HOLDER APPARATUS FOR ELONGATED IMPLEMENT

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a shaft of an elongated implement is described, the apparatus may comprise a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width; retention of the shaft at the body; accommodation of at least one finger of a user's hand formed through at least one of the first side and the second side.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application discloses claims and embodiments generally related to a holder apparatus for an elongated implement, and more particularly, a holder apparatus for an object having a shaft, including the striker of a game-calling apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several products and inventions have been proposed in order to achieve the goal of holding an elongated implement such that the other hand may be free to grasp or hold other objects. The art includes many such attempts and improvements. For example, there are many devices or assemblies for providing a way to hold a strike-plate of a game-call assembly in such a way that is relatively hands-free, including U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,254 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,463, respectively. However, the art does not appear to disclose the combination of elements and features disclosed herein, including the novel combination of elements and/or materials disclosed hereinafter. In particular, the art does not disclose a holder apparatus for an elongated implement, such as a striker for a game-call assembly, in a manner that permits the user to operate and hold both the striker and the plate with a single hand. As such, an improvement to the field is presently available and appears to be desirable and useful.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products and inventions previously or presently available, including the example of the art presented above. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe an apparatus, assembly, system and/or method that provide an unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products and inventions preexisting in the art, including combinations of materials. The applicant is unaware of any product, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein, and as more fully described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus for holding a shaft of an elongated implement is described, the apparatus may comprise a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width; means for retaining the shaft at the body; means for receiving at least one finger of a user's hand formed through at least one of the first side and the second side; and retaining means transversely oriented to receiving means.

In accordance with another embodiment, an apparatus for holding a game-calling striker is described, the apparatus may comprise a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width a channel formed through the width of the body, the channel receiving the shaft of the striker; and a well formed in at least one of the first side or the second side of the body, the well accommodating at least one finger of a user.

In accordance with another embodiment, a game-calling apparatus is described, the apparatus may comprise a plate; a striker; and a striker-holder comprising: a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width a channel formed through the width of the body, the channel receiving the shaft of the striker; and a well formed in at least one of the first side or the second side of the body, the well accommodating at least one finger of a user.

In each of the embodiments described above, and for other embodiments not specifically described but contemplated and/or within the scope of the descriptions herein, the apparatus may further comprise a surface formed at an end of the body adjacent the receiving means, the surface communicating with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger. The surface may comprise an arcuate sweep, wherein the sweep may run between the first side and the second side, or may run between the top of the sides to the base of the sides, or may run as a combination from first side to second side and from the top to the base of the sides.

In each of the embodiments described above, and for other embodiments not specifically described but contemplated and/or within the scope of the descriptions herein, the apparatus may comprise retaining means formed through the width of the body. Retaining means may comprise a concentric bore traversing the height of the first side and the second side and the width separating the sides. In such an embodiment, retaining means may further comprise a flexible, pliable and returnably resilient bushing accommodating strikers of various diameters.

In another embodiment, retaining means may be coupled to the body of the apparatus. Retaining means may comprise a clip of numerous varieties, including spring-biased clips, or other mechanical clips having a bias for closing on the shaft of the implement or striker. In another embodiment, retaining means may comprise a tether of numerous varieties, including rubber banding or other returnably resilient material, adjustable loop or noose arrangements using metal or plastic wire, hemp or other suitable material, or other similar devices and apparatuses for attaching and securing one item to a body.

In each of the embodiments described above, and for other embodiments not specifically described but contemplated and/or within the scope of the descriptions herein, receiving means may comprise a surface formed to communicate with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger, the surface having an arcuate sweep from the first side or the second side. In another embodiment, receiving means is formed through the first side and the second side. In one embodiment, receiving means may comprise a well bound by a concave surface or forming a depression, wherein one side is open and provides interior access and the other side is bound with no interior access. In another embodiment, receiving means may comprise a well unbound at either side through which access may be gained at either side. In another embodiment, the well may comprise an arcuate sweep communicating with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an anterior view of a human hand;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the holder apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder apparatus retaining a striker of a game-call striker unit;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the holder apparatus retaining the striker; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a game-call striker assembly having a striker, a plate and a holder apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Generally, FIG. 1 discloses a hand “H” in anatomical position so that the palm “P” is at the anterior and the back of the hand (not shown) is at the posterior. The hand “H” has five digits (D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5). The anterior phalangeal area (APA) of several digits are identified as such in FIG. 1.

With reference to the figures, specifically FIG. 2 through FIG. 6, and in accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus for holding a shaft of an elongated implement 10 (generally denoted as “apparatus 10”) is described, the apparatus 10 may comprise a body 12 having a first side 14 opposite a second side 16. The first side 14 and the second side 16 may be separated by a width 18. The shaft “S” of the implement may be retained by the body 12 by a channel 20, or alternatively a device 22, such as a variety of clips, returnably resilient bands, fabric bands, wire (metal, plastic), hemp or other suitable materials for bounding about the shaft “S” for retention by the body 12. The body 12 may be controlled by a well or depression 24 formed in the body 12. The well or depression 24 may be bound by a surface 24′ so that access to an interior portion of the body 12 is limited to the single opening provided by the well or depression 24. In another embodiment, the well or depression 24 may be unbound so that an opening is provided on either the first side 14 or the second side 16 of the body 12. The channel 20, or device 22, is configured so that the general orientation and axial direction of the shaft “S” is parallel to the plane of the first side and the second side.

