Abstract:
A portable apparatus, removably attached to an existing vertical support or structure, such as a tree, for the purpose of holding and/or suspending articles above the ground. The apparatus may include, in one embodiment, associated vertical and a horizontal members, where the vertical member is secured to the tree using securing device such as a cord and binder arrangement. The multi-purpose apparatus is ideally suited for supporting a firearm such as a rifle and is further useful for other purposes, such as holding hunting, camping and fishing equipment or the like.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority benefit under 35 USC 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/083,412, filed Jul. 24, 2008 by James C. Minges, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
       [0002]    The disclosed apparatus and method are directed to providing a portable solution, which is easily attached and removed to a generally vertical support, such as a tree, to provide an environmentally responsible re-usable means to support or suspend an article from the ground. In other words, the apparatus may be used to provide a portable convenient “hook” in the woods for safely securing and supporting articles above the ground, and in one embodiment to provide a rest for a firearm used in hunting or similar activities. 
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The disclosed embodiments primarily relate to a support used to position a firearm (e.g. rifle, shotgun, pistol) in conjunction with a vertical member, such as a tree or post. The positioning of a firearm, without supplemental support, is difficult, particularly when hunters must remain motionless, yet prepared to take a shot at a target over an extended period of time. In order to fire accurately and safely, a hunter must be able to hold a firearm very still, particularly when firing at long range, where only a slight movement of the firearm results in a significant divergence of the bullet. The disclosed apparatus provides a stable horizontal surface on which a hunter may rest a firearm in order to steady it in a generally horizontal position, thereby minimizing movement of the firearm prior to, and during, its discharge, thus improving safety and accuracy. 
         [0004]    More specifically, a hunter can generally spend hours waiting in anticipation of approaching game. During this idle time, there is a need for the hunter to be holding the firearm in a firing position because there is a risk that the disturbance from shouldering the firearm could possibly spook the game. Consequently there is a requirement to provide a tree mounted holder or support in order to relieve the physical strain of supporting the firearm in a fire ready stance over an extended period. Additionally, there are times when the hunter may wish to have a hand free by resting the firearm on the support, so that a sounding device, to lure the game into range, may be used. Unfortunately, it is all too convenient to use a living tree as a gun rest, often by first pounding a spike or bracket into the tree bark. While practical for the immediate purpose, a spike penetrates and damages the bark of a tree, providing a point of entry for insects and disease. Additionally, when left in the tree the nail can pose a dangerous protrusion on which people can be injured. Lastly, the tree grows about the iron from the nail and when the lumber is later harvested the embedded nail can damage the teeth on a chainsaw blade or cause injury to the saw operator. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are directed to a tree mounted apparatus that provides a firearm rest or holder for hanging items above the ground—an apparatus that requires no alterations, and does not cause damage to the tree or other supporting structures to which it may be removably attached. The use of a flexible member (e.g. rope, strap, band, cord, belt) allows for a compressive force to be applied about the periphery of the tree, which supports the apparatus due to the tensile force applied to the flexible member. 
         [0005]    Bench-style gun rests consist of an adjustable barrel prop that provides support for the forearm and stock of the firearm as well. However, it is generally not practical to trek through the woods carrying a bench-style shooting rest given the weight and unwieldy nature of such a device. Bipod and monopod style shooting rests are also known, but again are difficult to use used adjacent to a tree, and are not always practical for standing in the open for extended periods of time. Such devices, in order to be light enough to carry, tend to be flimsy and not useful in some situations. A tree stand will often include a gun supporting feature, however tree stands may significantly restrict mobility within the hunt area. 
