Abstract:
A monopod for a firearm is disclosed. The monopod has a body and a leg that can extend from the body. The monopod may fit into a pistol grip of a firearm, such as a rifle. Once installed, the leg of the monopod may be extended from the pistol grip of the firearm and secured by a pin. When the leg is retracted into the body, the leg is kept in place by the pin, which opposes a force provided by a constant force spring. The monopod may be used by a user to stabilize the firearm on a surface.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present application relates generally to firearm accessories. More specifically, the present application relates to an extension from a firearm that a user may employ to steady the firearm, such as before discharging the firearm. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Device stabilizers such as monopods, bipods, tripods, etc., are known in the art and have been used for some time by shooters to steady a firearm prior to discharge, among other uses. A stabilizer is typically connected to the front of the firearm to steady the barrel as a shooter positions the firearm. Generally, the stabilizer is carried as an accessory, separate from a firearm, and is connected to the firearm when needed. The stabilizer may be attached to the firearm, then positioned on the ground, or on another such stable platform to assist with accuracy, if the firearm is discharged. 
     Stabilizers that are substantially permanently attached to firearms have also been used. Typically, the stabilizer is connected by a pivot to a firearm, such as on a forend, so that it may be tucked away before and after use. For extra space savings, some stabilizers have telescoping designs or the ability to be tucked into spaces hidden within the firearm stock and/or firearm accessories. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An accessory is disclosed. One embodiment of the accessory may comprise a body including a recess with one leg configured to be positioned within a portion of the recess. The accessory may further comprise a first securing mechanism. The first securing mechanism may be configured to selectively secure the leg to the body. The accessory may further comprise an actuator. The actuator may be configured to selectively disengage the first securing mechanism. Disengaging the first securing mechanism may release the leg from the body. The body may be configured to be positioned within a portion of a handgrip. 
     The first securing mechanism may comprise a plurality of notches formed into the leg. The first securing mechanism may further comprise a pin connected to the actuator. The pin may be configured to engage one of the plurality of notches. The accessory may further comprise a spring. The spring may have a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the at least one leg. The spring may be a constant force spring. The accessory may further comprise a connector. The accessory may further comprise a projection. The spring may be connected to the leg with the connector. The spring may be connected to the body with the projection. The spring may be configured to move the leg out of the recess when the first securing mechanism is disengaged. The accessory may further comprise a foot connected to the at least one leg. The foot may comprise a fine adjustment. The accessory may further comprise a second securing mechanism. The second securing mechanism may connect to the body. The second securing mechanism may be configured to secure the accessory to a handgrip. The second securing mechanism may comprise an opening formed within a tang. The tang may be connected to the body. 
     A firearm monopod is disclosed. The firearm monopod may comprise a body including a recess. The firearm monopod may further comprise a single leg. The single leg may be configured to be positioned within a portion of the recess. The firearm monopod may further comprise a constant force spring. The constant force spring may be connected to the leg. The constant force spring may further connect to the body. The firearm monopod may further comprise a first securing mechanism. The first securing mechanism may connect to the body. When engaged, the first securing mechanism may be configured to secure the leg. The first securing mechanism may be configured to release the leg when disengaged. The firearm monopod may further comprise an actuator. The actuator may be configured to engage or disengage the first securing mechanism. 
     The first securing mechanism may comprise a plurality of notches formed into the single leg. The first securing mechanism may further comprise one or more pins configured to engage one or more of the plurality of notches. The firearm monopod may be configured to be positioned within a portion of a handgrip. The handgrip may be a pistol grip. The pistol grip may be connected a firearm stock. The actuator may be a button that is connected to the securing mechanism. The firearm monopod may further comprise a foot connected to the leg. 
     A handgrip is disclosed. The handgrip may comprise a recess formed within the handgrip. The handgrip may further comprise a monopod. The monopod may be secured partly or wholly within the recess. The monopod may comprise a single leg. The monopod may further comprise a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may comprise a plurality of notches. The plurality of notches may be formed into the single leg. The securing mechanism may further comprise one or more pins configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of notches. The monopod may further comprise an actuator configured to actuate the securing mechanism. 
