US20120085331A1 - Systems and methods of accessory mounting - Google Patents
Systems and methods of accessory mounting Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120085331A1 US20120085331A1 US13/271,904 US201113271904A US2012085331A1 US 20120085331 A1 US20120085331 A1 US 20120085331A1 US 201113271904 A US201113271904 A US 201113271904A US 2012085331 A1 US2012085331 A1 US 2012085331A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- accessory
- combination according
- bracket
- mounting
- disposed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
- F41B5/10—Compound bows
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
- F41B5/14—Details of bows; Accessories for arc shooting
- F41B5/1484—Bows with special adaptations or devices for special purposes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G1/00—Sighting devices
- F41G1/46—Sighting devices for particular applications
- F41G1/467—Sighting devices for particular applications for bows
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G1/00—Sighting devices
- F41G1/46—Sighting devices for particular applications
- F41G1/473—Sighting devices for particular applications for lead-indicating or range-finding, e.g. for use with rifles or shotguns
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G11/00—Details of sighting or aiming apparatus; Accessories
- F41G11/001—Means for mounting tubular or beam shaped sighting or aiming devices on firearms
- F41G11/004—Mountings with clamping means on the device embracing at least a part of the firearm, e.g. the receiver or a dustcover
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of supporting structures, such as brackets and the like, and more particularly to the positioning and support of an accessory, such as a rangefinder, in relation to a weapon, such as an archery bow or a firearm, or other structure.
- an archery bow comprises a riser body and a pair of limbs extending from opposite ends of the riser body. Strung between the limbs is a bowstring.
- An archery bow may be provided as a compound bow or a long bow; a compound bow having cams provided on the limbs around which the bowstring is threaded and a long bow not having such cams.
- a grip is provided on the riser body to be grasped by one hand of a user while the bowstring is drawn with the other hand. The grip defines a pivot point that is usually engaged by the user's thumb and forefinger.
- a firearm such as a rifle, generally comprises a stock extending proximally to a butt end.
- the stock generally supports a barrel extending distally to a muzzle end.
- the firing mechanism which may include a trigger, a safety, an ammunition chamber, etc.
- the firing mechanism is usually disposed distally of a hand grip that may be formed into the stock. Situated usually even more distally than the firing mechanism, there may be a means for mounting an accessory to the barrel of the rifle, such as an optical scope or sight.
- While limited mounting locations may be provided on a rifle, other locations, and perhaps other accessories, that may be of value to a shooter may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the rifle.
- a handheld rangefinder, camera, digital music player, microphone, or other accessory may be desirable to be used in conjunction with a rifle, but is likely not to have been designed with such a specific use in mind.
- An apparatus provides an improved apparatus for positioning an accessory in relation to a support structure and to allow for uniform mounting structure to be provided on various weapons to allow for ease of transfer of an accessory from one weapon or support structure to another.
- an archery bow has a riser body with a grip disposed thereon.
- the riser body has a draw side and a sight side.
- One or more standoffs may be coupled to, and extend generally longitudinally outward from, the draw side above the grip.
- An accessory bracket may be supported by one or more of the standoffs.
- the accessory bracket includes a support structure interface including a first leg and a second leg, which are coupled by a hinge member.
- a first standoff notch is provided on one of the legs, the notch being configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs.
- a second standoff notch may be provided on the other of the legs, where the second standoff notch is configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs.
- the first standoff notch and the second standoff notch may cooperate to form a mounting aperture, which may be formed when the legs are arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to one another.
- the mounting aperture may have a cross-sectional shape that is mateable with one of the standoffs.
- the legs may be arranged in a parallel relationship and secured by a threaded fastener extending through one of the legs and threadably engaging the other leg.
- each leg there may be attached or formed integrally therewith a yoke arm extending from the hinge member to a free yoke end.
- the yoke arms may move simultaneously with the legs and when the legs are hingedly moved apart with respect to each other, the yoke arms may be moved toward each other.
- Each yoke free end preferably includes a longitudinal slot disposed along a slot length.
- the slots may have a C-shaped, such as a squared-off C-shaped, cross-section.
- One or both of the slots may be terminated at one end, and the slots are preferably spaced from each other at a relative slot spacing.
- an accessory may be supported by the accessory bracket.
- the accessory preferably has two at least substantially parallel rails disposed thereon at a relative rail spacing with respect to each other.
- the rail spacing may be at least substantially equal to the slot spacing.
- the rails preferably have a T-shape or I-shape cross-section adapted to frictionally engage the slots provided on the yoke arms.
- the accessory is an electronic range finder.
- an accessory may be directly mounted to and supported by one of the standoffs in a spaced relationship from the riser body.
- Such accessory may be a sight mounting bracket or an arrow quiver, for example.
- FIG. 1 is a left elevation view of a first embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention mounted to an accessory.
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of a first archery setup including a sight bracket installed on an archery bow.
- FIG. 4A is a front left perspective view of the archery setup of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4B is a rear right perspective view of a portion of a second archery setup.
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a first embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a second embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a third embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a fourth embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6A is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6B is a second perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 6C is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 7A is a side elevation view of a portion of a second embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of a portion of a third embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 7C is a side elevation view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a first rear right perspective view of an accessory bracket interfacing with a support bracket.
- FIG. 9A is a second rear right perspective view of the accessory bracket of FIG. 8 interfacing with the support bracket of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 9B is the view of FIG. 9A , further including a remote triggering structure.
- FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view of a rifle including an optical scope mounted thereto.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a supplemental accessory bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 interfacing with the first embodiment of an accessory interface according to the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is the view of FIG. 10 further including a first embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 14A is a top plan view of an embodiment of an adjustable bracket according to the present invention in a first position.
- FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A in a second, extended position.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the adjustable bracket of FIG. 14A interfacing with the first embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 12 interfacing with the structure shown in FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17A is a first bottom perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 17B is the view of FIG. 17A , further including a remote triggering structure and exemplary placement locations.
- FIG. 18 is a second bottom perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view depicting the embodiment of FIG. 19 installed about a tubular support structure.
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 provide a first embodiment 100 of an accessory bracket according to the present invention.
- the bracket 100 is shown coupled to an accessory 900 , which in this case is an embodiment of an optical rangefinder.
- the accessory 900 extends from a proximal end 902 to a distal end 904 .
- a rangefinder eyepiece portion 906 may extend distally from the proximal end 902 , and may be supported by a portion 908 of an accessory housing 910 .
- Another portion 912 of the housing 910 where the portion 912 may extend proximally from the distal end 904 , may contain electronic processing means and a power supply (not shown) for operation of the rangefinder 900 .
- the eyepiece 906 may be operatively coupled to the electronic processing means by way of, e.g., electrical wires (not shown) disposed in a conduit portion 914 of the housing 910 .
- the accessory bracket 100 preferably provides an accessory interface 110 .
- the accessory interface 110 preferably includes a structure that may be readily mated to a support interface provided on a support bracket according to the present invention.
- the accessory interface 110 may include one or more engagement structures, such as snaps, clips, hook and loop fasteners, etc.
- a preferred engagement structure is one or more rail members 112 .
- the preferred rail members 112 are preferably provided as a pair of at least substantially parallel rails provided along a rail length 114 and spaced by a rail spacing 116 .
- Preferred rails 112 have a generally T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section.
- the accessory bracket 100 may further include a mounting plate 120 to which the accessory interface 110 may be mounted.
- the accessory interface 110 may be disposed directly on the accessory 900 .
- the mounting plate 120 has a top surface 122 preferably adapted to mate with a portion of an accessory 900 , and a bottom surface 124 , which is disposed substantially opposite the top surface 122 .
- the mounting plate 120 may be secured to the accessory 900 by any conventional means, such as by adhesive and/or fastening members 126 .
- the accessory interface 110 may be secured to the bottom surface 124 of the mounting plate 120 .
- Preferred materials for the mounting plate 120 include a thermoformed plastic or a light metal material, such as aluminum or brass, and preferred materials for the rails 112 include same. It is to be appreciated that the rails 112 may be formed integrally with or attached to the mounting plate 120 which may be formed integrally with or attached to the accessory housing 910 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a portion of an archery bow 800 .
- the archery bow 800 includes a riser body 802 having an upper riser portion 804 and a lower riser portion 806 .
- an upper limb 808 Depending at least partially rearwardly from the upper portion 804 of the riser body 802 is an upper limb 808 .
- a lower limb Depending at least partially rearwardly from the lower portion 806 of the riser body 802 is a lower limb (not shown).
- a grip 812 Coupled to, or formed as a part of the riser body 802 , between the upper portion 804 and the lower portion 806 , or at the intersection thereof, is a grip 812 , which establishes a pivot point 814 .
- the pivot point 814 normally engages at least the proximal phalanges of the user's thumb and forefinger.
- a bow sight 816 is Coupled to the riser body 802 .
- This sight 816 happens to include a sight mounting bracket 818 mounted to the riser body 802 with a pair of threaded fasteners 820 .
- a sight mounting bracket 818 mounted to the riser body 802 with a pair of threaded fasteners 820 .
- accessories such as the sight mounting bracket 818 may be spaced by one or more spacers or standoffs 822 situated between the riser body 802 and the accessory 818 , through which the threaded fasteners 820 may pass.
- a gap 823 is provided between the riser body 802 and the sight mounting bracket 818 .
- standoff extensions 824 may be provided, extending away from the riser body 802 , as opposed to being situated between the riser body 802 and a mounted accessory 818 .
- Such standoff extensions 824 are preferably formed from a rigid material, such as metal (aluminum or steel) or plastic of sufficient strength, and they may be provided in a variety of configured cross-sections, examples of which can be seen in FIGS. 4B-5D .
- Such standoff extensions 824 may be provided as separate and distinct extensions 824 , for instance having circular 824 , triangular 824 ′, rectangular 824 ′′, or oval 824 ′′′ cross-sections.
- both standoff extensions 824 may be provided as a unitary member 825 configured to span a standard distance provided between the threaded fasteners 820 .
- the standoffs 824 may be provided with smooth or threaded apertures 824 a through which the threaded fasteners 820 may be fed and then engaged with the riser body 802 of a bow so as to secure the standoff extensions 824 thereto. While the various cross-sections of standoffs are shown with respect to the standoff extensions 824 , it is to be understood that such cross-section configurations may be applied to the standoffs 822 that may be disposed between a mounted accessory 818 and the riser body 802 .
- FIGS. 6A-7C various views and embodiments of support brackets may be seen, which are preferably configured to interface with an accessory interface 110 provided on an accessory bracket 100 according to the present invention.
- a support bracket 200 may provide a bracket interface 210 and a support structure interface 250 .
- the bracket interface 210 is configured to mate with and/or cooperate with the accessory interface 110 provided on or coupled to the accessory 900 .
