Patent ID: 12196359

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a telescoping support stand comprising a handle mounted below a connection housing and a plurality of extendable legs pivotably engaged near the top of the connection housing. The stand comprises a trigger disposed in the handle to actuate a release assembly within the housing to release a locking mechanism within the extendable legs to allow an inner tube and an outer tube to move longitudinally relative to each other when the release assembly is activated.

The disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,010,710; 8,714,508; 8,469,326; 8,256,732; 8,146,876; and 7,845,602 are incorporated, in their entireties, by this reference.

The release assembly may comprise a displacement rod extending from the connection housing into the handle in operational connectivity to a release member in the connection housing, which is in operational connectivity to a plurality of release levers. The release levers are in operational connectivity to a plurality of release levers within a plurality of pivot hubs in the connection housing, which in turn are in operational connectivity to a plurality of release rods within the plurality of extendable legs. The release rods are in operational connectivity to a locking mechanism within each extendable leg, In a first (rest) position of the trigger, the release assembly in communication with the locking mechanism prevents longitudinal movement of inner tube and outer tube relative to each other.

When a user activates the trigger, moving it to a second (release) position, upward movement of the displacement rod moves release member upward inside the connection housing causing each release lever to pivot around a pivot within each respective pivot hub and moves release rod downward in inner tube to release the locking mechanism to allow the inner tube and outer tube to move longitudinally relative to each other, when the release rod63is moved downward.

FIG.1Ashows a perspective view of a telescoping stand1according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. The telescoping stand is configured to provide stable support on uneven terrain for an accessory engaged to the stand. The embodiment of the stand1shown has three extendable telescoping legs10but that is not limiting. Other embodiments comprise two telescoping legs10, or4telescoping legs10. Each leg10comprises a first or inner tube11, a second or outer tube12and optionally a third or outermost tube13. Inner tube11has a first end portion configured to engage the connection housing20and a second end portion (not shown) that telescopically slides within the outer tube12. The lower end of outer tube12also telescopically slides within the optional third tube13when it is present. In the view shown, each second tube is fully slid into its respective third tube13. Optionally as shown, each of tubes12and13comprise an extension lock500disposed on their respective upper ends.

A handle30is mounted to a first end of the connection housing20. Each leg10is pivotably engaged to a second end of the connection housing20at the first (upper) end portion of the first tube. As shown inFIG.1A, in normal operational orientation, the handle30is mounted below the connection housing20and the legs10are pivotably engaged proximate to the upper end of the connection housing, above the handle. The upper end of the connection housing20is configured to support an accessory50, as illustrated a firearm, optionally supported by an accessory attachment member or mount40.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.1A, the accessory50is a gun or firearm (e.g. rifle) and the accessory attachment member40is a gun mount, but that is not limiting. In other embodiments the accessory comprises a projectile weapon such as a gun, rifle, air rifle, compressed-gas gun, crossbow and the like; an optical device such as a camera, camcorder, laser rangefinder, professional photography equipment such as a telephoto lens; telescope; or surveyors' equipment such as a theodolite, transit or total station; and the accessory attachment member may comprise a gun rest, gun mount, microphone clip, camera mount or telescope mount. It can be appreciated that some mounts and rests configured to support a gun are not limited to supporting a gun, but can support any piece of equipment that a user may desire to support.

In embodiments, the stance of the legs of the stand can be independently varied by changing the amount of pivot for each leg relative to the connection housing.FIG.1Ashows the legs in a normal open stance.FIG.1Bshows the legs in a wide stance andFIG.1Cshows the legs in an extra-wide stance.FIG.1Calso shows each first tube fully extended out of each second tube. The different stances may be useful in positioning the stand on uneven terrain. As can be seen, the stances may also provide different heights of the accessory above the ground, depending also on how far the legs are extended. For example but not limitation, the normal open stance may provide a stand to hold a rifle for a user to use a standing shooting position, the wide stance may allow for a kneeling shooting position and the extra-wide stance may allow for a prone shooting position.FIG.1Dshows the legs of the stand in a closed stance, for example, for storage or transport. Additional length for each of the legs10can be obtained by opening extension clamps500at the top of the optional third tube to allow the lower end of second tube12to be slid out of the top end of the third tube.

FIG.2Ashows a close-up side view of the connection housing20, handle30and the upper end fittings14configured to engage the upper ends of the legs10andFIG.2Bshows a perspective view of the connection housing20, handle30and the upper end fittings14of the legs10with an exemplary accessory mount40engaged thereon. In these figures, the legs10, in particular inner tubes11, are omitted or truncated for ease of presentation. The upper end of connection housing20may comprise a generally planar surface or platform21and an accessory post22. The platform21and accessory post22are configured to engage an accessory or accessory attachment member as described above. For example but not limitation, post22may be threaded to engage a complementary threaded socket on an accessory or accessory attachment member. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2B, mounting ring48on the bottom of the mount40is engaged to the post22(not shown). Connection housing20comprises a plurality of pivot hubs23comprising pivot members24. The pivot hubs23and pivot members24are configured to engage the upper end fitting14of each of legs10at the second end of inner tube11. The pivot hubs are spaced apart around the circumference of the connection housing so that the engaged legs10are also spaced apart. In embodiments, the pivot hubs23may be equally spaced apart. In the embodiment with three legs shown inFIG.2C, the pivot hubs23may be spaced at 120° angles. For a bipod stand with two legs (not shown), the pivot hubs may be diametrically disposed on the connection housing. Connection housing optionally comprises a level25, such as a bubble level, to facilitate a user placing the stand in suitable orientation for supporting an accessory. For example, it may be desirable to have the platform21level so that an accessory positioned thereon is also level.

