Patent Publication Number: US-9417025-B1

Title: Apparatus having clamp device and forestock-support member for firearm

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus for use with a firearm and for use with an elongated stationary object, in which the apparatus includes a clamp device, a forestock-support member and a swivel connector. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A firearm is a portable gun, being a barreled weapon that launches one or more projectiles often driven by the action of an explosive force. Most modern firearms have rifled barrels to impart spin to the projectile for improved flight stability (for improved accuracy of shot). A rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves (rifling) cut into the barrel walls. Rifles are used in hunting and shooting sports. 
     SUMMARY 
     It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing firearms (also called the existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows: 
     There are hunting situations in which the user (hunter) must have both hands placed on the rifle. The challenge faced by hunters with a firearm is to keep their firearm steady while having both hands on the firearm, while the user stands in the standing position (or other user stationary position). This can be especially challenging when the hunter desires to shoot their firearm at a moving target (while the hunter remains stationary, especially so for relatively longer shots). 
     For instance, when the hunter holds a rifle in a ready-to-shoot position, the hunter may conclude that holding the firearm is tiresome (while waiting for the quarry). As a result, hunter must assume a rest position (in which a shot is not fired from the rifle). The problem with holding the rifle (for prolonged periods of time) is that eventually, the hunter may experience unnecessary large-scale body uncontrollable movements that may scare away the quarry (game or target). 
     What is needed is an apparatus that provides a rifle support for the rifle (in the ready-to-shoot position) while the hunter (the user) scans the terrain (preferably from a hidden spot or a blind) by placing the rifle in or on the rifle support. Preferably, the rifle support provides or facilitates a left-to-right or right-to-left lateral movements of the hunter and/or the rifle. The rifle support may permit (A) a minimal or miniscule body movement of the hunter while the hunter scopes (views) the quarry while avoiding potentially alarming and scaring away the quarry (B) allows the hunter to remain relaxed, rested, ready and/or focused on his objective (the quarry or target), and/or (C) when the hunter has properly identified (seen) the quarry, the hunter may then switch from look mode to kill mode (preferably quickly as possible, such as in less than a second) without revealing his position (to the quarry). The apparatus, preferably, allows or improves the opportunity for the hunter to deliver a well-placed shot (preferably, every time). 
     To mitigate (at least in part) the above problem, amongst other things, there should be provided an apparatus for use with a firearm. The apparatus (at least in some part) provides support for a part of the firearm while allowing the user to swivel (rotate) while the firearm is (at least in part) provided with some amount of support. In this way, the hunter may track the moving target (with the firearm) while aiming and firing their firearm. While the firearm is rotated by the user, the apparatus assists the user in maintaining a steady gaze or line of sight on the moving target (by providing some support for the firearm while the user swivels the firearm to maintain their line of sight for shooting purposes). 
     To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for use with a firearm having a forestock and barrel section for use with an elongated stationary object. The apparatus includes a clamp device including a clamp portion. A forestock-support member is configured to make contact with any one of the forestock and the barrel section of the firearm once the firearm is spatially positioned to do just so. It will be appreciated that the barrel section is part of the forestock, or the barrel section extends from the forestock of the firearm. A swivel connector is configured to extend from, at least in part, the clamp portion. The swivel connector is configured to rotatably couple the forestock-support member to the clamp portion of the clamp device at a predetermined position on the clamp portion; this is done in such a way that the forestock-support member, in use, pivotally swivels at will relative to the clamp portion once any one of the forestock and the barrel section (in use) contacts the swivel connector, and any one the forestock and the barrel section is made to move just so. 
     In accordance with an option, the swivel connector is configured to detach the forestock-support member from the predetermined position on the clamp portion of the clamp device in such a way that the forestock-support member is removable from the clamp portion of the clamp device. 
     In accordance with an option, the forestock-support member is configured to support any one of the forestock and the barrel section of the firearm at a spatial position relative to the elongated stationary object once the swivel connector is made to extend from the clamp portion, and the swivel connector is made to rotatably couple the forestock-support member to the clamp portion. 
     In accordance with an option, the forestock-support member, in use, makes contact with any one of the forestock and the rifle barrel of the firearm, once any one of the forestock and the barrel section is positioned to do just so. This is done in such a way that any one of the forestock and the barrel section and the forestock-support member, in use, swivel at will relative to the clamp portion in response to the user urging any one of the forestock and the barrel section of the firearm to cause rotational movement of the forestock-support member. 
     Other aspects are identified in the claims. 
     Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  (SHEET 1 of 6 SHEETS) depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for use with a firearm; 
         FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C  (SHEETS 2 and 3 of 6 SHEETS) depict a top view, a side view and a top view (respectively) of embodiments of a clamp device of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C  (SHEET 4 of 6 SHEETS) depict a front view, a front view and a side view (respectively) of embodiments of a swivel connector of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 4C ,  FIG. 4D  and  FIG. 4E  (SHEETS 5 and 6 of 6 SHEETS) depict a side view, a side view, a side view, a top view and a top view (respectively) of embodiments of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. 
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS 
     
         
           100  apparatus 
           102  clamp device 
           104  clamp portion 
           106  stationary jaw 
           108  stationary gripping teeth 
           110  movable jaw 
           112  movable gripping teeth 
           114  forestock-support member 
           116  swivel connector 
           118  corner section 
           120  lateral side walls 
           122  V-shaped formation 
           124  first elongated shaft 
           126  second elongated shaft 
           128  pin member 
           130  stop portion 
           132  threaded receiving hole 
           134  elongated rotatable shaft 
           136  passageway 
           138  handle assembly 
           140  C-shaped body 
           142  guide member 
           144  channel 
           900  firearm 
           902  forestock 
           903  barrel section 
           904  elongated stationary object 
           905  barrel section 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus  100  for use with a firearm  900 . 
     The apparatus  100  is for use with the firearm  900  (such as, a rifle) having a forestock  902 . The forestock  902  includes a barrel section  905 . It will be appreciated that the barrel section  905  is part of the forestock  902 , or the barrel section  905  extends from the forestock  902  of the firearm  900 . For the case where the firearm  900  includes (is) a rifle, the barrel section  905  includes (is) a rifle barrel, and the forestock  902  includes (is) a rifle stock. It will be appreciated that any reference, in this description and/or in the claims, to the forestock  902  applies equally to the barrel section  905 . 
     The apparatus  100  is also for use with an elongated stationary object  904 . The elongated stationary object  904  may include (for instance) any one of a relatively smaller vertically extending tree, a vertically extending post, a walking stick, a trunk of a tree and object it can any equivalent thereof. 
     In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of a clamp device  102 , a forestock-support member  114  and a swivel connector  116 . 
     The clamp device  102  includes (and is not limited to) a clamp portion  104  (such as a clamp handle, etc.). Preferably, the clamp device  102  is configured to clamp (directly or indirectly) the forestock-support member  114  to any type of stationary object (such as, the elongated stationary object  904 ). Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the clamp device  102  is configured to attach (affixed attachment) to a trunk of the tree (which is an embodiment of the elongated stationary object  904 ). The clamp device  102  is also configured to detach from the elongated stationary object  904  (as required by the user). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that the clamp portion  104  is not intended to be removable from the forestock-support member  114  on a regular basis. It will be appreciated that the barrel section  905  may rest in the forestock-support member  114  instead of the forestock  902 . 
     The forestock-support member  114  is configured to make contact with the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  once the firearm  900  is spatially positioned to do just so (for instance, once the user spatially positions the firearm  900  in an abutting relationship with the forestock-support member  114 ). This is done in such a way that the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  is made to abut or contact, at least in part, the forestock-support member  114 . The forestock-support member  114  is configured to provide, at least in part, support for the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ). This is done in such a way that the user of the firearm  900  may steady the firearm  900  against the forestock-support member  114  while the user attempts to take aim at a potential target with the firearm  900 . 
     The swivel connector  116  is configured to extend from the clamp portion  104 . Preferably, the swivel connector  116  is configured to extend through, at least in part (or all the way through), the clamp portion  104 . The swivel connector  116  is configured to rotatably couple the forestock-support member  114  to the clamp portion  104  of the clamp device  102  (preferably at a predetermined position on the clamp portion  104 ). This is done in such a way that the forestock-support member  114 , in use, pivotally swivels (at will or freely) relative to the clamp portion  104  (once the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) contacts the swivel connector  116  and the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) is made to move just so (rotate just so). The swivel connector  116  is configured to detach the forestock-support member  114  from the predetermined position on the clamp portion  104  of the clamp device  102 . This is done in such a way that the forestock-support member  114  is removable from the clamp portion  104  of the clamp device  102 . 
     The forestock-support member  114  is configured to support the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  at a spatial position relative to the elongated stationary object  904  once (A) the swivel connector  116  is made to extend from the clamp portion  104 , and (B) the swivel connector  116  is made to rotatably couple the forestock-support member  114  to the clamp portion  104 . 
