Abstract:
Embodiments according to the present invention provide improved systems and methods for mounting accessories, such as a rangefinder, to supporting structure, such as an archery bow or firearm. The improved accessory mount includes one or more brackets adapted to interface to the accessory and to the supporting structure. Preferred brackets provide universal adaptability between and amongst a variety of supporting structures.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/404,944, filed 12 Oct. 2010, and entitled “Systems and Methods of Accessory Mounting.” 
         [0002]    This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/229,406, filed 22 Aug. 2008, and entitled “Archery Bow Accessory Mount,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of supporting structures, such as brackets and the like, and more particularly to the positioning and support of an accessory, such as a rangefinder, in relation to a weapon, such as an archery bow or a firearm, or other structure. 
         [0004]    Generally, an archery bow comprises a riser body and a pair of limbs extending from opposite ends of the riser body. Strung between the limbs is a bowstring. An archery bow may be provided as a compound bow or a long bow; a compound bow having cams provided on the limbs around which the bowstring is threaded and a long bow not having such cams. Regardless of whether a bow is compound or long, a grip is provided on the riser body to be grasped by one hand of a user while the bowstring is drawn with the other hand. The grip defines a pivot point that is usually engaged by the user&#39;s thumb and forefinger. 
         [0005]    Many accessories have been developed for use with and integration onto archery bows, such as sights, quivers, stabilizers and silencers. However, other accessories that may be of value to a user of an archery bow may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the bow. For instance, a handheld rangefinder, camera, digital music player, microphone, or other accessory, may be desirable to be used in conjunction with an archery bow, but is likely not to have been designed with such a specific use in mind. For convenience, since the operation or firing of an archery bow requires two hands, it may be desirable to mount such an accessory in a convenient location relative to various components of the archery bow. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, a firearm, such as a rifle, generally comprises a stock extending proximally to a butt end. The stock generally supports a barrel extending distally to a muzzle end. Also usually supported by the stock is the firing mechanism, which may include a trigger, a safety, an ammunition chamber, etc. The firing mechanism is usually disposed distally of a hand grip that may be formed into the stock. Situated usually even more distally than the firing mechanism, there may be a means for mounting an accessory to the barrel of the rifle, such as an optical scope or sight. 
         [0007]    While limited mounting locations may be provided on a rifle, other locations, and perhaps other accessories, that may be of value to a shooter may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the rifle. For instance, a handheld rangefinder, camera, digital music player, microphone, or other accessory, may be desirable to be used in conjunction with a rifle, but is likely not to have been designed with such a specific use in mind. For convenience, since the operation or firing of a firearm, and especially a rifle, may require two hands, it may be desirable to mount such an accessory in a convenient location relative to various components of the firearm. 
         [0008]    While devices and methods have been developed for supporting accessories on weapons and other structures, such developments may not have appreciated relative positioning of accessories in relation to the weapon, as well as desired interchangeability between mounting the same accessory on first an archery bow and then on a firearm, or vice versa. Therefore, the art of supporting accessories on or near an archery bow would benefit from an improved apparatus for positioning an accessory in relation to a support structure and to allow for uniform mounting structure to be provided on various weapons to allow for ease of transfer of an accessory from one weapon or support structure to another. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An apparatus according to the present invention provides an improved apparatus for positioning an accessory in relation to a support structure and to allow for uniform mounting structure to be provided on various weapons to allow for ease of transfer of an accessory from one weapon or support structure to another. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of a combination according to the present invention, an archery bow has a riser body with a grip disposed thereon. The riser body has a draw side and a sight side. One or more standoffs may be coupled to, and extend generally longitudinally outward from, the draw side above the grip. An accessory bracket may be supported by one or more of the standoffs. The accessory bracket includes a support structure interface including a first leg and a second leg, which are coupled by a hinge member. A first standoff notch is provided on one of the legs, the notch being configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs. 
         [0011]    According to an aspect of an embodiment according to the present invention, a second standoff notch may be provided on the other of the legs, where the second standoff notch is configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs. The first standoff notch and the second standoff notch may cooperate to form a mounting aperture, which may be formed when the legs are arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. The mounting aperture may have a cross-sectional shape that is mateable with one of the standoffs. The legs may be arranged in a parallel relationship and secured by a threaded fastener extending through one of the legs and threadably engaging the other leg. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of an embodiment according to the present invention, to each leg there may be attached or formed integrally therewith a yoke arm extending from the hinge member to a free yoke end. The yoke arms may move simultaneously with the legs and when the legs are hingedly moved apart with respect to each other, the yoke arms may be moved toward each other. Each yoke free end preferably includes a longitudinal slot disposed along a slot length. The slots may have a C-shaped, such as a squared-off C-shaped, cross-section. One or both of the slots may be terminated at one end, and the slots are preferably spaced from each other at a relative slot spacing. 
         [0013]    According to still another aspect according to the present invention, an accessory may be supported by the accessory bracket. The accessory preferably has two at least substantially parallel rails disposed thereon at a relative rail spacing with respect to each other. The rail spacing may be at least substantially equal to the slot spacing. The rails preferably have a T-shape or I-shape cross-section adapted to frictionally engage the slots provided on the yoke arms. In one embodiment, the accessory is an electronic range finder. 
