Hands-free article holder and method

Abstract

A chest-mounted assembly for holding an article, the assembly comprising a chest plate, a plurality of indexing supports situated on the chest plate, an indexing bar pivotally connected to the chest plate by a pivot bar and supported by at least one of the plurality of indexing supports, and an article mount positioned on the indexing bar. A method for a user to adjust the height level of a hands-free supported article, the method comprising the steps of mounting a chest plate on the user, the chest plate having a pivot support and a plurality of indexing supports situated thereon, attaching the article to an article mount, the article mount being connected to the pivot support, positioning the article at a desired height with respect to the user, and selecting one of the indexing supports to thereby fix the article and the article mount at a desired height position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an article holder, and more specifically, to a chest-mounted hands-free article holder that quickly and easily adjusts the height of an article to a wearer's eye-level.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Handheld optical instruments such as spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras, and video cameras are important tools which are commonly used by hunters, bird watchers, astronomers, military personnel, spectators at sporting events and dramatic or musical productions, and many other people, including both amateurs and professionals. Such optical instruments greatly enhance the user's optical perception by providing magnified and brighter images of an activity or subject under study and depending upon the device, also allow the recordation of the subject onto a tangible medium.

[0005] A significant problem in the use of such instruments is the difficulty of holding them still enough, aggravated by fatigue to a user's arms and hands in protracted usage. In addition to taxing one's arms, an unsteady recordation instrument will yield distorted images. Furthermore, at least one hand, if not both hands, are required to grasp and operate the optical instrument. Presently, it is not possible for a user to simultaneously and efficiently engage in other activities requiring the use of one or both hands while also using an optical instrument such as a spotting scope. For example, a hunter may wish to use a spotting scope to detect prey, while holding a rifle at the same time.

[0006] To overcome these problems, various chest-mounted hands-free devices supporting a variety of instruments and articles have hereto been developed. These devices are meant to be worn against the user's body and are usually secured by some sort of strap. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,661,308 to Walters discloses a camera and binocular chest support frame able to adjust the height of such articles by a collapsible post, U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,536 to Wong discloses a chest-mounted personal binocular support, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,576 to Easter discloses a chest-mounted front pack assembly having a tripod with a camera attached thereto.

[0007] Although the aforementioned prior art can support various instruments and articles, the prior art has certain specific drawbacks. One such drawback is the limited adjustability that can be made to the chest-mounted hands-free device. This results in the article not being optimally positioned near the user's eyes, thereby requiring the user to uncomfortably strain to utilize the article. Similarly, limited adjustability prevents moving the article to an unobstructed position when the user is wearing the chest-mounted hands-free device yet is not utilizing the article attached thereon. Another drawback of the prior art involves the inability to quickly adjust the article from a use to a non-use position. Specifically, this drawback becomes a concern in activities where time is of the essence. One such relevant activity is hunting, where the user would want to quickly lower the spotting scope, while immediately thereafter raising, positioning, and firing the rifle. Finally, some of the prior art is of less than sturdy construction and is therefore not well-suited for use in rugged conditions.

[0008] Accordingly, what is needed and has not heretofore been developed is a sturdy, yet not bulky, user chest-mounted hands-free article holder, configured to support a variety of articles whose height position relative to the user's eyes may be fully and quickly adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides, in the preferred embodiment, a chest-mounted hands-free article holder comprising a chest plate, a plurality of indexing supports situated on the chest plate, an indexing bar pivotally connected to the chest plate by a pivot bar and supported by at least one of the plurality of indexing supports, at least one pivot support for securing the pivot bar to the chest plate, and a torso and neck strap removably attached to the chest plate for securing the chest-mounted hands-free article holder to a user. The indexing bar comprises an article mount and a pivot joint situated near a first distal end of the indexing bar and a pin and a handle situated near a second distal end of the indexing bar. The pivot joint pivotally supports the pivot bar and the pin is supported by at least one of the plurality of indexing supports. The article mount removably supports a variety of articles, including, but not limited to a spotting scope, binoculars, a camera, and a video camera. Optionally, a pivotable universal screw mount may be attached to the article mount to support articles having a threadable connection. The handle is used to move the indexing bar between the plurality of indexing supports, thereby raising and lowering the article. Additionally, the at least one pivot support includes a plurality of height adjustment holes for adjustably positioning the pivot bar.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for the user to adjust the height level of a hands-free supported article. The method comprising the steps of mounting the chest plate on the user, the chest plate including the pivot support and a plurality of indexing supports situated thereon, attaching the article to the article mount, the article mount being connected to the pivot support, positioning the article at a desired height with respect to the user; and selecting one of the indexing supports to thereby fix the article and the article mount at a desired height position.