     The single leg of the handgrip may be configured to be extended from the monopod. The single leg may be configured to extend from the monopod to a plurality of different lengths. The single leg may be configured to be secured by the securing mechanism. The single leg may be configured to be secured by the securing mechanism at the plurality, of different lengths. The handgrip may be configured to be secured of connected to a firearm. The handgrip may be a portion of a firearm stock. 
     These and other embodiments of the present application will be discussed more fully in the description. The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the claimed invention, or may be combined in yet other embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a monopod, in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 2  is a cutaway perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a monopod in an extended position; 
         FIG. 4  is a cutaway perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of a monopod in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of a monopod that is positioned in a handgrip of a firearm, with the leg in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment of a monopod that is positioned in a handgrip that is connected to a firearm, with the leg in an extended position. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made, and other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of an embodiment of a monopod  100  in accord with the current disclosure.  FIG. 2  has been cutaway to shown internal components and the positions of those components. The monopod  100  comprises a body  110  that has a recess  115 . A leg  130  is positioned within the recess  115 . A foot  145  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is connected to the leg  130  and a shoe  140  is connected to the foot  145 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the leg  130  comprises a plurality of notches  133 , three of which are called out for purposes of demonstration, and a pin  122  that is engaged with one of the plurality of notches  133 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pin  122  is securing the leg  130  in a retracted position. The pin  122  is held in place by a pin guide  124 , positioned opposite the leg  130 . Additionally, an actuator  120  such as a button (“actuation button  120 ”) connects to the pin  122  and to a portion of the body  110 . The actuation button  120  may be pushed to move the pin  122  such that it is not engaged with one of the plurality of notches  133 . When the pin  122  is not engaged with one of the plurality of notches  133 , the leg  130  may be extended out of the recess  115  and away from the body  110 . A spring (not shown) may be positioned to provide a return force on the pin  122  and/or the actuation button  120 . The pin  122  may be re-engaged with one of the plurality of notches  133  to re-secure the leg  130  relative to the body  110 . The monopod  100  may further comprise a second pin (not shown) and a second plurality of notches (not shown) on the opposite side of the leg  130 . When the leg  130  is fully retracted within the recess  155 , the monopod  100  is said to be in a retracted position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The body  110  may further comprise a tang  102  and an opening  104 . The tang  102  is positioned near the top of the body  110  and may be used to secure the body  110 , and thus the monopod  100 , to a firearm  200  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). For example, a fastener such as a screw (not shown) may be positioned through the opening  104  and into a complementary opening in the firearm  200 , securing the tang  102  to the firearm  200 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a spring connector  134  and a spring  136 . In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 2 , the spring  136  is connected to the body  110  with a projection  135  that is connected to the body  110 . The spring  136  may be a constant force spring or another suitable type of spring or spring-like mechanism, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. A constant force spring, for example, may provide a user the feeling of constant pressure on the leg  130  of the monopod  100  as it extends, thus making is predictable and easy to control. A constant force springs may be constructed as a rolled ribbon of spring steel that, as the ribbon unrolls, has a force that is nearly constant. 
     The spring  136  extends to the spring connector  134 , which is connected to the leg  130 . When in a retracted position, the spring  136  exerts a force on the leg  130 , which is opposed by the pin  122  when the pin  122  is engaged with one of the plurality of notches  133 . As such, if the pin  122  is not engaged with one of the plurality of notches  133 , the leg  130  may extend out of the recess  115  and away from the body  110  due to the force of the spring  136 . The movement may be opposed or stopped by the connector  134  as it meets the spring  136  and/or the projection  135 , or by reengaging the pin  122  with one of the plurality of notches  133 , or by another suitable mechanism or stop, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the spring  136  and connector  134  are configured to provide a force for extending the leg  130  out of the recess  115 . Alternatively, the spring  136  and connector  134  may be positioned to provide a force for retracting the leg  130 , or for providing a force for both retraction and extension. Additionally, the spring  136  may be omitted from the monopod  100 . When the spring  136  is omitted, the weight of the leg  130  may provide the force for extension and/or retraction. Also, a user may manually provide a force for extension and/or retraction of the leg  130 . 