         [0014]    According to yet another aspect according to the present invention, an accessory may be directly mounted to and supported by one of the standoffs in a spaced relationship from the riser body. Such accessory may be a sight mounting bracket or an arrow quiver, for example. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a left elevation view of a first embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention mounted to an accessory. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a right elevation view of a first archery setup including a sight bracket installed on an archery bow. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a front left perspective view of the archery setup of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a rear right perspective view of a portion of a second archery setup. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a first embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a second embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a third embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a fourth embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is a second perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6C  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a side elevation view of a portion of a second embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a side elevation view of a portion of a third embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7C  is a side elevation view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a first rear right perspective view of an accessory bracket interfacing with a support bracket. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is a second rear right perspective view of the accessory bracket of  FIG. 8  interfacing with the support bracket of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is the view of  FIG. 9A , further including a remote triggering structure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a left side perspective view of a rifle including an optical scope mounted thereto. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a supplemental accessory bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  interfacing with the first embodiment of an accessory interface according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is the view of  FIG. 10  further including a first embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 14A  is a top plan view of an embodiment of an adjustable bracket according to the present invention in a first position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14B  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14A  in a second, extended position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the adjustable bracket of  FIG. 14A  interfacing with the first embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the structure shown in  FIG. 12  interfacing with the structure shown in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 17A  is a first bottom perspective view of the structure shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 17B  is the view of  FIG. 17A , further including a remote triggering structure and exemplary placement locations. 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is a second bottom perspective view of the structure shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  is a rear elevation view depicting the embodiment of  FIG. 19  installed about a tubular support structure. 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0048]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0049]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  provide a first embodiment  100  of an accessory bracket according to the present invention. The bracket  100  is shown coupled to an accessory  900 , which in this case is an embodiment of an optical rangefinder. Generally, the accessory  900  extends from a proximal end  902  to a distal end  904 . A rangefinder eyepiece portion  906  may extend distally from the proximal end  902 , and may be supported by a portion  908  of an accessory housing  910 . Another portion  912  of the housing  910 , where the portion  912  may extend proximally from the distal end  904 , may contain electronic processing means and a power supply (not shown) for operation of the rangefinder  900 . The eyepiece  906  may be operatively coupled to the electronic processing means by way of, e.g., electrical wires (not shown) disposed in a conduit portion  914  of the housing  910 . 
         [0050]    The accessory bracket  100  preferably provides an accessory interface  110 . The accessory interface  110  preferably includes a structure that may be readily mated to a support interface provided on a support bracket according to the present invention. For instance, the accessory interface  110  may include one or more engagement structures, such as snaps, clips, hook and loop fasteners, etc. A preferred engagement structure is one or more rail members  112 . The preferred rail members  112  are preferably provided as a pair of at least substantially parallel rails provided along a rail length  114  and spaced by a rail spacing  116 . Preferred rails  112  have a generally T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section. The accessory bracket  100  may further include a mounting plate  120  to which the accessory interface  110  may be mounted. Alternatively, the accessory interface  110  may be disposed directly on the accessory  900 . If used, the mounting plate  120  has a top surface  122  preferably adapted to mate with a portion of an accessory  900 , and a bottom surface  124 , which is disposed substantially opposite the top surface  122 . The mounting plate  120  may be secured to the accessory  900  by any conventional means, such as by adhesive and/or fastening members  126 . The accessory interface  110  may be secured to the bottom surface  124  of the mounting plate  120 . Preferred materials for the mounting plate  120  include a thermoformed plastic or a light metal material, such as aluminum or brass, and preferred materials for the rails  112  include same. It is to be appreciated that the rails  112  may be formed integrally with or attached to the mounting plate  120  which may be formed integrally with or attached to the accessory housing  910 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 3-5D , various views and embodiments of support structures may be seen, to which it may be desirable to mount an accessory  900 . For instance,  FIG. 3  depicts a portion of an archery bow  800 . The archery bow  800  includes a riser body  802  having an upper riser portion  804  and a lower riser portion  806 . Depending at least partially rearwardly from the upper portion  804  of the riser body  802  is an upper limb  808 . Depending at least partially rearwardly from the lower portion  806  of the riser body  802  is a lower limb (not shown). Coupled to, or formed as a part of the riser body  802 , between the upper portion  804  and the lower portion  806 , or at the intersection thereof, is a grip  812 , which establishes a pivot point  814 . When the grip  812  is grasped by a hand of a user, the pivot point  814  normally engages at least the proximal phalanges of the user&#39;s thumb and forefinger. 
         [0052]    Coupled to the riser body  802  is a bow sight  816 . This sight  816  happens to include a sight mounting bracket  818  mounted to the riser body  802  with a pair of threaded fasteners  820 . As is conventional, there are many bow accessories that are configured to be mounted to the riser body  802  of a bow by the use of threaded fasteners  820 . Usually, as can be seen in  FIG. 4A , accessories such as the sight mounting bracket  818  may be spaced by one or more spacers or standoffs  822  situated between the riser body  802  and the accessory  818 , through which the threaded fasteners  820  may pass. Thus, a gap  823  is provided between the riser body  802  and the sight mounting bracket  818 . Additionally or alternatively, standoff extensions  824  may be provided, extending away from the riser body  802 , as opposed to being situated between the riser body  802  and a mounted accessory  818 . Such standoff extensions  824  are preferably formed from a rigid material, such as metal (aluminum or steel) or plastic of sufficient strength, and they may be provided in a variety of configured cross-sections, examples of which can be seen in  FIGS. 4B-5D . Such standoff extensions  824  may be provided as separate and distinct extensions  824 , for instance having circular  824 , triangular  824 ′, rectangular  824 ″, or oval  824 ′″ cross-sections. Alternatively, both standoff extensions  824  may be provided as a unitary member  825  configured to span a standard distance provided between the threaded fasteners  820 . The standoffs  824  may be provided with smooth or threaded apertures  824   a  through which the threaded fasteners  820  may be fed and then engaged with the riser body  802  of a bow so as to secure the standoff extensions  824  thereto. While the various cross-sections of standoffs are shown with respect to the standoff extensions  824 , it is to be understood that such cross-section configurations may be applied to the standoffs  822  that may be disposed between a mounted accessory  818  and the riser body  802 . 
