Patent Publication Number: US-10323900-B1

Title: Crossbow tripod rest

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
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     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
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     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
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     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of weapons including bows and crossbows, more specifically, an accessory for arc shooting. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The crossbow tripod rest is configured for use with a crossbow. The crossbow tripod rest is configured for use with a tripod. The tripod is further defined with a tripod head and a quick release plate. The quick release plate attaches the crossbow to the tripod head such that the tripod forms a load path that supports the weight of the crossbow above a supporting surface. The crossbow tripod rest comprises a cylindrical structure, a first quadric segment, a second quadric segment, and a plurality of shims. The first quadric segment and the second quadric segment are formed in the cylindrical structure. The plurality of shims secure the crossbow in the crossbow tripod rest. 
     These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the crossbow tripod rest will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the crossbow tripod rest in detail, it is to be understood that the crossbow tripod rest is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the crossbow tripod rest. 
     It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the crossbow tripod rest. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein 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 practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
     The crossbow tripod rest  100  (hereinafter invention) is configured for use with a crossbow  171 . The crossbow  171  further comprises a forestock  172 . The forestock  172  further comprises a finger rest  173 . The invention  100  is configured for use with a tripod  161 . The tripod  161  is further defined with a tripod  161  head  162  and a quick release plate  163 . The quick release plate  163  attaches the crossbow  171  to the tripod head  162  such that the tripod  161  forms a load path that supports the weight of the crossbow  171  above a supporting surface. The invention  100  comprises a cylindrical structure  103 , a first quadric segment  101 , a second quadric segment  102 , and a plurality of shims  104 . The first quadric segment  101  and the second quadric segment  102  are formed in the cylindrical structure  103 . The plurality of shims  104  secure the crossbow  171  in the invention  100 . 
     The tripod  161  is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The tripod  161  head  162  is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The quick release plate  163  is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The crossbow  171  is a small arm that fires an arrow as a projectile. The forestock  172  is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The finger rest  173  is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. 
     The cylindrical structure  103  is a capped tube. The cylindrical structure  103  attaches to the quick release plate  163  such that the quick release plate  163  will attach the cylindrical structure  103  to the tripod head  162  of the tripod  161 . The forestock  172  of the crossbow  171  attaches to the cylindrical structure  103  such that the crossbow  171  secures to the tripod  161 . The cylindrical structure  103  comprises a lateral face  111 , a closed end  112 , an open end  113 , and a threaded plug  114 . 
     The lateral face  111  refers to the surface of the cylindrical structure  103  that attaches the closed end  112  and the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The closed end  112  refers to the capped end of the capped tube structure of the cylindrical structure  103 . The open end  113  refers to the end of the capped tube structure of the cylindrical structure  103  that is distal from the closed end  112 . The lateral face  111 , the closed end  112 , the open end  113 , and the capped tube are defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. 
     The closed end  112  further comprises a threaded plug  114 . The threaded plug  114  is a cylindrical cavity that is formed in the exterior surface of the closed end  112  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The center axis of the threaded plug  114  aligns with the center axis of the cylindrical structure  103 . The interior surface of the threaded plug  114  is formed with an interior screw thread. The interior screw thread of the threaded plug  114  is sized to receive an exterior screw thread formed on the exterior surface of the tripod  161  stud of the tripod  161 . The tripod  161  stud screws into the threaded plug  114  to attach the tripod  161  to the cylindrical structure  103 . 
     The first quadric segment  101  is a first negative space formed in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The first quadric segment  101  is formed the shape of a composite of different quadric surfaces. The first quadric segment  101  forms a concave space from the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103  into the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  towards the closed end  112  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The first quadric segment  101  comprises a first quadric space  121  and a first neck  122 . 
     The first quadric space  121  is a negative space formed in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that forms a component of the first quadric segment  101 . The first quadric space  121  is formed in the shape of an ellipse such that the major axis of the ellipse that forms the first quadric space  121  is perpendicular to the center axis of the cylindrical structure  103 . 
     The first neck  122  is a negative space formed in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that forms a component of the first quadric segment  101 . The first neck  122  is formed in the shape of a hyperbola such that the axis that bifurcates both branches of the hyperbola that forms the first neck  122  is perpendicular to the center axis of the cylindrical structure  103 . The first neck  122  forms an opening that extends the first quadric space  121  to the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The first neck  122  forms a first hyoid  151  and a second hyoid  152  in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103 . 
     The first hyoid  151  is a solid portion of the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that projects into the negative space of the first neck  122 . The first hyoid  151  forms the boundary of a first branch of the hyperbola that forms the first neck  122 . The second hyoid  152  is a solid portion of the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that projects into the negative space of the first neck  122 . The second hyoid  152  forms the boundary of a second branch of the hyperbola that forms the first neck  122 . 
