Patent ID: 12228361

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1, a shooting rest is designated generally by the reference number10. The shooting rest10is constructed for supporting a firearm (not shown) in a shooting position so a user can fire the firearm while it is supported by the shooting rest. As will become apparent, the shooting rest10assists the user in holding the firearm steady while aimed at a target, and the shooting rest is configured for reducing recoil felt by the user when the firearm is fired.

As shown inFIG.1, the rest10includes a frame, generally indicated by the reference number12, and forward and rear firearm supports, generally indicated by the reference numbers14and16, respectively. The forward and rear supports14,16are connected to the frame12and positioned with respect to each other for supporting respective forward and rear portions of a firearm. For example, the forward portion of the firearm could include a barrel and/or forestock of the firearm. The rear portion of the firearm could include a buttstock having a butt.

A weight support20for holding additional weight is supported by the frame12. It will be understood that additional weight supported by the weight support20can increase the effective mass of the shooting rest10for absorbing recoil force when the firearm is fired. For example, various types of weight supports for supporting removable weight on firearm rests are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,011,129 and 8,621,773, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the weight support is provided in the form of a tank20for holding water or another liquid. It will be appreciated that other flowable material, such as sand, lead shot, etc. could be used instead of liquid without departing from the scope of the present invention. The tank20will be described in further detail below.

The rest10has three feet22for supporting the rest on a support surface such as a table top or bench top. Two forward feet22are provided, and one rear foot22is provided. The feet22are configured to support the tank20spaced above the support surface. It will be appreciated that other arrangements for supporting the shooting rest10can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.1, the forward support14includes a cradle30for receiving the forward portion of the firearm and a height adjustment assembly32configured for adjusting a vertical position of the cradle with respect to the frame12. In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle30includes a generally U-shaped pad30A formed of thermoplastic material mounted on a base plate30B. A flexible strap30C is secured to the base plate30B and is extendable over the pad30A and securable to the cradle30to secure the firearm in the cradle. The height adjustment assembly32includes a post34having a rack34A thereon for engagement by a pinion36(FIG.9) rotatable by a height adjustment actuator38to raise and lower the cradle30. An adjustable biasing member40(FIG.9) applies an adjustable biasing force against the post34to maintain the post in a vertical position to which the post is moved by the pinion36. Similar height adjustment assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,997,021 and 8,393,106, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The post34is supported by a hub42movable forward and rearward on the frame12to change a distance between the forward and rear firearm supports14,16. Two clamp assemblies are provided at opposite sides of the hub42for selectively clamping the frame12to lock the hub in a selected position along the frame. The illustrated clamp assemblies each include a cam lever44attached to a bolt extending from an upper jaw of the clamp to a lower jaw of the clamp. When the cam levers44are in unclamped positions (not shown), the upper and lower jaws are spaced from one another to permit the forward firearm support14to slide forward or rearward on the frame12relative to the rear support16. The cam levers44are movable from the unclamped positions to clamped positions (e.g.,FIG.1) to draw the lower jaws toward the upper jaws to clamp the frame12in the jaws. When the cam levers44are in the clamped positions, cams on the cam levers engage the upper jaw to hold the cam levers in the clamped positions and thus hold the forward support14in position on the frame12. Similar connections of a forward firearm support to a frame of a firearm rest are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,621,773, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other types of forward supports can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now toFIGS.2and9, the rear support16defines a pocket sized for receiving a portion of the buttstock of the firearm, including the butt of the firearm. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear support16comprises an assembly including a stop50, a cover52, and a recoil pad54. The stop50is configured to inhibit rearward movement of the firearm relative to the frame12when the firearm is fired. The stop50can be formed of rigid metal or another suitable material (e.g., fabric sling) connected to the frame. The illustrated stop50is secured to the frame by bolts56. The recoil pad54is configured to absorb recoil of the firearm when the firearm is fired. The cover52assists in preventing damage to the buttstock of the firearm. A similar rear support 16 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,702,653, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The stop42is configured to transmit rearward force of the firearm generated during recoil from the stop to the frame12. Desirably, rearward acceleration caused by the recoil force is substantially resisted by mass of the shooting rest 10 augmented by removable weight, as explained more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 8,621,773, incorporated by reference above. In the present case, the removable weight comprises liquid or other material in the tank20to reduce recoil felt by the shooter. Other types of rigid connections of the stop to the frame and other types of stops for providing a backing to the firearm can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, other types of rear supports can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one aspect of the present shooting rest10, the shooting rest is constructed to prevent movement of the tank20with respect to the frame12. It will be appreciated that when the firearm is fired, the resulting recoil force imparted on the stop will tend to move the frame12rearward. If the frame12is not sufficiently secured to the tank20, the frame may move rearward with respect to the tank. This would result in ineffective or inefficient recoil reduction and provide a poor user experience. Desirably, the tank20is secured to the frame12such that the tank is prevented from moving in any direction with respect to the frame (especially forward). The shooting rest10is constructed such that the tank20and frame12move conjointly as a unitary structure. If the interior of the tank20is filled with liquid, and the tank is prevented from moving with respect to the frame12, the recoil reduction will be most effective and the user will have the sensation of the liquid filled tank acting as a stationary weight anchoring the shooting rest. To secure the tank20to the frame12, the frame can sandwich the tank, press against opposite sides of the tank, engage several surfaces of the tank, capture the tank, and/or be nested with the tank, as will become apparent. Desirably, the securement of the tank20to the frame12is accomplished without passing a fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet, etc.) into the interior of the tank where liquid is stored because an opening in the tank for such a fastener may provide a path for liquid to leak out of the tank.