         [0006]    While a tree mounted apparatus is primarily used for supporting a firearm, it is further contemplated that the disclosed apparatus may be used in a plurality of camping, hunting and/or fishing uses, including a holder for a battery-powered lantern, clothes, a bucket mount for sap collection or sink, a flag, or a general purpose “utility hook” to suspend articles above the ground, and various similar applications. In one embodiment the apparatus is designed to hold approximately 16 lbs, and would thus support various articles that fall below the weight limitation. It is, however, contemplated that heavier loads could be accommodated providing the strength of the bracket and tensile strength of the cord was suitable to support such a load, or a change in material and/or thickness of the components was used. However, the primary objective is to provide a lightweight and inexpensive means to hold various articles in the woods, specifically supporting a firearm. It is further contemplated that the disclosed apparatus may be employed as a device to drag game where the cord, in combination with a hook member may be used. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein address an unmet need to provide an effective support for a firearm, in a ready position, when hunting, as well as a means to hold or hang various outdoor articles 
         [0007]    An object of the disclosed device is to provide a tree mounted holder that is lightweight, versatile and configured so as to be easily installed and removed, but compact for transporting. 
         [0008]    A further objective is to encourage the use and re-use of an environmentally friendly bracket using a tree as a support. 
         [0009]    A further object of the disclosed holder is to provide a hunter with a firearm rest that allows for unhindered barrel motion when aiming the firearm. 
         [0010]    A further objective is to provide an apparatus that blends in with the surrounding environment, such as a camouflage pattern. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an additional aspect of the disclosed apparatus, it is intended to provide a strap and handle arrangement to be used to assist in dragging game or other items (e.g., branches for firewood). 
         [0012]    And yet another objective is to provide a general purpose portable bracket for hanging articles, such as when camping. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed embodiments, there is provided a portable apparatus, comprising: a vertical member adapted to be attached to a pre-existing vertical support; a horizontal member operatively connected to and extending from said vertical member, so as to provide a planar surface to support an object resting on said planar surface; a flexible member, attached to said vertical member and encircling the vertical support; and a securing device, in combination with said flexible member, for removably securing the apparatus to the support. 
         [0014]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, there is provided a portable firearm rest, utilizing an existing vertical support, comprising: a vertical member adapted to be attached to the support; a horizontal member operatively connected to and extending from said vertical member, so as to provide a surface to support a rifle, shotgun, pistol or other firearm; a flexible member, attached to said vertical member and encircling the vertical support; and a securing device, in combination with said flexible member, for removably securing said rest to the support. 
         [0015]    Other and further objects, features and advantages will be evident from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein the examples of the presently preferred embodiments are given for the purposes of disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a view of the portable apparatus in use as a tree-mounted firearm rest; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the apparatus attached to a tree; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional top view of the apparatus attached to a tree; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of the, apparatus and a binding strap in a firearm rest embodiment having detachable members. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a view the apparatus of  FIG. 4A  in a multi-part embodiment where components are disassembled; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a view of a flexible cord for use with the apparatus; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 6A-B  are isometric views of an exemplary cord toggle; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 7A-D  are views depicting various alternative strap configurations; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a single piece embodiment of the disclosed apparatus; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a top down view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the cord connection region of  FIG. 9  with an exemplary cord; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a further view of  FIG. 11  detailing a cinched cord in use; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an environmental view of the apparatus in a plurality of uses. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    The various embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the claimed invention to those embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of disclosure and the apparatus as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to the drawings where the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the apparatus and not for limiting same,  FIG. 1  illustrates hunter  18  in an upright or standing shooting position using apparatus  10  as a tree mounted firearm rest or stabilizer to carry a substantial portion of the weight of rifle  12 . As best seen in this figure, tree mounted holder  10  may be positioned at any convenient height to accommodate the size and stance of hunter  18 . The tree or support may also be of any size, shape or diameter. Additionally (not shown) hunter  18  may be seated on a stool or in a position behind tree  14 , so to be comfortable, as well as out of sight, from approaching game. In actual practice the hand  66  of hunter  18  likely rests directly on horizontal member  24  and underneath rifle  12 . 
         [0033]    The system shown in  FIG. 2  comprises three principle elements; vertical member  22 , horizontal member  24  and a flexible member  20  such as cinchable cord including a cinching device attached thereto. Vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24 , respectively are either formed as a single piece or otherwise joined together at first angle  27  (see  FIG. 8 ). Angle  27  is, in one embodiment, equal to approximately 45-90 degrees, and may be fixed by the manner in which member  22  is joined to member  24 , for example by welding, bending, or a single molded member. In the alternative, a hinge or similar coupling member may be employed to couple or joint the members  22  and  24  so as to permit adjustment of the orientation of one member relative to the other, as will be discussed later. 