Legs10pivotably engage the pivot hubs23via fittings14so that they can pivot from a closed position (shown inFIG.1D) wherein the legs are drawn toward a central vertical axis through the connection housing20, to an open position as shown inFIGS.1A,1B,1C and2A. Pivot lock members15on each leg may be independently engaged to detents26(seeFIGS.3A and3B) within the pivot hubs23that define the angle of pivot away from the vertical axis, so that each leg can be individually pivoted at a specific pivot angle.

Handle30comprises a trigger31mounted within a grip32. The trigger is configured to release a release assembly within the connection housing20to allow the inner tube11to slidingly move within outer tube12. An optional trigger lock33is configured to selectively lock the trigger so that it cannot be pulled by a user and inadvertently release the extension release assembly.

FIG.3Ashows a close-up cutaway view of the stand1showing a cross-section taken along line A-A′ shown inFIG.2Cof the connection housing20, handle30and one of the legs10. When a user moves the trigger31about pivot38in the direction shown by the arrow, the curved portion31a moves wheel37along the curved surface31a to raise rod34upward in the connection housing and compresses spring35. The upward movement of rod34also moves release member61upward inside the connection housing20. Member61may be a circular disk shape, optionally comprising radial projections, configured to engage a plurality of release lever members62, within each pivot hub23, causing it to pivot around pivot27within each pivot hub23. Member62moves release rod63downward in tube11. When the release rod63is moved downward, it releases locking mechanism170described in relation toFIGS.4Aor locking mechanism470inFIGS.4B-4Fto allow first or inner tube11to move longitudinally within second or outer tube12. Release of the trigger31allows spring35to expand, thereby moving rod34and member61downward. This causes member62to pivot upward and allow release rod63to return upward and lock locking mechanism170or470so that inner tube11is prevented from moving longitudinally within outer tube12. Similar members are disposed in each pivot hub23and legs10.

FIG.4Ais a cross-sectional diagram of a bottom portion of a leg10of telescoping shooting stand1, in which the optional third tube13is not present, to show an embodiment of a locking mechanism170. In this view, the inner tube11is fully retracted into outer tube12such that the locking mechanism170attached to the lower end of inner tube11is disposed at the bottom of outer leg12, and the leg10is at its shortest length.FIG.4Ashows that locking mechanism170may include a truncated-cone member172, a release rod63, a release rod guide tube160, a bearing retainer174, bearings176, a tubular plunger178, and a spring179.FIG.4Aalso shows outer end cap144and an inner end cap146. In this figure, plunger178may be a cylinder with an opening (lumen) through the middle, wherein the opening may receive release rod63disposed inside the open lumen inside plunger178. Rod63may extend through plunger178into a pocket in inner end cap146.

Plunger178may be attached to release rod63so that plunger178will move when release rod63moves.

Bearing retainer174may hold bearings176in place and may be attached to tubular member178. Truncated-cone member172, in some embodiments, may be disposed around plunger178such that a tapered portion of truncated-cone member172comes into contact with bearings176. A top portion of truncated-cone member172may be threaded to allow truncated-cone member172to attach to inner tube11. Thus, when release rod63moves plunger178and bearing retainer174in a downward direction, truncated-cone member172may stay stationary relative to tubular member178and bearing retainer174. Spring179may be positioned on top of or within truncated cone member172and may bias plunger178and bearing retainer174in a first position. In the first position, bearing retainer174holds bearings176against a top section of the tapered portion of truncated-cone member172such that truncated cone member172presses bearings176against an inside surface of outer tube12. Thus, when bearing retainer174is in the first position, bearings176may prevent longitudinal movement of outer tube12relative to inner tube11.

As previously mentioned, release rod63may press plunger178and bearing retainer174downward to a second position. In the second position, a lower portion of the tapered section of truncated-cone member172allows bearings176to move away from the inside surface of outer tube12. Thus, in the second position, bearings176may not be forced against the inside surface of outer tube12, allowing longitudinal movement of outer tube12relative to inner tube11. Telescoping support stand1may include air exchange apertures, for example in inner cap146, that allow air to enter and exit enclosed area190, thereby reducing or eliminating the vacuum and dampening affects caused when enclosed area190is substantially sealed.

It should be appreciated that although the locking mechanism170is shown in a telescoping leg with an inner tube11and an outer tube12, the locking mechanism170can be used with an optional third tube13disposed outside the outer tube12. When the stand1comprises the optional third tube13on each of legs10, the end cap144is not used and outer tube12is configured to be slidingly engaged inside third tube13.

FIGS.4B-4Fshow another notable embodiment of a locking mechanism470within a telescoping leg comprising three telescoping tubes. In these views, the inner tube11is fully retracted into outer tube12such that the locking mechanism170attached to the lower end of inner tube11is disposed at the bottom of outer leg12, and the outer tube12is fully retracted into a third (outermost) tube13and the leg10is at its shortest length.