[0011] The present invention may be used by a variety of people in varied settings, including, but not limited to hunters, bird watchers, astronomers, military personnel, spectators at sporting events and dramatic or musical productions, handicapped and disabled people, and many other people, including both amateurs and professionals.

[0012] By employing many adjustable components such as the universal screw mount, the indexing supports, and the height adjustment holes, the present invention allows the article to be optimally positioned near the user's eyes, thereby maximizing comfort and minimizing any strain for the user. The present invention also allows the user to quickly move the article from a use to an unobstructed non-use position and vice versa. The sturdy construction of the present invention makes it well-suited for use in rugged conditions. The present invention may also be adapted to hold a book by attaching a shelf to the article mount.

[0013] The foregoing and other features of the method and apparatus of the present invention will be further apparent from the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hands-free article holder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hands-free article holder shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hands-free article holder shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4a is a perspective and side view of a first alternative embodiment of a plurality of indexing supports; and

[0018] FIG. 4b is a perspective and side view of a second alternative embodiment of a plurality of indexing supports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the spatial or directional terms, such as “above”, “below”, “lower”, “upper”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatus illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, is simply an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0020] The component parts of the present invention may be constructed from materials including, but not limited to plastic, nylon, aluminum, steel, and wood, with the components being joined by various means, including, but not limited to tension engaging, hinging, socketing, wedging, welding, bolting, threaded engagement, and gluing.

[0021] Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 shows a hands-free article holder 10 according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the hands-free article holder 10 includes a chest plate 12 with indexing supports 14 and one or more pivot supports 16a, 16b attached thereon. The chest plate 12 may be of various dimensions, but is sufficient in size and shape to accommodate the components of the hands-free article holder 10 while allowing the chest plate 12 to rest against the chest of a user 18. The chest plate 12 is preferably secured to the user's chest by adjustable straps, a torso strap 20 and a neck strap 22, both of which are attached to the chest plate 12. The torso strap 10 is of a sufficient length to encircle the torso of the user 18. The neck strap 22 may be placed around the back of the neck of the user 18. Alternatively, instead of a neck strap 22, two shoulder straps may be routed over the shoulders of the user 18 and then connected to the torso strap 20 at the back of the user 18. It is to be understood that the torso strap 20 and the neck strap 22 may be adjustable to accommodate various users.

[0022] With reference to FIG. 1, the indexing supports 14 are preferably situated within a same vertical plane as the pivot supports 16a, 16b yet the indexing supports 14 are situated below the pivot supports 16a, 16b. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, the indexing supports 14 may include, but are not limited to holes, notched grooves, edges, or steps, either incorporated within the chest plate 12 or directly attached to the chest plate 12. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the indexing supports 14 comprise indexing holes 24 situated within a hollow bar 26 that is directly attached to the chest plate 12. These indexing holes 24 are incrementally spaced and in-line with each other.

[0023] One or more pivot supports 16a, 16b may also be incorporated within the chest plate 12 or be directly attached to the chest plate 12. The present invention includes a first pivot support 16a and a second pivot support 16b able to pivotally support a pivot bar 28 therein. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot bar 28 is of a tube or rod-like construction having a modified V-shape. The pivot bar 28 comprises a first pivot arm 30a and a second pivot arm 30b, with the free end of each pivot arm 30a, 30b preferably having a slightly bent portion 32a, 32b. The intersection of the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b comprises a straight portion 34 that is relatively parallel to the bent portion 32a, 32b of each pivot arm 30a, 30b. In relation to each other, the first and second pivot supports 16a, 16b are situated at a distance that is less than the distance between the free end of the first pivot arm 30a and the free end of the second pivot arm 30b. Furthermore, the first and second pivot supports 16a, 16b each comprise incrementally spaced height adjustment holes 36, with each height adjustment hole 36 of the first pivot support-16a having a relatively parallel corresponding height adjustment hole 36 on the second pivot support 16b. The diameter of each height adjustment hole 36 is larger than the diameter of the bent portion 32a, 32b of each pivot arm 30a, 30b. The first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b may be squeezed together, thereby bringing the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b closer to each other within the same plane. The reduction in the distance between the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b, allows the bent portion 32a of the first pivot arm 30a to be inserted into a height adjustment hole 36 of the first pivot support 16a and the bent portion 32b of the second pivot arm 30b to be inserted into a corresponding height adjustment hole 36 of the second pivot support 16b. Upon release of the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b, the pivot bar 28 is tensionally and pivotally attached to the first and second pivot supports 16a, 16b. It is to be understood that the present invention may also operate by utilizing a single pivot support with a pivot bar comprised of a single pivot arm. Although this may achieve the same overall effect of having a pivotal connection, the tension and stability of the pivotal connection may not be as effective. Furthermore, it is to be understood that other pivot supports, including, but not limited to hinges, snaps, and sockets, may also be utilized to secure the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b to the chest plate and to provide a pivot motion.