- the bracket interface 210 preferably includes a pair of parallel slots 212 disposed along a slot length 214 and, when the bracket 200 is in a desired installed orientation, such as that shown in FIG. 6B , disposed at a slot spacing 216 .
- the slot length 214 and the slot spacing 216 are preferably substantially the same as the rail length 214 and the rail length 114 and the rail spacing 116 .
- the slots 212 which may have a generally C-shaped cross-section adapted to interface with the T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section of the rails 112 , may be disposed on a yoke structure 220 including a first arm 222 and a second arm 224 .
- the slots 212 may be terminated at one end or another to provide a seat for the mating rails 112 , but more preferably, the slots 212 are open on each end thereof to allow multilateral insertion of the rails 112 .
- the support structure interface 250 generally preferably includes a first leg 252 and a second leg 254 which are movable with respect to one another, such as by being coupled to a hinge member 240 .
- the hinge member 240 is configured to allow generally planar separation of the legs 252 , 254 so as to create a mounting gap 256 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 6A .
- Also provided on one or both legs 252 , 254 are one or more standoff notches 258 . If the standoff notches 258 are provided on each leg 252 , 254 , then for each standoff notch 258 provided on the first leg 252 , there is preferably a mating standoff notch 258 provided on the second leg 254 .
- each notch 258 may be formed entirely into one leg 252 or the other 254 .
- the mounting gap 256 is closed or at least decreased, the mounting notches 258 preferably cooperate to form mounting apertures 260 configured to interface with a predetermined or unknown arrangement of standoffs 824 , previously described.
- a thumb screw 262 may be provided, preferably configured to be threadably engaged through the first leg 252 and into the second leg 254 .
- the mounting apertures 860 may be of any shape mateable or cooperable with such standoffs 824 . As shown in FIG. 6B , the apertures 860 are provided as generally circular to interface with standoffs 824 having a generally circular cross-section. In FIG.
- the mounting apertures 860 ′ have a generally triangular shape to interface with standoffs 824 ′ having a generally triangular cross-section.
- one or more mounting channels 864 may be provided on the support structure interface 250 .
- a mounting channel 864 is configured to interface with a unitary member standoff 825 . While shown with the hinge member 240 , such support structure interface 250 ′′ may be provided as a stationary interface with the legs 252 , 254 disposed at a predetermined channel gap 266 from each other. In this way, the legs 252 , 254 may be positioned in a downward mounting direction 268 to straddle the standoff 825 .
- Such an arrangement is particularly useful if obstructions are provided in relatively close proximity on both sides of the standoff 825 .
- an obstruction is provided only on a single side of the standoff(s)
- Such capability may be provided by the support structure interface 250 ′′′ provided in FIG. 7C , in which one or more laterally accessible mounting channels 272 are provided to cooperate with standoffs 824 .
- a mounting pin 274 which may be secured to the support structure interface 250 ′′ with a threaded thumbscrew 263 , may be used to close off the channels 272 once the channels 272 have been cooperated with the standoffs 824 .
- the yoke arms 222 , 224 on which the slots 212 are preferably supported may be fixedly arranged with respect to one another, but more preferably, each arm extends into or is coupled to one of the legs 252 , 254 of the support structure interface 250 . As shown, when the legs 252 , 254 are separated to form the mounting gap 256 , the yoke arms 222 , 224 move towards each other.
- An alternative scissor arrangement (not shown) may be desirable for some applications, in which when the legs 252 , 254 are separated to form the mounting gap 256 , the yoke arms 222 , 224 move away from each other.
- the first arm 222 would extend into or be coupled to the second leg 254
- the second arm 224 would extend into or be coupled to the first leg 252
- the yoke arms 222 , 224 may include a plurality of holes 226 formed therethrough to lighten the weight of the bracket 200 .
- the yoke arms 222 , 224 extend preferably from a left lateral surface 227 to a right lateral surface 228 . At least one of the lateral surfaces may be extensively coplanar with a side of the legs 252 , 254 so as to aid mounting the bracket up against, for example, a bow riser 802 .
- the lateral surfaces may be formed substantially symmetrically, such as by the left lateral surface 227 flaring outwardly similar to the right lateral surface 228 .
- the legs 252 , 254 preferably have a thickness 259 sized and configured to be disposed in a desired mounting location, such as the mounting gap 823 .
- FIG. 8 depicts a support bracket 200 that has been installed on an archery bow 800 .
- Such installation involved cooperating the support structure interface 250 of the bracket 200 with standoffs 824 disposed between the sight bracket 818 and the bow riser body 802 .
- An accessory 900 is to be coupled to the bow 800 .
- Fitted to or formed integrally with the accessory 900 , or disposed between the accessory 900 and the support bracket 200 is an accessory bracket 100 . Since the rail spacing 116 of the accessory bracket 100 is operatively configured to interface with the slot spacing 216 of the slots 212 on the support bracket 200 , it is possible to slide the rails 112 into the slots 212 , frictionally engaging same therewith, in a mounting direction 830 .
- the various components of the support bracket 200 are preferably formed from aluminum, though other materials may be used.
- FIG. 9A depicts the accessory 900 having been situated at a desired position. In this position, although not necessary, it is preferred that all or substantially all of the rails 112 are situated within the slots 212 provided on the support bracket 200 . This arrangement tends to minimize corruption of accessory/bracket interface, such as by dirt getting disposed within the slots 212 or upon the rails 112 .
- FIG. 9B is the same view as FIG. 9A , further including a remote triggering mechanism 930 , which may be a normally open or normally closed push-button switch 932 that may be used to activate the accessory 900 .
- the switch 932 is in electrical communications with an electrical circuit (not shown) in the accessory housing 910 .
- Such electrical communications may be provided via wireless means, but is preferably provided with one or more electrical conductors 934 disposed between the accessory housing 910 and the switch 932 .
- the conductors 934 may be adhered or otherwise coupled to the bow riser body 802 , such as by being strapped or clipped thereto, to ensure that they preferably will not interfere with use of the sights 816 .
- the accessory 900 may be activated, powered-on, and/or controlled from a physical location separate and apart from the accessory housing 910 .
- the switch 932 may be supported by the bow riser body 802 , such as by being adhered thereto.
- the switch is preferably removably coupled to the bow riser body 802 , opposite the grip 812 , for easy operation with the fingers of a user's hand.
- the removable coupling is preferably a magnetic arrangement including a magnet or magnetic material (not shown) securely disposed on the switch 932 and a magnet or magnetic material, or a magnet, respectively, (not shown) disposed on the bow riser body 802 .
- the magnet or magnetic material disposed on the bow riser body 802 may be secured thereto relatively permanently, such as by welding or adhesive, or relatively selectively removably, such as by a strap or clip disposed substantially around the riser body 802 or by a hook and loop type fastener.
- the magnet or magnetic material disposed on the switch 932 is preferably adhered thereto.
- a docking location 940 may include a magnet or magnetic material that is disposed on, inset into, or disposed within the accessory housing 910 configured to cooperate with the magnet or magnetic material provided on the switch 932 to temporarily secure the switch 932 preferably directly adjacent the housing 910 when desired.
- a plurality of docking locations 940 may be provided on the accessory housing 910 , such as one on each side of the left and right (shown) sides of the accessory 900 to facilitate a variety of manipulations.
- FIGS. 10-22 an alternate support structure and support structure interface may be described.
- a firearm 850 in this instance a rifle or shotgun.
- the firearm 850 may include a stock 852 .
- Supported by the stock 852 , or molded integrally therewith, may be a grip 854 that is formed generally proximal from a trigger 856 .
- Extending distally, and mounted to or supported by the stock 852 is a barrel 858 .
- an optical sight 860 may be an optical sight 860 , such as an optical scope.
- the scope 860 extends from a proximal end 862 to a distal end 864 , along a longitudinal sight axis 866 , which may be disposed generally parallel to a longitudinal barrel axis 859 about which the barrel 858 is formed.
- the proximal end 862 of the scope 860 is the end into which a user peers with his or her eye to aim the firearm 850 .
- the scope 860 in this instance is mounted to the firearm 850 by a plurality of scope mounting clips 870 .
- the scope mounting clips 870 interface with a cooperative structure on top of the barrel 858 or the stock 852 to maintain the scope 860 in a stationary position relative thereto.
- the clips 870 generally extend about a central tubular portion 868 of the scope 860 .
- the central tubular portion 868 is disposed on either side of a scope adjustment mechanism 872 as is standard in the art.
- the scope mounting clips 870 are shown spaced from the scope adjustment mechanism 872 so as to provide vacant tubular mounting space 874 .
- one or both of the mounting clips 870 may be disposed immediately adjacent to the scope adjustment mechanism 872 , thereby creating or providing vacant tubular mounting space 874 proximal or distal to either scope mounting clip 870 .
- tubular support structure 868 could be any tubular support structure.
- the structure could be a railing, or a handle or support on a vehicle.
- the present invention provides embodiments that are adaptable to both continuous tubular structures, as well as to tubular structures that have a discontinuous, interrupted or incongruous outer surface portion.
- FIG. 11 shows an intermediate or supplemental accessory bracket 300 which may be coupled to the accessory bracket 100 previously described.
- the supplemental accessory bracket 300 extends between a top interface 310 and a bottom interface 330 .
- the top interface 310 comprises a mating interface to the accessory interface 110 provided on the accessory bracket 100 .
- the accessory interface 110 includes a plurality of substantially parallel rails 112 .
- the supplemental bracket 300 includes a plurality of substantially parallel slots 312 , which may be substantially the same as or similar to the slots 212 provided on the previously described mounting bracket 200 .
- the slots 312 are preferably provided along a slot length 314 and are disposed at a slot spacing 316 from each other.
- the slots 312 may be formed into or provided by slot members 320 .
- the slot members 320 may be reinforced by one or more reinforcement struts 322 coupled thereto.
- a plurality of reinforcement struts 322 is provided, each of which is secured to each slot member 320 .
- a substantially tubular support member 332 which may have a desirable cross-section shape.
- Example of cross-section shapes may be circular or rectangular.
- the tubular member 332 is preferably formed along a pivot axis 334 for a length 336 that is preferably greater than the supplemental bracket slot spacing 316 .
- the tubular member 332 is preferably hollow throughout its length 336 .
- Extending through a wall of the tubular member 332 is an optional securing member 340 which interfaces to a tubular support structure bracket, such as the bracket 400 described below, to preferably stabilize the supplemental bracket 300 .
- a securing member 340 it may be desirable to use a tubular member 332 having a rectangular cross-section so as to provide at least one flat external surface to work with.
- the securing member 340 may include a threaded set screw or thumb screw 342 which is configured to at least partially extend into the tubular member 332 .