         [0053]    Accordingly, it may be desirable to mount an accessory  900 , which may be in addition to a previously mounted accessory, such as the sight mounting bracket  818 , to an archery bow. Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-7C , various views and embodiments of support brackets may be seen, which are preferably configured to interface with an accessory interface  110  provided on an accessory bracket  100  according to the present invention. Generally, a support bracket  200  according to the present invention may provide a bracket interface  210  and a support structure interface  250 . The bracket interface  210  is configured to mate with and/or cooperate with the accessory interface  110  provided on or coupled to the accessory  900 . For instance, if the accessory interface  110  includes a pair of parallel rails  112 , the bracket interface  210  preferably includes a pair of parallel slots  212  disposed along a slot length  214  and, when the bracket  200  is in a desired installed orientation, such as that shown in  FIG. 6B , disposed at a slot spacing  216 . The slot length  214  and the slot spacing  216  are preferably substantially the same as the rail length  214  and the rail length  114  and the rail spacing  116 . The slots  212 , which may have a generally C-shaped cross-section adapted to interface with the T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section of the rails  112 , may be disposed on a yoke structure  220  including a first arm  222  and a second arm  224 . The slots  212  may be terminated at one end or another to provide a seat for the mating rails  112 , but more preferably, the slots  212  are open on each end thereof to allow multilateral insertion of the rails  112 . 
         [0054]    The support structure interface  250  generally preferably includes a first leg  252  and a second leg  254  which are movable with respect to one another, such as by being coupled to a hinge member  240 . The hinge member  240  is configured to allow generally planar separation of the legs  252 , 254  so as to create a mounting gap  256  therebetween, as shown in  FIG. 6A . Also provided on one or both legs  252 , 254  are one or more standoff notches  258 . If the standoff notches  258  are provided on each leg  252 , 254 , then for each standoff notch  258  provided on the first leg  252 , there is preferably a mating standoff notch  258  provided on the second leg  254 . Alternatively, each notch  258  may be formed entirely into one leg  252  or the other  254 . When the mounting gap  256  is closed or at least decreased, the mounting notches  258  preferably cooperate to form mounting apertures  260  configured to interface with a predetermined or unknown arrangement of standoffs  824 , previously described. To maintain the legs  252 , 254  in a closed or secured position, a thumb screw  262  may be provided, preferably configured to be threadably engaged through the first leg  252  and into the second leg  254 . The mounting apertures  860  may be of any shape mateable or cooperable with such standoffs  824 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the apertures  860  are provided as generally circular to interface with standoffs  824  having a generally circular cross-section. In  FIG. 7A , the mounting apertures  860 ′ have a generally triangular shape to interface with standoffs  824 ′ having a generally triangular cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, one or more mounting channels  864  may be provided on the support structure interface  250 . For instance, in  FIG. 7B , a mounting channel  864  is configured to interface with a unitary member standoff  825 . While shown with the hinge member  240 , such support structure interface  250 ″ may be provided as a stationary interface with the legs  252 , 254  disposed at a predetermined channel gap  266  from each other. In this way, the legs  252 , 254  may be positioned in a downward mounting direction  268  to straddle the standoff  825 . Such an arrangement is particularly useful if obstructions are provided in relatively close proximity on both sides of the standoff  825 . Where an obstruction is provided only on a single side of the standoff(s), it may be desirable to provide mounting capability in a lateral proximal (not shown) or distal direction  270 . Such capability may be provided by the support structure interface  250 ′″ provided in  FIG. 7C , in which one or more laterally accessible mounting channels  272  are provided to cooperate with standoffs  824 . A mounting pin  274 , which may be secured to the support structure interface  250 ″ with a threaded thumbscrew  263 , may be used to close off the channels  272  once the channels  272  have been cooperated with the standoffs  824 . 