[0024] The hands-free article holder 10 further includes an indexing bar 38. In the preferred embodiment, the indexing bar 38 comprises a pivot joint 40, an article mount 42, a pin 44, and a handle 46. The pivot joint 40 and the article mount 42 are situated near a first distal end 48a of the indexing bar 38. The pin 44 and the handle 46 are situated near the second distal end 48b of the indexing bar 38.

[0025] The pivot joint 40 is preferably tubular in construction with an interior diameter large enough to pivotally accommodate the straight portion 34 of the pivot bar 28 therein. The straight portion 34 of the pivot bar 28 is journaled within the pivot joint 40, thereby allowing the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b to pivot in relation to the first distal end 48a of the indexing bar 38.

[0026] The article mount 42 allows an article, such as a spotting scope 50 illustrated in FIG. 1, binoculars, a camera, or a video camera to be mounted thereon by various means, including, but not limited to clamping, screwing, and gluing. However, in the preferred embodiment, the article mount 42 may have a universal screw mount 52 attached thereon. Articles may be mounted upon a threaded base 54 of the universal screw mount 52 if these articles include a threaded connection. The universal screw mount 52 provides additional multi-directional pivotal movement to the mounted article 50. By providing a threaded connection for each article 50, the universal screw mount 52 allows the user 18 to quickly exchange one article 50 for another article 50. Furthermore, the universal screw mount 52 may include an adjustment handle 47 that aids the user 18 in moving the mounted article 50 with precision.

[0027] The pin 44 is smaller in diameter than the indexing holes 24 of the hollow bar 26. Preferably, the pin 44 extends from or is affixed to the indexing bar 38 at an angle that allows the pin 44 to be inserted into any of the indexing holes 24. Similar to the pin 44, the handle 46 also extends from or is affixed to the indexing bar 38 at an angle. The handle 46 is long enough for the user 18 to firmly grasp the handle 46 and thereby move the indexing bar 38 in an up and down direction. It is to be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the second distal end 48b of the indexing bar 38 can be extended to serve the function of the pin 44, thereby not requiring the pin 44.

[0028] FIGS. 4a and 4b depict a first alternative embodiment of a plurality of indexing supports 56 and a second alternative embodiment of a plurality of indexing supports 58, respectively. These alternative embodiments provide additional ways of supporting the pin 44. For example, the first alternative embodiment of a plurality of indexing supports 56 comprises a step-like structure 60, whereas the second alternative embodiment of a plurality of indexing supports 58 comprises a slidable block 62 frictionally engaged between the chest plate 12 and a housing 64. It is to be understood that there are additional ways of supporting the pin 44, including, but not limited to, notched grooves and ratchet teeth.

[0029] Preferably, the indexing bar 38 and the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b are long enough so that when the pin 44 is inserted into any one of the indexing holes 24 and the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b are inserted into the first and second pivot supports 16a, 16b, that the article 50 attached to the article mount 42 avoids contact with chest plate 12. This configuration should occur regardless of which combination of indexing holes 24 and height adjustment holes 36 are utilized.

[0030] The hands-free article holder 10 may be used by a variety of users in varied settings, including, but not limited to hunters, bird watchers, astronomers, military personnel, spectators at sporting events and dramatic or musical productions, handicapped and disabled people, and many other people, including both amateurs and professionals. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the user 18, a hunter, places the chest plate 12 against his chest. The user 18 then places and adjusts the neck strap 22 around his neck and secures and adjusts the torso strap 20 around his torso. The user 18 then selects the article 50 which he wants to have mounted to the hands-free article holder 10. The user 18 may attach the article 50 either directly to the article mount 42 or to the universal screw mount 52 if the article 50 has a threaded connection. In this instance, the hands-free article holder 10 depicted in FIG. 1 illustrates a spotting scope 50 threadingly engaged to the threaded base 54 of the universal screw mount 52. The user 18 then selects the appropriate height adjustment holes 36 based upon the height at which they want to have the spotting scope 50 positioned. Selecting the highest height adjustment hole 36 will allow the spotting scope 50 to be positioned at the greatest height in relation to the user 18, whereas the lowest height adjustment hole 36 will provide the lowest height of the spotting scope 50 in relation to the user 18. The user 18 then squeezes the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b together and inserts the bent portion 32a of the first pivot arm 30a into the selected height adjustment hole 36 of the first pivot support 16a and the bent portion 32b of the second pivot arm 30b into the corresponding height adjustment hole 36 of the second pivot support 16b. The user 18 then grasps the handle 46 and vertically moves the indexing bar 38 to a position that provides the user 18 with an optimal height at which he may comfortably see through the spotting scope 50. The user 18 now inserts the pin 44 into a corresponding indexing hole 24, securing the pin 44 therein, and allowing the spotting scope 50 to maintain the optimal height in relation to the user 18.