     The forestock-support member  114 , in use, makes contact with the forestock  902  of the firearm  900  once the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  is positioned to do just so, by the user. This is done in such a way that the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  and the forestock-support member  114 , in use, swivel at will (or freely) relative to the clamp portion  104  in response to the user urging (moving) the forestock  902  (or with the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  to cause rotational movement of the forestock-support member  114 . 
     A technical effect (from amongst others) of the apparatus  100  is to provide support (improved stability) for the user (the shooter) of the firearm  900  for spotting, aiming and firing the firearm  900  with improved firearm-aiming accuracy (preferably, while keeping concealment intact for the user of the apparatus  100 ). In addition, the apparatus  100  reduces, at least in part, unwanted movement by the user. The apparatus  100  (in use) permits somewhat easier sighting of the potential target so that the user may be more prepared and ready to discharge the firearm  900 ; in this manner, the apparatus  100  improves the success rate for shooting at and hitting a target. In addition, the apparatus  100  may be positioned at different elevations (heights from the ground) in such a way as to facilitate user comfort for when the user is standing, crouching, sitting, etc.), preferably with less fatigue for the user and provides greater confidence (for the user) for using the firearm  900 . The apparatus  100  may be knocked down into a compact state (and is relatively lightweight) for relatively easier transport and/or storage (into a pocket, knapsack, etc., and any equivalent thereof). The apparatus  100  allows for relatively quicker set-up (installment and use of the firearm  900 ). In addition, for added convenience, two instances of the apparatus  100  may be deployed (used) to add further positional support for the firearm  900  (during aiming of the firearm  900 ). It will be appreciated that the apparatus  100  is advantageous for open field shooting, where many trees are available for providing positional support for the firearm  900  (when using the apparatus  100 ) (once the apparatus  100  is fastened to a relatively smaller tree, a branch, a walking stick, etc., and any equivalent thereof). As well, the apparatus  100  provides a device configured to assist (the user) in maintaining steady positioning of the gun sight of the firearm  900 , especially so for relatively longer-range shots. The apparatus  100  may be mounted to trees having a relatively smaller diameter, on the vertical trunk, and/or any type of substantially vertically aligned post (and any equivalent thereof). The apparatus  100  gives the user a suitable rifle barrel support once used as such. 
       FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C  depict a top view ( FIG. 2A ), a side view ( FIG. 2B ) and a top view ( FIG. 2C ) of embodiments of the clamp device  102  of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the clamp device  102  includes a synergistic combination of the clamp portion  104 , a stationary jaw  106  presenting (configured to present) stationary gripping teeth  108 , and a movable jaw  110  presenting (configured to present) movable gripping teeth  112 . 
     The stationary jaw  106  extends from the clamp portion  104 , with the stationary jaw  106  presenting (configured to present) the stationary gripping teeth  108 . 
     The movable jaw  110  is movably engaged with the clamp portion  104  in such a way that the movable jaw  110  is movably positionable relative to the stationary jaw  106 . The movable jaw  110  presents the movable gripping teeth  112  with the movable gripping teeth  112  movably facing the stationary gripping teeth  108  of the stationary jaw  106 . 
     The movable jaw  110  is movable toward the stationary jaw  106 . This is done in such a way that, once a cross-sectional portion of the elongated stationary object  904  is positioned between the movable jaw  110  and the stationary jaw  106 , the movable gripping teeth  112  and the stationary gripping teeth  108  selectively fixedly securely attach to a cross-sectional portion of the elongated stationary object  904  (as depicted in  FIG. 2C ). In this manner, the clamp portion  104  becomes spatially clamped stationary to the cross-sectional portion of the elongated stationary object  904 . 
     The movable jaw  110  is movable away the stationary jaw  106 . This is done in such a way that, once the cross-sectional portion of the elongated stationary object  904  is positioned between the movable jaw  110  and the stationary jaw  106 , the movable gripping teeth  112  and the stationary gripping teeth  108  are detached and are removable from the cross-sectional portion of the elongated stationary object  904  (so that the clamp portion  104  may be spatially moved away from the elongated stationary object  904 ). 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the movable gripping teeth  112  and the stationary gripping teeth  108  are preferably movable, at most, to about four inches apart from each other. Of course, other dimensions may be used (if so desired) between the movable gripping teeth  112  and the stationary gripping teeth  108 . 
