Patent ID: 12232613

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is best understood by the reference to the drawings.FIG.4shows a first preferred embodiment of the long gun storage apparatus100of this invention. The apparatus comprises a rod120, a cap130at the top of the rod, a circular patch140of hook-and-loop fabric attached to the top of the cap, a first ring150at the bottom of the rod, and a second ring160between the first ring and the cap. These components are discussed in detail below. The apparatus enables a long gun with a large barrel diameter to be stored perfectly upright in a cabinet with an overhanging surface as shown inFIG.3. Unless otherwise indicated expressly or by context, the term “about” is used herein to mean plus or minus 25 percent of the measurement or other quantified property referenced.

As discussed below, the rod120is inserted into the barrel of the long gun. Therefore, the rod has a maximum thickness that is less than the inside diameter of the barrel. In the case where the rod has a round cross section, the thickness of the rod is equal to its outside diameter. The inside diameters of long gun barrels vary from about 17 caliber (0.17 inch) to about 78 caliber (0.78 inch). Accordingly, the thickness of the rod is generally about one-tenth to one-half (0.1 to 0.5) inch. The thickness of the rod is preferably about three-sixteenths (about 0.19) inch. The rod is preferably cylindrical (i.e., it has a round cross section) to conform to the shape of the barrel, but other shapes are also suitable.

As also discussed below, the apparatus extends from inside the barrel of the gun up to the overhanging surface, generally either a shelf or the roof of a cabinet. Accordingly, the length of the rod is greater than the difference between the height of the shelf and the length of the gun. For example, if the gun has a length of fifty inches and the height of the overhanging surface is fifty-six inches, the rod must have a length greater than six inches. The rod preferably extends downwardly into the barrel for a distance of at least about two inches. Therefore, in the above example, the rod is preferably at least about eight inches long. The rod is generally about two to twenty-four inches long and is preferably about six to eighteen inches long. If the rod is longer than about twenty-four inches, it is more costly to produce, more likely to break, and may even bottom out inside the barrel which could prevent its use with a relatively short gun in a cabinet with a relatively low shelf.

The rod is made of a strong, stiff material that does not bow excessively and that does not scratch or damage the inside of a rifle barrel. Suitable materials include fiberglass, graphite, thermoplastic (e.g., nylon polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, etc.), wood, thermoplastic-coated metals, and the like. A nylon polyamide rod is preferred because of its strength, resiliency, and ease at sliding into and out of a barrel.

The cap130is attached to the top end of the rod. The cap is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The cap serves two purposes. The first purpose is to limit the insertion of the rod into the barrel. Without the cap, the rod could easily slide down into the barrel where it could not be retrieved without turning the gun upside down. The second purpose, as discussed in more detail below, is to provide a larger area for the means of removably securing to the underside of the overhanging shelf. Accordingly, the cap is larger in width than the inside diameter of the gun barrel. The cap is preferably a disk having a diameter of about one-half to two inches. The cap is preferably molded as an integral part with the rod.

The cap includes a means for removable attachment to the underside of the overhanging surface. In the preferred embodiment, the top of the cap is covered with a circular patch of hook-and-loop fabric140. An example of such fabric is the type sold commercially under the VELCRO trademark. The underside of the overhanging surface is covered with the mating hook-and-loop fabric. It is most preferred that the cap contain a patch of the hook fabric and the overhanging surface be covered with the loop fabric. Another preferred means of removable attachment is a magnetic disk or ring attached to the cap for use with an overhanging shelf made of steel or other ferromagnetic material. Other means of attachment, including multiple receiving holes or slots in the overhanging surface, are also suitable.

A first ring150is in a fixed position at the bottom of the rod. The first ring, in combination with the second ring, locates the rod in the center of the barrel. The first ring has an outside diameter slightly less than the diameter of the long gun barrel. The diameter is generally about three-eighths to three-quarters (about 0.38 to 0.75) inches. The diameter is preferably about five-eighths (about 0.63) inches. The first ring generally has a thickness of about one-eighth to one-half (0.13 to 0.5) inches. The first ring preferably has a thickness of about one-fourth (0.25) inches. The first ring is generally made of natural rubber, a resilient thermoplastic such as chloroprene, neoprene, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), etc., or a less resilient thermoplastic such as nylon polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, etc. The first ring is preferably fixed in position at the bottom of the rod in such a way that the first ring can be easily removed if desired. The first ring is preferably threaded upon threads at the bottom of the rod. Other means of attachment are also suitable, including barbs, ridges, projections, and the like.