[0031] Fine adjustments may be made to the position of the spotting scope 50 by way of the adjustment handle 47 of the universal screw mount 52. The universal screw mount 52 may have a ball and socket design, so as to provide a myriad of movements to the spotting scope 50, including, but not limited to side-to-side, pan, and tilt. Additionally, the user 18 may use the adjustment handle 47 to move the spotting scope 50 with precision, so as to follow prey when the user 18 himself is required to maintain a relatively immobile position. At this point, the hands-free article holder 10 supports the spotting scope 50, thus allowing the user 18 to simultaneously hold a rifle while utilizing the spotting scope 50. If the user 18 wishes to position the rifle into a firing position, the user 18 simply grasps the handle 46 of the indexing bar 38 and outwardly pushes the handle 46 until the pin 44 is removed from the indexing hole 24. The user 18 then moves the handle 46 downward to allow the spotting scope 50 to be lowered to an unobstructed position. The user 18 may then fully utilize the rifle, and thereafter is able to quickly position the spotting scope 50 to the exact optimal position as before, simply by grasping the handle 46 and inserting the pin 44 into the previously used indexing hole 24. It is to be understood that use of the hands-free article holder 10 by a different user or use of a different article, may require that user to readjust the setting or position of the indexing bar 38, the first and second pivot arms 30a, 30b, and the universal screw mount 52, so as to optimally position the article for that user.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention may also be adapted to hold a book by attaching a shelf to the article mount.

[0033] The above invention has been described with reference to the preferred and alternative embodiments. Obvious modifications, combinations, and alterations will occur to others upon reading the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications, combinations, and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A chest-mounted assembly for holding an article, the assembly comprising:

a chest plate;

a plurality of indexing supports situated on the chest plate;

an indexing bar pivotally connected to the chest plate by a pivot bar and supported by at least one of the plurality of indexing supports; and

an article mount positioned on a first distal end of the indexing bar.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the chest plate comprises:

at least one pivot support for securing the pivot bar to the chest plate; and

at least one strap removably attached to the chest plate.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the indexing bar comprises at least one of the following:

a pivot joint situated near the first distal end of the indexing bar;

a pin situated near a second distal end of the indexing bar; and

a handle situated near the second distal end of the indexing bar.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the indexing supports are selected from the group consisting of holes, a step-like structure, a slidable block, notched grooves, and ratchet teeth.

5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the pivot bar comprises a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm.

6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising a second pivot support.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first pivot arm is removably secured to the first pivot support and the second pivot arm is removably secured to the second pivot support.

8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one strap is one of a torso strap and a neck strap.

9. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the article mount removably supports one of a spotting scope, binoculars, a camera, and a video camera.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein a universal screw mount is attached to the article mount.

11. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pivot joint pivotally supports the pivot bar.

12. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pin is supported by at least one of the plurality of indexing supports.

13. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the handle is used to move the indexing bar between the plurality of indexing supports.

14. A method for a user to adjust the height level of a hands-free supported article, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a chest plate on the user, the chest plate having a pivot support and a plurality of indexing supports situated thereon;

attaching the article to an article mount, the article mount being connected to the pivot support;

positioning the article at a desired height with respect to the user; and

selecting one of the indexing supports to thereby fix the article and the article mount at a desired height position.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the steps of selecting an indexing support comprises grasping a handle on an indexing bar, the indexing bar being connected with the article mount, and raising or lowering the handle.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the indexing bar further comprises a pin situated on the indexing bar, wherein the handle is used to move the indexing bar and the pin is inserted into at least one of the plurality of indexing supports.

17. The method of claim 14, further including the step of pivoting the article with respect to the article mount, after the desired height position is selected.