SHELL MITT SHELL CATCHER

Abstract

The disclosed apparatus provides a relatively light weight, adaptable spent shell catcher that is useable in a variety of shooting environments, for a variety of firearms, and for a variety of shooting positions.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to apparatus for capturing spent firearm shells or cartridges. In particular, the disclosure relates to an adaptable, modular, configurable apparatus capable of capturing spent firearm shells or cartridges in a variety of environments, for a variety of firearms, and for a variety of shooting positions.

BACKGROUND

Most rifles, pistols, shotguns, and other firearms eject a spent shell or cartridge in order to be able to load another round of ammunition into firing position for the firearm. The spent shell is often ejected into the air and left to fall to the ground which can cause a variety of hazards or other undesirable conditions. For example, at an indoor firing range, spent shells can get underfoot and cause a tripping or other hazard. Likewise, spent shells can cause similar undesirable and unsightly litter conditions at an outdoor firing range.

Furthermore, as the price of ammunition rises, it may be desirable to collect spent shells in order to reload them for subsequent reuse and recycling. However, often when one is shooting outdoors, spent shells can get lost in the underbrush or grass making retrieval inconvenient and tedious.

In addition, many shooting ranges, for example, those on National Park Service lands, often request that spent shells be collected and recycled. In some situations, and for the reasons noted above, it may often be difficult or inconvenient to collect spent shells after an extended period of shooting.

Existing systems and apparatus for collecting spent shells are inconvenient, especially for the disabled, expensive, or relatively inflexible and cannot adapt to a variety of shooting environments and conditions. For example, a shooter may want to practice shooting at a variety of moving targets (e.g., sporting clays, or the like) or at multiple targets that requires the shooter's position, and the ejection trajectory of the spent shell or casing, to vary making collection of the spent casing inconvenient.

Likewise, existing systems, standard shooting platforms, and apparatus for collecting spent shells are not easily adaptable to allow the shooter to practice from a variety of positions (e.g., standing, prone, kneeling, etc.) or for use by disabled shooters. Nor are existing systems easily adaptable to allow for the changing of the ejection point of the firearm that may occur, for example, when changing from a rifle to a pistol, or when changing from one rifle to another, etc. Other drawbacks and disadvantages of current systems and apparatus also exist.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the presently disclosed systems and apparatus reduce or eliminate the above-described disadvantages and drawbacks of current systems.

For example, some embodiments of the disclosed apparatus provide a relatively light weight, adaptable spent shell catcher that is useable in a variety of shooting environments, for a variety of firearms, and for a variety of shooting positions.

Accordingly, disclosed embodiments include a shell catcher apparatus for catching spent shells or cartridges fired from a firearm, the apparatus comprising a bench block assembly; a firearm rest; and a net assembly.

In some embodiments, the bench block assembly further comprises a hub configured to accept at least a portion of the firearm rest and enable to firearm rest to pivot about the hub.

In some embodiments, the firearm rest further comprises a pad; a spindle; and a net assembly coupler.

In some embodiments, the net assembly further comprise at least one net rod capable of supporting a catcher net in an adjustable manner; and a slide rod configured to enable the adjustable positioning of the net assembly with respect to the firearm rest.

In some embodiments the shell catcher apparatus further comprise at least one adjustable leg configured to adjust the height of the shell catcher apparatus.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises at least one bench top leg configured to enable the shell catcher apparatus to be usable while shooting from a bench top.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises an arm rod, wherein the arm rod is coupled to the shell catcher apparatus in a manner that enables a shooter to pivot at least the net assembly.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises a spacer configured to couple with the firearm rest and add space between the bench block assembly and the firearm rest.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises a remote net coupler configured to enable the attachment of the net assembly to a location other than the firearm rest.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprise a remote mount configured to enable at least the firearm rest and the net assemble to be mounted at a location other than the bench block assembly.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises one or more legs; and a storage net, wherein the storage net is mountable on the one or more legs.

