a
 shaft. The shaft includes a conventional attaching device.
 The lower portion includes different embodiments, which are suited for
 different environments and usage. The first embodiment will enable the
 stabilizing apparatus to be removably secured to any particular elevated
 stationary surface, such as, but not limited to, a hunting stand, chair,
 or the like. The second embodiment enables the device to be used on a flat
 and planar surface, one that is not elevated, such as, but not limited to,
 the ground.
 In the first embodiment for the lower portion, a rod is provided. This rod
 includes a first end and a second end. A conventional adjusting attaching
 device is located on the rod. This conventional adjusting attaching device
 is engagable to the attaching device located on the shaft. The first end
 is removably secured to the upper portion and the second end includes an
 adjustable clamp. This clamp provides for the device to be removably
 secured to any particular stationary surface, such as, but not limited to,
 a hunting stand, chair, or the like.
 In the second embodiment for the lower portion, the shape will be a
 conventional tri-pod configuration. This will allow for the user to easily
 and quickly place the device on a flat planar surface. The use of a
 tri-pod will offer stability and flexibility to the user.
 In yet another configuration, the lower portion will be a harness which
 straps around the user's shoulders and waist. Centrally located in the
 front of the harness is a receiving apparatus for receiving and
 maintaining the upper portion of the stabilizing apparatus. This receiving
 apparatus is angularly disposed, with respect to the user, so as to
 provide for the upper portion to be located away from the user. The
 receiving apparatus includes a securing mechanism for securing the top
 portion to the receiving apparatus.
 The upper and lower portion, in any of the above described embodiments, can
 include any shape, such as a rectangular shape or a circular shape. In the
 preferred embodiment, the upper and lower portions will have an overall
 circular configuration. In this arrangement, the user can easily rotate
 the stabilizer to any desired location. This will enable the device to
 pivot and thus will include a locking mechanism for locking the desired
 pivoted located in a fixed and secured position.
 Thereby, the user can purchase the upper portion separately from each lower
 portions. The lower portion can be purchased as to the needs and desires
 of the user, thereby offering more versatility, flexibility and usability
 of the final product.
 Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for a
 stabilizing device that will overcome the deficiencies, shortcomings, and
 drawbacks of prior stabilizing devices and methods thereof.
 Another object of the present invention is to provide for a stabilizing
 device that is versatile and can be used in a plurality of fields, such
 as, but not limited to photography, hunting, filming, or the like.
 Still a further object of the present invention is to provide for a support
 device that can be assembled and disassembled quickly, easily and
 efficiently.
 Yet another object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated
 herein, is to provide a stabilizing device in accordance with the
 preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of
 manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a
 device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively
 trouble free in operation.
 Although there have been many inventions related to a stabilizing devices,
 none of the inventions have become sufficiently compact, light weight,
 versatile, low cost, and reliable enough to become commonly used. The
 present invention meets the requirements of the simplified design, compact
 size, low initial cost, low operating cost, ease of installation and
 maintainability, and minimal amount of training to successfully employ the
 invention.
 The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the
 invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of
 some of the more prominent features and application of the intended
 invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the
 disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention
 within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of
 the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the
 preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by
 the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several
 views of the drawings.
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 The present invention is a support device 10 that is adapted to be
 removably secured to any type of object, regardless of its location and
 overall shape. The ultimate use of the support device 10 is used to
 support the user's arms, which will inherently offer stability while
 utilizing and operating any particular conventional implement with the
 user's hand, such as a firearm, camera, or the like. Thereby providing for
 the support device to be used as a prop for offering adequate support when
 stability is a necessity and a desire.
 With reference to drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, the
 support device 10 of the present invention will be described. As seen, the
 device 10 comprises an upper section 12 and a first embodiment for the
 lower section 14a.
 The upper section is generally T-shaped in configuration and includes a top
 support member 16 which is perpendicularly secured to a hollow shaft 18.
 The top support member 16 will act as a prop. Thereby, the top support
 member 16 will receive and maintain the item that is to be supported, such
 as a firearm, camera, user's arms, or the like. If the top shaft is
 hollow, as illustrated, ends cap can be provided on the open ends for
 covering and protecting the user from the edge of the opening. The end
 caps are conventional elements and are mainly used as a safety measure so
 as to protect the user from harm and injury. Alternatively, this top shaft
 can include ends which are not opened as illustrated in FIGS. 3b and 4c.
 As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hollow shaft includes a top end and a lower
 end. The top end is secured to the top support member 16 while the lower
 end will receive the lower portion. Extending through the hollow shaft 18
 is an aperture 20. This aperture 20 acts as the attaching device that will
 removably secure the first embodiment of the lower section 14a to the top
 section 12.