     The foot  145  may comprise a hard plastic material and may be formed as a portion of the leg  130 . The shoe  140  may comprise an elastomeric material and may be molded over the foot  145 . The shoe  140  may provide a firm, frictional surface for stabilizing a connected device, such as the firearm  200 , shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The foot  145  and shoe  140  may be integrated as a single component. Further, the leg  130 , foot  145 , and shoe  140  may be integrated as a single component as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views of an embodiment of a monopod  100  in an extended configuration. As shown, the leg  130  of the monopod  100  is extended from the recess  115  of the body  110  and the pin  122  is engaged with the lowest of the plurality of notches  133  on the leg  130 . The leg  130  is selectively secured in this position by the pin  122 . 
     The leg  130  may be extended from the monopod  100 , for example, by applying a force to the actuation button  120 , which may actuate (i.e. engage or disengage) a securing mechanism, which acts to secure the leg  130  in position. The securing mechanism may comprise, for example, the pin  122  and the pin guide  124 . To extend the leg  130 , for example, the pin  122  may be moved out engagement with one of the plurality of notches  133 , thus releasing the leg  130  to be extended. The actuation button  120  may be interchangeable with other actuators, such as a lever, a pivoting actuator, or another suitable actuator, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As shown, each the plurality of notches  133  can be engaged by the pin  122 , allowing the leg  130  to extend from body  110  in a plurality of discrete extension lengths. The number of discrete extension lengths may be the same as the number of the plurality of notches  133 . The leg  130  with a discrete number of extension lengths may not be as adjustable as required by a user. To increase the adjustability of the monopod  100 , additional notches may be added to the plurality of notches  133 . Alternatively or additionally, a fine adjustment (not shown) may be added to the monopod, such as by adding a threaded connector (not shown) to the leg  130 , foot  145 , or shoe  140 . The fine adjustment contrasts the plurality of notches, which may be thought of as a coarse adjustment. For example, if the foot  145  comprises the fine adjustment, the foot  145  may be rotated in one direction to extend the foot  145  from the leg  130  and rotated in the other direction to retract the foot  145  toward the leg  130 . With a fine adjustment, the number of extension lengths of the monopod  100  may be substantially infinite. 
     The body  110  may include a first guide  107  and a second guide  108 , as can be seen in the cutaway view of the monopod  100  in  FIG. 4 . The first and second guides  107 ,  108  extend from the body  110  and into the recess  115 . A first groove  137  and a second groove  138  may be formed into the leg  130  that complement the first and second guides  107 ,  108 . When mated with the first and second grooves  137 ,  138 , the first and second guides  107 ,  108  may hold the leg  130  in an alignment that allows for easy extension and retraction of the leg  130 . A third and fourth guide (not shown) may also be attached to or project from the body  110 , such as opposite the first and second guides  107 ,  108 , may complement a third and fourth groove  131 ,  132  formed into the leg  130 , and may act analogously to the first and second guides  107 ,  108 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of a monopod  100  comprising a body  110 , a leg  130 , a foot  145  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), a shoe  140 , and the actuation button  120 , as previously described.  FIGS. 6 and 7  are side views of a firearm stock  200  comprising the monopod  100  shown in  FIG. 5 , in the same orientation.  FIG. 6  shows the monopod in a retracted configuration and  FIG. 7  shows the monopod in an extended configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the monopod  100  may be fitted into the bottom of a handgrip  210 , such as a pistol grip or another suitable portion of a firearm stock  200 . The monopod  100  may be secured to the handgrip  210 , such as, for example, by using a fastener (not shown), inserted through the opening  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 ), to secure the tang  102  of the monopod  100  to the handgrip  210 . Alternatively, the monopod  100  may be secured to the handgrip  210 , for example, by a lock with movable tang (not shown) that may be rotated into a complementary slot formed into the handgrip  210 , or by another suitable mechanism, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the leg  130  has been extended from the monopod  100 , increasing the length of the firearm handgrip  210 , in effect increasing the height of the firearm stock  200  when set upon a base, such as a wall or another suitable shooting platform. The leg  130  may be allowed to extend by applying pressure to the actuation button  120 , as previously described. Whether fully retracted, fully extended, or at extended between full retraction and full extension, the monopod  100  may supply a stable platform upon which a user may steady a connected device, such as the firearm stock  200 . 
     Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims and equivalents thereof.