         [0055]    The yoke arms  222 , 224  on which the slots  212  are preferably supported may be fixedly arranged with respect to one another, but more preferably, each arm extends into or is coupled to one of the legs  252 , 254  of the support structure interface  250 . As shown, when the legs  252 , 254  are separated to form the mounting gap  256 , the yoke arms  222 , 224  move towards each other. An alternative scissor arrangement (not shown) may be desirable for some applications, in which when the legs  252 , 254  are separated to form the mounting gap  256 , the yoke arms  222 , 224  move away from each other. In such scissor arrangement, the first arm  222  would extend into or be coupled to the second leg  254 , and the second arm  224  would extend into or be coupled to the first leg  252 . The yoke arms  222 , 224  may include a plurality of holes  226  formed therethrough to lighten the weight of the bracket  200 . Additionally, the yoke arms  222 , 224  extend preferably from a left lateral surface  227  to a right lateral surface  228 . At least one of the lateral surfaces may be extensively coplanar with a side of the legs  252 , 254  so as to aid mounting the bracket up against, for example, a bow riser  802 . Alternatively, the lateral surfaces may be formed substantially symmetrically, such as by the left lateral surface  227  flaring outwardly similar to the right lateral surface  228 . The legs  252 , 254  preferably have a thickness  259  sized and configured to be disposed in a desired mounting location, such as the mounting gap  823 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  depicts a support bracket  200  that has been installed on an archery bow  800 . Such installation involved cooperating the support structure interface  250  of the bracket  200  with standoffs  824  disposed between the sight bracket  818  and the bow riser body  802 . An accessory  900  is to be coupled to the bow  800 . Fitted to or formed integrally with the accessory  900 , or disposed between the accessory  900  and the support bracket  200 , is an accessory bracket  100 . Since the rail spacing  116  of the accessory bracket  100  is operatively configured to interface with the slot spacing  216  of the slots  212  on the support bracket  200 , it is possible to slide the rails  112  into the slots  212 , frictionally engaging same therewith, in a mounting direction  830 . The various components of the support bracket  200  are preferably formed from aluminum, though other materials may be used. 
         [0057]      FIG. 9A  depicts the accessory  900  having been situated at a desired position. In this position, although not necessary, it is preferred that all or substantially all of the rails  112  are situated within the slots  212  provided on the support bracket  200 . This arrangement tends to minimize corruption of accessory/bracket interface, such as by dirt getting disposed within the slots  212  or upon the rails  112 .  FIG. 9B  is the same view as  FIG. 9A , further including a remote triggering mechanism  930 , which may be a normally open or normally closed push-button switch  932  that may be used to activate the accessory  900 . The switch  932  is in electrical communications with an electrical circuit (not shown) in the accessory housing  910 . Such electrical communications may be provided via wireless means, but is preferably provided with one or more electrical conductors  934  disposed between the accessory housing  910  and the switch  932 . The conductors  934  may be adhered or otherwise coupled to the bow riser body  802 , such as by being strapped or clipped thereto, to ensure that they preferably will not interfere with use of the sights  816 . In this manner, the accessory  900  may be activated, powered-on, and/or controlled from a physical location separate and apart from the accessory housing  910 . The switch  932  may be supported by the bow riser body  802 , such as by being adhered thereto. However, the switch is preferably removably coupled to the bow riser body  802 , opposite the grip  812 , for easy operation with the fingers of a user&#39;s hand. The removable coupling is preferably a magnetic arrangement including a magnet or magnetic material (not shown) securely disposed on the switch  932  and a magnet or magnetic material, or a magnet, respectively, (not shown) disposed on the bow riser body  802 . The magnet or magnetic material disposed on the bow riser body  802  may be secured thereto relatively permanently, such as by welding or adhesive, or relatively selectively removably, such as by a strap or clip disposed substantially around the riser body  802  or by a hook and loop type fastener. The magnet or magnetic material disposed on the switch  932  is preferably adhered thereto. 
         [0058]    Where a remote switch  932  is used, there may be times when it is desirable for the accessory  900  to be used separate and apart from any mounting structure, such as by being supported by or in the hand of a user. In such cases, it may be desirable to mount the switch  932  to one of one or more docking locations  940  provided on the accessory housing  910 . A docking location  940  may include a magnet or magnetic material that is disposed on, inset into, or disposed within the accessory housing  910  configured to cooperate with the magnet or magnetic material provided on the switch  932  to temporarily secure the switch  932  preferably directly adjacent the housing  910  when desired. A plurality of docking locations  940  may be provided on the accessory housing  910 , such as one on each side of the left and right (shown) sides of the accessory  900  to facilitate a variety of manipulations. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10-22 , an alternate support structure and support structure interface may be described. Another example, aside from an archery bow as previously described, in which it may be desirable to mount an accessory  900  is in the event of a tubular or other support structure. Presented in  FIG. 10  is a generic representation of an embodiment of a firearm  850 , in this instance a rifle or shotgun. As described above, the firearm  850  may include a stock  852 . Supported by the stock  852 , or molded integrally therewith, may be a grip  854  that is formed generally proximal from a trigger  856 . Extending distally, and mounted to or supported by the stock  852 , is a barrel  858 . Coupled on top of or to either the stock  852  or the barrel  858  may be an optical sight  860 , such as an optical scope. The scope  860  extends from a proximal end  862  to a distal end  864 , along a longitudinal sight axis  866 , which may be disposed generally parallel to a longitudinal barrel axis  859  about which the barrel  858  is formed. The proximal end  862  of the scope  860  is the end into which a user peers with his or her eye to aim the firearm  850 . The scope  860  in this instance is mounted to the firearm  850  by a plurality of scope mounting clips  870 . The scope mounting clips  870  interface with a cooperative structure on top of the barrel  858  or the stock  852  to maintain the scope  860  in a stationary position relative thereto. The clips  870  generally extend about a central tubular portion  868  of the scope  860 . The central tubular portion  868  is disposed on either side of a scope adjustment mechanism  872  as is standard in the art. The scope mounting clips  870  are shown spaced from the scope adjustment mechanism  872  so as to provide vacant tubular mounting space  874 . Alternatively, one or both of the mounting clips  870  may be disposed immediately adjacent to the scope adjustment mechanism  872 , thereby creating or providing vacant tubular mounting space  874  proximal or distal to either scope mounting clip  870 . In general, it is to be understood that the tubular support structure  868  could be any tubular support structure. For example, the structure could be a railing, or a handle or support on a vehicle. The present invention provides embodiments that are adaptable to both continuous tubular structures, as well as to tubular structures that have a discontinuous, interrupted or incongruous outer surface portion. 
