ATV holding device

Abstract

A holding device and includes an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure, and a generally U-shaped holding member coupled to the attachment base. The U-shaped holding member can have two upright arms which collectively define a containment area therebetween to receive and hold an elongate object. A plurality of resilient gripping teeth are also provided which project from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area. Each of the plurality of resilient teeth has an upper surface area facing generally upwardly and a lower surface area facing generally downwardly, with the upper surface area being greater than the lower surface area. The gripping teeth are configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

Description

PRIORITY DATA

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/161,098, filed May 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a holding device for use in holding elongate objects on all terrain vehicles or other vehicles.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] It is often desired to provide a holding device on an ATV or other vehicle to allow auxiliary items or objects to be stored on the vehicle. Such devices generally must securely hold the object to prevent it from coming loose due to jarring and vibrations which are typical with ATVs and other vehicles, especially off-road vehicles.

[0006] Prior art attempts to provide holding devices on ATVs and other structures often include a holding member that has gripping “fins” or “fingers” disposed within the member that flex upon insertion of an object into the holding member to thereby secure the object within the holding member. While gripping fins and fingers have been used in holding devices with some success, it is often the case that gripping fins or fingers apply such an aggressive grip to the object being held in the holding device that it is difficult to remove the object from the holding device. This is problematic in that holding devices are often employed in situations where it is particularly desirable that the object be removed quickly from the holding device, such as when a hunter encounters game and wishes to quickly retrieve a gun from the holding device.

[0007] In addition, holding devices are often employed by hunters or other outdoor enthusiasts who often desire to remove objects from the holding device without causing a great deal of noise. This may be advantageous, for example, if the hunter or outdoor enthusiast does not wish to startle nearby game. However, it is often the case that objects stored in prior art holding devices utilizing fins or fingers cannot be removed without causing a great deal of noise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop an object holding device which applies sufficient holding force to an object stored in the device to securely hold the object without resulting in undue force being required to remove the object or without creating a great deal of noise when the object is removed.

[0009] The invention provides such a holding device and includes an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure, and a generally U-shaped holding member coupled to the attachment base. The U-shaped holding member can have two upright arms which collectively define a containment area therebetween and can be configured to receive and hold an elongate object. A plurality of resilient gripping teeth can also be provided which can project from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area. Each of the plurality of resilient teeth can have an upper surface area facing generally upwardly and a lower surface area facing generally downwardly, and the upper surface area can be greater than the lower surface area. The gripping teeth can be configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the gripping teeth can each include a length extending from the upright arm to a tip, and a base width extending laterally along an attachment location of each of the gripping teeth to the upright arm. The length and the base width can be substantially equal.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the gripping teeth can each further include a base height, and the base height can be about half of the length.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the gripping teeth can each include a substantially three-dimensional pyramidal shape, and one edge of the pyramidal shape can face generally upwardly and can comprise an angled, upper contact ridge configured to contact and receive the elongate object.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the gripping teeth can each include a cross-section with a substantially right-triangular shape.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the gripping teeth can each include a cross-section with a substantially angular shape.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the attachment base can include a threaded mounting stem, fixedly connected to the holding member and configured to be pivotally connected to the support structure. The attachment base can be configured such that the holding member may be pivoted about a long axis of the mounting stem to selectively (i) adjust the height of the holding member relative to the support structure; and (ii) more securely grip elongate objects in the holding member. The attachment base can further include a locking nut, configured to lock the holding member in position relative to the support structure.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the attachment base can be configured to be attached to an ATV, and the elongate object can be selected from the group consisting of: a gun, a bow, a fishing pole, and an elongate tool.