 The first embodiment of the lower section 14 includes a rod 22 having a
 first end 22a and a second end 22b. The first end is the upper end and
 will be received within the hollow shaft 18 of the upper portion 12. The
 second end includes the removably attaching device 26 (illustrated in FIG.
 2). This removably attaching device 26 allows the device to be removably
 secured to any stable and elevated surface.
 A corresponding attaching device 24, for corresponding with attaching
 device 20 extends through the shaft. In these figures the corresponding
 attaching device 24 comprises a plurality of the apertures, which can be
 evenly spaced. Hence, in operation, the top end 22a is inserted and
 received within the opened end lower of the top portion 12. Once the
 desired height is achieved, hole 20 is aligned with an aperture 24. A
 locking device, or the like is inserted into the desired hole. Thereby,
 locking the device in a stable and workable position.
 The removable attaching device 26 is a clamp and is located on the second
 end of the shaft. This removable attaching device includes an upper wall
 28 and a lower wall 30. A gap 32 is located between the upper and lower
 walls. This gap will receive the particular surface for securement. A
 tightening device 36 will contact the particle surface for allowing the
 attaching device to be secured thereto.
 The tightening device 36 extends through the top wall 28 via a threaded
 opening 34 (illustrated and labeled in FIG. 1). This tightening means, as
 seen in FIG. 2, includes a lower portion and an upper portion. Located on
 the lower portion is a plate 38 while a handle 40 is located on the upper
 portion. The tightening device is rotated for moving the plate vertically.
 The use of a threaded rod and threaded opening provides for a controlled
 alteration. This vertical movement will alter the distance between the
 plate 38 and the lower wall 30 allowing the acceptance of any object,
 regardless of its girth and width.
 For utilizing the first embodiment of the present invention, the lower
 portion 14a of the device 10 is secured to the desired elevated surface,
 such as, but not limited to a deer stand, ladder, seat, or the like, via
 the removably attaching device 26. The plate is moved upward, for allowing
 the gap 32 to easily receive the desired surface. Once located therein,
 the handle 40 is rotated. The plate 36 moves downward and towards the
 desired surface. The contact between the desired surface and the plate
 provides for the lower portion to be secured to the desired surface.
 The next step is to adjust the device to the desired height. In order to do
 so, the lower portion 14 is inserted into the hollow shaft 18 of the first
 portion 12. Once the desired height is obtained, a locking pin 42, or the
 like is inserted into the aligned hole of the rod 22 and the aperture 20
 of the hollow shaft of the upper portion. This will lock the upper portion
 to the lower portion.
 While holding the desired item, such as the firearm, camera, or the like,
 the user places it on the support member 16. Optionally, the user's hand
 can be propped on this support member 16 while holding the item.
 It is noted that the hollow shaft 18 and rod 22 can be displaced at an
 acute angle with respect the to desired surface. This angular disposition,
 as illustrated, provides for a more natural propping means for the device
 of the present invention.
 Alternatively, the removable attaching device 26 can be replaced with a
 conventional tripod stand. This alternative embodiment for the lower
 section 14b is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 3a. As seen in this
 drawing, the lower section 14b includes an upper end 22a and a lower end
 22b. The upper end is substantially the same shape, structure and
 configuration as the upper end the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1
 and 2. Hence, as seen, the upper end of the lower section 14b includes an
 attaching device 24, which, as illustrated are a plurality of apertures.
 The attaching device 24 corresponds to the aperture located in the lower
 end of the upper section. Thereby, providing for the top end 22a of the
 lower section 14b to receive the hollow shaft 18 of the upper section 12.
 The top section is secured to the lower section via the attaching device
 (apertures 20 and 24, repetitively) and locking pin 42.
 The lower end includes a conventional tripod 44. The legs can be
 permanently affixed to the upper end 22a to provide for the conventional
 tripod 44 to be in a fixed position. Hence, in this configuration, the
 user can choose which lower section he wishes to utilize, either the clamp
 or the telescopic legs.
 Alternatively, and as illustrated, the legs on the tripod 44 can be
 telescopic 46. This tripod design is conventional and as seen provides for
 the legs to be secured to the main body via pivot means (illustrated, but
 not labeled). This pivot means is a conventional pivot means widely used
 with tripods. As seen, this pivot means includes threaded rods and wing
 nuts, which when loosen will enable the legs to move to the desired angle.
 Once the desired angle is achieved, the legs are locked in a fixed
 position via the wing nut.