A second ring160is in a movable position on the rod between the cap at the top and the first ring at the bottom. The second ring, in combination with the first ring, locates the rod in the center of the barrel. The second ring fits snugly upon the rod so it is easily moved along the rod and remains in position where desired. The second ring has an outside diameter similar or equal to the diameter of the first ring. The second ring is generally made of natural rubber or a resilient thermoplastic such as chloroprene, neoprene, silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), etc. The second ring generally has thickness of about one-fourth to three-quarters (0.25 to 0.75) inches. The second ring preferably has a thickness of about one-half (0.5) inches.

Referring toFIG.5, an optional foam cleaning ring170is positioned between the first ring and the second ring. The foam cleaning ring, in combination with the first ring and the second ring, locates the rod in the center of the barrel. The foam cleaning ring also helps to clean the inside of the barrel of the long gun. The foam cleaning ring fits snugly upon the rod so it is easily moved along the rod and remains in position where desired. The foam cleaning ring has an outside diameter similar or equal to the diameter of the first ring. The foam cleaning ring is generally made of a foam such as polyurethane. The foam cleaning ring generally has a thickness of about one to three inches. The foam cleaning ring preferably has a thickness of about two inches.

The two preferred embodiments of the apparatus shown inFIGS.4and5are made of nylon polyamide and have a length of about sixteen inches. The caps have a diameter of about one inch and contain a patch of VELCRO hook fabric. The rods have a diameter of about three-sixteenths (about 0.19) inch. A slightly protruding rib121located near the cap provides a gripping surface. The first ring is secured on threads122at the bottom of the rod. The second ring is movable to any position along the rod between the first ring and the cap. The second preferred embodiment differs from the first in having a foam cleaning ring.

The use of the long gun storage apparatus can now be considered. The long gun storage apparatus of this invention is used in a similar way as the Kinsella apparatus shown inFIGS.2to3with two exceptions. First, the long gun storage apparatus of this invention is used with its rings in place only with long guns having a relatively large diameter barrel such as shotguns. Second, the movable ring is preferably moved up the rod to a location that will be close to the tip of the barrel before insertion. This maximizes the distance between the first ring and the second ring and provides optimal centering of the rod within the barrel. This, in turn, perfects the verticality of the long gun during storage.

FIG.2shows how the storage apparatus is inserted into the barrel of a long gun.FIG.3shows three long guns stored in a cabinet whose door is omitted for clarity. As explained above, long guns having a relatively small barrel diameter are shown inFIGS.2and3for illustration purposes. The storage apparatus of this invention is used with long guns having a relatively large diameter barrel. The apparatus in each barrel contacts the overhanging roof of the cabinet. To position the gun, the gun owner simply sets the stock of the gun in the desired location and pulls the storage apparatus up until the cap contacts the underside of the overhanging surface. The attachment of the mating hook-and-loop fabrics, magnet, or other means is sufficient to hold the storage apparatus securely in place which, in turn, holds the long gun in place. Once the cap is attached to the surface, there is no danger of the gun tipping over. To remove the gun, the cap is pulled away from the surface, the gun is tilted, and then lifted out.

It can be appreciated that the apparatus gives the gun owner the flexibility to arrange his long guns in whatever pattern he wishes in the cabinet. This flexibility enables the gun owner to maximize the number of long guns stored in the cabinet, if desired. It also enables the gun owner to quickly and easily change the arrangement as seasons change or as long guns are added or removed from his collection. It can also be appreciated that nothing contacts the exterior of the gun barrel during storage. As a result, no damage is done to the finish of the metal. It can be further appreciated that the rings can be easily removed if it is desired to use the apparatus with a long gun having a smaller diameter. Whether used without the rings with a long gun having a small diameter or used with the rings with a long gun having a large diameter, the apparatus enables the long gun to be stored perfectly upright without any appreciable leaning.

In most applications, the rings and the hook-and-loop fabrics function well without any service for many years. If and when the elements need to be cleaned or replaced, the operation is performed quickly and easily without the use of any tools.