Other embodiments, advantages, and features of the disclosed apparatus also exist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of some basic components for one embodiment of the disclosed apparatus.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show, respectively, a perspective and top down view of the bench block assembly 20 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partially assembled leg for the shell catcher apparatus in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of net assembly 70 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a firearm rest 80 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a firearm rest spacer 600 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an arm rod 740 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a bench top leg 90 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a remote net coupler 900 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rotatable leg coupler 950 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a storage net 1000 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a remote mount 1200 usable with some disclosed embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of some basic components for one embodiment of the disclosed apparatus. As shown, the shell catcher apparatus 10 may comprise a bench block assembly 20, bench block couplers 30, upper legs 40, leg couplers 50, lower legs 60, net assembly 70, and firearm rest 80. As is apparent, many of these components may have a number of variations and alternatives. In what follows, additional details and permutations of the shell catcher apparatus 10, and its components, are disclosed as examples of the flexible, adjustable, and versatile nature of the disclosed apparatus. Accordingly, the disclosed shell catcher apparatus 10 is not intended to be limited to particular components and examples disclosed herein.

In general, the shell catcher apparatus 10 may be constructed using a relatively light weight, but sturdy, material. For example, embodiments of the shell catcher apparatus may be constructed using plastics, wood, metals, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), rubber, or combinations of the same.

In addition, the shell catcher apparatus 10 may be constructed using substantially inter-changeable parts to facilitate, among other things, the ease of set-up, the change of set-up to various shooting positions, adjustment, and replacement. For example, in some embodiments upper legs 40 and lower legs 60 may be substantially identical and interchangeable. Likewise, for the tripod configuration shown in FIG. 1, the upper legs 40 may be interchangeable and the lower legs 60 may be interchangeable. Other components, for example, the below-described firearm rest, net assembly, and remote mounts, may also be designed to be interchangeable.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show, respectively, a perspective and top down view of the bench block assembly 20 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, some embodiments may comprise a bench block disk 200. While shown in the figures as a substantially circular disk, bench block disk 200 may have any suitable shape and may be made of any suitable material. Bench block assembly 20 may further comprise a center hub 202 and tripod studs 210. For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the center hub 202 and the tripod studs 210 are generally tubular and hollow, and sized to an appropriate length (approximately six inches for some embodiments) although other configurations are possible. Likewise for the tripod embodiments, three studs 210 are included, but more or fewer studs 210 may be included in other embodiments. In addition, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B show that the studs 210 may be evenly arranged about the disk 200 (e.g., at every 120°, but other configurations may also be used.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partially assembled leg for the shell catcher apparatus in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in the figure, a number of couplers can be used to join components together. For example, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where a male bench block coupler 30 (e.g., a suitably split and chamfered rod) is intended to mate by insertion with a female end of the bench block assembly 20 (e.g., in the hollow end of tripod stud 210). Similarly, leg coupler 50 is shown as a compression-type coupler that allows upper leg 40 to slide within to a desired position and then, by tightening the coupler 50 the upper leg 40 can be held in place. Other types of couplers, such as threaded portions, latches, adhesives, bolts, clamps, or the like may also be used for any of the couplers disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, cooperation of the bench block couplers 30 and leg couplers 60 enable the shell catcher apparatus to be positioned in the desired location to catch spent shells. For example, for the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, upper leg 40 may be slid in or out of leg coupler 50 until the desired height is reached. Then, by tightening the coupler 50, the upper leg 50 may be held in place at the desired height. Depending upon the terrain, each leg may be adjusted independently to allow for stable positioning when in use. Likewise, the arrangement can be reversed so that lower legs 60 are adjustable, or both upper legs 40 and lower legs 60 may be independently adjustable. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of net assembly 70 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, net assembly 70 may comprise a catcher net 702 which may be any suitable net, pouch, sleeve, basket, or the like to capture the ejected shells or casings. In some embodiments catcher net 702 may comprise canvas, burlap, nylon, plastic, high-density polyethylene fibers (e.g., Tyvek®), or the like, in order to provide a relatively lightweight, durable, and flexible net for catching expended shells while substantially maintaining its shape without collapsing.

Catcher net 702 may be of any suitable shape and size. In some embodiments, catcher net is generally shaped as shown and may further comprise appropriate straps, pockets, sleeves, edges, or other support members in order to facilitate keeping catcher net 702 in an appropriate configuration to catch spent shells, as well as maintain structural depth and shape. Furthermore, catcher net 702 may be shaped as shown to facilitate easy removal of the spent shells once a number have collected in the net 702. For example, the catcher net 702 may be turned upside down to empty the spent shells. Other configurations, such as flaps, zippers, snap closures, or the like are also possible.