- the screw 342 is configured to threadably engage either the wall 338 of the tubular member 332 or an intermediate collar 344 that may be securely disposed on the tubular member 332 .
- the supplemental bracket 300 is configured to interface and cooperate with the accessory bracket 100 , such as with the plurality of rails 112 being slid into and frictionally engaged with the plurality of slots 312 .
- the various components of the supplemental bracket 300 are formed from aluminum, or some other lightweight, sufficiently strong material. Other materials such as brass, plastic or even steel may be employed, the latter being perhaps less desirable due to oxidation, unless sufficient stainless treatment has been provided thereto.
- FIG. 12 shows that the supplemental bracket 300 has been coupled to an accessory 900 at through an accessory bracket 100 .
- the bottom interface 330 of the supplemental bracket 300 may comprise or be included on the accessory bracket 100 .
- the top interface 310 of the supplemental bracket 300 is configured to interface with the accessory interface 110 of the accessory bracket 100 , it is to be appreciated and understood that the rails 112 and the slots 312 could be done away with altogether, and the bottom interface 330 of the supplemental bracket 300 could be disposed directly onto or formed integrally with the accessory 900 or the accessory bracket 100 .
- tubular support bracket 400 does not necessarily mean that the bracket, itself, is tubular, but rather that the bracket 400 is configured to interface with a tubular support structure.
- the tubular support structure may be round, rectangular, etc., but the tubular support bracket 400 may be generally in the form of a band that is configured to lay substantially circumjacent a tubular support structure.
- a tubular support structure may be of any cross-sectional shape, and it is not required to be hollow or formed in a substantially linear orientation.
- tubular support structures to which the tubular support bracket 400 is configured to interface include a structural portion adapted to be wrapped substantially completely circumferentially with a band, for example.
- the tubular support bracket 400 includes at least one, but preferably a plurality of tubular support bands or clips 402 .
- the bands 402 are sized and configured to wrap substantially completely around vacant tubular support structure 874 , such as that previously described that may be located adjacent to the mounting clips 870 of an optical scope 860 mounted on a firearm 850 .
- These support bands 402 may be fastened in a plurality of ways. In the first embodiment shown in FIG.
- the bands 402 have been secured by threaded fastening members 406 , so as to frictionally engage the tubular support structure 874 with the bands 402 .
- the bands 402 may be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.), an elastically deformable material (e.g. rubber, spring steel, etc.), or plastically deformable material (e.g., sheet steel, etc.).
- Extending substantially radially outwardly from the support bands 402 which may be substantially perpendicular to a tangent of the tubular support structure 868 , or substantially perpendicular to the tubular support axis 866 , is at least one, but preferably a plurality of mounting studs 412 .
- the mounting studs 412 preferably extend for a mounting stud length 414 away from the mounting bands 402 , along a longitudinal axis 408 that is, as mentioned, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 866 of the tubular support structure 868 .
- These mounting stud lengths 414 may be a matter of preference or they may be a function of the size of the accessory 900 to be mounted.
- mounting studs 412 may be formed or disposed in a plurality of configurations, but they are provided at a preferred stud spacing 416 , which is measured preferably substantially parallel to the barrel axis 859 , or an axis 866 about which the tubular support structure 868 is formed. Where a plurality of mounting studs 412 is provided, it is preferred that these studs 412 are formed or arranged relatively parallel to each other and accessible from a free end 410 , the free end 410 extending out into space away from the mounting bands 402 .
- the mounting studs 412 are preferably formed from plastic or aluminum, but other materials may be used.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B Shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B is an adjustable accessory bracket 500 .
- This adjustable accessory bracket 500 is adapted to interface to the one or more mounting studs 412 provided coupled to the tubular mounting band or bands 402 .
- the adjustable bracket 500 is provided with a plurality of receivers 512 , each receiver 512 being disposed along a receiver length 514 , and spaced from each other receiver 512 by an adjustable receiver spacing 516 .
- the receiver spacing 516 is adjustable so as to accommodate various mounting stud spacing 416 arrangements that may be provided, which may depend on the tubular support structure 868 provided. In other words, depending on the arrangement of a predetermined or provided tubular support structure 868 and the availability of vacant tubular structure mounting space 874 , the mounting stud spacing 416 may vary.
- the scope 860 includes a scope adjustment mechanism 872 , as is common in the art.
- the scope adjustment mechanism 872 interrupts, interferes with, or creates a discontinuity along the outer surface of the tubular support structure 868 .
- Other tubular support structures 868 may not have such interruption or discontinuity, so that a plurality of mounting bands 402 may be positioned immediately adjacent each other, thus decreasing the mounting stud spacing 416 .
- a scope mount location on a firearm 850 may require that the scope mounting clips 870 be positioned immediately adjacent to the scope adjustment mechanism 872 .
- stud spacing 416 may vary between a plurality of tubular support brackets 400 , each of which may be disposed on a distinct tubular support structure 868 , but interfaced with the same adjustable bracket 500 .
- the adjustable bracket 500 also has a mounting spur 520 .
- the mounting spur 520 When mounted to a tubular support structure 868 , the mounting spur 520 extends preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 866 of the tubular support structure 868 and/or substantially perpendicular to at least one of the receivers 512 .
- the spur 520 extends along a spur length 522 , which may be any desirable length, but is preferred to be at least a majority of the tubular member length 333 .
- the mounting spur 520 preferably has a round cross-section, although various configurations are envisioned. If the cross-section is round, the supplemental accessory bracket 300 may be disposed on the spur 520 and continuously rotatable therearound.
- the various components of the adjustable bracket 500 are preferably formed from a relatively rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum or brass.
- an adjustable receiver spacing disposed at a minimum 516 ′, which may be adjustable through the use of, for example, a trombone type slide adjustment mechanism 530 .
- the slide adjustment 530 includes a plurality of larger diameter hollow tubular members 532 into which the same plurality of smaller diameter solid or hollow tubular members 534 may be inserted.
- This sliding, mating relationship allows the receiver spacing 516 to be adjusted between a predetermined minimum spacing, which may be a function of a length of the larger diameter hollow members 532 , and a predetermined maximum spacing, which also may be a function of the length of the larger diameter members 532 , or a function of both the length of the larger diameter members 532 and the smaller diameter members 534 .
- the adjustable bracket 500 in a second position having a second receiver spacing 516 ′′, which is larger than the minimum spacing 516 ′ in FIG. 14A .
- the length 522 of the mounting spur 520 remains constant, regardless of the receiver spacing 516 selected.
- the spur length 522 may vary, such as if one or more of the receivers 512 is slidably mounted thereon.
- the adjustable bracket 500 can be seen being mounted onto the tubular support bracket 400 . That is, after or while the receiver spacing 516 is adjusted, the receivers 512 may be interfaced with the mounting studs 412 , such as by pushing or sliding the receivers 512 in a substantially linear direction 550 to frictionally engage the mounting studs 412 . Though frictional engagement is preferred, other retaining means may be provided to maintain the adjustable bracket 500 in a relatively stationary position with respect to the tubular support bracket 400 , such as a thumb screw or a spring bias ball lock (not shown). After or before interfacing the adjustable bracket 500 with the tubular support bracket 400 , the supplemental bracket 300 may be interfaced with the adjustable bracket 500 , as seen in FIG. 16 .
- the mounting spur 520 is preferably inserted into the tubular member 332 provided on the supplemental bracket 300 , which may have been previously coupled to the accessory 900 .
- the supplemental bracket 300 may be moved in a linear direction 350 , so as to interface the spur 520 with the tubular member 332 .
- the tubular member 332 may then be longitudinally and/or rotationally secured relative to the mounting spur 520 , such as by tightening the thumb screw 342 against the spur 520 .
- FIG. 17A provides a perspective view of the accessory 900 having been generally secured to the tubular support structure (in this case a scope 860 ) in a first position.
- the position of the accessory 900 may be adjustable. For instance, the accessory 900 may be rotated about the mounting spur 520 .
- the thumb screw 342 may be loosened, which allows the accessory 900 to rotate about the spur 520 , so long as sufficient clearance is provided between the spur 520 and the tubular support member 332 .
- the accessory 900 may be rotated in rotational adjustment direction 920 , which may be substantially circumferential about an axis that is parallel to the tubular support structure axis 866 and/or the barrel axis 859 .
- FIG. 17B is the same view as FIG. 17A , further including a remote triggering mechanism 930 , which may be a normally open or normally closed push-button switch 932 that may be used to activate the accessory 900 .
- the switch 932 is in electrical communications with an electrical circuit (not shown) in the accessory housing 910 .
- Such electrical communications may be provided via wireless means, but is preferably provided with one or more electrical conductors 934 disposed between the accessory housing 910 and the switch 932 .
- the conductors 934 may be adhered or otherwise coupled to the firearm stock 852 , such as by being strapped or clipped thereto, to ensure that they preferably will not interfere with use of the scope 860 .
- the accessory 900 may be activated, powered-on, and/or controlled from a physical location separate and apart from the accessory housing 910 .
- the switch 932 may be supported by the firearm 850 , such as by being adhered thereto at a variety of positions. However, the switch is preferably removably coupled to firearm 850 , for easy operation with the fingers of a user's hand.
- the removable coupling is preferably a magnetic arrangement including a magnet or magnetic material (not shown) securely disposed on the switch 932 and a magnet or magnetic material, or a magnet, respectively, (not shown) disposed on or comprising the firearm 850 .
- the magnet or magnetic material disposed on the firearm 850 may be secured thereto relatively permanently, such as by welding or adhesive, or relatively selectively removably, such as by a strap or clip disposed substantially around the stock 852 or grip 854 or by a hook and loop type fastener.
- the magnet or magnetic material disposed on the switch 932 is preferably adhered thereto.
- the switch 932 may be placed in a variety of positions on a bow 800 or firearm 850 .
- a first position 951 L may be the left side of the stock 852 , thereby providing convenient activating position for the left thumb of a right-handed user or one or more right fingers of a left-handed user.
- Another position 951 R may be the right side of the stock 852 , thereby providing convenient activating position for one or more left fingers of a right-handed user or the right thumb of a left-handed user.
- the switch 932 may be positioned for use with the trigger hand.
- the switch 932 may be disposed for operation with the trigger finger of a user, such as at a third position 952 L on the left hand side of the action of the firearm 850 for use by a left hand trigger finger, or at a fourth position 952 R on the right hand side of the action for use by a right hand trigger finger.
- Other mounting locations for the switch 932 may be on the left side 953 L or right side 953 R, top side 954 t or bottom side 954 b of the grip 854 b .
- the relative positions are exemplary and any use by any other digit of a user's hand is not excluded by the preferred uses described.
