Abstract:
A device for stabilizing the elbow of a person while participating in certain activities for example hunting or photography includes a first member for attaching the device to an arm rest of a conventional chair. A second member is adjustably supported above the first member for supporting the elbow of the user to assist in stabilizing the aim of the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention is directed to a stabilizing device for supporting an elbow of a hunter during a shot. The device may be utilized in conjunction with a chair in which the hunter may be seated while waiting for game to appear at which point the hunter will normally attempt a shot with a rifle or other type of firearm. The invention may also be used by photographers while taking a picture in a seated position. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Huntsman typically will locate themselves in a hunting blind awaiting game to pass by. One or more chairs are located within the blind which is provided with one or more openings for viewing and for allowing the hunter to take a shot at the game. Prior art devices such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,886,229 and 5,715,625 are designed to support weapons and may be attached to chairs. U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,455 discloses a device that is constructed to extend between a hunter&#39;s leg and arm to aid in stabilizing the user&#39;s arm while attempting a shot. None of the prior art is designed for use with a hunter&#39;s chair having side arms and is so constructed so to support the elbow of the user above the arm, of the chair in such a manner to stabilize the hunter&#39;s arm while shooting in a seating position. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is an adjustable support device for supporting the elbow of a hunter while in a seated position. The device includes a first generally horizontal lower support member that is releasably attached to the arm rest portion of a chair. A post member extends upwardly from the horizontal support member and includes a threaded upper position. A second generally horizontal upper support member includes a threaded socket and attaches to the post member. The vertical position of the second horizontal member may be adjusted by rotating the threaded socket. The upper support member is in a position to act as a support for the elbow of the huntsman as the rifle is aimed and discharged. Straps with hook and loop fasteners may be provided to secure the device to the chair. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention attached to a conventional arm chair. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , an embodiment according to the invention includes a first generally horizontal support member  14  in the form of a flat, rectangular plate. Support member  14  may be slightly curved to conform to the chair arm. The support member  14  has a plurality of slots  16 ,  17  there through to receive flexible straps  19  that have hook and loop type securing members on opposite sides of the strap. The straps may be used to secure the device to an arm of a conventional hunting chair. A rod or post member  11  is suitably secured to first support member  14  by any suitable means such as being welded thereto or by a threaded connector member secured to the member  14 . Rod  11  may be perpendicular to the support member  14  or slightly angled in a forward direction. The upper end of the rod  11  is threaded at  12  and is adapted to support a second upper support member  15 . An internally threaded socket member  13  is secured to upper support member  15 . Socket member  13  is adjustably threaded onto the threads  12  of rod  11  so that the distance between the upper and lower support members  15  and  14  can be adjusted to accommodate hunters of varying stature. Other forms of known adjustment mechanism may be utilized for example telescoping rods with a series of spaced apertures for receiving a locking pin may be used. 
         [0009]      FIG. 2  shows the manner in which the device according to an embodiment of the invention is secured to a hunting chair  30 . It should be understood that the elbow support can be used with any conventional hunting chair with arm supports. The chair illustrated in  FIG. 2  is just an example of one chair. 
         [0010]    A typical hunting chair may include a back rest  31 , a seat surface  34  and side arm supports  32  and  33 . The chair may include a folding mechanism such as shown at  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 , and  39 . Arm rests  32  and  33  may include an arm support surface  40 . In use, lower support member  14  of the elbow support device is placed on arm support surface  40 . Straps  19  are passed through slots  16  and  17  and then underneath arm rest  32  or  33  to secure the device to the arm rest. Alternatively slots  16  and  17  need not be provided. The straps could be used to encircle lower support member  14  and arm rest  32  or  33 . Upper elbow support member can then be threaded up or down on rod  11  so as to position the upper support  15  at the appropriate level. A lock nut or set screw as known in the art may be provided to maintain upper support member  15  in the appropriate position. While aiming this rifle for a shot, the hunter may now use upper support member  15  as a support surface for his elbow to assist in steadying his aim. Upper support member  15  may extend generally parallel to lower support member  14  or slightly angled with respect thereto. 
         [0011]    Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific details, it is not intended that such details should be regarded as limitations on the scope of the invention, except to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims. 
         [0012]    It is understood that modifications to the invention may be made as might occur to one skilled in the field of the invention within the scope of the appended claims. All embodiments contemplated hereunder which achieve the objects of the invention have not been shown in complete detail. Other embodiments may be developed without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific details, it is not intended that such details should be regarded as limitations on the scope of the invention, except to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.