FIG.4B-4Dshows3legs10at varied levels of disassembly to show the locking mechanism470. The leg inFIG.4Bis shown fully assembled, wherein outermost tube13encloses outer tube12, inner tube11and locking mechanism470. An end cap200and foot210are shown disposed at the lower end of outer tube13. Optional strap60is shown disposed near the bottom of tube13.

In the leg shown inFIG.4C, tubes11,12and13are removed. Jacket460may be disposed around the locking mechanism470between inner tube11and outer tube12to enclose the mechanism and provide separation between tubes11and12to reduce contact along their lengths. Jacket461may be disposed around the locking mechanism470between outer tube12and outermost tube13to enclose the mechanism and provide separation between tubes12and13to reduce contact along their lengths. Release rod63is shown extending upward toward the release mechanism in the connection housing described above.

In the leg shown inFIG.4D, the jackets460and461are removed to show the internal components of the locking mechanism470. Release rod63is in operational connectivity to a cylindrical plunger478via locking element462so that plunger478will move when rod63moves. Collar473is attached to the bottom of inner tube11and is slidably engaged around plunger478. A helical spring479is disposed around plunger478and engaged at its upper end to the wider upper end of plunger478. The lower end of spring479is engaged to the upper end of collar473. A bearing retainer474comprising a plurality of bearings476circumferentially disposed around bearing retainer474is attached to the bottom of plunger478with nut480. Nut480may be in contact with an inner plug481configured to engage the bottom inside surface of outer tube12, comprising one or more air passages482(seeFIG.4D).

FIG.4Eshows a close-up exploded view of locking mechanism470. Release rod63is into the fitting463and both are inserted into locking element462on plunger478to lock it onto the upper end of plunger478. Collar473is slidingly engaged to the lower end of plunger478such that helical spring479is engaged between the wider locking element462on plunger478and the upper surface of collar473. In this view, truncated cone member472on the bottom of collar473is shown. Ring475is disposed around the widest diameter of collar473and engages the inner surface of tube12(seeFIG.4D). Top474aand bottom474bof bearing retainer474are snapped together to trap bearings476at the outer edge of bearing retainer474, which is disposed below collar473at the bottom end of plunger478. Nut480locks the bottom of mechanism470so that the stack of component are held between locking element462and nut480.

FIG.4Fshows a cross-section of the locking mechanism470inside the leg10. From outside to inside the tubular members of leg10include outermost tube13, jacket461, outer tube12, jacket460and inner tube11, with locking mechanism470disposed within inner tube11.FIG.4Fshows that, as previously described, locking mechanism470may include a truncated-cone member472, a bearing retainer474, bearings476, a tubular member478, and a spring479, as previously described.FIG.4Falso shows from bottom to top, foot210, end cap200and inner cap481.

Bearing retainer474may hold bearings476in place and may be attached to plunger478. Truncated-cone member472, in some embodiments, may be disposed around plunger478such that a tapered portion of truncated-cone member472can come into contact with bearings476. As shown in this embodiment, truncated cone member is integral to collar473, but in alternative embodiments, top portion of truncated-cone member472may be threaded to allow truncated-cone member472to attach to inner tube114. When in the locked configuration shown, the conical surface of truncated cone member is in contact with the bearings476and presses them outward to contact the inner surface of outer tube116, holding it in place so that inner tube114and outer tube116cannot move longitudinally in relation to each other.

Because truncated-cone member472is attached to inner tube11(via collar473), it may stay stationary relative to plunger478and bearing retainer474. Spring479may be positioned above truncated cone member472and may bias plunger478and bearing retainer474in a first position. In the first position (locking position), bearing retainer474holds bearings476against a top section of the tapered portion of truncated-cone member472such that truncated cone member472presses bearings476against an inside surface of outer tube12. Thus, when bearing retainer474is in the first position, bearings476may prevent longitudinal movement of outer tube12relative to inner tube11.

When release rod63is moved downward when the trigger is manipulated as described above, it moves release rod63, plunger478and bearing retainer474in a downward direction to a second (release) position. Downward movement of plunger478relative to collar473, which is fixed to the end of inner tube11, compresses helical spring479. In the second position, a lower, narrower portion of the tapered section of truncated-cone member472allows bearings476to move away from the inside surface of outer tube12. Thus, in the second position, bearings476may not be forced against the inside surface of outer tube12, allowing longitudinal movement of outer tube116relative to inner tube114, thereby allowing extension of leg10. Downward movement of plunger478may also cause nut480to engage the top of inner end cap481inside outer tube12, pushing outer tube12downward relative to inner tube11, initiating longitudinal movement. Telescoping support stand1may include air exchange passages482in inner end cap481that allow air to enter and exit enclosed volume490between inner and outer tubes11,12and enclosed volumes495and498between outer and outermost tubes12,13, thereby reducing or eliminating the vacuum and dampening affects caused when enclosed areas490,495and498are substantially sealed.

Releasing the trigger31allows spring35to decompress and displacement rod to move downward, the end of release lever and release rod engaged to release lever to move upward. This in turn allows spring479to decompress and move plunger478upward, relocking the locking mechanism470.