The body 12 may further comprise a surface 26 formed at an end of the body 12 adjacent the well or depression 24. The surface 26 communicates with the anterior phalangeal area (APA) of at least one finger. The surface may comprise an arcuate sweep, wherein the sweep may run between the first side and the second side, or may run between the top of the sides to the base of the sides, or may run as a combination from first side to second side and from the top to the base of the sides. It is envisioned that the body 12 may comprise an additional surface 28 opposite to the surface 26 characterized by similar features, including one or more arcuate sweeps as described above. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the surfaces 26 and 28 may further comprise a plurality of surface features 30 for enhancing the grip or contact of the user's APA to the surface(s) 26 and/or 28. The surface features 30 may comprise raised or dimpled areas, embedded or applied textured members, or other similar devices, apparatuses or features that may enhancing grip and control of the body 12.

In an envisioned alternate embodiment, the body 12 may comprise two segments or portions mutually coupled to form a body 12 consistent with the body 12 as described in the preceding paragraphs. The coupling of the two segments may be achieved by a variety of means, including the use of a mechanical fastener, a friction-fit or snap-fit configuration, a temporary adhesive arrangement, or another suitable apparatus or combination of apparatuses. It is envisioned that the segments or portions are divided so as to bisect the channel 20 approximately half-way between the points of ingress and egress formed in the top and bottom surfaces of the body 12. Therefore, in one envisioned embodiment, the segments or portions may be mutually coupled so as to tighten about the shaft of the striker inserted through the channel 20.

As but one example of use, the user may generally insert the first digit D1 (depicted as the thumb) into the well or depression 24. The second digit D2 (depicted as the index finger) may be wrapped about the first side 14, the surface 26 and to or near the second side 16, wherein the surface 26 generally communicates and engages the APA of the second digit. With the channel 20, or device 22, securely holding the shaft “S” of the implement, the second digit D2 may manipulate (with or without the aid of the first digit D1) the apparatus 10 so that a reciprocating motion of the striker 100 and shaft “S” is realized. Digits D5 and D4, and possibly D3, may be utilized to cup the striker-plate 102, firmly securing the striker-plate 102 into a position for engagement with the end of the striker 100 when manipulated via the apparatus 10.

As depicted in FIG. 6, it is also envisioned that the apparatus 10 forms an element of an assembly or unit for a game-calling set. As depicted, the apparatus 10, the striker 100 and the striker-plate 102 are oriented to show the relative alignment of the three elements. Generally, only a striker 100 and striker plate 102 are utilized, wherein the end of the striker 100 communicates and moves across the striker-plate 102, generating an audible game call sound. In some product embodiments known in the art, the striker 100 is grasped in one hand and the striker-plate 102 is grasped in the other hand, and the two are brought into communication with one another. In later improvements, the striker-plate 102 has been equipped with some form of mounting device for attachment to a user's limb or other object, freeing one of the user's hands. By contrast, in the disclosed embodiments previously described, the striker 100 and striker-plate 102 may be grasped entirely in one hand, by aid of the apparatus 10, and utilized to generate an audible game-call sound. One advantage to this arrangement, and using a right-handed person as an example, a hunter may hold the weapon of choice in the left hand and grasp the apparatus 10 retaining the striker 100 therein and the strike-plate 102 entirely in the right hand. The user may move the thumb and/or index finger in such a manner to generate a reciprocating motion so that the striker 100 reciprocates across the top surface of the strike-plate 102, thereby generating the desired audible game-call sound. The arrangement further allows the user to quickly approach the trigger of the weapon with the index finger without having to place or stow the assembly (i.e. apparatus 10, striker 100 and strike-plate 102). It is envisioned that a hunter could quickly utilize the apparatus 10 and the assembly such that the hand is near the trigger area of the weapon, and the user generates the call-sound, and be in a quick position to engage the trigger (firing the weapon) on the game being stalked if it were to appear quickly. The aforementioned arrangement and nature of use permit the hunter to confidently and safely operate the weapon and the game-call assembly with apparatus 10 and obviating the need to use the game-call, stow it safely, sight in the prey and repeat this sequence again and again.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are not limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, including various combinations and sub-combinations that may not have been explicitly disclosed. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claimed appended hereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding a shaft of an elongated implement, the apparatus comprising:

a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width;

means for retaining the shaft at the body;

means for receiving at least one finger of a user's hand formed through at least one of the first side and the second side; and

retaining means transversely oriented to receiving means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a surface formed at an end of the body adjacent the receiving means, the surface communicating with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the surface comprises an arcuate sweep.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein retaining means is formed through the width of the body;

5. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a bushing accommodating strikers of various diameters.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein retaining means is coupled to the body.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein retaining means comprises a clip.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein retaining means comprises a tether.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving means comprises a surface formed to communicate with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger, the surface having an arcuate sweep from the first side or the second side.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receiving means is formed through the first side and the second side.

11. An apparatus for holding a game-calling striker, the apparatus comprising:

a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width

a channel formed through the width of the body, the channel receiving the shaft of the striker; and

a well formed in at least one of the first side or the second side of the body, the well accommodating at least one finger of a user.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a surface formed at an end of the body adjacent the well, the surface communicating with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the surface comprises an arcuate sweep.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the well comprises an arcuate sweep.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the well is formed through the first side and the second side.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the well comprises an arcuate sweep.

17. A game-calling apparatus comprising:

a plate;

a striker; and

a striker-holder comprising: a body having a first side opposite a second side, the first side and the second side separated by a width a channel formed through the width of the body, the channel receiving the shaft of the striker; and a well formed in at least one of the first side or the second side of the body, the well accommodating at least one finger of a user.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a surface formed at an end of the body adjacent the well, the surface communicating with the anterior phalangeal area of at least one finger.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the surface comprises an arcuate sweep.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the well comprises an arcuate sweep.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the well if formed through the first side and the second side.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the well comprises an arcuate sweep.