         [0060]    Having generally described a support structure to which an accessory  900  is to be mounted, we turn now to a structure and method of mounting such accessory  900 .  FIG. 11  shows an intermediate or supplemental accessory bracket  300  which may be coupled to the accessory bracket  100  previously described. Generally, the supplemental accessory bracket  300  extends between a top interface  310  and a bottom interface  330 . The top interface  310  comprises a mating interface to the accessory interface  110  provided on the accessory bracket  100 . In one embodiment, as described above, the accessory interface  110  includes a plurality of substantially parallel rails  112 . Thus, the supplemental bracket  300  includes a plurality of substantially parallel slots  312 , which may be substantially the same as or similar to the slots  212  provided on the previously described mounting bracket  200 . The slots  312  are preferably provided along a slot length  314  and are disposed at a slot spacing  316  from each other. The slots  312  may be formed into or provided by slot members  320 . The slot members  320  may be reinforced by one or more reinforcement struts  322  coupled thereto. Preferably, a plurality of reinforcement struts  322  is provided, each of which is secured to each slot member  320 . 
         [0061]    Also, provided on the bottom interface  330  is a substantially tubular support member  332 , which may have a desirable cross-section shape. Example of cross-section shapes may be circular or rectangular. The tubular member  332  is preferably formed along a pivot axis  334  for a length  336  that is preferably greater than the supplemental bracket slot spacing  316 . The tubular member  332  is preferably hollow throughout its length  336 . Extending through a wall of the tubular member  332  is an optional securing member  340  which interfaces to a tubular support structure bracket, such as the bracket  400  described below, to preferably stabilize the supplemental bracket  300 . Thus, where a securing member  340  is used, it may be desirable to use a tubular member  332  having a rectangular cross-section so as to provide at least one flat external surface to work with. The securing member  340  may include a threaded set screw or thumb screw  342  which is configured to at least partially extend into the tubular member  332 . The screw  342  is configured to threadably engage either the wall  338  of the tubular member  332  or an intermediate collar  344  that may be securely disposed on the tubular member  332 . As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , the supplemental bracket  300  is configured to interface and cooperate with the accessory bracket  100 , such as with the plurality of rails  112  being slid into and frictionally engaged with the plurality of slots  312 . The various components of the supplemental bracket  300  are formed from aluminum, or some other lightweight, sufficiently strong material. Other materials such as brass, plastic or even steel may be employed, the latter being perhaps less desirable due to oxidation, unless sufficient stainless treatment has been provided thereto.  FIG. 12  shows that the supplemental bracket  300  has been coupled to an accessory  900  at through an accessory bracket  100 . Alternatively, the bottom interface  330  of the supplemental bracket  300  may comprise or be included on the accessory bracket  100 . 
         [0062]    Although as herein described, the top interface  310  of the supplemental bracket  300  is configured to interface with the accessory interface  110  of the accessory bracket  100 , it is to be appreciated and understood that the rails  112  and the slots  312  could be done away with altogether, and the bottom interface  330  of the supplemental bracket  300  could be disposed directly onto or formed integrally with the accessory  900  or the accessory bracket  100 . 
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , a first embodiment of a tubular support bracket  400  is shown. In this case, it is to be understood that the term “tubular support bracket” does not necessarily mean that the bracket, itself, is tubular, but rather that the bracket  400  is configured to interface with a tubular support structure. The tubular support structure may be round, rectangular, etc., but the tubular support bracket  400  may be generally in the form of a band that is configured to lay substantially circumjacent a tubular support structure. It is also to be appreciated that a tubular support structure may be of any cross-sectional shape, and it is not required to be hollow or formed in a substantially linear orientation. It is to be understood that the tubular support structures to which the tubular support bracket  400  is configured to interface according to the present invention include a structural portion adapted to be wrapped substantially completely circumferentially with a band, for example. In this case, the tubular support bracket  400  includes at least one, but preferably a plurality of tubular support bands or clips  402 . The bands  402  are sized and configured to wrap substantially completely around vacant tubular support structure  874 , such as that previously described that may be located adjacent to the mounting clips  870  of an optical scope  860  mounted on a firearm  850 . These support bands  402  may be fastened in a plurality of ways. In the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , the bands  402  have been secured by threaded fastening members  406 , so as to frictionally engage the tubular support structure  874  with the bands  402 . The bands  402  may be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.), an elastically deformable material (e.g. rubber, spring steel, etc.), or plastically deformable material (e.g., sheet steel, etc.). 