In addition, net assembly 70 may also comprise a number of net rods 710 to hold the catcher net 702 in a desired configuration. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4, two net rods 710 may be positioned in sleeves or pockets in the catcher net 702 in order to hold the net in position, or vary the shape of the net (e.g., by pivoting the rods). The net rods 710 may be coupled, through couplers 730, to a slide rod 720. In some embodiments, net rod couplers 730 may comprise a snap-fit connector, or the like, that enables the net rods 710 to be securely held in an adjustable manner so that the height, horizontal position, and rotational angle of the catcher net 702 may be varied with respect to the slide rod 720. As discussed previously, any suitable coupler may be used for net couplers 730.

FIG. 5 illustrates a firearm rest 80 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, firearm rest 80 may comprise a rest pad 800 upon which a shooter may rest an arm, hand, or firearm, when shooting. Rest pad 800 may comprise any suitable material and shape. For example, rest pad 800 may comprise foam, rubber, plastic, cloth, or other suitable material. In addition, rest pad 800 may have a texture or may be have a surface treatment that reduces slippage. Other configurations are also possible.

Some embodiments of firearm rest 80 may also comprise a spindle 810 or other post or axel for mounting the firearm rest 80. For example, in some embodiments, spindle 810 may fit through center hub 202 of the bench block assembly 20 in such a manner so as to enable rotation of the firearm rest about the central axis of the center hub 202. Other configurations, such as reversal of the male and female mating parts, are possible.

As also shown in FIG. 5, firearm rest 80 may also include a net assembly coupler 820. The net assembly coupler 820 may comprise a suitable coupler for attaching the net assembly 70 to the firearm rest 80. For example, some embodiments of the net assembly coupler 820 may comprise a snap fit coupler that engages the slide rod 720 of the net assembly 70 in such a manner as to enable slidable adjustment of the net assembly with respect to the firearm rest. The coupler 820 enables a catch net assembly 70 that joins the apparatus in a location that is substantially adjacent the firearm rest 80. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 6 illustrates a firearm rest spacer 600 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, one or more spacers 600 may be used to adjust the height of the firearm rest pad 800. Spacer 600 may comprise any suitable shape, thickness, and material capable of adding distance between the firearm rest pad 800 and the bench block assembly 20. For example, one or more conveniently sized spacers 600 (e.g., 1″, 2″, etc.) may be used to quickly adjust the height of the firearm rest 80. As shown in FIG. 6, some embodiments of the spacer 600 may be generally circular with a central through hole to allow spindle 810 to pass through the spacer 600 and into center hub 202. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 7 illustrates an arm rod 740 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. In some situations, it may be desirable to enable the shell catcher apparatus 10 to “follow” the shooter as the shooter moves to shoot at various, potentially moving, targets. In such situations, as well as others, an arm rod 740 may be coupled to the shell catcher apparatus 10 so that the shooter's arm, hand, or firearm, engages the arm rod 740 and pivots the net assembly 70. Any suitable shape for the arm rod 740 may be employed. For example, a generally curved arm rod 740 may be implemented in order to enable the shooter to place an arm inside the curve and move the firearm rest 80 accordingly.