Referring now toFIG.8, the frame12includes a left (first) frame member60A and a right (second) frame member60B. The frame members60A,60B are configured to sandwich the tank20from respective left and right sides of the tank. The frame members60A,60B can be formed of tubular material (e.g., tubular steel or another suitable metal or plastic) or other components such as bars, angles, and/or plates. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame members60A,60B are constructed of lengths of tubular metal bent and welded together. Various other framing components (tubes, rods, bars, angles, plates, etc.) could be used, and the framing components could be secured together in other ways, such as by fasteners including bolts, screws, rivets, etc.

Each frame member60A,60B defines a forward harness62A,62B (FIG.8) for cradling a forward portion of the tank20and a rearward harness64A,64B (FIG.8) for cradling a rearward portion of the tank. The forward harness62A,62B comprises a forward loop of framing, and the rearward harness comprises a rearward loop of framing. The forward and rearward loops of framing are connected at a junction about midway along the length of the frame members60A,60B between the forward and rear ends of the shooting rest10. Other types of framing harnesses (e.g., non-looped) can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The frame members60A,60B include a plurality of frame portions (e.g., lengths of the tubular or cylindrical framing material) making up the forward harnesses62A,62B and rearward harnesses64A,64B. The frame members60A,60B include forward generally upstanding frame portions70A,70B. Lower frame portions72A,72B extend rearward and inward from lower ends of the upstanding frame portions70A,70B. Upper frame portions74A,74B extend inward and rearward from upper ends of the upstanding frame portions70A,70B. Additional upward frame portions76A,76B (on which the forward firearm support14is slidable) extend rearward from inner ends of the frame portions74A,74B. Slanted frame portions78A,78B extend rearward and downward to join with lower frame portions80A,80B that extend rearward and upward from the lower frame portions72A,72B to complete the loops of the forward harnesses62A,62B. From the junction, slanted frame portions82A,82B extend rearward, upward, and inward to curved frame portions84A,84B curving downward and back toward the junction. From the junction, lower frame portions86A,86B extend rearward and inward to join lower ends of the curved frame portions to complete the loops of the rearward harnesses64A,64B.