     In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , the clamp device  102  further includes an elongated rotatable shaft  134  extending from the movable jaw  110 . The elongated rotatable shaft  134  defines (at least in part) outwardly facing threads formed on the surface of the elongated rotatable shaft  134  that extend along a length of the elongated rotatable shaft  134 . 
     In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , the clamp device  102  defines a passageway  136  configured to threadably receive and couple with the elongated rotatable shaft  134 . A handle assembly  138  is fixedly attached to an end portion of the elongated rotatable shaft  134 . In response to rotation of the handle assembly  138 , the elongated rotatable shaft  134  threadably extends toward or away from the stationary jaw  106  (in order to open or close the stationary gripping teeth  108  and the movable gripping teeth  112  relative to each other). 
     Preferably, the clamp device  102  includes a C-shaped body  140 , and the clamp portion  104  extends from the C-shaped body  140 . The passageway  136  is defined on one side of the C-shaped body  140 , with the stationary jaw  106  positioned on the opposite side of the C-shaped body  140 . The clamp device  102  also includes a guide member  142 . The guide member  142  extends along a length of the C-shaped body  140  and faces the elongated rotatable shaft  134 . The movable jaw  110  is slotted, and the movable jaw  110  is configured to straddle the guide member  142 . The guide member  142  is configured to support linear movement of the movable jaw  110  relative to the stationary jaw  106 . Preferably, the movable jaw  110  is configured to pivot slightly on the elongated rotatable shaft  134  (this is done in such a way that the movable gripping teeth  112  may have better opportunity to effectively grip an irregularly shaped instance of the elongated stationary object  904 . 
     Preferably, the clamp portion  104  defines (provides) a channel  144 . The channel  144  is configured to receive the swivel connector  116  (which is depicted in  FIG. 3A ). In accordance with an option, the channel  144  (of the clamp portion  104 ) may define internal threads, and the swivel connector  116  may define external threads configured to threadably couple with the internal threads of the channel  144  (if so desired). 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 2C , once the stationary gripping teeth  108  and the movable gripping teeth  112  of the clamp device  102  are detached and removed from the portion of the elongated stationary object  904  (in response to the movable jaw  110  moving away from the stationary jaw  106 ), the forestock-support member  114  may be removed from the clamp portion  104 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the clamp device  102  has a camouflaged pattern (if so desired) placed on the outer surface of the clamp device  102 . In accordance with an embodiment, the clamp device  102  has a rubber coating configured to reduce noise (in case the firearm  900  (in use) inadvertently strikes the clamp device  102  thereby causing an unwanted noise that may scare off an animal passing by). 
     Preferably, the clamp device  102  and the clamp portion  104  has a rubber coating configured to (A) reduce noise in case the firearm  900  (in sue) inadvertently strikes the clamp device  102 , and (B) to improve grip onto the forestock  902  and the barrel section  905 , and reduce opportunity of unwanted relative sliding. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the movable jaw  110  is configured to pivot (relatively slightly) relative to an end section of the elongated rotatable shaft  134  (so that irregularly shaped instances of the elongated stationary object  904  may be accommodated). A lock  146  is configured to selectively lock the position of the movable jaw  110  against the elongated stationary object  904  (so that the movable jaw  110  does not move relative to the elongated stationary object  904 ). The lock  146  may include a pair of nuts threadably connected to and movable along the elongated rotatable shaft  134 . 
       FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C  depict a front view ( FIG. 3A ), a front view ( FIG. 3B ) and a side view ( FIG. 3C ) of embodiments of the swivel connector  116  of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B , the swivel connector  116  includes a first elongated shaft  124 , a second elongated shaft  126 , a pin member  128  and a stop portion  130 . The second elongated shaft  126  configured to threadably couple with a receiving hole  132  defined by (provided by) the forestock-support member  114 . The pin member  128  is configured to pivotally couple the first elongated shaft  124  with the second elongated shaft  126  in such a way that the first elongated shaft  124  may pivot relative to the second elongated shaft  126 . The stop portion  130  is positioned on a free end section of the first elongated shaft  124 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3A , The second elongated shaft  126  includes a distal end section that may be (A) threadably connected to the receiving hole  132  of the forestock-support member  114 , (B) frictionally fitted within the receiving hole  132 , and/or (C) affixed (glued) to the receiving hole  132  (as may be desired). 
     In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3C , the forestock-support member  114  includes (forms) a V-shaped formation  122 . The forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  is receivable in the middle of the V-shaped formation  122  of the forestock-support member  114 . It will be appreciated that any one of the forestock  902  and the barrel section  905  may be positioned against (abut) the forestock-support member  114  (as may be desired by the user). 