Notably, the locking mechanisms170or470does not extend past the end of inner tube11, so that the release mechanism does not apply to movement of the outer tube12within the third tube13. In these embodiments, when the third tube is present the leg can be extended longitudinally by a user manually pulling the third tube from the outer tube. The upper end of the third tube13preferably has an external extension lock (see below) disposed thereon so that manual movement of the outer tube12within the third tube13can be selectively controlled. Thus, each leg can be extended using the release mechanisms described herein to extend the length of the leg by extending the inner tube longitudinally from the outer tube and/or manually extending the third outermost tube longitudinally from the outer tube, allowing for great flexibility in determining the length of each leg independently to provide a stable stand to rest on highly varied terrain.

It should be appreciated that locking mechanism470is shown inFIGS.4B-4Din a leg10comprising three extension tubes11,12and13. However, locking mechanism can be used in a telescoping leg having two extension tubes11and12. In this embodiment, outermost tube13and jacket461are not included and an end cap analogous to cap200is attached at the bottom of outer tube12to attach foot210thereto.

Thus, when a user pulls trigger31, the release mechanism comprising members61,62and release rod63, locking mechanism170or470is released, allowing the tube11and12to move longitudinally in relation to each other. When the trigger is released, the release mechanism locks the tubes11and12in their relative positions when the trigger is released. For example, when the stand is in its normal upright position, pulling the trigger31will cause the release mechanism170or470to release and outer tube12can move longitudinally downward by gravitational force until it reaches a barrier to further movement, such as the ground. At that point, release of the trigger31will cause the tubes to be locked together at an extended length. Although each leg10comprises a release mechanism170or470, the stand is configured so that when the release mechanism is released, each leg can independently extend downward until the ground is reached. As discussed above, when an outermost tube13is present, extension locks500may be disengaged to allow movement of tube12inside tube13. In this way, a user can set up the stand1by pivoting the legs10independently outward toward one of three pivot positions. Then the user can hold the handle30at a desired position above the ground, which may be rough terrain. Pulling the trigger31releases the lock mechanism170or470in each leg, allowing the outer tube12to independently drop downward toward the ground. Releasing the trigger31will lock the legs and thereby the stand in the positions they were when downward movement was halted by the ground. Extension locks500on tube12and optional tube13(see below) may be closed to prevent longitudinal movement. When a user wants to retract the legs back into their shortest length, the user may grasp the handle30and pull the trigger31, allowing the outer tube12to move longitudinally along the inner tube11and shorten legs102by the weight of the accessory pushing downward on the tubes. Stops at the upper ends of the first and second tubes may prevent the outer tube12from sliding off tube11. Extension locks on tube13when present may be opened to allow retraction of tube12within tube13.

As shown inFIGS.5A to5C, the legs10may comprise external extension locks such as500(FIG.5A). As shown inFIG.5B, the extension locks500are configured as end caps501on the upper end of second tube12and the upper end of the optional third tube13, if present. The extension lock500comprises a lever502that can pivot to tighten (position502a) or loosen (position502b) a tubular extension503of the lock501around the smaller tube. When tightened, the lock prevent movement of the tubes relative to each other. For example, an external extension lock on the upper end of the outer tube12may be disengaged to allow extension control to be dependent on the release lock mechanism170or470. After the extension of outer tube12relative to inner tube11is determined using the method described above, the extension lock can be tightened to ensure that the extension cannot be changed by inadvertent pulling of trigger31.FIG.5Cshows an opposite view of the extension locks500shown inFIG.5B.

FIG.6(see alsoFIG.4B) shows a close-up view of an optional strap configured to wrap around the lower ends of the legs of the stand when they are in a closed position. Strap60, comprising one or a plurality of holes61can be disposed at the lower end of one of the legs10. Collar62can be disposed around one leg10to position the strap. Projection63on collar62is configured to releasably engage a hole61on the strap60. In some embodiments as shown, collar63and foot pad64or end cap220are separate members; in other embodiments collar63may be integrated with a foot pad64or end cap220. In embodiments, strap60may comprise an elastomeric material. Alternatively, the strap may have other closure types such as complementary hook and loop segments, or magnet(s) and ferrous material, on the strap60and collar62.

According to some embodiments an accessory mounting assembly may be an accessory mounting assembly configured to mount to the forward end of a weapon such as a rifle, crossbow, compressed-air gun, or other type of firearm or gun. Other accessory mounts may be used as described further herein.

FIGS.7A and7Bshow close-up views of an embodiment of an accessory attachment member40that can be engaged to the stand1(see alsoFIG.2B). The embodiment of the accessory attachment member shown is a gun mount41, but that is not limiting. The gun mount41comprises a platform42with a slot therein and a first wall43disposed perpendicular to the platform42. A second wall44opposed to the first wall comprises a perpendicular flange45configured to slidingly engage the slot and move the second wall44relative to the first wall43. A post46on the flange45extends through an opening in the platform42to engage a locking lever47configured to selectively release or lock the flange45in the slot to clamp the gun (rifle) in the gun mount. InFIG.7A, the locking lever47is shown in it unlocked position. A mounting ring48on the bottom of the mount is configured to engage the accessory post22of the connection housing20via hole49on the bottom of ring48as shown inFIG.7B. InFIG.7B, the locking lever47is shown in it locked position. The gun mount41is configured to swivel about a vertical axis aligned with the accessory post22to provide a horizontal movement of the mount and gun clamped therein. Optionally, the gun mount41may also be configured to pivot about an axis orthogonal to the vertical axis (not shown).