The frame12includes bridges configured to span gaps between the frame members60A,60B to secure the frame members to each other. A first bridge90in front of the forward support14and a second bridge92behind the forward support connect the upper frame portions of the forward harnesses62A,62B. The first and second bridges90,92define the forward and rearward extents to which the forward firearm support14is slidable on the upper frame portions76A,76B. The first and second bridges90,92comprise respective lengths of tubing extending between and fastened by bolts94to the frame members60A60B. Three additional bridges96,98,100connect the frame members60A,60B at the rear harnesses64A,64B. The third and fourth bridges96,98comprise elongate nuts spanning a gap between and secured to the frame members60A,60B by the same fasteners56that secure the rear firearm support16to the frame12. The fifth bridge100comprises a molded piece of plastic fastened by bolts102to the respective frame members60A,60B. The rear foot22extends downward from the fifth bridge100and is height adjustable by rotating of a knob104above the bridge. Other types of bridges can be used, and bridges can be omitted, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other types of framing can be used without departing from the present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the framing could sandwich the tank from upper and lower sides rather than left and right sides of the tank.

Referring toFIGS.10-14, the tank20will now be described in further detail. The tank20includes a container110defining an interior into which liquid (e.g., water) or a flowable material (e.g., sand, lead shot, etc.) is receivable for increasing the mass of the shooting rest10. The container110can be formed of molded plastic or another suitable material. The tank20includes a port112(FIG.9) in fluid communication with the interior and through which the liquid or flowable material can be introduced to and removed from the interior. The tank20also includes a cover114for selectively opening and closing the port112. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover114comprises a cap threadable onto a collar of the port112for closing the port. Other covers can be used, such as valves, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the container110defines a basin constructed to hold liquid therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the basin comprises the bottom wall portions and the generally upstanding wall portions of the container that form a trough for holding liquid. The basin of the container is covered by the upper wall portions of the container. Desirably, the wall portions forming the basin (and desirably all of the wall portions of the container) are free of openings through which liquid can pass. In the illustrated embodiment, the only opening in the container110is provided at the port112(FIG.9). Accordingly, the likelihood of liquid leaking from the container110is minimized. However, it will be appreciated that the basin can be liquid tight even if one or more openings are provided in the basin. For example, the openings may be sealed by suitable gaskets, sealant, etc.

As shown inFIG.14, the container110has a length L extending between front and rear ends of the container. As also shown inFIG.14, the container110has a width W extending between left and right sides of the container. Referring toFIG.12, the container110has a height H extending between a top and a bottom of the container. The container110is constructed to have a relatively wide head110A and a relatively narrow tail110B extending rearward from the head. The head110A has a width W1corresponding to the maximum width W of the container overall, and the tail110B has a substantially lesser width W2. The head110A of the container is constructed to provide substantial internal volume for holding liquid and extends forward of the front of the frame12and in front of the forward firearm support14.

Referring toFIG.10, the container110includes a first upper recess120for reception of the hub42and post34of the forward firearm support14. The upper recess120is elongate and provides clearance for forward/rearward adjustment of the forward firearm support14. The recess120extends downward and opens out of the bottom of the container110and is bounded by generally upstanding sidewalls of the container. The container110includes a second upper recess122located rearward from the first upper recess120. The second recess122is sized to provide clearance for a magazine extending downward from a firearm supported by the rest. The second recess122is bounded by generally upstanding walls of the container110and by an upper surface of the container.