     In accordance with an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3C , the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) further includes a corner section  118  formed on any one of the opposite lateral side walls  120  of the forestock-support member  114 , with the V-shaped formation  122  positioned between the opposite lateral side walls of the forestock-support member  114 . The forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) may contact any one of the corner sections  118  formed on any one of the opposite lateral side walls  120  of the forestock-support member  114 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the swivel connector  116  has a camouflaged pattern (if so desired) placed on the outer surface of the swivel connector  116 . In accordance with an embodiment, the swivel connector  116  has a rubber coating configured to reduce noise (in case the firearm  900  (in use) inadvertently strikes the swivel connector  116 , thereby causing an unwanted noise that may scare off an animal passing by). 
       FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 4C ,  FIG. 4D  and  FIG. 4E  depict a side view ( FIG. 4A ), a side view ( FIG. 4B ), a side view ( FIG. 4C ), a top view ( FIG. 4D ) and a top view ( FIG. 4E ) of embodiments of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , the forestock-support member  114  extends perpendicularly from the clamp device  102  once pivotally attached to do just so (as depicted). The forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) is depicted as being received in the V-section of the forestock-support member  114 . It will be appreciated that any one of the forestock  902  and the barrel section  905  may be positioned against (abut) the forestock-support member  114  (as may be desired by the user). The forestock-support member  114  may be pivotally movable (rotatable) once mounted to the clamp portion  104  (as depicted in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B ). 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4C  (and in accordance with an option), the channel  144  (of the clamp portion  104 ) may define internal threads, and the swivel connector  116  may define external threads configured to threadably couple with the internal threads of the channel  144  (if so desired). Preferably the second elongated shaft  126  (of the swivel connector  116 ) defines (provides) the external threads that are threadably coupled (connectable) with the internal threads of (provided by) the channel  144 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4C , the swivel connector  116  is configured to loosen in such a way that the forestock-support member  114  no longer contacts the clamp portion  104 , and the swivel connector  116  extends the forestock-support member  114  away from the clamp portion  104 . A longest length (vertical height) of the forestock-support member  114  may be positioned to contact the claim  102  (in order to reduce the height of the apparatus  100 , for storage purposes).  FIG. 4C  depicts a folded condition of the apparatus  100  (for storage in a knapsack, for instance). 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIG. 4D  and  FIG. 4E , the clamp device  102  is configured to support the forestock  902  of the firearm  900  at a stationary spatial position relative to the elongated stationary object  904  once (A) the stationary gripping teeth  108  and the movable gripping teeth  112  of the clamp device  102  are selectively fixedly securely attached to the elongated stationary object  904 , and (B) the forestock-support member  114  (in use) receives, at least in part, the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900 . 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIG. 4D  and  FIG. 4E , once the movable jaw  110  is moved toward the stationary jaw  106 , the stationary gripping teeth  108  and the movable gripping teeth  112  of the clamp device  102  are selectively fixedly securely attached to the elongated stationary object  904 . The swivel connector  116  rotatably connects the forestock-support member  114  to the clamp portion  104  (this is done in such a way that the forestock-support member  114  is spatially positioned relative to the elongated stationary object  904 ). The user may now position the forestock  902  of the firearm  900  so that the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) contacts (abuts) the forestock-support member  114  (this is done in such a way that the forestock-support member  114  spatially supports the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  relative to the elongated stationary object  904 ). 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 4D and 4E , the forestock-support member  114  is configured to receive, at least in part, the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900 . The forestock-support member  114  is also configured to support the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  at a stationary spatial position relative to the elongated stationary object  904  once (A) the stationary gripping teeth  108  and the movable gripping teeth  112  of the clamp device  102  are selectively fixedly securely attached to the elongated stationary object  904 , and (B) the forestock-support member  114  receives, at least in part, the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900 . The forestock-support member  114  is also configured to permit axial sliding movement of the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  along a length extending through an elongated axis of the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900 . The forestock-support member  114  is also configured to restrict radial side-to-side sliding movement of the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900  along a radial cross-section of the forestock  902  (or the barrel section  905 ) of the firearm  900 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4D , the clamp device  102  provides jaw-adjustable cleated clamp members (for instance, the cleated clamp members may provide a jaw opening of about 3.5 inches). Mounted to the clamp members is the forestock-support member  114  forming a V-shaped swivel mount that is configured to support (receive) the firearm  900  (once the firearm  900  is positioned against, or made to abut, the V-shaped swivel mount). 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.