PORTABLE GUN RACK
A portable gun rack for accommodating a plurality of long bore firearms is disclosed. The gun rack includes a collapsible frame stand, a collapsible muzzle sconce, which includes a scalloped edge, and a collapsible butt sconce, wherein the muzzle and butt sconces include non-marring surfaces.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sporting goods, more specifically, a temporary storage device for long bore firearms like shotguns and rifles.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When using long bore firearms like shotguns and rifles in the field for hunting or target shooting, it is common for such firearms to be carried in a flexible gun case, like a leather or canvas bag, which maintains the firearm in a clean and safe environment. Such gun cases, however, lack means to temporarily store the firearm in a manner that makes it readily accessible or interchangeable with another firearm. Placing the firearm on the ground is not a desirable option because the firearm can become soiled or damaged. Leaning the firearm against an object like a tree or fence might provide better access and support, but will not elevate the dirt and damage problems because such objects tend to accumulate dirt by exposure to the elements and are not reliable supports for the smooth metal muzzle of a typical long bore firearm. In addition such objects are not portable and serve to limit the user's mobility. Consequently, the art includes many devices for temporarily storing a shotgun or rifle when in the field. These devices, however, lack the degree of portability of the present invention and other useful features, like the ability to hold several firearms simultaneously and protect the firearm from damage and dirt.
Thus, there is a need for a portable gun rack that collapses efficiently and is adapted to hold several firearms simultaneously in a manner that protects the firearm from excess dirt and damage.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a portable gun rack comprising a collapsible or foldable frame stand, a collapsible or foldable muzzle sconce, and a collapsible or foldable butt sconce. The collapsible frame stand comprises at least two frame pivots and at least one collapsible frame bracket adapted to provide lateral support to the frame. The frame stand may also include at least one additional bracket that provides additional lateral support to the frame and also supports the muzzle sconce when in an unfolded position. The frame stand also includes at least one handle adapted to allow a user to easily grasp and carry the gun rack when fully collapsed. The collapsible muzzle sconce is operably connected to the frame and comprises a plurality of hinges adapted to collapse the muzzle sconce proximate the frame when fully collapsed. The muzzle sconce further comprises a peripheral surface covered with a suitable material to protect a rifle muzzle or barrel from marring and/or damage. Suitable materials include felt, rubber or other non-marring materials. The peripheral surface of the muzzle sconce further comprises a scalloped edge adapted to accommodate a plurality of rifles. The collapsible butt sconce includes a collapsible or foldable shelf including a flange or lip to prevent the rifle butt from slipping off the shelf. The shelf and flange also may include a surface covered with a suitable material, like felt or rubber, to protect a rifle butt, including a portion of a rifle stock, from marring, damage and/or slipping. The flange also may include means to secure or lock the gun rack in the collapsed position, including a hook and eye latch. The butt sconce further includes a plurality of hinges adapted to collapse the butt sconce proximate the frame when fully collapsed.
The invention can be better understood by reference to the following drawings, wherein:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments or examples. These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, logical, and procedural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
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By way of non-limiting example only, an embodiment of the portable gun rack includes a length of the collapsed or folded frame of about 100 to about 107 centimeters and a depth of the collapsed or folded frame of about 7 to about 8 centimeters. A further non-limiting embodiment of the portable gun rack includes a width of about 37 centimeters to about 41 centimeters when in the unfolded position. The gun rack components, including the frame, sconces, brackets, and handles may be comprised of any suitable material including wood products, metals, fiberglass, synthetic fibers, natural products, plastics, or combinations thereof.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
Claims
1. A portable gun rack comprising:
- a. a collapsible frame stand;
- b. a collapsible muzzle sconce, including a scalloped edge and a non-marring surface adapted to accommodate at least one muzzle of a long bore firearm, including a rifle or shotgun; and
- c. a collapsible butt sconce, including a shelf, a flange, and a non-marring surface adapted to accommodate at least one butt of a long bore firearm, including a rifle or shotgun.
2. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the collapsible butt and muzzle sconces are adapted to accommodate a plurality of long bore firearms, including rifles and shotguns.
3. The portable gun rack of claim 2, wherein the butt and muzzle sconces can accommodate four long bore firearms, including rifles and shotguns.
4. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the non-marring scalloped edge of the collapsible muzzle sconce and the non-marring surface of the butt sconce comprises felt.
5. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein a length of the collapsed frame is about 100 to about 107 centimeters.
6. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein a depth of the collapsed frame is about 7 to about 9 centimeters.
7. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein a width of the collapsed frame is about 11 to about 13 centimeters.
8. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein a width of the unfolded frame is about 37 centimeters to about 41 centimeters when in the unfolded position.
9. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the frame includes at least one bracket to secure the frame in the unfolded position.
10. The portable gun rack of claim 9, wherein the bracket includes a friction lock.
11. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the muzzle sconce includes at least one bracket to secure the muzzle sconce in the unfolded position.
12. The portable gun rack of claim 11, wherein the bracket includes a friction lock.
13. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a hook and eye latch adapted to secure the frame in the collapsed position.
14. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the sconces include friction locks adapted to secure the frame in the collapsed position.
15. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the sconces include friction locks adapted to secure the frame in the unfolded position.
16. The portable gun rack of claim 1, wherein the muzzle and butt sconces include a plurality of hinges adapted to collapse the sconces proximate the frame when in the collapsed position.
17. The portable gun rack of claim 16, wherein the muzzle and butt sconces include at least one self-locking hinge.
18. The portable gun rack of claim 17, wherein the at least one self-locking hinge includes a friction lock.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 16, 2008
Publication Date: May 20, 2010
Inventor: Ray M. Bliss (Crystal, MN)
Application Number: 12/271,925