     The second quadric segment  102  is a second negative space formed in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The second quadric segment  102  is formed the shape of a composite of different quadric surfaces. The second quadric segment  102  forms a concave space from the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103  into the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  towards the closed end  112  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The second quadric segment  102  forms a mirror image with the first quadric segment  101 . The second quadric segment  102  is diametrically opposed to the first quadric segment  101  such that the forestock  172  of the crossbow  171  will fit into the cylindrical structure  103  between the first quadric segment  101  and the second quadric segment  102 . The second quadric segment  102  comprises a second quadric space and a second neck  132 . 
     The second quadric space  131  is a negative space formed in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that forms a component of the second quadric segment  102 . The second quadric space  131  is formed in the shape of an ellipse such that the major axis of the ellipse that forms the second quadric space  131  is perpendicular to the center axis of the cylindrical structure  103 . 
     The second neck  132  is a negative space formed in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that forms a component of the second quadric segment  102 . The second neck  132  is formed in the shape of a hyperbola such that the axis that bifurcates both branches of the hyperbola that forms the second neck  132  is perpendicular to the center axis of the cylindrical structure  103 . The second neck  132  forms an opening that extends the second quadric space  131  to the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The second neck  132  forms a third hyoid  153  and a fourth hyoid  154  in the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103 . 
     The third hyoid  153  is a solid portion of the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that projects into the negative space of the second neck  132 . The third hyoid  153  forms the boundary of a first branch of the hyperbola that forms the second neck  132 . The fourth hyoid  154  is a solid portion of the lateral face  111  of the cylindrical structure  103  that projects into the negative space of the second neck  132 . The fourth hyoid  154  forms the boundary of a second branch of the hyperbola that forms the second neck  132 . 
     The first neck  122  and the second neck  132  are positioned relative to each other such that the first hyoid  151  and the second hyoid  152 , will insert into the finger rest  173  of the forestock  172 . The first neck  122  and the second neck  132  are positioned relative to each other such that the third hyoid  153  and the fourth hyoid  154  will insert into the finger rest  173  of the forestock  172 . 
     Each of the plurality of shims  104  is a plastic rectangular strip. Each of the plurality of shims  104  forms a wedge that wedges between the forestock  172  of the crossbow  171  and the interior surface of the cylindrical structure  103  such that the crossbow  171  will not move within the cylindrical structure  103  as the crossbow  171  fires. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of shims  104  comprises a first shim  141  and a second shim  142 . 
     The first shim  141  is a plastic sheeting that is inserted between the forestock  172  of the crossbow  171  and the cylindrical structure  103  through the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The second shim  142  is a plastic sheeting that is inserted between the forestock  172  of the crossbow  171  and the cylindrical structure  103  through the open end  113  of the cylindrical structure  103 . The second shim  142  is positioned diametrically opposed to the first shim  141  best immobilize the crossbow  171 . 
     The following definitions were used in this disclosure: 
     Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve. 
     Capped Tube: As used in this disclosure, a capped tube is a tube with one closed end and one open end. 
     Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification. 
     Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset. 
     Concave: As used in this disclosure, concave is used to describe: 1) a surface that resembles the interior surface of a sphere; or, 2) a function with a curvature structure wherein a chord that connects any two points of the function will be lesser than (graphically below) or equal to the value of the function at any point along the chord. 
     Convex: As used in this disclosure, convex is used to describe: 1) a surface that resembles the outer surface of a sphere; or, 2) a function with a curvature structure wherein a chord that connects any two points of the function will be greater than (graphically above) or equal to the value of the function at any point along the chord. 
     Cylinder: As used in this disclosure, a cylinder is a geometric structure defined by two identical flat and parallel ends, also commonly referred to as bases, which are circular in shape and connected with a single curved surface, referred to in this disclosure as the lateral face. The cross-section of the cylinder remains the same from one end to another. The axis of the cylinder is formed by the straight line that connects the center of each of the two identical flat and parallel ends of the cylinder. Unless otherwise stated within this disclosure, the term cylinder specifically means a right cylinder which is defined as a cylinder wherein the curved surface perpendicularly intersects with the two identical flat and parallel ends. 
     Exterior Screw Thread: An exterior screw thread is a ridge wrapped around the outer surface of a tube in the form of a helical structure that is used to convert rotational movement into linear movement. 
     Forestock: As used in this disclosure, the forestock is the part of a rifle that supports the barrel of the rifle. A forestock may also refer to the portion of other types of small arms that similarly located. Forestocks are often fitted with a finger rest. The finger rest is a groove formed in the forestock that provides a grip point for use by the fingers. 