         [0034]    In one use, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a hunter  18  attaches apparatus  10  to tree  14  in preparation for resting or aiming firearm  12  toward a target, or in the alternative to hold various articles off the ground. Additionally, it may be advantageous if the cord and apparatus present a camouflage appearance so as to blend with the tree or surrounding foliage. 
         [0035]    With reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the illustrated embodiment an attachment means, for example cord  20 , is cinched about tree  14  in order to securely retain apparatus  10  in direct contact with tree  14 . Notably, the tension developed within cord  20 , and the resulting radial force against tree  14 , is sufficient to maintain the position of apparatus  10 , without the use of any invasive fasteners, barbs or spikes that inevitably damage the tree  14 . The tension in cord  20  is created by pulling cord  20  through a toggle  32  (e.g., tensioner or cord stop) or similar adjustable tensioner, as best viewed in  FIG. 6 , which pinches cord  20 , thereby causing an adequate binding force to prevent cord  20  from loosening or slipping and moving downward on the trunk of tree  14 . In one embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS. 9-12  for example, a first end of cord  20  is secured to vertical member  22  with a knot  37  in hole  31  and drawn taught around the tree. The cord is then passed through slot  25  in the vertical member and the tensioner, toggle  32 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , is subsequently placed within hole  28  to further anchor cord  20 . In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the tensioner, such as cord stop or toggle  32 , may be used to hold the tension in the cord, but is not directly attached to the vertical member—hence toggle  32  secures the apparatus to the tree by looping around the tree and holding tension in the cord  20 . 
         [0036]    Referring also to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in order to release the cord tension plunger  26  on the tensioner  32  is displaced and cord  20  is then free to move. The cord securing mechanism may be any device having the intended purpose of holding a flexible member in tension and subsequently releasing the tension when deactivated or disengaged. Cord  20  is, in one embodiment, essentially a draw string that may be made out of a solid, twisted or braided flexible material such as nylon, polypropylene, polyesters, polyethylene, cotton, or any hybrid combination thereof that provides for a limited modulus of elasticity. Natural fibers such as hemp, jute, or sisal may be less desirable due to their tendency to fray when used with a cinching device, such as toggle  32 . Moreover, the cord may be in any number of styles including braided, woven, twisted, straps, etc. However, it is appreciated that a cord, as contrasted with a belt or strap, requires less room to store an equivalent length. 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , a phantom rifle  12  is shown in the firing position and resting upon the horizontal member  24  of apparatus  10 . While strap or cord  20  is shown looped through vertical member  22 , it is also conceivable to connect either end of cord  20  to opposite edges of vertical member  22  using buckle  30 , or similar securing device, where toggle  32  is then used to take up the slack in the cord or strap. Additionally, at one or both ends of cord  20  an adjustable buckle  30  serves to regulate the strap to a semi-fixed length to accommodate the customary diameter of a majority of trees, whereby buckle  30  is viewed as a macro adjustment, when compared to the micro adjustment and tension provided by toggle  32 . Cord  20  is also designed to be removable for portability and may be employed for any number of alternative purposes where a strap is useful, for example in hauling game from the woods, tying down a tent, hanging an object from a tree limb, etc. Pad  34  is a resilient material that provides an ergonomic cushion to conform to the back or knuckles of the hunter&#39;s hand to relieve pressure points arising from extended contact with horizontal member  24 . 