         [0064]    Extending substantially radially outwardly from the support bands  402 , which may be substantially perpendicular to a tangent of the tubular support structure  868 , or substantially perpendicular to the tubular support axis  866 , is at least one, but preferably a plurality of mounting studs  412 . The mounting studs  412  preferably extend for a mounting stud length  414  away from the mounting bands  402 , along a longitudinal axis  408  that is, as mentioned, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  866  of the tubular support structure  868 . These mounting stud lengths  414  may be a matter of preference or they may be a function of the size of the accessory  900  to be mounted. In other words, sufficient space should be provided to allow for desired positioning of the accessory  900  relative to the tubular support structure  868 . These mounting studs  412  may be formed or disposed in a plurality of configurations, but they are provided at a preferred stud spacing  416 , which is measured preferably substantially parallel to the barrel axis  859 , or an axis  866  about which the tubular support structure  868  is formed. Where a plurality of mounting studs  412  is provided, it is preferred that these studs  412  are formed or arranged relatively parallel to each other and accessible from a free end  410 , the free end  410  extending out into space away from the mounting bands  402 . The mounting studs  412  are preferably formed from plastic or aluminum, but other materials may be used. 
         [0065]    Shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  is an adjustable accessory bracket  500 . This adjustable accessory bracket  500  is adapted to interface to the one or more mounting studs  412  provided coupled to the tubular mounting band or bands  402 . Preferably, the adjustable bracket  500  is provided with a plurality of receivers  512 , each receiver  512  being disposed along a receiver length  514 , and spaced from each other receiver  512  by an adjustable receiver spacing  516 . The receiver spacing  516  is adjustable so as to accommodate various mounting stud spacing  416  arrangements that may be provided, which may depend on the tubular support structure  868  provided. In other words, depending on the arrangement of a predetermined or provided tubular support structure  868  and the availability of vacant tubular structure mounting space  874 , the mounting stud spacing  416  may vary. For instance, with reference to the optical scope  860  shown in  FIG. 13 , the scope  860  includes a scope adjustment mechanism  872 , as is common in the art. However, the scope adjustment mechanism  872  interrupts, interferes with, or creates a discontinuity along the outer surface of the tubular support structure  868 . Other tubular support structures  868  may not have such interruption or discontinuity, so that a plurality of mounting bands  402  may be positioned immediately adjacent each other, thus decreasing the mounting stud spacing  416 . Alternatively, a scope mount location on a firearm  850  may require that the scope mounting clips  870  be positioned immediately adjacent to the scope adjustment mechanism  872 . In such case, vacant tubular mounting space  874  would be provided proximal to one of the bands  402  and distal to the other band  402 , thus increasing the mounting stud spacing  416 . Additionally, the adjustability of the receiver spacing  516  is advantageous so as to allow for variations in the mounting stud spacing  416  that may arise due to minimally inaccurate installation of the bands  402  and/or studs  412 . Thus, stud spacing  416  may vary between a plurality of tubular support brackets  400 , each of which may be disposed on a distinct tubular support structure  868 , but interfaced with the same adjustable bracket  500 . The adjustable bracket  500  also has a mounting spur  520 . When mounted to a tubular support structure  868 , the mounting spur  520  extends preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  866  of the tubular support structure  868  and/or substantially perpendicular to at least one of the receivers  512 . The spur  520  extends along a spur length  522 , which may be any desirable length, but is preferred to be at least a majority of the tubular member length  333 . The mounting spur  520  preferably has a round cross-section, although various configurations are envisioned. If the cross-section is round, the supplemental accessory bracket  300  may be disposed on the spur  520  and continuously rotatable therearound. The various components of the adjustable bracket  500  are preferably formed from a relatively rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum or brass. 
         [0066]    As can be seen in  FIG. 14A , there is an adjustable receiver spacing, disposed at a minimum  516 ′, which may be adjustable through the use of, for example, a trombone type slide adjustment mechanism  530 . The slide adjustment  530  includes a plurality of larger diameter hollow tubular members  532  into which the same plurality of smaller diameter solid or hollow tubular members  534  may be inserted. This sliding, mating relationship allows the receiver spacing  516  to be adjusted between a predetermined minimum spacing, which may be a function of a length of the larger diameter hollow members  532 , and a predetermined maximum spacing, which also may be a function of the length of the larger diameter members  532 , or a function of both the length of the larger diameter members  532  and the smaller diameter members  534 .  FIG. 14B  depicts the adjustable bracket  500  in a second position having a second receiver spacing  516 ″, which is larger than the minimum spacing  516 ′ in  FIG. 14A . Preferably, the length  522  of the mounting spur  520  remains constant, regardless of the receiver spacing  516  selected. Alternatively, the spur length  522  may vary, such as if one or more of the receivers  512  is slidably mounted thereon. 
         [0067]    Turning now to  FIG. 15 , the adjustable bracket  500  can be seen being mounted onto the tubular support bracket  400 . That is, after or while the receiver spacing  516  is adjusted, the receivers  512  may be interfaced with the mounting studs  412 , such as by pushing or sliding the receivers  512  in a substantially linear direction  550  to frictionally engage the mounting studs  412 . Though frictional engagement is preferred, other retaining means may be provided to maintain the adjustable bracket  500  in a relatively stationary position with respect to the tubular support bracket  400 , such as a thumb screw or a spring bias ball lock (not shown). After or before interfacing the adjustable bracket  500  with the tubular support bracket  400 , the supplemental bracket  300  may be interfaced with the adjustable bracket  500 , as seen in  FIG. 16 . For instance, the mounting spur  520  is preferably inserted into the tubular member  332  provided on the supplemental bracket  300 , which may have been previously coupled to the accessory  900 . The supplemental bracket  300  may be moved in a linear direction  350 , so as to interface the spur  520  with the tubular member  332 . The tubular member  332  may then be longitudinally and/or rotationally secured relative to the mounting spur  520 , such as by tightening the thumb screw  342  against the spur  520 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 17A  provides a perspective view of the accessory  900  having been generally secured to the tubular support structure (in this case a scope  860 ) in a first position. The position of the accessory  900  may be adjustable. For instance, the accessory  900  may be rotated about the mounting spur  520 . The thumb screw  342  may be loosened, which allows the accessory  900  to rotate about the spur  520 , so long as sufficient clearance is provided between the spur  520  and the tubular support member  332 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the accessory  900  may be rotated in rotational adjustment direction  920 , which may be substantially circumferential about an axis that is parallel to the tubular support structure axis  866  and/or the barrel axis  859 . 