 The structure and shape of the tripod 44 as well as the method of providing
 telescopic legs 46 is conventional and well known in the art. As seen in
 the drawings, the telescopic legs are secured via a conventional securing
 apparatus 50. Accordingly, the lower portion of the legs are able to
 extend downward (or upward) by way of unlocking the securing apparatus,
 which is illustrated in this figure as a threaded rod. The legs can extend
 upward or downward, until the desired height is achieved. Once the desired
 height is achieved, the user locks the legs in a fixed position via the
 securing apparatus 50.
 The use of collapsible (telescopic) and foldable legs are one common and
 conventional feature which enhances the tripod. The collapsibility
 available with the tripod configuration provides for a final product that
 is compact and that can enable adequate and convenient travel.
 The use of a tripod provide a final product that includes a prop that can
 be used on any flat surface. In the tripod design, the user can easily and
 efficiently place the stand on the ground, which is generally desirable
 when hunting or photographing a particular type of animal, such as
 turkeys.
 In an alternative arrangement, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, the hollow shaft
 18 of the upper section 12 and the rod of the lower section 14b can be
 shortened considerably so as to provide for a few or even just one
 aperture 24 to constitute the attaching device for the lower section.
 Adjusting in height can occur via the legs 46 of the tripod 44. In this
 arrangement, the legs would be telescopic, and thus allow for the user to
 adjust the length via the legs.
 The top portion 12 of the present invention can be altered as well as seen
 in FIG. 3b. As seen the hollow shaft 18 would include a plurality of
 apertures 52. Thereby, the user could leave the tripod legs stationary and
 enable alteration of height to occur via the top portion 12.
 Alternative, a harness can be used for the lower portion. This harness is
 illustrated in further detail in FIG. 4a. As seen, the support device
 comprises a upper section 12 (illustrated in FIG. 4c) and a lower section
 14. The upper section is similar in design and structure as discussed
 above, except that in this embodiment the upper section is received in the
 lower section. This will provide for the upper section to be located in
 the lower section.
 In order to enable this type of configuration, the upper section, as seem
 in FIG. 4c, comprising the support member 16 and hollow shaft 18, as
 discussed in the previous embodiments. Extending through the hollow shaft
 18 are a plurality of apertures 52.
 The lower section 14, as seen in FIG. 4a, is a harness 54 having shoulder
 straps 56 connected to a waist strap 58. A conventional snap or buckle 60
 is located at the back or side of the waist strap 58. Hence in this
 arrangement, the user wraps the harness around his waist, inherently
 causing the straps to be located over his shoulder. Once in place, the
 user snaps or buckles the rear or side of the waist strap to a locked and
 fixed position.
 The snap is conventional and can be a belt-buckle like configuration. This
 will allow for the waist portion to be adjustable. The lower surface of
 the strap can include padding for added comfort.
 Located at the front of the waist is the receiving member 62 for receiving
 and maintaining the upper section of the support device of the present
 invention. As seen in the drawings, this receiving member 62 is a hollow
 cup having an aperture 64 extending therethrough. This aperture 64
 corresponds to the apertures 52 located within the hollow shaft 18.
 Accordingly, to utilize this embodiment, the user places the hollow shaft
 18 within the receiving member 62. Once the desired height is obtain, the
 apertures are aligned, and a pin or the like is inserted into the aligned
 apertures for locking the upper section in a fixed position.
 For providing a comfortable fit, the receiving member is angularly
 disposed. This will provide for the hollow shaft to extend slightly away
 from the user. Thereby, providing for the receiving member to be at an
 acute angle with respect to the front surface of the waist portion 58 of
 the harness 54.
 This harness can be altered slightly, as illustrated in FIG. 4b. As seen in
 this drawing the strap 56 is designed to wrap around the user's neck. This
 will enable the final product to be secured to the user quickly and
 easily.
 The upper and lower portions, in any of the above described embodiments,
 can include any shape, such as a rectangular shape or a circular shape. In
 a preferred embodiment the upper and lower portions will have an overall
 circular configuration. In this arrangement, the user can easily rotate
 the stabilizer to any desired location. This will enable the device to
 pivot and rotate freely, as desired by the user.
 In order to rotate the device, the user does not insert the pin into
 opening 20, but rather into one of the desired apertures 24 of the
 attaching means. This will provide for the top portion to rest on the pin
 and enable pivotal movement. For transporting the device, the pin would be
 inserted into holes 20 and 24, respectively, for locking the device in a
 position for adequate travel.
 While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
 reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled
 in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without
 departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.