In addition, arm rod 740 may be coupled to the apparatus 10 in any suitable manner. For example, arm rod 740 may be coupled, through coupler 750, to the slide rod 720 of the net assembly 70. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a bench top leg 90 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, bench top leg 90 may comprise a shortened leg configured to mate with tripod stud 210 of the bench block assembly 20 and enable a shooter to adapt the shell catcher apparatus 10 for use in a sitting, prone, bench-top, or numerous other shooting positions or shooting environments. As shown bench top leg 90 may comprise a generally Y-shaped leg that engages the tripod stud 210 and enables sturdy operation of the shell catcher apparatus 10. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a remote net coupler 900 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. In some situations it may be desirable to shoot from a prone or kneeling position, or to be able to position the net assembly 70 at a remote location. In such embodiments, a remote net coupler 900 may be implemented to attach the net assembly 70 at a location other than the firearm rest 80. Accordingly, a coupler may be implemented that attaches to slide rod 720 and some other point, for example, upper leg 40, lower leg 60, or some other convenient point. For example, remote net coupler 900 may comprise a snap fit coupler, clamp, or some other coupler that enables the net assembly 70 to be attached in a convenient place. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rotatable leg coupler 950 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. In some situations, it may be desirable to enable another degree of freedom to position the shell catcher apparatus 10. For example, it may be desirable to incline, decline, or otherwise pivot the apparatus 10. In such embodiments, a rotatable coupler 950 may be used to couple bench block assembly 20 to the legs (e.g., upper leg 40). Any suitable rotatable coupler 950 may be used, such as a two-member and bolt coupler as shown in FIG. 10. The rotatable leg coupler 950 may be fixed, or otherwise permanently attached to the legs, or the bench block assembly 20, or may be attached with the various quick-connect couplers as disclosed herein. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 11 illustrates a storage net 1000 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. In some situations it may be desirable to provide a shelf, pouch, or other structure capable of storing additional items (e.g., ammunition, additional firearms, etc.). In such embodiments, a storage net 1000 may be included in apparatus 10. For example, storage net 1000 may comprise a net or other shelf that spans the space below the legs (e.g., upper legs 40 or lower legs 60) and attaches to the legs with a suitable coupler 1010. For example, storage net 1000 may clip, buckle, tie, or otherwise connect via coupler 1010 and provide a space to store additional items, add ballast to stabilize the apparatus 10, or any other suitable purpose. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 12 illustrates a remote mount 1200 usable with some disclosed embodiments. In some situations it may be desirable to mount the shell catcher apparatus 10 in a remote location such as a hunting blind or stand, or the like. In such embodiments, a remote mount 1200 may be provided to couple, for example, the firearm rest 80 and net assembly 70 to remote attachment point. A coupler 1202 may be provided to secure the apparatus 10 in place. Any suitable coupler 1202, such as a clamp, snap-fit coupler, or the like may be implemented. Other configurations are also possible.

As should be apparent from the foregoing, the disclosed shell catcher apparatus 10 provides a relatively lightweight, sturdy, and adaptable apparatus to enable a shooter to catch spent shells or cartridges in a wide variety of shooting positions and environments. For example, a shooter may adjust the upper legs 40 and lower legs 60 and position the net assembly 70 to catch spent shells shot from a hand gun resting on the firearm rest 80. The shooter may then attach arm rod 740 and take target practice at a moving target, or series of spaced-apart targets, while pivoting the net assembly 70 and firearm rest 80 to follow the targets. The shooter may then reconfigure the apparatus 10 to remove the upper and lower legs (40 and 60) and attach bench top legs 90 to shoot from a bench top position. In addition, net assembly 70 may be reversed and attached to the firearm rest 80 so that the net assembly 70 is substantially in front of and over the firearm rest 80 (i.e., with nothing in the way of a freely moving firearm) in order to enable free firearm shooting (i.e., without use of the firearm rest to support the shooter's firearm, hand or arm). As should be apparent almost limitless combinations may be implemented.

Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A shell catcher apparatus for catching spent shells or cartridges fired from a firearm, the apparatus comprising:

a bench block assembly;

a firearm rest; and

a net assembly.

2. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bench block assembly further comprises:

a hub configured to accept at least a portion of the firearm rest and enable to firearm rest to pivot about the hub.

3. The shell catcher of claim 1 wherein the firearm rest further comprises:

a pad;

a spindle; and

a net assembly coupler.

4. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 wherein the net assembly further comprises:

at least one net rod capable of supporting a catcher net in an adjustable manner; and

a rod configured to enable the adjustable positioning of the net assembly independent of the firearm rest.

5. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one adjustable leg configured to adjust the height of the shell catcher apparatus.

6. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one bench top leg configured to enable the shell catcher apparatus to be usable while shooting from a bench top.

7. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rod, wherein the rod is coupled to the shell catcher apparatus in a manner that enables a shooter to pivot the net assembly and adjust the horizontal positioning of the net independent of the firearm rest.

8. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a spacer configured to couple with the firearm rest and add space between the bench block assembly and the firearm rest.

9. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a remote net coupler configured to enable the attachment of the net assembly to a location other than the firearm rest.

10. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a remote mount configured to enable at least the firearm rest and the net assemble to be mounted at a location other than the bench block assembly.

11. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

one or more legs; and

a storage net, wherein the storage net is mountable on the one or more legs.

12. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bench block assembly, firearm rest, or net assembly further comprise detachable and substantially interchangeable component parts.