         [0069]    Returning to  FIG. 17B ,  FIG. 17B  is the same view as  FIG. 17A , further including a remote triggering mechanism  930 , which may be a normally open or normally closed push-button switch  932  that may be used to activate the accessory  900 . The switch  932  is in electrical communications with an electrical circuit (not shown) in the accessory housing  910 . Such electrical communications may be provided via wireless means, but is preferably provided with one or more electrical conductors  934  disposed between the accessory housing  910  and the switch  932 . The conductors  934  may be adhered or otherwise coupled to the firearm stock  852 , such as by being strapped or clipped thereto, to ensure that they preferably will not interfere with use of the scope  860 . In this manner, the accessory  900  may be activated, powered-on, and/or controlled from a physical location separate and apart from the accessory housing  910 . The switch  932  may be supported by the firearm  850 , such as by being adhered thereto at a variety of positions. However, the switch is preferably removably coupled to firearm  850 , for easy operation with the fingers of a user&#39;s hand. The removable coupling is preferably a magnetic arrangement including a magnet or magnetic material (not shown) securely disposed on the switch  932  and a magnet or magnetic material, or a magnet, respectively, (not shown) disposed on or comprising the firearm  850 . The magnet or magnetic material disposed on the firearm  850  may be secured thereto relatively permanently, such as by welding or adhesive, or relatively selectively removably, such as by a strap or clip disposed substantially around the stock  852  or grip  854  or by a hook and loop type fastener. The magnet or magnetic material disposed on the switch  932  is preferably adhered thereto. As mentioned, the switch  932  may be placed in a variety of positions on a bow  800  or firearm  850 . A first position  951 L may be the left side of the stock  852 , thereby providing convenient activating position for the left thumb of a right-handed user or one or more right fingers of a left-handed user. Another position  951 R may be the right side of the stock  852 , thereby providing convenient activating position for one or more left fingers of a right-handed user or the right thumb of a left-handed user. The switch  932  may be positioned for use with the trigger hand. For instance the switch  932  may be disposed for operation with the trigger finger of a user, such as at a third position  952 L on the left hand side of the action of the firearm  850  for use by a left hand trigger finger, or at a fourth position  952 R on the right hand side of the action for use by a right hand trigger finger. Other mounting locations for the switch  932  may be on the left side  953 L or right side  953 R, top side  954   t  or bottom side  954   b  of the grip  854   b . Of course, the relative positions are exemplary and any use by any other digit of a user&#39;s hand is not excluded by the preferred uses described. 
         [0070]    As mentioned above, where a remote switch  932  is used, there may be times when it is desirable for the accessory  900  to be used separate and apart from any mounting structure, such as by being supported by or in the hand of a user. In such cases, it may be desirable to mount the switch  932  to one of one or more docking locations  940  provided on the accessory housing  910 . A docking location  940  may include a magnet or magnetic material that is disposed on, inset into, or disposed within the accessory housing  910  configured to cooperate with the magnet or magnetic material provided on the switch  932  to temporarily secure the switch  932  preferably directly adjacent the housing  910  when desired. A plurality of docking locations  940  may be provided on the accessory housing  910 , such as one on each side of the left (shown) and right sides of the accessory  900  to facilitate a variety of manipulations. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 19-22  depict alternate embodiments of tubular support brackets  400 , or components thereof. A first alternate embodiment  602  of a tubular support band is shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The band  602  generally includes a first section  610  and a second section  630 , wherein when the first section  610  and the second section  630  are interfaced, they generally form a circumferential structure to be placed about a tubular support member  868 . The first section  610  may include a generally C-shaped, or convex portion  612 , which may be flanked by one or more smaller radius concave portions  614 . It is to be understood that the convex portion  612  may be of other shapes to correspond with other tubular support members  868 . Extending radially outwardly from the first section  610  is preferably one or more mounting studs  616 , which are the same as or similar to the mounting studs  412  previously described. On or in a bottom concave portion  614   b , one or more hinge notches  618  may be provided. The notches  618  are preferably formed through the entirety of the bottom concave portion  614   b  at discrete longitudinal positions. On or in a top concave portion  614   t , one or more latch notches or apertures  620  may be provided. The notches or apertures  620  are preferably formed through the top concave portion  614   t  at one or more discrete longitudinal positions. Where a notch is used, it is preferably formed through the entirety of the top concave portion  614   t.    