FIG.8shows a perspective close-up view of a gun rest71for engagement to the stand. Gun rest71comprises a platform72with a valley defined by a generally Y-shaped cross-section of the platform72, wherein the weapon may rest within the upper arms of the Y-shaped platform. A mounting ring73on the bottom of the rest71is configured to engage the accessory post22of the connection housing20. The gun rest71may be configured to swivel about a vertical axis aligned with the accessory post22to provide a horizontal movement of the rest and gun rested therein. Because the gun is rested and not clamped in the rest, a user can move the gun within the rest to line up a shot while the gun is supported by the stand.

FIGS.9A-9Cshow an alternative accessory mount900. As shown in these Figures, mount900may comprise a Picatinny (or Weaver) rail adapter964and a locking lever962.

According to some embodiments, accessory mounting assembly900may be rotatable in several directions relative to the telescoping support stand1to be folded up as a unit, to move extendable legs10parallel to the weapon axis.FIG.9Ashows a cross-section of the accessory mounting assembly900connected to stand1by engaging post22with a recess in the bottom end940of ball joint rod938. In embodiments the recess may comprise inner screw threads to engage outer screw threads on post22. In various embodiments, accessory mounting assembly900includes an accessory mounting assembly housing926having an internal socket928and a ball joint930comprising a ball932housed within the internal socket928. Ball932includes a bore934extending through ball932. A helical spring936is disposed within bore934. A ball joint rod938is disposed within the helical spring936within bore934. Ball joint rod938may be configured for biased movement relative to bore934. Ball joint rod938has an upper end942having a greater diameter than bore934such that upper end942is configured to be blocked from passing through bore934. In some embodiments as shown inFIG.9B, a lower portion926aof the accessory mounting assembly housing926has a curved T-shaped slot944extending along two sides such that the cross legs946of the T-shaped slot944extends across a bottom948of the accessory mounting assembly housing926and the center leg950of T-shaped slot944extend along a side952of the accessory mounting assembly housing926. To rotate the accessory mounting assembly900relative to connection housing20, a user pulls up on the accessory mounting assembly900relative to connection housing20which compresses spring936within bore934allowing movement of accessory mounting assembly900by rotating about the axis of ball joint rod938and/or allowing ball joint rod938to follow the path of T-shaped slot944.

In other embodiments (not shown), the accessory mounting assembly housing926may have a spring loaded-pin that contacts a ball932to hold it in place. To rotate the accessory mounting assembly, a user may pull the spring-loaded pin away from the ball so that it is free to rotate within the internal socket928and then release the spring loaded pin to contact the ball932to hold it in its new position.

According to some embodiments, the top954of accessory mounting assembly900includes a weapon or gun mount956which is configured to mount to a gun, for example. Gun mount956may be configured to mount to a swivel stud or a Picatinny rail or Weaver rail attached to the gun. In some embodiments, gun mount956includes a fixed rail958and a spaced parallel movable rail960which is movable toward and away from fixed rail958in order to clamp onto a gun's Picatinny rail. Movable rail960may have a locking lever962pivotally attached thereto to lock the position of movable rail960relative to fixed rail958by pivot connection963.

According to some embodiments, when a gun does not have a Picatinny rail, a Picatinny rail adapter964may be mounted to the gun mount956rails958,960by a threaded locking nut966(FIG.9C). In some embodiments, Picatinny rail adapter964may be a V-shaped or U-shaped trough and have a through hole968for mounting to a swivel stud on the gun with the locking nut966, which may include radial through holes970configured to receive set screws to clamp on to the swivel stud comprising threaded rod967on the gun. Rod967is not normally removed from the gun but is shown here removed from the gun to allow ease of presentation. Nut966is configured to engage rod967from below when the swivel stud is passed through hole968from above. Alternatively, the nut may be engaged to a threaded rod967as shown that can engage an internally threaded socket on the underside of an accessory to attach the accessory (e.g. a weapon) to the mount. Nut966also comprises a post with a transverse through hole969. Gun mount956may be shaped to allow a shooter to support the forward end of the weapon or gun, for example, while the shooter is shooting and to continue to attach to the gun when not in use.

It should be appreciated that the accessory mounting assembly900may comprise an accessory mount other than mount956illustrated herein. In embodiments, the mounting assembly comprises an alternative mount other than mount956attached to the top954of the mounting assembly900comprising the ball and socket assembly described above by engaging the alternative mount to ball joint rod938at its upper end942.

For example as shown inFIG.9D, mount40described above may be attached to the mount assembly900instead of mount956, so that it can clamp onto a weapon that does not have a rail or swivel stud and be rotated as described above by pulling it upward from mount assembly900. In this embodiment, mount40may be able to be moved about horizontal axes as well as a vertical axis relative to the stand1.

FIG.10shows a camera52mounted on the platform22of the stand using a mount80. Mount80may be configured to rotate about a vertical axis to allow the camera52to pan horizontally. Optionally, mount80may also be configured to pivot the camera up and down. In some embodiments, mount80may also be configured to tilt the camera 90 degrees to change the image aspect from landscape to portrait.