- a docking location 940 may include a magnet or magnetic material that is disposed on, inset into, or disposed within the accessory housing 910 configured to cooperate with the magnet or magnetic material provided on the switch 932 to temporarily secure the switch 932 preferably directly adjacent the housing 910 when desired.
- a plurality of docking locations 940 may be provided on the accessory housing 910 , such as one on each side of the left (shown) and right sides of the accessory 900 to facilitate a variety of manipulations.
- FIGS. 19-22 depict alternate embodiments of tubular support brackets 400 , or components thereof.
- a first alternate embodiment 602 of a tubular support band is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 .
- the band 602 generally includes a first section 610 and a second section 630 , wherein when the first section 610 and the second section 630 are interfaced, they generally form a circumferential structure to be placed about a tubular support member 868 .
- the first section 610 may include a generally C-shaped, or convex portion 612 , which may be flanked by one or more smaller radius concave portions 614 . It is to be understood that the convex portion 612 may be of other shapes to correspond with other tubular support members 868 .
- Extending radially outwardly from the first section 610 is preferably one or more mounting studs 616 , which are the same as or similar to the mounting studs 412 previously described.
- one or more hinge notches 618 may be provided on or in a bottom concave portion 614 b .
- the notches 618 are preferably formed through the entirety of the bottom concave portion 614 b at discrete longitudinal positions.
- one or more latch notches or apertures 620 may be provided on or in a top concave portion 614 t .
- the notches or apertures 620 are preferably formed through the top concave portion 614 t at one or more discrete longitudinal positions. Where a notch is used, it is preferably formed through the entirety of the top concave portion 614 t.
- the second section 630 may include a generally C-shaped, or convex portion 632 , which may be flanked by one or more smaller radius concave portions 634 . It is to be understood that the convex portion 632 may be of other shapes to correspond with other tubular support members 868 . Extending from a bottom edge 636 of the convex portion 632 may be one or more hinge toggles 638 may be provided.
- the toggles 638 are preferably formed as T-shaped toggles having rounded heads 638 a , and the toggles 638 are preferably disposed at discrete longitudinal positions.
- the same number of hinge toggles 638 on the second section 630 is provided as hinge notches 618 on the first section 610 .
- one or more latch notches or apertures 640 may be provided on or in a top concave portion 634 t .
- the notches or apertures 640 are preferably formed through the top concave portion 634 t at one or more discrete longitudinal positions. Where a notch is used, it is preferably formed through the entirety of the top concave portion 634 t .
- the same number of latch notches or apertures 640 on the second section 630 is provided as latch notches or apertures 620 on the first section 610 .
- the first section 610 and second section 630 are preferably each members of unitary structure that may be formed from desirable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, etc.
- the sections 610 , 630 may be cast, machined or otherwise constructed.
- a latching mechanism 650 is provided to secure the first section 610 and the second section 630 in a band configuration.
- the latching mechanism 650 generally preferably includes a latch arm 652 , a shank 654 , and a latch toggle 656 .
- the latch arm 652 extends from a head portion 652 a to a free tail portion 652 b .
- the head portion 652 a is preferably formed as having an oblong camming orientation.
- the shank 654 is preferably a threaded rod that is at least planarly pivotally attached to the latch arm head portion 652 a .
- the latch arm 652 may be formed with a curve provided between the head 652 a and the tail 652 b , where such curve may have a radius that is substantially similar to a radius of the first section 610 and/or the second section 630 .
- the latch toggle 656 has a threaded aperture 658 formed therein, perhaps therethrough, where the aperture 658 is adapted to cooperate with the shank 654 .
- the latch toggle 656 is preferably provided as a substantially cylindrical body that may rest in the top concave portion 614 t of the first section 610 .
- the hinge toggles 638 may cooperate with the hinge notches 618 so as to form a rotational hinge mechanism 639 , thus allowing the first section 610 and the second section 630 to operate like a clam shell to be disposed about a tubular support member 868 .
- the latch shank 654 may be inserted into the latch aperture 640 , and the latch toggle 656 may be threaded onto the shank 654 .
- the shank 654 may be situated in the latch notch 620 and the latch toggle 656 may be situated in the top concave portion 614 t .
- the latch arm 652 may be turned so as to thread the shank 654 through the toggle aperture 658 to cause the top concave portions 614 t , 634 t to approach each other, and perhaps to lie immediately adjacent to each other in a secured relationship.
- the latch arm 652 may then be forced towards a convex portion 632 to allow the oblong camming head 652 a of the latch arm 652 to further tighten the engagement.
- the latch arm 652 may then lie substantially adjacent to a portion of the convex portion 632 .
- the various components of the latching mechanism 650 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, brass and/or steel, for instance.
- FIG. 21 depicts an alternate embodiment 702 of a tubular support band, where like numbers refer to like structures in the prior embodiment 602 .
- the first section 710 and the second section 730 have been formed with a wraparound feature 770 .
- the wraparound feature 770 may be formed in one or both of the sections 710 , 730 to accommodate for interruptive or disruptive features that may be provided on a tubular support member 868 , such as the scope adjustment mechanism 872 .
- the prior embodiment featured a substantially circumferential band 602 provided along the entire length of the sections 610 , 630
- this embodiment 710 may be used where the circumference of the tubular support member 868 is not continuous, but may be interrupted with other structures.
- the wraparound feature 770 may generally be formed as a notch or aperture formed into or through one or both of the sections 710 , 730 .
- the first section 710 and second section 730 are preferably each members of unitary structure that may be formed from desirable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, etc.
- the sections 710 , 730 may be cast, machined or otherwise constructed.
- FIG. 22 shows an alternate embodiment 602 ′ of a mounting band according to the present invention, where the same numbers refer to the same structure as described in the previously described embodiment 602 .
- This embodiment uses an elastic latching structure 680 instead of the latching mechanism 650 described above.
- the elastic latching structure 680 generally includes two toggles 682 disposed on an elastic member 684 either immediately adjacent to each other or at a predetermined distance from one another.
- the toggles 682 are configured to rest in the top concave portions 614 t , 634 t of the first section 610 and second section 630 , respectively, while the elastic member 684 is configured to stretch between the toggles 682 and extend through the latch notch 620 on the first section 610 and the latch notch 640 on the second section 630 .
- a handle member 686 which is configured to be grasped by the fingers of an adult human so as to cause the toggles 682 to separate when one of the toggles 682 is stationarily disposed, as can be seen in the phantom extension figure.
- the toggles 682 may be formed from any material able to perform the latching function, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, wood, etc, as may the handle 686 .
Abstract
Embodiments according to the present invention provide improved systems and methods for mounting accessories, such as a rangefinder, to supporting structure, such as an archery bow or firearm. The improved accessory mount includes one or more brackets adapted to interface to the accessory and to the supporting structure. Preferred brackets provide universal adaptability between and amongst a variety of supporting structures.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/404,944, filed 12 Oct. 2010, and entitled “Systems and Methods of Accessory Mounting.”
- This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/229,406, filed 22 Aug. 2008, and entitled “Archery Bow Accessory Mount,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to the field of supporting structures, such as brackets and the like, and more particularly to the positioning and support of an accessory, such as a rangefinder, in relation to a weapon, such as an archery bow or a firearm, or other structure.
- Generally, an archery bow comprises a riser body and a pair of limbs extending from opposite ends of the riser body. Strung between the limbs is a bowstring. An archery bow may be provided as a compound bow or a long bow; a compound bow having cams provided on the limbs around which the bowstring is threaded and a long bow not having such cams. Regardless of whether a bow is compound or long, a grip is provided on the riser body to be grasped by one hand of a user while the bowstring is drawn with the other hand. The grip defines a pivot point that is usually engaged by the user's thumb and forefinger.
- Many accessories have been developed for use with and integration onto archery bows, such as sights, quivers, stabilizers and silencers. However, other accessories that may be of value to a user of an archery bow may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the bow. For instance, a handheld rangefinder, camera, digital music player, microphone, or other accessory, may be desirable to be used in conjunction with an archery bow, but is likely not to have been designed with such a specific use in mind. For convenience, since the operation or firing of an archery bow requires two hands, it may be desirable to mount such an accessory in a convenient location relative to various components of the archery bow.
- Furthermore, a firearm, such as a rifle, generally comprises a stock extending proximally to a butt end. The stock generally supports a barrel extending distally to a muzzle end. Also usually supported by the stock is the firing mechanism, which may include a trigger, a safety, an ammunition chamber, etc. The firing mechanism is usually disposed distally of a hand grip that may be formed into the stock. Situated usually even more distally than the firing mechanism, there may be a means for mounting an accessory to the barrel of the rifle, such as an optical scope or sight.
- While limited mounting locations may be provided on a rifle, other locations, and perhaps other accessories, that may be of value to a shooter may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the rifle. For instance, a handheld rangefinder, camera, digital music player, microphone, or other accessory, may be desirable to be used in conjunction with a rifle, but is likely not to have been designed with such a specific use in mind. For convenience, since the operation or firing of a firearm, and especially a rifle, may require two hands, it may be desirable to mount such an accessory in a convenient location relative to various components of the firearm.
- While devices and methods have been developed for supporting accessories on weapons and other structures, such developments may not have appreciated relative positioning of accessories in relation to the weapon, as well as desired interchangeability between mounting the same accessory on first an archery bow and then on a firearm, or vice versa. Therefore, the art of supporting accessories on or near an archery bow would benefit from an improved apparatus for positioning an accessory in relation to a support structure and to allow for uniform mounting structure to be provided on various weapons to allow for ease of transfer of an accessory from one weapon or support structure to another.
- An apparatus according to the present invention provides an improved apparatus for positioning an accessory in relation to a support structure and to allow for uniform mounting structure to be provided on various weapons to allow for ease of transfer of an accessory from one weapon or support structure to another.
- In one embodiment of a combination according to the present invention, an archery bow has a riser body with a grip disposed thereon. The riser body has a draw side and a sight side. One or more standoffs may be coupled to, and extend generally longitudinally outward from, the draw side above the grip. An accessory bracket may be supported by one or more of the standoffs. The accessory bracket includes a support structure interface including a first leg and a second leg, which are coupled by a hinge member. A first standoff notch is provided on one of the legs, the notch being configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs.
- According to an aspect of an embodiment according to the present invention, a second standoff notch may be provided on the other of the legs, where the second standoff notch is configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs. The first standoff notch and the second standoff notch may cooperate to form a mounting aperture, which may be formed when the legs are arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. The mounting aperture may have a cross-sectional shape that is mateable with one of the standoffs. The legs may be arranged in a parallel relationship and secured by a threaded fastener extending through one of the legs and threadably engaging the other leg.