The container110is configured to nest with the frame12to mate the frame with the container for securing the frame to the container. In the illustrated embodiment, several frame-receiving recesses are provided in the container110for nesting with various frame portions. The frame receiving recesses open out of the left and right sides of the container110for receiving the frame members60A,60B as they are moved toward the container to sandwich and capture the container. Referring toFIGS.10-14, the container includes forward recesses130A,130B extending upward for receiving the generally upstanding frame portions70A,70B. The left recess130A is bounded by a curved wall of the container (curving generally about a generally upstanding axis) including outer surfaces facing rearward, leftward, and forward, all of which engage the frame portion70A. The right recess130B is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing rearward, rightward, and forward, all of which engage the frame portion70B. The container110includes upper recesses132A,132B extending inward and curving rearward to correspond to and receive the respective frame portions74A,74B. The left recess132A is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing upward, rearward, and leftward, all of which engage the frame portion74A. The right recess132B is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing upward, rearward, and rightward, all of which engage the frame portion74B. The container110includes a recess134extending widthwise of the container to receive the forward bridge90. The recess134is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing upward, rearward, leftward, and rightward, all of which engage the forward bridge90. The container110includes upper recesses136A,136B configured to receive the slanted frame portions78A,78B. The recess136A is bounded by a curved wall of the container110including outer surfaces facing upward, rearward, and leftward, all of which engage the slanted frame portion78A. The recess136B is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing upward, rearward, and rightward, all of which engage the slanted frame portion78B. The container includes rear recesses138A,138B configured to receive the frame portions82A,82B. The left recess138A is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing upward, forward, and leftward, all of which engage the frame portion82A. The right recess138B is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing upward, forward, and rightward, all of which engage the frame portion82B. The container110includes lower recesses140A,140B configured to receive the lower frame portions72A,72B,80A,80B. The left recess140A is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing downward, rearward, and leftward, all of which engage the frame portions72A,80A. The right recess140B is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing downward, rearward, and rightward, all of which engage the frame portions72B,80B. Finally, the container110includes lower recesses142A,142B configured to receive the lower frame portions86A,86B. The left recess142A is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing downward, rearward, and leftward, all of which engage the left frame portion86A. The right recess142B is bounded by a curved wall of the container including outer surfaces facing downward, rearward, and rightward, all of which engage the right frame portion86B.

It will now be apparent that when the frame12is assembled to sandwich and capture the container110, the various frame portions70A-86B engage surfaces of the container facing upward, downward, forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward such that the engagement of the frame with the container prevents movement of the container with respect to the frame. The frame12being nested with or mated with the container (e.g., reception of the frame portions70A-86B in the recesses130A-142B) assists with engaging the frame with surfaces of the container110facing in various directions to unify the frame and container. Desirably, the frame members60A,60B, when secured together to sandwich the container110, press on opposing surfaces of the container to securely capture the container between the frame members. For example, the bridges90,92,96,98,100may be slightly undersized widthwise of the container110such that the frame members60A,60B press against the sides of the container when they are secured to the bridges. In other words, the container110can be slightly compressed in the direction the frame members60A,60B were assembled to sandwich the container. Such pressing on or compression of the container110can assist in unifying the frame12and container to prevent movement of the container with respect to the frame.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the container110is constructed to provide a substantial internal volume for holding liquid but to not interfere with the use of the rest10. For example, the head110A of the container110is relatively wide, and protrudes laterally outboard from the frame12and forward from the front end of the frame to maximize storage volume. On the other hand, the tail110B of the container110is relatively narrow and does not protrude substantially outboard from the frame12to not interfere with a shooter's arms when they shoulder a firearm on the shooting rest10.

The container110includes a forward roll support160, and the port112is located on the container110, to facilitate emptying of the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the roll support160comprises a curved roll surface on the container extending widthwise of container at the lower, front end of the container. The roll support160is located forward of the two front feet22. It will be appreciated that a user can empty the container110by removing the cap52and then elevating the rear end of the rest10to begin rolling the rest forward on the roll support160to pour liquid out of the port112. The front of the rest10will normally be located at a front of a shooting bench in use, so rolling the rest forward will tend to pour the liquid in front of or over the front of the bench top. It will be appreciated that this provides a convenient way to empty the container110without requiring the user to pick up and relocate the rest10while fully weighted. It will be appreciated that the port112and roll surface160could be provided on a side of the rest10or the rear of the rest without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the roll surface could be formed by the frame or a separate piece attached to the frame.

In a method of manufacturing the rest10, the container110can be formed by molding plastic into the shape of the container, the frame members60A,60B can be fabricated by bending and/or securing together framing components, and the frame members can be assembled to capture the container to prevent the container from moving with respect to the assembled frame. Desirably, the container110defines a basin having an interior and configured to hold liquid in the interior to increase the effective mass of the shooting rest to reduce recoil. The forward and rear firearm supports14,16can be secured to the frame12before, after, or at the same time as the frame members60A,60B are secured to each other.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.