FIGS.11-18show various views of a telescoping support stand with legs disposed in an open stance according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.FIGS.19-26show various views of a telescoping support stand with legs disposed in a closed stance according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In these views, the tubular members of the legs are not shown connected to end fittings14for ease of presentation of the connection housing and handle assembly. In these views optional trigger lock is absent.

FIG.27shows another accessory mount1000configured to attach to the telescoping support stand, comprising an accessory mounting assembly housing1001having an internal socket and a ball joint comprising a ball1002housed within the internal socket, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. A post1003connected to the ball1002is configured to attach to an accessory.

EMBODIMENTS

A first aspect provides a telescoping support stand comprising: a handle comprising a trigger disposed within the handle, wherein the handle is attached to a bottom end of a connection housing, when the telescoping support stand is in normal use; the connection housing comprises a release assembly within the connection housing configured to be actuated by the trigger; a plurality of extendable legs pivotably engaged near the top of the connection housing, each extendable leg comprising an outer tube; an inner tube having a first end portion that telescopically slides within the outer tube and a second end portion and a second end pivotably connected to the connection housing; a locking mechanism mounted to the first end portion of inner tube; wherein actuation of the trigger actuates the release mechanism to release the locking mechanism within each of the plurality of extendable legs to allow the inner tube and the outer tube to move longitudinally relative to each other when the release assembly is activated.

Embodiments of the stand include the following, alone or in any combination.

When the trigger is in a first position, the release assembly in communication with the locking mechanism prevents longitudinal movement of inner tube and outer tube relative to each other.

When the trigger is in a second position, the release assembly in communication with the locking mechanism allows longitudinal movement of inner tube and outer tube relative to each other.

The connection housing comprises a plurality of pivot hubs engaged to the plurality of extendable legs.

The trigger is accessible outside the handle assembly.

The trigger includes first and second ends, the first end being pivotally attached to the handle assembly and the second end being movable radially inward and radially outward during operation.

The release lever pivots about an axis arranged perpendicular to a length dimension of the first and second tubes.

The release assembly comprises a displacement rod extending from the connection housing into the handle in operational connectivity to the trigger and the release member in the connection housing; wherein the release member is in operational connectivity to a plurality of release levers within the plurality of pivot hubs in the connection housing; the plurality of release levers are in operational connectivity with a plurality of release rods, and each of the plurality of release rods is in operational connectivity to a respective locking mechanism within each of the extendable legs.

Each release lever is pivotable about a pivot and comprises at least one convex surface arranged to interface with a respective release rod.

The trigger comprises a curved portion at its upper end engaged to a wheel disposed to the bottom end of the displacement rod is configured to move displacement rod upward when the trigger is moved radially inward toward the handle.

The trigger is biased into a first or rest position extending radially outward from the handle assembly, the release assembly in communication with the locking mechanism prevents longitudinal movement of inner tube and outer tube relative to each other.

When the trigger is in the rest position, the displacement rod and the displacement member are disposed in upward positions, and the plurality of release levers are configured to dispose the release rods in upward positions.

When the trigger is in a second or release position extending radially inward toward the handle assembly, the release assembly in communication with the locking mechanism allows longitudinal movement of inner tube and outer tube relative to each other.

When the trigger is in the release position, the displacement rod and the displacement member are disposed in upward positions, and the plurality of release levers are configured to dispose the release rods in upward positions.

The locking mechanism comprises a plunger operationally connected to each release rod, a collar attached to the bottom of the inner tube and slidably engaged around the plunger; a helical spring disposed around the plunger and engaged at its upper end to the upper end of the plunger and its lower end engaged to the collar, a truncated cone member disposed around the plunger; a bearing retainer comprising a plurality of bearings circumferentially disposed around the bearing retainer; wherein the conical surface of the truncated cone member is configured to contact the plurality of bearings.

The locking mechanism is configured to move between a first position preventing the inner tube and the outer tube from moving relative to each other and a second position wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are allowed to move relative to each other.

In the first position, the trigger is disposed radially outward from the handle assembly, the conical surface of the truncated cone member is in contact with the plurality of bearings, pressing them against an inner surface of the outer tube and preventing the inner tube and the outer tube from moving relative to each other.

In the second position, the trigger is disposed radially inward toward the handle assembly, the conical surface of the truncated cone member allows the bearings to move out of contact with the inner surface, allowing the inner tube and the outer tube to move relative to each other.

Movement of the release rod downward moves the locking mechanism into the second position when a user moves the trigger radially inward toward the housing assembly; and when the user releases the trigger, the locking mechanism is returned to the first position.

The handle further comprises a trigger lock configured to prevent and/or allow movement of the trigger with respect to the handle.

Each extendable leg is independently pivotably adjustable with respect to the handle, connection housing or with respect to each other.

Each extendable leg comprises a pivot lock configured to engage one or more detents in the connection housing to independently define the amount of pivotable adjustment with respect to the handle, connection housing or with respect to each other.

Each leg further comprises an open end cap disposed on a first end of the outer tube around the second tube comprising an extension lock configured to prevent and/or allow longitudinal movement of the inner tube within the outer tube.

Each leg further comprises a third or outermost tube comprising an open end cap disposed on a first end of the third tube around the outer tube comprising an extension lock configured to prevent and/or allow longitudinal movement of the outer tube within the third tube.

The third tube is longitudinally extendable from the outer tube manually by a user.