[0017] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a holding device is provided, including an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure, and a generally U-shaped holding member, coupled to the attachment base. The U-shaped holding member can have two upright arms which define a containment area therebetween configured to receive and hold an elongate object. A plurality of resilient gripping teeth can be included which project from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area, each of the plurality of gripping teeth having a base attached to an inside of the upright arm and at least three substantially flat sides extending from the base into the containment area along an axis substantially orthogonal to the upright arm. The at least three sides can taper toward one another and terminate in a substantially pointed tip. The gripping teeth can be configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a holding device is provided and includes an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure. A generally U-shaped holding member can be coupled to the attachment base, the U-shaped holding member having two upright arms defining a containment area therebetween configured to receive and hold an elongate object. A plurality of resilient gripping teeth can project from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area, each of the plurality of gripping teeth extending taperedly from the upright arm and into the containment area. Each of the plurality of gripping teeth can include a sloped, upper contact ridge facing generally upwardly and being configured to contact and receive the elongate object. The gripping teeth can be configured to partially deflect upon receiving and being contacted by the elongate object along the angled, upper contact ridge to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

[0019] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holding device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view along section 2-2 of one of the upright arms shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from an underneath angle; and

[0022] FIG. 3a is a front, partial sectional, cut-away view of one upright arm in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 3b is a side, partial sectional, cut-away view of the upright arm of FIG. 3a in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 4a is a front, cut-away view of another upright arm in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 4b is a side, cut-away view of the upright arm of FIG. 4a in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front view of a holding device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a holding device, indicated generally at 10, is shown in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The holding device can be mounted on a variety of structures to secure and hold a variety of objects thereon. In one embodiment, the holding device can be advantageously used on ATVs or other vehicles to secure an object to the vehicle while preventing the object from becoming dislodged due to shock and vibration from traveling over irregular or bumpy terrain.

[0029] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the system 10 provides a holding device that includes an attachment base 14 which can be configured to be attached to any suitable support structure (not shown). A generally U-shaped holding member 16 can be coupled to the attachment base and can include two generally upright arms 16a and 16b which define a containment area 18 therebetween. The holding device can be configured to receive and hold an elongate object (not shown) within the containment area to retain the elongate object on or within the support structure. A variety of elongate objects such as rifles, shotguns, fishing poles, etc. can be held securely by the holding device.

[0030] A plurality of resilient gripping teeth 20 can project from at least one of the upright arms 16 into the containment area 18. The gripping teeth can be configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area of the holding device. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gripping teeth 20 can each include a substantially three-dimensional pyramidal shape. One edge 26 of the pyramidal shape, formed at the meeting point of faces 23a and 23b (shown in FIG. 2), can face generally upwardly and can provide an angled, upper contact ridge 26 configured to contact and receive the elongate object.

[0031] The gripping teeth can thus provide a non-planar contact ridge at an upper interface between the elongate object and the gripping teeth. This non-planar contact ridge can aid in securing the elongate object within the holding device without requiring that undue force be applied to the object to remove the object. Prior art gripping fingers or fins generally either provided an elongate or planar upper gripping surface to the elongate object stored within the prior art holders. This elongate or planar upper gripping surface contacted the object with a large mating surface area, which resulted in a great deal of frictional force being applied to the object. Also, gripping fins or fingers often bend considerably downwardly into the containment area upon insertion of the object into the containment area, resulting in a large portion of the gripping finger or fin contacting and gripping the object. The resultant grip on the object is often of such magnitude that removing the object required a great deal of force, and often created a great deal of noise.

[0032] In contrast, the generally pyramidal gripping teeth of the present invention can provide a relatively short, non-planar upper contact surface to the object such that the object is held securely in the holding member 16 while minimizing the force required to remove the object and the noise created upon removal of the object. In addition, the gripping teeth are formed in a shape that results in the teeth being resilient but not overly flexible. The relatively blunt gripping teeth thus bend upon insertion of an object into the containment area, but resist large-scale flexing to reduce the surface area contacting the elongate object. By reducing the upper surface area contacting the elongate object, friction between the two is reduced, and the resulting gripping force is thus kept to a manageable level.