- According to another aspect of an embodiment according to the present invention, to each leg there may be attached or formed integrally therewith a yoke arm extending from the hinge member to a free yoke end. The yoke arms may move simultaneously with the legs and when the legs are hingedly moved apart with respect to each other, the yoke arms may be moved toward each other. Each yoke free end preferably includes a longitudinal slot disposed along a slot length. The slots may have a C-shaped, such as a squared-off C-shaped, cross-section. One or both of the slots may be terminated at one end, and the slots are preferably spaced from each other at a relative slot spacing.
- According to still another aspect according to the present invention, an accessory may be supported by the accessory bracket. The accessory preferably has two at least substantially parallel rails disposed thereon at a relative rail spacing with respect to each other. The rail spacing may be at least substantially equal to the slot spacing. The rails preferably have a T-shape or I-shape cross-section adapted to frictionally engage the slots provided on the yoke arms. In one embodiment, the accessory is an electronic range finder.
- According to yet another aspect according to the present invention, an accessory may be directly mounted to and supported by one of the standoffs in a spaced relationship from the riser body. Such accessory may be a sight mounting bracket or an arrow quiver, for example.
-
FIG. 1 is a left elevation view of a first embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention mounted to an accessory. -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a right elevation view of a first archery setup including a sight bracket installed on an archery bow. -
FIG. 4A is a front left perspective view of the archery setup ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4B is a rear right perspective view of a portion of a second archery setup. -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a first embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a second embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. -
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a third embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. -
FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a sight bracket with a fourth embodiment of mounting standoffs according to the present invention. -
FIG. 6A is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 6B is a second perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 6C is a rear elevation view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 7A is a side elevation view of a portion of a second embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of a portion of a third embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 7C is a side elevation view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of a support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a first rear right perspective view of an accessory bracket interfacing with a support bracket. -
FIG. 9A is a second rear right perspective view of the accessory bracket ofFIG. 8 interfacing with the support bracket ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 9B is the view ofFIG. 9A , further including a remote triggering structure. -
FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view of a rifle including an optical scope mounted thereto. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a supplemental accessory bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 11 interfacing with the first embodiment of an accessory interface according to the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is the view ofFIG. 10 further including a first embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 14A is a top plan view of an embodiment of an adjustable bracket according to the present invention in a first position. -
FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the embodiment ofFIG. 14A in a second, extended position. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the adjustable bracket ofFIG. 14A interfacing with the first embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the structure shown inFIG. 12 interfacing with the structure shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17A is a first bottom perspective view of the structure shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 17B is the view ofFIG. 17A , further including a remote triggering structure and exemplary placement locations. -
FIG. 18 is a second bottom perspective view of the structure shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view depicting the embodiment ofFIG. 19 installed about a tubular support structure. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tubular support bracket according to the present invention. - Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
- Turning now to the figures,
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 provide afirst embodiment 100 of an accessory bracket according to the present invention. Thebracket 100 is shown coupled to anaccessory 900, which in this case is an embodiment of an optical rangefinder. Generally, theaccessory 900 extends from aproximal end 902 to adistal end 904. Arangefinder eyepiece portion 906 may extend distally from theproximal end 902, and may be supported by aportion 908 of anaccessory housing 910. Anotherportion 912 of thehousing 910, where theportion 912 may extend proximally from thedistal end 904, may contain electronic processing means and a power supply (not shown) for operation of therangefinder 900. Theeyepiece 906 may be operatively coupled to the electronic processing means by way of, e.g., electrical wires (not shown) disposed in aconduit portion 914 of thehousing 910. - The
accessory bracket 100 preferably provides anaccessory interface 110. Theaccessory interface 110 preferably includes a structure that may be readily mated to a support interface provided on a support bracket according to the present invention. For instance, theaccessory interface 110 may include one or more engagement structures, such as snaps, clips, hook and loop fasteners, etc. A preferred engagement structure is one ormore rail members 112. Thepreferred rail members 112 are preferably provided as a pair of at least substantially parallel rails provided along arail length 114 and spaced by arail spacing 116.Preferred rails 112 have a generally T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section. Theaccessory bracket 100 may further include a mountingplate 120 to which theaccessory interface 110 may be mounted. Alternatively, theaccessory interface 110 may be disposed directly on theaccessory 900. If used, the mountingplate 120 has atop surface 122 preferably adapted to mate with a portion of anaccessory 900, and abottom surface 124, which is disposed substantially opposite thetop surface 122. The mountingplate 120 may be secured to theaccessory 900 by any conventional means, such as by adhesive and/orfastening members 126. Theaccessory interface 110 may be secured to thebottom surface 124 of the mountingplate 120. Preferred materials for the mountingplate 120 include a thermoformed plastic or a light metal material, such as aluminum or brass, and preferred materials for therails 112 include same. It is to be appreciated that therails 112 may be formed integrally with or attached to the mountingplate 120 which may be formed integrally with or attached to theaccessory housing 910. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-5D , various views and embodiments of support structures may be seen, to which it may be desirable to mount anaccessory 900. For instance,FIG. 3 depicts a portion of anarchery bow 800. Thearchery bow 800 includes ariser body 802 having anupper riser portion 804 and alower riser portion 806. Depending at least partially rearwardly from theupper portion 804 of theriser body 802 is anupper limb 808. Depending at least partially rearwardly from thelower portion 806 of theriser body 802 is a lower limb (not shown). Coupled to, or formed as a part of theriser body 802, between theupper portion 804 and thelower portion 806, or at the intersection thereof, is agrip 812, which establishes apivot point 814. When thegrip 812 is grasped by a hand of a user, thepivot point 814 normally engages at least the proximal phalanges of the user's thumb and forefinger. - Coupled to the
riser body 802 is abow sight 816. Thissight 816 happens to include asight mounting bracket 818 mounted to theriser body 802 with a pair of threadedfasteners 820. As is conventional, there are many bow accessories that are configured to be mounted to theriser body 802 of a bow by the use of threadedfasteners 820. Usually, as can be seen inFIG. 4A , accessories such as thesight mounting bracket 818 may be spaced by one or more spacers orstandoffs 822 situated between theriser body 802 and theaccessory 818, through which the threadedfasteners 820 may pass. Thus, agap 823 is provided between theriser body 802 and thesight mounting bracket 818. Additionally or alternatively,standoff extensions 824 may be provided, extending away from theriser body 802, as opposed to being situated between theriser body 802 and amounted accessory 818.Such standoff extensions 824 are preferably formed from a rigid material, such as metal (aluminum or steel) or plastic of sufficient strength, and they may be provided in a variety of configured cross-sections, examples of which can be seen inFIGS. 4B-5D .Such standoff extensions 824 may be provided as separate anddistinct extensions 824, for instance having circular 824, triangular 824′, rectangular 824″, or oval 824′″ cross-sections. Alternatively, bothstandoff extensions 824 may be provided as aunitary member 825 configured to span a standard distance provided between the threadedfasteners 820. Thestandoffs 824 may be provided with smooth or threaded apertures 824 a through which the threadedfasteners 820 may be fed and then engaged with theriser body 802 of a bow so as to secure thestandoff extensions 824 thereto. While the various cross-sections of standoffs are shown with respect to thestandoff extensions 824, it is to be understood that such cross-section configurations may be applied to thestandoffs 822 that may be disposed between amounted accessory 818 and theriser body 802. - Accordingly, it may be desirable to mount an
accessory 900, which may be in addition to a previously mounted accessory, such as thesight mounting bracket 818, to an archery bow. Referring now toFIGS. 6A-7C , various views and embodiments of support brackets may be seen, which are preferably configured to interface with anaccessory interface 110 provided on anaccessory bracket 100 according to the present invention. Generally, asupport bracket 200 according to the present invention may provide abracket interface 210 and asupport structure interface 250. Thebracket interface 210 is configured to mate with and/or cooperate with theaccessory interface 110 provided on or coupled to theaccessory 900. For instance, if theaccessory interface 110 includes a pair ofparallel rails 112, thebracket interface 210 preferably includes a pair ofparallel slots 212 disposed along aslot length 214 and, when thebracket 200 is in a desired installed orientation, such as that shown inFIG. 6B , disposed at aslot spacing 216. Theslot length 214 and the slot spacing 216 are preferably substantially the same as therail length 214 and therail length 114 and therail spacing 116. Theslots 212, which may have a generally C-shaped cross-section adapted to interface with the T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section of therails 112, may be disposed on ayoke structure 220 including afirst arm 222 and asecond arm 224. Theslots 212 may be terminated at one end or another to provide a seat for the mating rails 112, but more preferably, theslots 212 are open on each end thereof to allow multilateral insertion of therails 112. - The
support structure interface 250 generally preferably includes afirst leg 252 and asecond leg 254 which are movable with respect to one another, such as by being coupled to ahinge member 240. Thehinge member 240 is configured to allow generally planar separation of thelegs gap 256 therebetween, as shown inFIG. 6A . Also provided on one or bothlegs more standoff notches 258. If thestandoff notches 258 are provided on eachleg standoff notch 258 provided on thefirst leg 252, there is preferably amating standoff notch 258 provided on thesecond leg 254. Alternatively, eachnotch 258 may be formed entirely into oneleg 252 or the other 254. When the mountinggap 256 is closed or at least decreased, the mountingnotches 258 preferably cooperate to form mountingapertures 260 configured to interface with a predetermined or unknown arrangement ofstandoffs 824, previously described. To maintain thelegs thumb screw 262 may be provided, preferably configured to be threadably engaged through thefirst leg 252 and into thesecond leg 254. The mountingapertures 860 may be of any shape mateable or cooperable withsuch standoffs 824. As shown inFIG. 6B , theapertures 860 are provided as generally circular to interface withstandoffs 824 having a generally circular cross-section. InFIG. 7A , the mountingapertures 860′ have a generally triangular shape to interface withstandoffs 824′ having a generally triangular cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, one or more mountingchannels 864 may be provided on thesupport structure interface 250. For instance, inFIG. 7B , a mountingchannel 864 is configured to interface with aunitary member standoff 825. While shown with thehinge member 240, suchsupport structure interface 250″ may be provided as a stationary interface with thelegs predetermined channel gap 266 from each other. In this way, thelegs direction 268 to straddle thestandoff 825. Such an arrangement is particularly useful if obstructions are provided in relatively close proximity on both sides of thestandoff 825. Where an obstruction is provided only on a single side of the standoff(s), it may be desirable to provide mounting capability in a lateral proximal (not shown) ordistal direction 270. Such capability may be provided by thesupport structure interface 250′″ provided inFIG. 7C , in which one or more laterally accessible mountingchannels 272 are provided to cooperate withstandoffs 824. A mountingpin 274, which may be secured to thesupport structure interface 250″ with a threadedthumbscrew 263, may be used to close off thechannels 272 once thechannels 272 have been cooperated with thestandoffs 824. - The