         [0038]    Vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24  may be permanently joined together by welding, gluing or bending as previously noted.  FIG. 4  depicts an alternative tab and slot design for joining the vertical and horizontal members, whereby the tabs of horizontal member  24  have a right angle bend so as to catch within the corresponding slots of vertical member  22 . This interlocking configuration, as well as alternative engagement configurations or movable hinge elements, enables the two members to be separated from one another and/or folded into a minimum volume for transporting or storage. The material composition for vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24  may be a metal, but is more likely a polymer such as, polyurethane, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamides, and the like to provide a strong, lightweight holder. Furthermore when apparatus  10  is intended for uses such as hunting, the members and components may be surface coated or impregnated with varying colors to provide a camouflage appearance. Furthermore, the use of thermoplastic polymers provides for a lightweight, corrosion resistant holder having a relatively low unit manufacturing cost. For example, the apparatus may be formed using various plastic forming and molding techniques (e.g., injection molding, thermo-forming, blow molding, etc.) that require few or no machining operations. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5A-B , one embodiment of cord  20  is shown separated from vertical member  22  and is available for use as a general purpose draw string having toggle  32  attached, and optionally may include hooks or similar fasteners on either end.  FIG. 5B  demonstrates an alternative embodiment of apparatus  10  whereby vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24  are pivotally connected in order to enhance the portability, as well as the utility of the apparatus. While the included angle is nominally limited to about 90 degrees, it is possible to reduce the angle into a more V-like position to provide an ergonometric positioning of the hand and improved grasp of the firearm. Knob  42  provides rotational resistance to seize the hinge or rotation point in a desired position that is less than 90-degrees relative to the vertical member. It is further contemplated that vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24  could be molded into a single part whereby the pivot point therebetween is a flexible joint, commonly referred to as a “living hinge.” Horizontal member  24  further comprises angled section  21 , inclined about 15-45 degrees at its distal end, forming a lip edge in order to keep the hand localized and prevent sliding off horizontal member  24 . 
         [0040]    As will be appreciated, the cord may be wound around the apparatus when folded, or in the alternative a compartment may be provided to stow the cord within. Additionally, when not attached to a tree, cord  20 , in combination with holder  10 , may be used for other purposes such as a handhold or grip to enable the game to be dragged. Additionally, an optional accessory hook  36  may be provided as a means to hang various articles while hunting, for example flashlight, binoculars, GPS receiver, canteen or the like. 
         [0041]    With reference again to  FIG. 5B , various cord attachment methods are considered. For example, studs  38  provide an anchor point for cord  20  having a loop at one end so as to be readily attached. Also, slots  39  may have a triangular shaped slot, to cause cord  20  to easily pass through one portion, having an area greater than the cord diameter, but when displaced into the opposite angle of slot  39 , having an area less than the cord diameter, it is captured within slot  39  and may be secured within vertical member  22 . Additionally slot  39  may take the form of a keyhole whereby cord  20  is elastic and has a knot placed on the end which passes through the hole and subsequently pulled and released into the slot portion of the keyhole. In yet another alternative embodiment slot  39  will accommodate the use of a hook or buckle that has been affixed to at least one end of cord  20 . In the case where cord  20  is secured on both ends to vertical member  22 , a buckle, clasp or possibly Velcro™ may be used to sustain a tension within the adjustable loop to secure vertical member  22  to tree  14 . While only a single cord is depicted, there is no intention to limit the number of cords used to secure apparatus  10  to tree  14 . Accordingly, a plurality of cords may be employed. 
         [0042]    As specifically illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-B , toggle  32  cinches cord  20  within opening  41  having a gripper therein. Those skilled in the art know of these devices as “cord toggle” retainers, for example those available from The Rain Shed, Corvallis, Oreg., Item #1802, as shown in  FIGS. 6A-B , and are most commonly found in camping equipment (e.g., backpacks, tent and canopy tie downs, etc.), and clothing, especially outer wear. An alternative, not shown, is a toggle having a spherical-shaped body that functions in substantially the same manner, and also available from the above source under Item #1829. 
         [0043]    Toggle  32  is comprised of two fundamental components, spring  33  and cinching plunger  26 . Depressing plunger  26  causes an alignment of a hole in plunger  26  with a hole through the toggle body, thereby creating an opening through the toggle that allows cord  20  to freely pass through opening  41 . Once plunger  26  is released, a shear force is developed from spring  33  and is applied to cord  20 , causing the cord to bind within toggle  32 , as seen in  FIG. 6A  for example. In actual practice cord  20  may be drawn tight about tree  14  and toggle  32  used to retain the cord at that length with sufficient tension to support the vertical member  22  of apparatus  10 . 
         [0044]    Now referring to  FIGS. 7A-D , depicted are a variety of well known alternative flexible members such as cargo straps that may be used as alternatives to cord  20  to secure apparatus  10  to a vertical support such as tree  14  or post. Cam strap  50  uses a cam release buckle  51 , whereby a knurled cam provides for unrestrained strap motion through the buckle in only one direction, whereas ratchet strap  46  relies on a ratchet take-up device  47  commonly found on cargo straps, Buckle strap  48  represents the traditional strap that is looped back through buckle  49  having at least two slots therein. Lastly, while bungee cord  52  is perhaps a consideration, the lack of adjustability as well as a limit to the amount of tension that is generated by the elastic material, confines the use on a broad range of tree diameters, however, it is conceivable that an elasticized cord and strap in combination may be advantageous to retain potential energy so as to take up the slack in some configurations, for example, in the case where cord  20  may yield and stretch under load. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , which serve to illustrate an embodiment of apparatus  10  that is molded to form a combination of vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24  in a single plastic component. The beam strength of vertical member  22  and horizontal member  24 , as well as first angle  27  and angled section  29 , is enhanced by means of reinforcing channel  23 , formed along the longitudinal mid-section of apparatus  10 . As noted in the front view of holder  10 , in  FIG. 9 , and the top view of  FIG. 10 , channel  23  provides for the distribution of the bending moment into compressive and tension force components to provide the required rigidity to apparatus  10 . The concave underside of channel  23  may further provide a “nest” for a wound together cord  20  to be contained therein. The two members,  22  and  24  respectively are positioned at approximately a right angle and each member is approximately 1-2 inches in width, and from about 4-6 inches in length. Various thicknesses of material may be used, whereas the thickness is largely dependent upon the type of material and its physical characteristics. Hence for a metal member a thickness of about 0.0625-0.25 inches may be appropriate, however for a plastic member thicker materials in the range of 0.125-0.250 inches may be appropriate. 
         [0046]    Flexible member or cord  20  is attached, as described herein, in various ways. As seen in  FIG. 11 , one end of cinch cord  20  is passed through aperture  31  (see  FIG. 9 ) within vertical member  22  and secured therein with knot  37  at an end of cord  20 . The opposite or free end of cord  20 , having toggle  32  attached thereto, is placed around the tree at the height desired for the apparatus. Subsequently, cord  20  is placed into L-shaped slot  25  and positioned in the upper portion of the opening and drawn taught as plunger  26  of toggle  32  is depressed. Now, toggle  32  is positioned within opening  28 , to further sustain the tension within cord  20  as seen in  FIG. 12 . Anchor cord  20  to eliminate slippage of cord  20  out of slot  25 . And, the flexible cord member is continuously adjustable over at least a portion of its length to accommodate various tree or vertical support sizes. In one alternative, the toggle  32  may also be permanently attached to or molded into the vertical member  22 , and the cord simply threaded and drawn therethrough to maintain the tension. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , so as to release the cord tension toggle  32 , plunger  26  is once again depressed and the cord is then free to relax and may be removed from hole  28  and L-shaped slot  25 . 
         [0047]    Again, various alternatives may be employed to accomplish the tensioning of cord  20 , including various fasteners such as cable clamps, hooks, binders, tie wraps, and the like, each being suitable to provide an adequate binding force to prevent cord  20  from loosening or to limit the distance the rest slides on the tree when a force is applied to the horizontal member  24 . Cord  20  is essentially a draw string that may be made out of a solid, twisted or braided flexible material such as nylon, polypropylene, polyesters, polyethylene, hybrid cotton, or any combination thereof that provides for a limited modulus of elasticity. Natural fibers such as hemp, jute, or sisal may be used, but may be less desirable due to their tendency to fray when used with toggle  32 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  is an illustration intended to depict various exemplary uses for apparatus  10 . The illustrated uses, include: a back pack holder  54 , a battery powered lantern prop  60  and a sap bucket support  56 . It is believed that articles on the order of up to about 16 pounds, and in alternative embodiments greater weights, may be securely held above the ground using apparatus  10 . Additionally, it is contemplated that two or more apparatus  10 , as shown on the right in  FIG. 13 , may be used with a common cord or strap to hold or suspend a plurality of items above the ground. 
         [0049]    It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above and the following claims.