The telescoping support stand comprises two extendable legs.

The telescoping support stand comprises three extendable legs.

The upper end of the connection housing is configured to engage an accessory or an accessory mounting assembly.

The upper end of the connection housing comprises an accessory platform and an accessory post.

The telescoping support stand comprises an accessory mounting assembly disposed on the accessory platform to mount to an accessory.

The telescoping support stand comprises an accessory or accessory attachment member comprising a weapon mount, gun rest, gun mount, microphone clip, camera mount, telescope mount, projectile weapon, gun, rifle, crossbow, compressed-air gun, or other type of firearm or gun, camera, camcorder, laser rangefinder, professional photography equipment, telescope, or surveyors' equipment.

The accessory attachment member comprises a clamp comprising a first wall and rectangular platform perpendicular to the first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall and a flange perpendicular to the second wall configured to slidingly engage a slot in the rectangular platform and a clamping mechanism to move the second wall toward the first wall and engage a gunstock therebetween.

The accessory attachment member further comprises an accessory mounting assembly housing having an internal socket and a ball joint comprising a ball housed within the internal socket.

The ball comprises a ball joint bore extending through the ball and a helical spring is disposed within the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly comprises a ball joint rod disposed within the helical spring within the ball joint bore, wherein the ball joint rod is configured for biased movement relative to the ball joint bore.

The ball joint rod has a bottom end which is fixed to the accessory post.

The ball joint rod has an upper end having a diameter greater than a diameter of the ball joint bore, wherein the second end of the ball joint rod is configured to be blocked from passing through the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly housing comprises a curved T-shaped slot extending along two sides of the weapon mounting assembly housing, wherein the curved T-shaped slot comprises cross legs and a center leg; wherein the cross legs of the T-shaped slot extends across a bottom of the accessory mounting assembly housing and the center leg of the T-shaped slot extends along a side of the accessory mounting assembly housing.

Pulling up on the accessory mounting assembly relative to the connection housing by a user compresses the helical spring within the ball joint bore allowing movement of the accessory mounting assembly by rotating about the axis of the ball joint rod, wherein the ball joint rod is configured to follow the path of the T-shaped slot.

The accessory attachment member comprises an accessory mounting assembly housing having an internal socket and a ball joint comprising a ball housed within the internal socket.

The ball comprises a ball joint bore extending through the ball and a helical spring is disposed within the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly comprises a ball joint rod disposed within the helical spring within the ball joint bore, wherein the ball joint rod is configured for biased movement relative to the ball joint bore.

The ball joint rod has a bottom end which is fixed to the accessory post.

The ball joint rod has an upper end having a diameter greater than a diameter of the ball joint bore, wherein the second end of the ball joint rod is configured to be blocked from passing through the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly housing comprises a curved T-shaped slot extending along two sides of the weapon mounting assembly housing, wherein the curved T-shaped slot comprises cross legs and a center leg; wherein the cross legs of the T-shaped slot extends across a bottom of the accessory mounting assembly housing and the center leg of the T-shaped slot extends along a side of the accessory mounting assembly housing.

Pulling up on the accessory mounting assembly relative to the connection assembly by a user compresses the helical spring within the ball joint bore allowing movement of the accessory mounting assembly by rotating about the axis of the ball joint rod, wherein the ball joint rod is configured to follow the path of the T-shaped slot.

The accessory mounting assembly comprises a weapon mount configured to mount a weapon, wherein the weapon mount is configured to be mounted to at least one of a swivel stud or a rail attached to the weapon, wherein the weapon mount comprises a fixed rail and a movable rail which is configured to be movable toward and away from the fixed rail in order to clamp onto the rail attached to the weapon, wherein a locking lever is pivotally attached to the moveable rail configured to lock the movable rail relative to the fixed rail by a pivot connection.

The accessory mounting assembly comprises a weapon mount configured to mount a weapon, wherein the accessory mounting assembly further comprises a rail adapter, wherein the weapon mount comprises a fixed rail and a movable rail which is configured to be movable toward and away from fixed rail in order to clamp onto the rail adapter, wherein the rail adapter is mounted to the fixed rail and the movable rail by a locking nut, wherein the rail adapter has a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section and has a through hole for mounting to a swivel stud on the gun with the locking nut.

The accessory attachment member comprises a clamp comprising a first wall and rectangular platform perpendicular to the first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall and a flange perpendicular to the second wall configured to slidingly engage a slot in the rectangular platform and a clamping mechanism to move the second wall toward the first wall and engage a gunstock therebetween.

The accessory attachment member further comprises an accessory mounting assembly housing having an internal socket and a ball joint comprising a ball housed within the internal socket.

The ball comprises a ball joint bore extending through the ball and a helical spring is disposed within the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly comprises a ball joint rod disposed within the helical spring within the ball joint bore, wherein the ball joint rod is configured for biased movement relative to the ball joint bore.

The ball joint rod has a bottom end which is fixed to the accessory post.

The ball joint rod has an upper end having a diameter greater than a diameter of the ball joint bore, wherein the second end of the ball joint rod is configured to be blocked from passing through the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly housing comprises a curved T-shaped slot extending along two sides of the weapon mounting assembly housing, wherein the curved T-shaped slot comprises cross legs and a center leg; wherein the cross legs of the T-shaped slot extends across a bottom of the accessory mounting assembly housing and the center leg of the T-shaped slot extends along a side of the accessory mounting assembly housing.