         [0072]    The second section  630  may include a generally C-shaped, or convex portion  632 , which may be flanked by one or more smaller radius concave portions  634 . It is to be understood that the convex portion  632  may be of other shapes to correspond with other tubular support members  868 . Extending from a bottom edge  636  of the convex portion  632  may be one or more hinge toggles  638  may be provided. The toggles  638  are preferably formed as T-shaped toggles having rounded heads  638   a , and the toggles  638  are preferably disposed at discrete longitudinal positions. Preferably, the same number of hinge toggles  638  on the second section  630  is provided as hinge notches  618  on the first section  610 . On or in a top concave portion  634   t , one or more latch notches or apertures  640  may be provided. The notches or apertures  640  are preferably formed through the top concave portion  634   t  at one or more discrete longitudinal positions. Where a notch is used, it is preferably formed through the entirety of the top concave portion  634   t . Preferably, the same number of latch notches or apertures  640  on the second section  630  is provided as latch notches or apertures  620  on the first section  610 . The first section  610  and second section  630  are preferably each members of unitary structure that may be formed from desirable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, etc. The sections  610 , 630  may be cast, machined or otherwise constructed. 
         [0073]    A latching mechanism  650  is provided to secure the first section  610  and the second section  630  in a band configuration. The latching mechanism  650  generally preferably includes a latch arm  652 , a shank  654 , and a latch toggle  656 . The latch arm  652  extends from a head portion  652   a  to a free tail portion  652   b . The head portion  652   a  is preferably formed as having an oblong camming orientation. The shank  654  is preferably a threaded rod that is at least planarly pivotally attached to the latch arm head portion  652   a . The latch arm  652  may be formed with a curve provided between the head  652   a  and the tail  652   b , where such curve may have a radius that is substantially similar to a radius of the first section  610  and/or the second section  630 . The latch toggle  656  has a threaded aperture  658  formed therein, perhaps therethrough, where the aperture  658  is adapted to cooperate with the shank  654 . The latch toggle  656  is preferably provided as a substantially cylindrical body that may rest in the top concave portion  614   t  of the first section  610 . To utilize the embodiment  602 , the hinge toggles  638  may cooperate with the hinge notches  618  so as to form a rotational hinge mechanism  639 , thus allowing the first section  610  and the second section  630  to operate like a clam shell to be disposed about a tubular support member  868 . The latch shank  654  may be inserted into the latch aperture  640 , and the latch toggle  656  may be threaded onto the shank  654 . After wrapping the band  602  about a tubular support structure  868 , the shank  654  may be situated in the latch notch  620  and the latch toggle  656  may be situated in the top concave portion  614   t . The latch arm  652  may be turned so as to thread the shank  654  through the toggle aperture  658  to cause the top concave portions  614   t , 634   t  to approach each other, and perhaps to lie immediately adjacent to each other in a secured relationship. The latch arm  652  may then be forced towards a convex portion  632  to allow the oblong camming head  652   a  of the latch arm  652  to further tighten the engagement. The latch arm  652  may then lie substantially adjacent to a portion of the convex portion  632 . The various components of the latching mechanism  650  may be formed from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, brass and/or steel, for instance. 
         [0074]      FIG. 21  depicts an alternate embodiment  702  of a tubular support band, where like numbers refer to like structures in the prior embodiment  602 . However, in this embodiment, the first section  710  and the second section  730  have been formed with a wraparound feature  770 . The wraparound feature  770  may be formed in one or both of the sections  710 , 730  to accommodate for interruptive or disruptive features that may be provided on a tubular support member  868 , such as the scope adjustment mechanism  872 . Thus, while the prior embodiment featured a substantially circumferential band  602  provided along the entire length of the sections  610 , 630 , this embodiment  710  may be used where the circumference of the tubular support member  868  is not continuous, but may be interrupted with other structures. Thus, the wraparound feature  770  may generally be formed as a notch or aperture formed into or through one or both of the sections  710 , 730 . The first section  710  and second section  730  are preferably each members of unitary structure that may be formed from desirable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, etc. The sections  710 , 730  may be cast, machined or otherwise constructed. 
         [0075]      FIG. 22  shows an alternate embodiment  602 ′ of a mounting band according to the present invention, where the same numbers refer to the same structure as described in the previously described embodiment  602 . This embodiment, however, uses an elastic latching structure  680  instead of the latching mechanism  650  described above. The elastic latching structure  680  generally includes two toggles  682  disposed on an elastic member  684  either immediately adjacent to each other or at a predetermined distance from one another. The toggles  682  are configured to rest in the top concave portions  614   t , 634   t  of the first section  610  and second section  630 , respectively, while the elastic member  684  is configured to stretch between the toggles  682  and extend through the latch notch  620  on the first section  610  and the latch notch  640  on the second section  630 . Also disposed on the elastic member  684 , or on one of the toggles  682 , is a handle member  686 , which is configured to be grasped by the fingers of an adult human so as to cause the toggles  682  to separate when one of the toggles  682  is stationarily disposed, as can be seen in the phantom extension figure. The toggles  682  may be formed from any material able to perform the latching function, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, wood, etc, as may the handle  686 . 
         [0076]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. For instance, though the accessory  900  is shown as being installed on what would normally be referred to as the left side of the firearm  850  in  FIGS. 16-18 , it is to be appreciated that the positioning about the tubular support structure  868  is not limited to a specific orientation, and the same embodiments of the invention may be advantageously used in various configurations to adapt to right-handed, as well as left-handed weapons users. As another example, it is to be appreciated that various adjustability of the preferred embodiments may be done away with to simplify some of the mounting structures, such as by providing fixed rail spacing  116  and/or fixed stud spacing  416 . Additionally, it will be appreciated that various components of the devices described herein, and combinations thereof, may be provided in a kit form, such as in the same packaging. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.