yoke arms slots 212 are preferably supported may be fixedly arranged with respect to one another, but more preferably, each arm extends into or is coupled to one of thelegs support structure interface 250. As shown, when thelegs gap 256, theyoke arms legs gap 256, theyoke arms first arm 222 would extend into or be coupled to thesecond leg 254, and thesecond arm 224 would extend into or be coupled to thefirst leg 252. Theyoke arms holes 226 formed therethrough to lighten the weight of thebracket 200. Additionally, theyoke arms lateral surface 227 to a rightlateral surface 228. At least one of the lateral surfaces may be extensively coplanar with a side of thelegs bow riser 802. Alternatively, the lateral surfaces may be formed substantially symmetrically, such as by the leftlateral surface 227 flaring outwardly similar to the rightlateral surface 228. Thelegs thickness 259 sized and configured to be disposed in a desired mounting location, such as the mountinggap 823. -
FIG. 8 depicts asupport bracket 200 that has been installed on anarchery bow 800. Such installation involved cooperating thesupport structure interface 250 of thebracket 200 withstandoffs 824 disposed between thesight bracket 818 and thebow riser body 802. Anaccessory 900 is to be coupled to thebow 800. Fitted to or formed integrally with theaccessory 900, or disposed between the accessory 900 and thesupport bracket 200, is anaccessory bracket 100. Since therail spacing 116 of theaccessory bracket 100 is operatively configured to interface with the slot spacing 216 of theslots 212 on thesupport bracket 200, it is possible to slide therails 112 into theslots 212, frictionally engaging same therewith, in a mountingdirection 830. The various components of thesupport bracket 200 are preferably formed from aluminum, though other materials may be used. -
FIG. 9A depicts theaccessory 900 having been situated at a desired position. In this position, although not necessary, it is preferred that all or substantially all of therails 112 are situated within theslots 212 provided on thesupport bracket 200. This arrangement tends to minimize corruption of accessory/bracket interface, such as by dirt getting disposed within theslots 212 or upon therails 112.FIG. 9B is the same view asFIG. 9A , further including aremote triggering mechanism 930, which may be a normally open or normally closed push-button switch 932 that may be used to activate theaccessory 900. Theswitch 932 is in electrical communications with an electrical circuit (not shown) in theaccessory housing 910. Such electrical communications may be provided via wireless means, but is preferably provided with one or moreelectrical conductors 934 disposed between theaccessory housing 910 and theswitch 932. Theconductors 934 may be adhered or otherwise coupled to thebow riser body 802, such as by being strapped or clipped thereto, to ensure that they preferably will not interfere with use of thesights 816. In this manner, theaccessory 900 may be activated, powered-on, and/or controlled from a physical location separate and apart from theaccessory housing 910. Theswitch 932 may be supported by thebow riser body 802, such as by being adhered thereto. However, the switch is preferably removably coupled to thebow riser body 802, opposite thegrip 812, for easy operation with the fingers of a user's hand. The removable coupling is preferably a magnetic arrangement including a magnet or magnetic material (not shown) securely disposed on theswitch 932 and a magnet or magnetic material, or a magnet, respectively, (not shown) disposed on thebow riser body 802. The magnet or magnetic material disposed on thebow riser body 802 may be secured thereto relatively permanently, such as by welding or adhesive, or relatively selectively removably, such as by a strap or clip disposed substantially around theriser body 802 or by a hook and loop type fastener. The magnet or magnetic material disposed on theswitch 932 is preferably adhered thereto. - Where a
remote switch 932 is used, there may be times when it is desirable for theaccessory 900 to be used separate and apart from any mounting structure, such as by being supported by or in the hand of a user. In such cases, it may be desirable to mount theswitch 932 to one of one ormore docking locations 940 provided on theaccessory housing 910. Adocking location 940 may include a magnet or magnetic material that is disposed on, inset into, or disposed within theaccessory housing 910 configured to cooperate with the magnet or magnetic material provided on theswitch 932 to temporarily secure theswitch 932 preferably directly adjacent thehousing 910 when desired. A plurality ofdocking locations 940 may be provided on theaccessory housing 910, such as one on each side of the left and right (shown) sides of theaccessory 900 to facilitate a variety of manipulations. - Turning now to
FIGS. 10-22 , an alternate support structure and support structure interface may be described. Another example, aside from an archery bow as previously described, in which it may be desirable to mount anaccessory 900 is in the event of a tubular or other support structure. Presented inFIG. 10 is a generic representation of an embodiment of afirearm 850, in this instance a rifle or shotgun. As described above, thefirearm 850 may include astock 852. Supported by thestock 852, or molded integrally therewith, may be agrip 854 that is formed generally proximal from atrigger 856. Extending distally, and mounted to or supported by thestock 852, is abarrel 858. Coupled on top of or to either thestock 852 or thebarrel 858 may be anoptical sight 860, such as an optical scope. Thescope 860 extends from aproximal end 862 to adistal end 864, along alongitudinal sight axis 866, which may be disposed generally parallel to alongitudinal barrel axis 859 about which thebarrel 858 is formed. Theproximal end 862 of thescope 860 is the end into which a user peers with his or her eye to aim thefirearm 850. Thescope 860 in this instance is mounted to thefirearm 850 by a plurality of scope mounting clips 870. Thescope mounting clips 870 interface with a cooperative structure on top of thebarrel 858 or thestock 852 to maintain thescope 860 in a stationary position relative thereto. Theclips 870 generally extend about a centraltubular portion 868 of thescope 860. The centraltubular portion 868 is disposed on either side of ascope adjustment mechanism 872 as is standard in the art. Thescope mounting clips 870 are shown spaced from thescope adjustment mechanism 872 so as to provide vacanttubular mounting space 874. Alternatively, one or both of the mountingclips 870 may be disposed immediately adjacent to thescope adjustment mechanism 872, thereby creating or providing vacanttubular mounting space 874 proximal or distal to eitherscope mounting clip 870. In general, it is to be understood that thetubular support structure 868 could be any tubular support structure. For example, the structure could be a railing, or a handle or support on a vehicle. The present invention provides embodiments that are adaptable to both continuous tubular structures, as well as to tubular structures that have a discontinuous, interrupted or incongruous outer surface portion. - Having generally described a support structure to which an
accessory 900 is to be mounted, we turn now to a structure and method of mountingsuch accessory 900.FIG. 11 shows an intermediate orsupplemental accessory bracket 300 which may be coupled to theaccessory bracket 100 previously described. Generally, thesupplemental accessory bracket 300 extends between atop interface 310 and abottom interface 330. Thetop interface 310 comprises a mating interface to theaccessory interface 110 provided on theaccessory bracket 100. In one embodiment, as described above, theaccessory interface 110 includes a plurality of substantiallyparallel rails 112. Thus, thesupplemental bracket 300 includes a plurality of substantiallyparallel slots 312, which may be substantially the same as or similar to theslots 212 provided on the previously described mountingbracket 200. Theslots 312 are preferably provided along aslot length 314 and are disposed at a slot spacing 316 from each other. Theslots 312 may be formed into or provided byslot members 320. Theslot members 320 may be reinforced by one or more reinforcement struts 322 coupled thereto. Preferably, a plurality of reinforcement struts 322 is provided, each of which is secured to eachslot member 320. - Also, provided on the
bottom interface 330 is a substantiallytubular support member 332, which may have a desirable cross-section shape. Example of cross-section shapes may be circular or rectangular. Thetubular member 332 is preferably formed along apivot axis 334 for a length 336 that is preferably greater than the supplemental bracket slot spacing 316. Thetubular member 332 is preferably hollow throughout its length 336. Extending through a wall of thetubular member 332 is anoptional securing member 340 which interfaces to a tubular support structure bracket, such as thebracket 400 described below, to preferably stabilize thesupplemental bracket 300. Thus, where a securingmember 340 is used, it may be desirable to use atubular member 332 having a rectangular cross-section so as to provide at least one flat external surface to work with. The securingmember 340 may include a threaded set screw orthumb screw 342 which is configured to at least partially extend into thetubular member 332. Thescrew 342 is configured to threadably engage either thewall 338 of thetubular member 332 or anintermediate collar 344 that may be securely disposed on thetubular member 332. As can be seen inFIG. 12 , thesupplemental bracket 300 is configured to interface and cooperate with theaccessory bracket 100, such as with the plurality ofrails 112 being slid into and frictionally engaged with the plurality ofslots 312. The various components of thesupplemental bracket 300 are formed from aluminum, or some other lightweight, sufficiently strong material. Other materials such as brass, plastic or even steel may be employed, the latter being perhaps less desirable due to oxidation, unless sufficient stainless treatment has been provided thereto.FIG. 12 shows that thesupplemental bracket 300 has been coupled to anaccessory 900 at through anaccessory bracket 100. Alternatively, thebottom interface 330 of thesupplemental bracket 300 may comprise or be included on theaccessory bracket 100. - Although as herein described, the
top interface 310 of thesupplemental bracket 300 is configured to interface with theaccessory interface 110 of theaccessory bracket 100, it is to be appreciated and understood that therails 112 and theslots 312 could be done away with altogether, and thebottom interface 330 of thesupplemental bracket 300 could be disposed directly onto or formed integrally with theaccessory 900 or theaccessory bracket 100. - Turning now to
FIG. 13 , a first embodiment of atubular support bracket 400 is shown. In this case, it is to be understood that the term “tubular support bracket” does not necessarily mean that the bracket, itself, is tubular, but rather that thebracket 400 is configured to interface with a tubular support structure. The tubular support structure may be round, rectangular, etc., but thetubular support bracket 400 may be generally in the form of a band that is configured to lay substantially circumjacent a tubular support structure. It is also to be appreciated that a tubular support structure may be of any cross-sectional shape, and it is not required to be hollow or formed in a substantially linear orientation. It is to be understood that the tubular support structures to which thetubular support bracket 400 is configured to interface according to the present invention include a structural portion adapted to be wrapped substantially completely circumferentially with a band, for example. In this case, thetubular support bracket 400 includes at least one, but preferably a plurality of tubular support bands or clips 402. Thebands 402 are sized and configured to wrap substantially completely around vacanttubular support structure 874, such as that previously described that may be located adjacent to the mountingclips 870 of anoptical scope 860 mounted on afirearm 850. Thesesupport bands 402 may be fastened in a plurality of ways. In the first embodiment shown inFIG. 13 , thebands 402 have been secured by threadedfastening members 406, so as to frictionally engage thetubular support structure 874 with thebands 402. Thebands 402 may be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.), an elastically deformable material (e.g. rubber, spring steel, etc.), or plastically deformable material (e.g., sheet steel, etc.). - Extending substantially radially outwardly from the