     Hyperbola: As used in this disclosure, a hyperbola is a function that forms two branches when graphed in a plane. The equation of a hyperbola is (x/a)^2−(y/b)^2=1. The hyperbola is a conic section. 
     Hyoid: As used in this disclosure, a hyoid refers to a three-sided structure comprising a crossbeam, a first arm, and a second arm. In a hyoid, the first arm and the second arm project away from the crossbeam: 1) in the same direction; 2) at a roughly perpendicular angle to the crossbeam, and, 3) the span of length of the first arm roughly equals the span of length of the second arm. Hyoids generally have a U shaped appearance. 
     Interior Screw Thread: An interior screw thread is a groove formed around the inner surface of a tube in the form of a helical structure that is used to convert rotational movement into linear movement. 
     Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure. 
     Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth. 
     Major and Minor Axes: As used in this disclosure, the major axis axes refer to a pair of perpendicular axes that are defined within a structure. The length of the major axis is always greater than or equal to the length of the minor axis. The major and minor axes intersect at the center of the structure. The major axis is always parallel to an edge of a rectangular or rectilinear structure. 
     Mirror Image: As used in this disclosure, a mirror image refers to a second object that is a reproduction of a first object wherein the second object is identical to the first object except that the orientation of the second object is reversed relative to the first object as if the second object has been reflected by a plane of a mirror (often called the mirror plane or plane of reflection). 
     Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object. 
     Quadric Surface: As used in this disclosure, a quadric surface is a three-dimensional surface that varies in the three Cartesian coordinates in an algebraically defined manner. The conic section is a two-dimensional embodiment of a quadric surface. Euclidian planes as well as the surfaces of ellipsoids, spheres, paraboloids, and cones are examples of quadric surfaces. The Euclidian plane is technically considered a degenerate form of a quadric surface but, unless specifically stated otherwise within this disclosure, is explicitly included in this definition. Quadric surfaces are described by the general algebraic form: Ax 2 +By 2 +Cz 2 +Dxy+Exz+Fyz+Gx+Hy+Iz+J=0. 
     Quick Release Plate: As used in this disclosure, a quick release plate is an optional accessory for a tripod head. The quick release plate is a plate with a tripod stud that is attached to a device that can be attached to the tripod head using a latching system. The use of multiple quick release plates allows for rapidly and conveniently changing of the device mounted on the tripod. 
     Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder. 
     Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force. 
     Screw: As used in this disclosure, to screw is a verb meaning: 1) to fasten or unfasten (unscrew) a threaded connection; or 2) to attach a helical structure to a solid structure. 
     Strip: As used in this disclosure, the term describes a long and narrow object of uniform thickness that appears thin relative to the length of the object. Strips are often rectangular in shape. 
     Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load path of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object. 
     Threaded Connection: As used in this disclosure, a threaded connection is a type of fastener that is used to join a first tube-shaped and a second tube-shaped object together. The first tube-shaped object is fitted with a first fitting selected from an interior screw thread or an exterior screw thread. The second tube-shaped object is fitted with the remaining screw thread. The tube-shaped object fitted with the exterior screw thread is placed into the remaining tube-shaped object such that: 1) the interior screw thread and the exterior screw thread interconnect; and, 2) when the tube-shaped object fitted with the exterior screw thread is rotated the rotational motion is converted into linear motion that moves the tube-shaped object fitted with the exterior screw thread either into or out of the remaining tube-shaped object. The direction of linear motion is determined by the direction of rotation. 
     Tripod: As used in this disclosure, a tripod is a three-legged stand that is used to support a device. 
     Tripod Head: As used in this disclosure, a tripod head is the portion of the tripod that is attached to the device to the tripod. Modern tripod heads incorporate a ball head design that allows the orientation of the device to be adjusted and then locked into position. Tripod heads further comprise a standardized tripod stud, which is a standardized threaded connection that is used to connect the device to the tripod head. 
     Tube: As used in this disclosure, the term tube is used to describe a rigid hollow prism. While tubes that are suitable for use in this disclosure are often used to transport or conveys fluids or gases, the purpose of the tubes in this disclosure is structural. In this disclosure, the terms inner dimension and outer dimension of a tube are used as they would be used by those skilled in the plumbing arts. 
     Wedge: As used in this disclosure, a wedge is a structure that is inserted into a narrow opening, or fissure, for the purpose of: 1) separating the narrow opening; 2) placing the wedge tightly into the narrow opening for use as a lever; or, 3) placing the wedge tightly into the narrow opening for use in preventing movement. 
     Wedge: As used in this disclosure, to wedge is a verb that refers to forcing an object into a space that is slightly smaller than the object itself. 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in  FIGS. 1 through 5  include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention. 
     It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.