Pulling up on the accessory mounting assembly relative to the connection housing by a user compresses the helical spring within the ball joint bore allowing movement of the accessory mounting assembly by rotating about the axis of the ball joint rod, wherein the ball joint rod is configured to follow the path of the T-shaped slot.

The accessory attachment comprises a gun rest comprising a platform with a valley defined by a generally Y-shaped cross-section of the platform, and a mounting ring73on the bottom of the rest71is configured to engage the accessory post22of the connection housing20wherein the weapon may rest within the upper arms of the Y-shaped platform.

The accessory attachment member comprises an accessory mounting assembly for mounting a camera.

A second aspect provides a telescoping support stand comprising: a handle comprising a trigger disposed within the handle, wherein the handle is attached to a bottom end of a connection housing, when the telescoping support stand is in normal use; wherein the trigger is accessible outside the handle assembly includes first and second ends, the first end being pivotally attached to the handle assembly and the second end being movable radially inward and radially outward during operation; a plurality of extendable legs pivotably engaged near the top of the connection housing, each extendable leg comprising an outer tube; an inner tube having a first end portion that telescopically slides within the outer tube and a second end portion and a second end pivotably connected to the connection housing; and a locking mechanism mounted to the first end portion of inner tube; the connection housing comprising a plurality of pivot hubs and a release assembly within the connection housing configured to be actuated by the trigger; wherein the release assembly comprises a displacement rod extending from the connection housing into the handle in operational connectivity to the trigger and the release member in the connection housing; the release member is in operational connectivity to a plurality of release levers within the plurality of pivot hubs in the connection housing; and the plurality of release levers are in operational connectivity with a plurality of release rods; and each of the plurality of release rods is in operational connectivity to a respective locking mechanism within each of the extendable legs; and each locking mechanism comprises a plunger operationally connected to each release rod, a collar attached to the bottom of the inner tube and slidably engaged around the plunger; a helical spring disposed around the plunger and engaged at its upper end to the upper end of the plunger and its lower end engaged to the collar, a truncated cone member disposed around the plunger; a bearing retainer comprising a plurality of bearings circumferentially disposed around the bearing retainer; wherein the conical surface of the truncated cone member is configured to contact the plurality of bearings; wherein the locking mechanism is configured to move between a first position preventing the inner tube and the outer tube from moving relative to each other and a second position wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are allowed to move relative to each other; wherein actuation of the trigger actuates the release mechanism to release the locking mechanism within each of the plurality of extendable legs to allow the inner tube and the outer tube to move longitudinally relative to each other when the release assembly is activated.

Embodiments of this telescoping stand include the following and any of the embodiments listed above for the previous stand, alone or in any combination.

In the first position, the trigger is disposed radially outward from the handle assembly, and the conical surface of the truncated cone member is in contact with the plurality of bearings, pressing them against an inner surface of the outer tube and preventing the inner tube and the outer tube from moving relative to each other.

In the second position, the trigger is disposed radially inward toward the handle assembly, the conical surface of the truncated cone member allows the bearings to move out of contact with the inner surface, allowing the inner tube and the outer tube to move relative to each other.

Each leg further comprises a third or outermost tube comprising an open end cap disposed on a first end of the third tube around the outer tube comprising an extension lock configured to prevent and/or allow longitudinal movement of the outer tube within the third tube.

The third tube is longitudinally extendable from the outer tube manually by a user.

The telescoping support stand comprises three extendable legs.

A third aspect provides an accessory attachment member configured to engage the connection housing of the telescoping support stands described above, comprising a clamp comprising a first wall and rectangular platform perpendicular to the first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall and a flange perpendicular to the second wall configured to slidingly engage a slot in the rectangular platform and a clamping mechanism to move the second wall toward the first wall and engage a gunstock therebetween.

Embodiments of the accessory attachment member include the following alone or in any combination.

The accessory attachment member further comprises an accessory mounting assembly housing having an internal socket and a ball joint comprising a ball housed within the internal socket.

The ball comprises a ball joint bore extending through the ball and a helical spring is disposed within the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly comprises a ball joint rod disposed within the helical spring within the ball joint bore, wherein the ball joint rod is configured for biased movement relative to the ball joint bore.

The ball joint rod has a bottom end which is fixed to the accessory post.

The ball joint rod has an upper end having a diameter greater than a diameter of the ball joint bore, wherein the second end of the ball joint rod is configured to be blocked from passing through the ball joint bore.

The accessory mounting assembly housing comprises a curved T-shaped slot extending along two sides of the weapon mounting assembly housing, wherein the curved T-shaped slot comprises cross legs and a center leg; wherein the cross legs of the T-shaped slot extends across a bottom of the accessory mounting assembly housing and the center leg of the T-shaped slot extends along a side of the accessory mounting assembly housing.

Pulling up on the accessory mounting assembly relative to the connection housing by a user compresses the helical spring within the ball joint bore allowing movement of the accessory mounting assembly by rotating about the axis of the ball joint rod, wherein the ball joint rod is configured to follow the path of the T-shaped slot.

Many alternatives, modifications, and variations are enabled by the present disclosure. While specific embodiments have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. Accordingly, Applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.