[0033] In addition to providing an upper contact surface which contacts the elongate object, a lower contact surface can also be provided, such as lower face 24 of the gripping teeth shown in FIG. 2. The lower contact surface can be used to apply a gripping force to the object in the case where the object is disposed within the containment area immediately below the gripping tooth, or as the object is being removed from the holding member. For example, depending upon the configuration of the gripping teeth and the U-shaped holding member, and the size and shape of the elongate object, the object may primarily contact and be held securely by only the upper gripping surfaces of one or more teeth. This may be the case where the elongate object is held by teeth which are not in vertical alignment, such as those teeth 20 in the slanted section 54 of upright arm 16a of FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that, as an object is vertically lowered into the containment area 18 of the holding device of FIG. 5, the object may not engage each of the gripping teeth 20 in slanted section 54. Instead, the object may only contact one or two teeth, which will deflect downwardly and wedge the object in place as the object “bottoms-out” inside the holding member.

[0034] In the case where substantially only the upper contact surface contacts the elongate object, much of the gripping force applied to the object results from the force applied by the gripping teeth against the elongate object due to the compressed state of the gripping teeth. That is, insertion of the object into the holding member flexes the gripping teeth downwardly, which compresses the gripping teeth and causes the gripping teeth to wedge the object within the holding member.

[0035] In other cases, the configuration of the gripping teeth and the U-shaped holding member, and the size and shape of the object, can result in the object successively contacting gripping teeth as the object moves downwardly into the holding member. In this case, the teeth which are contacted as the object is lowered into the holding member may return to their original configuration once the object is lowered past and no longer contacts those teeth. That is, the resiliency of the teeth will result in the teeth “snapping back” into position once the object has been lowered past the teeth. In this case, the lower gripping surface of the teeth will aid in holding the object within the member, as the object must bend and overcome the resiliency of the teeth as it is removed from the holding member. Thus, either or both the upper and lower gripping surfaces may aid in securing the elongate object within the holding member, depending on the configuration of the gripping teeth and the U-shaped holding member and the size and shape of the elongate object to be held.

[0036] It will be appreciated in light of the above comments that the U-shaped holding member utilized in the present invention can be formed in or can include a variety of shapes. As discussed in more detail below, the U-shaped member illustrated in the figures includes at least one elbow on each upright arm, which results in one or more slanted sections on each upright arm. However, the present invention is not limited to the U-shaped holder illustrated in the figures, but can include any generally U-shaped holder such as a holder with straight vertical arms, a holder with arms rising upward at a slant, or any combination of the two.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the gripping teeth 20 can each include a length L extending from the upright arm 16 to a tip 28, and a base width W extending laterally along an attachment location 27 of each of the gripping teeth to the upright arm. In one aspect, the length L and the base width W can be substantially equal. By substantially matching the length and base width of the gripping teeth, the gripping teeth are relatively blunt, leading to less flexing of the gripping teeth upon insertion of an object into the containment area, which in turn leads to less force being applied to the object, so that the object can be relatively more easily removed. As used herein, the term “substantially equal” shall be understood to indicate a condition in which the dimensions of the elements being compared are within about 25% of each other. As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, in one aspect of the invention the gripping teeth can each further include a base height h. The base height h can be about half of the length L2, and, correspondingly, half of the width W2.

[0038] The gripping teeth can thus generally be made shorter and stouter than gripping fins or fingers and are thus less susceptible to damage from tearing due to contact with the elongate object or other objects. The shorter and stouter gripping teeth also reduce the amount of material required to provide a gripping interface, thereby reducing material and manufacturing costs. In addition, the gripping teeth do not consume as much space inside the containment area 18 of holding member 16 as do conventional gripping fingers or fins. The resulting holding device can thus include a larger containment area within similarly spaced upright arms 16a and 16b. In this manner, the upright arms 16a and 16b can be spaced closer together and yet still provide a sufficiently large containment area 18 for holding a variety of elongate objects.

[0039] As shown in cutaway view in FIG. 2 along section 2-2 of FIG. 1, in one aspect of the invention each of the plurality of gripping teeth 20 can include an upper surface area 22 facing generally upwardly and a lower surface area 24 facing generally downwardly. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper surface area is the combined area of upper surfaces 23a and 23b. The lower surface area is the area of lower face 24. In this embodiment, the upper surface area 22 is greater than the lower surface area 24.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3a, each of the gripping teeth can include a cross-section 30 with a substantially angular shape. As used herein “substantially angular shape” shall be understood to describe a condition in which the cross-section of an element includes at least one angular component, such as that formed when at least two of the sides meet in an oblique angle. Examples of substantially angular shapes include triangular pyramids, hexagonal structures, etc. As shown in side view in FIG. 3b, in one aspect of the invention the gripping teeth each include a cross-section 32 with a substantially right-triangular shape.

[0041] In one aspect of the invention, the cross-section of each of the teeth can also include a continually tapering cross section from a base portion to a tip portion. In this manner, the widest, or thickest, portion of the teeth, i.e., the portion of the teeth that is least likely to bend upon insertion of an object into the holder, resides at the contact location 27 on the upright arm. The thinnest portion of the teeth, or the portion most likely to bend upon insertion of an object into the holder, resides at the innermost point 28 of each tooth. As an object is inserted into the holder, the teeth bend mostly at the tip portion to provide a retaining force to the elongate object. Thus, the object is contacted by only a relatively small area of the gripping teeth, resulting in sufficient grip to hold the object while allowing the object to be relatively easily, quickly and quietly removed from the holding device.

[0042] The gripping teeth 20 shown in FIG. 2 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Here, at least three substantially flat sides 23a, 23b and 24 extend from the base into the containment area 18 along an axis (shown at b-b′ in FIG. 3b) substantially orthogonal to the upright arm 16. The at least three sides can taper toward one another and can terminate in a substantially pointed tip 28. As also shown in FIG. 2, each of the gripping teeth 20 can also include a sloped, upper contact ridge 40 that faces generally upwardly. The sloped contact ridge can be configured to contact and receive the elongate object within the containment area 18.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the invention the attachment base 14 can include a threaded mounting stem 34. The threaded mounting stem can be fixedly connected to the holding member and can be configured to be pivotally connected to the support structure (not shown) such that the holding member may be pivoted about a long axis a-a′ of the mounting stem 34. This embodiment allows i) adjustment of a height of the holding member relative to the support structure, and ii) angular adjustment of the holding device relative to the support structure to allow the holding device to more securely grip elongate objects. A locking nut 36 can be configured to lock the holding member in position relative to the support structure.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the attachment base 14 can be coupled to a generally 1 5 vertical body 42 with a threaded aperture in the top end to receive the threaded stem 34. A notch 44 can be included in one side of the vertical body. Opposing ends of a u-bolt 46 can pass transversely through the vertical body above and below the notch 44. The threaded mounting stem 14 of the holder can be threadably inserted into the vertical body 42, and the locking nut 36 can be disposed on the mounting stem. In this embodiment, a user can adjust the height and 20 angular orientation of the holder by rotating the holder about a long axis a-a′ of the mounting stem 14, to screw the mounting stem into or out of the vertical aperture. The mounting stem, and hence the holding device, can then be locked into place by tightening the nut 36. This pivoting feature thus allows for twist adjustment and locking, and allows the holder to receive objects of various sizes, while still providing a firm grip. It is of course understood that the present invention is not limited to the structure of the mounting base discussed above, but can be used with any suitable mounting base, which can include any number of components having any number of characteristics.

[0045] While a single holding device 10 as depicted in FIG. 5 may be used for some types of objects, or may be used in combination with some other support device for holding an elongate object, it will be apparent that a utility holding system comprising a plurality of holding devices can also be utilized. In this aspect, two or more holding devices can be attached to a cargo rack or other support structure, and an elongate object can be disposed within each containment area. The elongate object can be held securely by the gripping teeth of each holding device. In addition, each of the holding devices can be rotated until each of the upright arms engage the elongate object. The nut 36 can then be re-engaged to lock the holding devices against the elongate object.

[0046] As also shown in FIG. 5, one upright arm 16a can be longer than the other arm 16b, and each arm can include one or more elbows 24, which help provide a downward force upon the object when the holder is rotated and locked against the object. The holding member may also include flexible rubber balls 50 atop the upright arms to help hold objects in the rack. The holding member 16 may be provided with a hold-down member 38 for securing objects in the containment area 18. One end of the hold down member can be attached to one upright arm 16a below the ball 50a. With an object in the containment area, the opposing end of the hold-down member may be stretched over the object, and looped or tied around the other upright arm 16b below its ball 50b. In this way, a secure grip may be provided for objects of varying size.

[0047] The hold-down member 38 can include rope, string, or other such devices adaptable for securing or tying an object within the holding member. The hold-down member 38 shown in FIG. 5 is a loop of elastic material that includes a tab 52 on one end which facilitates grasping by a user, and allows the hold-down member to be quickly and easily attached or removed from the holder. Also shown in FIG. 5 are a series of projections 54 which can aid in securing the hold-down member to either or both the upright arms 16a and 16b.

[0048] In one aspect of the invention, the attachment base can be configured to be attached to an ATV (not shown). As used herein, the term “ATV” is meant to include an All Terrain Vehicle, a motor vehicle, a boat, a snowmobile, a motorcycle, etc. Similarly, while the elongate can be any suitable object (not shown), in one embodiment the elongate object is selected from the group consisting of: a gun, a bow, a fishing pole, and an elongate tool. Examples of elongate tools include, but are not limited to, shovels, rakes, picks, etc.

[0049] The holding device in its entirety, or any of its constituent parts, may be constructed of numerous materials including metals, plastics, and rubber materials. In one embodiment, a rigid frame (not shown) can be provided which can be coated with a thick coating of resilient rubber material. This rubber material provides excellent gripping and wear characteristics. Specific selection of materials will depend on the characteristics of weight, strength and function desired.

[0050] It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiments(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A holding device, comprising:

an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure;

a generally U-shaped holding member, coupled to the attachment base, the U-shaped holding member having two upright arms defining a containment area therebetween configured to receive and hold an elongate object; and

a plurality of resilient gripping teeth, projecting from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area;

each of the plurality of resilient teeth having an upper surface area facing generally upwardly and a lower surface area facing generally downwardly, the upper surface area being greater than the lower surface area;

the gripping teeth being configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

2. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the gripping teeth each include a length extending from the upright arm to a tip, and a base width extending laterally along an attachment location of each of the gripping teeth to the upright arm, the length and the base width being substantially equal.

3. The holding device of claim 2, wherein the gripping teeth each further include a base height, and wherein the base height is about half of the length.

4. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the gripping teeth each include a substantially three-dimensional pyramidal shape and wherein one edge of the pyramidal shape faces generally upwardly and comprises an angled, upper contact ridge configured to contact and receive the elongate object.

5. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the gripping teeth each include a cross-section with a substantially right-triangular shape.

6. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the gripping teeth each include a cross-section with a substantially angular shape.

7. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the attachment base includes a threaded mounting stem, fixedly connected to the holding member and configured to be pivotally connected to the support structure, configured such that the holding member may be pivoted about a long axis of the mounting stem to selectively;

(i) adjust the height of the holding member relative to the support structure; and

(ii) more securely grip elongate objects in the holding member; and further comprising:

a locking nut, configured to lock the holding member in position relative to the support structure.

8. The holding device of claim 1, wherein the attachment base is configured to be attached to an ATV, and wherein the elongate object is selected from the group consisting of: a gun, a bow, a fishing pole, and an elongate tool.

9. A holding device, comprising:

an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure;

a generally U-shaped holding member, coupled to the attachment base, the U-shaped holding member having two upright arms defining a containment area therebetween configured to receive and hold an elongate object; and

a plurality of resilient gripping teeth, projecting from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area, each of the plurality of gripping teeth having a base attached to an inside of the upright arm; and

at least three substantially flat sides extending from the base into the containment area along an axis substantially orthogonal to the upright arm, the at least three sides tapering toward one another and terminating in a substantially pointed tip;

the gripping teeth being configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

10. The holding device of claim 9, wherein the gripping teeth each include a length extending from the upright arm to a tip, and a base width extending laterally along an attachment location of each of the gripping teeth to the upright arm, the length and the base width being substantially equal.

11. The holding device of claim 10, wherein the gripping teeth each further include a base height, and wherein the base height is about half of the length.

12. The holding device of claim 9, wherein the gripping teeth each include a substantially three-dimensional pyramidal shape and wherein one edge of the pyramidal shape faces generally upwardly and comprises an angled, upper contact ridge configured to contact and receive the elongate object.

13. The holding device of claim 9, wherein the gripping teeth each include a cross-section with a substantially right-triangular shape.

14. The holding device of claim 9, wherein the gripping teeth each include a cross-section with a substantially angular shape.

15. The holding device of claim 9, wherein the attachment base includes a threaded mounting stem, fixedly connected to the holding member and configured to be pivotally connected to the support structure, configured such that the holding member may be pivoted about a long axis of the mounting stem to selectively

(i) adjust the height of the holding member relative to the support structure, and

(ii) more securely grip elongate objects in the holding member; and further comprising:

a locking nut, configured to lock the holding member in position relative to the support structure.

16. The holding device of claim 9, wherein the attachment base is configured to be attached to an ATV, and wherein the elongate object is selected from the group consisting of: a gun, a bow, a fishing pole, and an elongate tool.

17. A holding device, comprising:

an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure;

a generally U-shaped holding member, coupled to the attachment base, the U-shaped holding member having two upright arms defining a containment area therebetween configured to receive and hold an elongate object; and

a plurality of resilient gripping teeth, projecting from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area, each of the plurality of gripping teeth extending taperedly from the upright arm and into the containment area;

each of the plurality of gripping teeth including a sloped, upper contact ridge facing generally upwardly and being configured to contact and receive the elongate object;

the gripping teeth being configured to partially deflect upon receiving and being contacted by the elongate object along the angled, upper contact ridge to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

18. The holding device of claim 17, wherein the gripping teeth each include a length extending from the upright arm to a tip, and a base width extending laterally along an attachment location of each of the gripping teeth to the upright arm, the length and the base width being substantially equal.

19. The holding device of claim 18, wherein the gripping teeth each further include a base height, and wherein the base height is about half of the length.

20. The holding device of claim 17, wherein the gripping teeth each include a substantially three-dimensional pyramidal shape and wherein one edge of the pyramidal shape faces generally upwardly and comprises an angled, upper contact ridge configured to contact and receive the elongate object.

21. The holding device of claim 17, wherein the gripping teeth each include a cross-section with a substantially right-triangular shape.

22. The holding device of claim 17, wherein the gripping teeth each include a cross-section with a substantially angular shape.

23. The holding device of claim 17, wherein the attachment base includes a threaded mounting stem, fixedly connected to the holding member and configured to be pivotally connected to the support structure, configured such that the holding member may be pivoted about a long axis of the mounting stem to selectively

(i) adjust the height of the holding member relative to the support structure, and

(ii) more securely grip elongate objects in the holding member; and further comprising:

a locking nut, configured to lock the holding member in position relative to the support structure.

24. The holding device of claim 17, wherein the attachment base is configured to be attached to an ATV, and wherein the elongate object is selected from the group consisting of: a gun, a bow, a fishing pole, and an elongate tool.