support bands 402, which may be substantially perpendicular to a tangent of thetubular support structure 868, or substantially perpendicular to thetubular support axis 866, is at least one, but preferably a plurality of mountingstuds 412. The mountingstuds 412 preferably extend for a mountingstud length 414 away from the mountingbands 402, along alongitudinal axis 408 that is, as mentioned, preferably perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 866 of thetubular support structure 868. These mountingstud lengths 414 may be a matter of preference or they may be a function of the size of theaccessory 900 to be mounted. In other words, sufficient space should be provided to allow for desired positioning of theaccessory 900 relative to thetubular support structure 868. These mountingstuds 412 may be formed or disposed in a plurality of configurations, but they are provided at a preferred stud spacing 416, which is measured preferably substantially parallel to thebarrel axis 859, or anaxis 866 about which thetubular support structure 868 is formed. Where a plurality of mountingstuds 412 is provided, it is preferred that thesestuds 412 are formed or arranged relatively parallel to each other and accessible from afree end 410, thefree end 410 extending out into space away from the mountingbands 402. The mountingstuds 412 are preferably formed from plastic or aluminum, but other materials may be used. - Shown in
FIGS. 14A and 14B is anadjustable accessory bracket 500. This adjustableaccessory bracket 500 is adapted to interface to the one or more mountingstuds 412 provided coupled to the tubular mounting band orbands 402. Preferably, theadjustable bracket 500 is provided with a plurality ofreceivers 512, eachreceiver 512 being disposed along areceiver length 514, and spaced from eachother receiver 512 by anadjustable receiver spacing 516. Thereceiver spacing 516 is adjustable so as to accommodate various mounting stud spacing 416 arrangements that may be provided, which may depend on thetubular support structure 868 provided. In other words, depending on the arrangement of a predetermined or providedtubular support structure 868 and the availability of vacant tubularstructure mounting space 874, the mounting stud spacing 416 may vary. For instance, with reference to theoptical scope 860 shown inFIG. 13 , thescope 860 includes ascope adjustment mechanism 872, as is common in the art. However, thescope adjustment mechanism 872 interrupts, interferes with, or creates a discontinuity along the outer surface of thetubular support structure 868. Othertubular support structures 868 may not have such interruption or discontinuity, so that a plurality of mountingbands 402 may be positioned immediately adjacent each other, thus decreasing the mountingstud spacing 416. Alternatively, a scope mount location on afirearm 850 may require that thescope mounting clips 870 be positioned immediately adjacent to thescope adjustment mechanism 872. In such case, vacanttubular mounting space 874 would be provided proximal to one of thebands 402 and distal to theother band 402, thus increasing the mountingstud spacing 416. Additionally, the adjustability of thereceiver spacing 516 is advantageous so as to allow for variations in the mounting stud spacing 416 that may arise due to minimally inaccurate installation of thebands 402 and/orstuds 412. Thus, stud spacing 416 may vary between a plurality oftubular support brackets 400, each of which may be disposed on a distincttubular support structure 868, but interfaced with the sameadjustable bracket 500. Theadjustable bracket 500 also has a mountingspur 520. When mounted to atubular support structure 868, the mountingspur 520 extends preferably substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis 866 of thetubular support structure 868 and/or substantially perpendicular to at least one of thereceivers 512. Thespur 520 extends along aspur length 522, which may be any desirable length, but is preferred to be at least a majority of thetubular member length 333. The mountingspur 520 preferably has a round cross-section, although various configurations are envisioned. If the cross-section is round, thesupplemental accessory bracket 300 may be disposed on thespur 520 and continuously rotatable therearound. The various components of theadjustable bracket 500 are preferably formed from a relatively rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum or brass. - As can be seen in
FIG. 14A , there is an adjustable receiver spacing, disposed at a minimum 516′, which may be adjustable through the use of, for example, a trombone typeslide adjustment mechanism 530. Theslide adjustment 530 includes a plurality of larger diameter hollowtubular members 532 into which the same plurality of smaller diameter solid or hollowtubular members 534 may be inserted. This sliding, mating relationship allows the receiver spacing 516 to be adjusted between a predetermined minimum spacing, which may be a function of a length of the larger diameterhollow members 532, and a predetermined maximum spacing, which also may be a function of the length of thelarger diameter members 532, or a function of both the length of thelarger diameter members 532 and thesmaller diameter members 534.FIG. 14B depicts theadjustable bracket 500 in a second position having a second receiver spacing 516″, which is larger than theminimum spacing 516′ inFIG. 14A . Preferably, thelength 522 of the mountingspur 520 remains constant, regardless of the receiver spacing 516 selected. Alternatively, thespur length 522 may vary, such as if one or more of thereceivers 512 is slidably mounted thereon. - Turning now to
FIG. 15 , theadjustable bracket 500 can be seen being mounted onto thetubular support bracket 400. That is, after or while thereceiver spacing 516 is adjusted, thereceivers 512 may be interfaced with the mountingstuds 412, such as by pushing or sliding thereceivers 512 in a substantiallylinear direction 550 to frictionally engage the mountingstuds 412. Though frictional engagement is preferred, other retaining means may be provided to maintain theadjustable bracket 500 in a relatively stationary position with respect to thetubular support bracket 400, such as a thumb screw or a spring bias ball lock (not shown). After or before interfacing theadjustable bracket 500 with thetubular support bracket 400, thesupplemental bracket 300 may be interfaced with theadjustable bracket 500, as seen inFIG. 16 . For instance, the mountingspur 520 is preferably inserted into thetubular member 332 provided on thesupplemental bracket 300, which may have been previously coupled to theaccessory 900. Thesupplemental bracket 300 may be moved in alinear direction 350, so as to interface thespur 520 with thetubular member 332. Thetubular member 332 may then be longitudinally and/or rotationally secured relative to the mountingspur 520, such as by tightening thethumb screw 342 against thespur 520. -
FIG. 17A provides a perspective view of theaccessory 900 having been generally secured to the tubular support structure (in this case a scope 860) in a first position. The position of theaccessory 900 may be adjustable. For instance, theaccessory 900 may be rotated about the mountingspur 520. Thethumb screw 342 may be loosened, which allows theaccessory 900 to rotate about thespur 520, so long as sufficient clearance is provided between thespur 520 and thetubular support member 332. As shown inFIG. 18 , theaccessory 900 may be rotated inrotational adjustment direction 920, which may be substantially circumferential about an axis that is parallel to the tubularsupport structure axis 866 and/or thebarrel axis 859. - Returning to
FIG. 17B ,FIG. 17B is the same view asFIG. 17A , further including aremote triggering mechanism 930, which may be a normally open or normally closed push-button switch 932 that may be used to activate theaccessory 900. Theswitch 932 is in electrical communications with an electrical circuit (not shown) in theaccessory housing 910. Such electrical communications may be provided via wireless means, but is preferably provided with one or moreelectrical conductors 934 disposed between theaccessory housing 910 and theswitch 932. Theconductors 934 may be adhered or otherwise coupled to thefirearm stock 852, such as by being strapped or clipped thereto, to ensure that they preferably will not interfere with use of thescope 860. In this manner, theaccessory 900 may be activated, powered-on, and/or controlled from a physical location separate and apart from theaccessory housing 910. Theswitch 932 may be supported by thefirearm 850, such as by being adhered thereto at a variety of positions. However, the switch is preferably removably coupled tofirearm 850, for easy operation with the fingers of a user's hand. The removable coupling is preferably a magnetic arrangement including a magnet or magnetic material (not shown) securely disposed on theswitch 932 and a magnet or magnetic material, or a magnet, respectively, (not shown) disposed on or comprising thefirearm 850. The magnet or magnetic material disposed on thefirearm 850 may be secured thereto relatively permanently, such as by welding or adhesive, or relatively selectively removably, such as by a strap or clip disposed substantially around thestock 852 orgrip 854 or by a hook and loop type fastener. The magnet or magnetic material disposed on theswitch 932 is preferably adhered thereto. As mentioned, theswitch 932 may be placed in a variety of positions on abow 800 orfirearm 850. Afirst position 951L may be the left side of thestock 852, thereby providing convenient activating position for the left thumb of a right-handed user or one or more right fingers of a left-handed user. Anotherposition 951R may be the right side of thestock 852, thereby providing convenient activating position for one or more left fingers of a right-handed user or the right thumb of a left-handed user. Theswitch 932 may be positioned for use with the trigger hand. For instance theswitch 932 may be disposed for operation with the trigger finger of a user, such as at athird position 952L on the left hand side of the action of thefirearm 850 for use by a left hand trigger finger, or at afourth position 952R on the right hand side of the action for use by a right hand trigger finger. Other mounting locations for theswitch 932 may be on theleft side 953L orright side 953R,top side 954 t orbottom side 954 b of the grip 854 b. Of course, the relative positions are exemplary and any use by any other digit of a user's hand is not excluded by the preferred uses described. - As mentioned above, where a
remote switch 932 is used, there may be times when it is desirable for theaccessory 900 to be used separate and apart from any mounting structure, such as by being supported by or in the hand of a user. In such cases, it may be desirable to mount theswitch 932 to one of one ormore docking locations 940 provided on theaccessory housing 910. Adocking location 940 may include a magnet or magnetic material that is disposed on, inset into, or disposed within theaccessory housing 910 configured to cooperate with the magnet or magnetic material provided on theswitch 932 to temporarily secure theswitch 932 preferably directly adjacent thehousing 910 when desired. A plurality ofdocking locations 940 may be provided on theaccessory housing 910, such as one on each side of the left (shown) and right sides of theaccessory 900 to facilitate a variety of manipulations. -
FIGS. 19-22 depict alternate embodiments oftubular support brackets 400, or components thereof. A firstalternate embodiment 602 of a tubular support band is shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 . Theband 602 generally includes afirst section 610 and asecond section 630, wherein when thefirst section 610 and thesecond section 630 are interfaced, they generally form a circumferential structure to be placed about atubular support member 868. Thefirst section 610 may include a generally C-shaped, orconvex portion 612, which may be flanked by one or more smaller radius concave portions 614. It is to be understood that theconvex portion 612 may be of other shapes to correspond with othertubular support members 868. Extending radially outwardly from thefirst section 610 is preferably one or more mountingstuds 616, which are the same as or similar to the mountingstuds 412 previously described. On or in a bottomconcave portion 614 b, one ormore hinge notches 618 may be provided. Thenotches 618 are preferably formed through the entirety of the bottomconcave portion 614 b at discrete longitudinal positions. On or in a topconcave portion 614 t, one or more latch notches orapertures 620 may be provided. The notches orapertures 620 are preferably formed through the topconcave portion 614 t at one or more discrete longitudinal positions. Where a notch is used, it is preferably formed through the entirety of the topconcave portion 614 t. - The
second section 630 may include a generally C-shaped, orconvex portion 632, which may be flanked by one or more smaller radius concave portions 634. It is to be understood that theconvex portion 632 may be of other shapes to correspond with othertubular support members 868. Extending from abottom edge 636 of theconvex portion 632 may be one or more hinge toggles 638 may be provided. Thetoggles 638 are preferably formed as T-shaped toggles having roundedheads 638 a, and thetoggles 638 are preferably disposed at discrete longitudinal positions. Preferably, the same number of hinge toggles 638 on thesecond section 630 is provided ashinge notches 618 on thefirst section 610. On or in a topconcave portion 634 t, one or more latch notches orapertures 640 may be provided. The notches orapertures 640 are preferably formed through the topconcave portion 634 t at one or more discrete longitudinal positions. Where a notch is used, it is preferably formed through the entirety of the topconcave portion 634 t. Preferably, the same number of latch notches orapertures 640 on thesecond section 630 is provided as latch notches orapertures 620 on thefirst section 610. Thefirst section 610 andsecond section 630 are preferably each members of unitary structure that may be formed from desirable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, etc. Thesections - A
latching mechanism 650 is provided to secure thefirst section 610 and thesecond section 630 in a band configuration. Thelatching mechanism 650 generally preferably includes alatch arm 652, ashank 654, and alatch toggle 656. Thelatch arm 652 extends from ahead portion 652 a to afree tail portion 652 b. Thehead portion 652 a is preferably formed as having an oblong camming orientation. Theshank 654 is preferably a threaded rod that is at least planarly pivotally attached to the latcharm head portion 652 a. Thelatch arm 652 may be formed with a curve provided between the head 652 a and thetail 652 b, where such curve may have a radius that is substantially similar to a radius of thefirst section 610 and/or thesecond section 630. Thelatch toggle 656 has a threadedaperture 658 formed therein, perhaps therethrough, where theaperture 658 is adapted to cooperate with theshank 654. Thelatch toggle 656 is preferably provided as a substantially cylindrical body that may rest in the topconcave portion 614 t of thefirst section 610. To utilize theembodiment 602, the hinge toggles 638 may cooperate with thehinge notches 618 so as to form arotational hinge mechanism 639, thus allowing thefirst section 610 and thesecond section 630 to operate like a clam shell to be disposed about atubular support member 868. Thelatch shank 654 may be inserted into thelatch aperture 640, and thelatch toggle 656 may be threaded onto theshank 654. After wrapping theband 602 about atubular support structure 868, theshank 654 may be situated in thelatch notch 620 and thelatch toggle 656 may be situated in the topconcave portion 614 t. Thelatch arm 652 may be turned so as to thread theshank 654 through thetoggle aperture 658 to cause the topconcave portions latch arm 652 may then be forced towards aconvex portion 632 to allow theoblong camming head 652 a of thelatch arm 652 to further tighten the engagement. Thelatch arm 652 may then lie substantially adjacent to a portion of theconvex portion 632. The various components of thelatching mechanism 650 may be formed from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, brass and/or steel, for instance. -
FIG. 21 depicts analternate embodiment 702 of a tubular support band, where like numbers refer to like structures in theprior embodiment 602. However, in this embodiment, thefirst section 710 and thesecond section 730 have been formed with awraparound feature 770. Thewraparound feature 770 may be formed in one or both of thesections tubular support member 868, such as thescope adjustment mechanism 872. Thus, while the prior embodiment featured a substantiallycircumferential band 602 provided along the entire length of thesections embodiment 710 may be used where the circumference of thetubular support member 868 is not continuous, but may be interrupted with other structures. Thus, thewraparound feature 770 may generally be formed as a notch or aperture formed into or through one or both of thesections first section 710 andsecond section 730 are preferably each members of unitary structure that may be formed from desirable materials, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, etc. Thesections -
FIG. 22 shows analternate embodiment 602′ of a mounting band according to the present invention, where the same numbers refer to the same structure as described in the previously describedembodiment 602. This embodiment, however, uses anelastic latching structure 680 instead of thelatching mechanism 650 described above. Theelastic latching structure 680 generally includes twotoggles 682 disposed on anelastic member 684 either immediately adjacent to each other or at a predetermined distance from one another. Thetoggles 682 are configured to rest in the topconcave portions first section 610 andsecond section 630, respectively, while theelastic member 684 is configured to stretch between thetoggles 682 and extend through thelatch notch 620 on thefirst section 610 and thelatch notch 640 on thesecond section 630. Also disposed on theelastic member 684, or on one of thetoggles 682, is ahandle member 686, which is configured to be grasped by the fingers of an adult human so as to cause thetoggles 682 to separate when one of thetoggles 682 is stationarily disposed, as can be seen in the phantom extension figure. Thetoggles 682 may be formed from any material able to perform the latching function, such as plastic, aluminum, brass, steel, wood, etc, as may thehandle 686. - The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. For instance, though the
accessory 900 is shown as being installed on what would normally be referred to as the left side of thefirearm 850 inFIGS. 16-18 , it is to be appreciated that the positioning about thetubular support structure 868 is not limited to a specific orientation, and the same embodiments of the invention may be advantageously used in various configurations to adapt to right-handed, as well as left-handed weapons users. As another example, it is to be appreciated that various adjustability of the preferred embodiments may be done away with to simplify some of the mounting structures, such as by providing fixedrail spacing 116 and/or fixedstud spacing 416. Additionally, it will be appreciated that various components of the devices described herein, and combinations thereof, may be provided in a kit form, such as in the same packaging. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
Claims (18)
1. In combination with an archery bow having a riser body with a grip disposed thereon, the riser body having a draw side and a sight side, one or more standoffs coupled to, and extending generally longitudinally outward from, the draw side above the grip, an accessory bracket comprising:
a support structure interface including a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and second leg being coupled by a hinge member; and
a first standoff notch provided on one of said first and second legs, the first standoff notch configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs,
wherein the accessory bracket is supported by the one or more standoffs.
2. A combination according to claim 1 further comprising a second standoff notch provided on the other of said first and second legs, the second standoff notch configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs.
3. A combination according to claim 2 wherein the first standoff notch and the second standoff notch cooperate to form a mounting aperture.
4. A combination according to claim 3 , wherein the mounting aperture is formed when the legs are arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to one another.
5. A combination according to claim 4 , wherein the parallel relationship is secured by a threaded fastener extending through one of the legs and threadably engaging the other leg.
6. A combination according to claim 3 , wherein the mounting aperture has a cross-section mateable with one of the standoffs.
7. A combination according to claim 1 , further comprising a yoke arm fixed to each leg, each yoke arm extending away from the hinge member to a free yoke end.
8. A combination according to claim 7 , wherein when the legs are hingedly moved apart with respect to each other, the yoke arms are moved toward each other.
9. A combination according to claim 7 , each yoke free end including a longitudinal slot disposed along a slot length.
10. A combination according to claim 9 , said slots having a C-shaped cross-section.
11. A combination according to claim 9 , at least one slot being terminated at one end.
12. A combination according to claim 9 , wherein the slots are parallel and disposed at a relative slot spacing.
13. A combination according to claim 12 , further comprising:
an accessory supported by said accessory bracket, the accessory having two parallel rails disposed thereon, the rails being disposed at a relative rail spacing,
wherein the rail spacing is substantially equal to the slot spacing.
14. A combination according to claim 13 , wherein the rails are frictionally engaged with the slots.
15. A combination according to claim 14 , wherein the accessory is an electronic range finder.
16. A combination according to claim 1 further including an accessory mounted in a spaced relationship from the riser body and supported by the one or more standoffs.
17. A combination according to claim 15 , wherein the accessory is a sight mounting bracket.
18. A combination according to claim 15 , wherein the accessory is a quiver.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/271,904 US20120085331A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2011-10-12 | Systems and methods of accessory mounting |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/229,406 US20100043765A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2008-08-22 | Archery bow accessory mount |
US40494410P | 2010-10-12 | 2010-10-12 | |
US13/271,904 US20120085331A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2011-10-12 | Systems and methods of accessory mounting |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/229,406 Continuation-In-Part US20100043765A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2008-08-22 | Archery bow accessory mount |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120085331A1 true US20120085331A1 (en) | 2012-04-12 |
Family
ID=45924142
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/271,904 Abandoned US20120085331A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2011-10-12 | Systems and methods of accessory mounting |
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US (1) | US20120085331A1 (en) |
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US20130000622A1 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2013-01-03 | Mccauley Jake | Scope Mount For Archery Bow |
US20130152445A1 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2013-06-20 | David Walter Compton | Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories |
US20140130786A1 (en) * | 2012-11-12 | 2014-05-15 | Jeremy Hall | Rearward-Mounted Sight for a Bow |
US9506708B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2016-11-29 | Ashbury International Group, Inc. | Tactical firearm systems and methods of manufacturing same |
US9891023B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-02-13 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for inductively powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US9897411B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-02-20 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US9921028B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-03-20 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US10337834B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-07-02 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US20190310051A1 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2019-10-10 | Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, Llc | Accessory mount for rifle accessory rail, communication, and power transfer system - accessory attachment |
US10470010B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-11-05 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US10477618B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-11-12 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US10477619B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-11-12 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US11536537B2 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2022-12-27 | Ultraview Archery Llc | Archery scope and accessories |
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Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9506708B2 (en) | 2007-10-11 | 2016-11-29 | Ashbury International Group, Inc. | Tactical firearm systems and methods of manufacturing same |
US10883793B2 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2021-01-05 | T-Worx Holdings, LLC | Accessory mount for rifle accessory rail, communication, and power transfer system-accessory attachment |
US20190310051A1 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2019-10-10 | Prototype Productions Incorporated Ventures Two, Llc | Accessory mount for rifle accessory rail, communication, and power transfer system - accessory attachment |
US9921028B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-03-20 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US10337834B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-07-02 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US9879941B2 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2018-01-30 | Colt Canada Corporation | Method and system for providing power and data to firearm accessories |
US9891023B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-02-13 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for inductively powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US9897411B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-02-20 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US20130152445A1 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2013-06-20 | David Walter Compton | Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories |
US10060705B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2018-08-28 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Apparatus and method for powering and networking a rail of a firearm |
US9823043B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2017-11-21 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Rail for inductively powering firearm accessories |
US10477619B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-11-12 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US10470010B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-11-05 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US10477618B2 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2019-11-12 | Colt Canada Ip Holding Partnership | Networked battle system or firearm |
US20130000622A1 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2013-01-03 | Mccauley Jake | Scope Mount For Archery Bow |
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US11536537B2 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2022-12-27 | Ultraview Archery Llc | Archery scope and accessories |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |