FIREARM REAR BIPOD
A rear bipod firearm mount for mounting to a firearm stock includes a housing adapted to mount to a firearm stock. A pair of pivot elements are each rotatably mounted to one side of the housing. A pair of bipod legs are each located on one side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to one of the pair of pivot elements. Each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing. Each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
The present invention relates to firearm rear bipods. More particularly, the invention relates to a rear bipod for attachment to the butt of a rifle stock for use in precision shooting.
BACKGROUNDThere is a growing enthusiasm for precision target shooting as a hobby. Precision shooting as addressed here includes target shooting using a rifle or another long gun. The distances and targets used in precision shooting require an extremely stable set up of the firearm and shooter. For example, competitive shooting is done at distances that may exceed 600 yards or more with targets no larger than a milk bottle.
Bipods and mounting devices for attaching to and supporting firearms are generally available. However, most currently known bipod devices and methods used for stabilizing a firearm are not designed for attachment to the butt of a rifle stock. Typically, for precision shooting, methods for stabilizing the stock include hand placement and manipulation of sand bags, monopods or the like as selected according to the shooter's individually preferred positioning.
Unfortunately, using sandbags or monopods do not uniformly provide the desired rigidity combined with elevation control and personally tailored positioning. While crude scissors style rear mounts are available, these do not provide the stability or flexibility desired for precision target shooting. Since currently available bipods are designed for mounting on the front of a firearm, such devices offer a limited range of motion and are not suitable for rear mounting.
In response to the deficiencies noted in known stabilizing devices, the present invention provides a rear mounting bipod that offers a range of movement sufficient to allow a user to comfortably stabilize a firearm for precision shooting.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREThis summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
A rear bipod firearm mount, for mounting to a firearm stock is disclosed. In some examples, the rear bipod firearm mount comprises a housing, having a top surface, opposing sides and a saddle affixed to the top surface, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock. A pair of pivot elements are each rotatably mounted to one of the opposing sides of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface. A pair of bipod legs are each located on one side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements. Each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
While the novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as to organization and content, will be better understood and appreciated, along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
In the drawings, identical reference numbers call out similar elements or components. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe following disclosure describes a firearm rear bipod. Several features of methods and systems in accordance with example embodiments are set forth and described in the figures. It will be appreciated that methods and systems in accordance with other example embodiments can include additional procedures or features different than those shown in the figures. Example embodiments are described herein with respect to a firearm rear bipod having bipod legs that are independently adjustable in a wide range of combinations of swivel angles and transverse angles. However, it will be understood that these examples are for the purpose of illustrating the principles, and that the invention is not so limited.
DefinitionsGenerally, as used herein, the following terms have the following meanings, unless the use in context dictates otherwise:
The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims or the specification means one or more than one, unless the context dictates otherwise. The term “about” means the stated value plus or minus the margin of error of measurement or plus or minus 10% if no method of measurement is indicated. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or if the alternatives are mutually exclusive. The terms “comprise”, “have”, “include” and “contain” (and their variants) are open-ended linking verbs and allow the addition of other elements when used in a claim.
Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “an example embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or combinations and/or variations of these terms means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
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In one useful example, the housing 5 is a unitary block that may be molded, machine or milled to provide a stock saddle, connecting channels and other apertures. An aperture 40 is sized to receive a (not shown) rifle sling stud, for example, for attachment to a rifle butt. A fastening device, such as a nut and bolt arrangement, may be used to fasten the housing 5 to the rifle butt. Built into the top surface 3 of the housing 5 is a stock saddle 25. The stock saddle 25 may have a shape that conforms to receive a rifle stock. For example, the stock saddle 25 in combination with the top surface 3 may have a generally “U-shaped” cross-section when taken in a direction running perpendicular to the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the saddle may be removable and interchangeable with other saddles of varying sizes to accommodate different rifle stocks.
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In operation, when either bipod leg is positioned into a particular swivel angle, the slots in the pivot element 20 may advantageously produce a clicking noise and resistance for the user in order to give it a more sensory feeling and to provide a more definite setting. Similarly, the compression springs 118 may advantageously provide a clicking noise and resistance to the user when the user is setting a preferred pivot angle transverse to the central body. Each bipod leg operates similarly, but independently.
Now turning to the latching mechanism, the first latching element 44 is held in a channel 160 (as shown in a partially cutaway view above with respect to
Each bipod leg 10R, 10L may comprise at least first and second elongated linear leg elements 11, 12. Alternatively, a plurality of leg extension elements may be included for varying length as desired. The elements may be connected by means of a threaded coupler 120 or other well-known coupling means. In other example embodiments, the bipod legs may comprise telescoping or other known types of extendible members. As best seen in
In some examples the rear bipod firearm mount for mounting to a firearm stock comprises a housing, having a top surface and opposing sides, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is rotatably mounted to one side of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; where each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
In another example, the bipod firearm mount further comprises a saddle attached to the top surface of the housing, the saddle being adapted to receive a firearm stock.
In another example, the saddle is integral to the housing.
In another example, the saddle comprises a removable and interchangeable part.
In another example, the housing comprises apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.
In another example, a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions is contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, are connected to each bipod leg.
In another example, the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.
In yet another example, the notched wheel mechanism is aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.
In another example, the housing comprises a plurality of enclosed detent channels for holding the detent elements; a plurality of enclosed receiving channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed detent channels to receive the pivot elements; and a plurality of latch channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed receiving channels to receive the latching elements.
In another example, each pivot element is rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.
In yet another example the components may be included in a kit for a rear bipod firearm mount comprising a housing, having a saddle, top surface and opposing sides, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock; a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is adapted to be rotatably mounted to one side of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface; a pair of bipod legs, one of each is adapted to be located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is adapted to be rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements; where each pivot element adapted to allow a connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and where each bipod leg further adapted to be rotated about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
In another example of a kit, a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions is contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, is connected to each bipod leg.
In another example of a kit, the housing apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.
In another example of a kit, the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism adapted to be rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.
In another example of a kit, the notched wheel mechanism is adapted to be aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.
In another example of a kit, each pivot element is adapted to be rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is adapted to be captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.
The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles of the present invention, and to construct and use such exemplary and specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention may be carried out by different equipment, and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, may be accomplished without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A rear bipod firearm mount, for mounting to a firearm stock, the rear bipod firearm mount comprising:
- a housing, having a top surface and opposing sides, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock;
- a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is rotatably mounted on opposing sides of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface;
- a pair of bipod legs, one of each is located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements;
- where each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to independently swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and
- where each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
2. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 further comprising a saddle adapted to snugly receive a firearm stock.
3. The bipod firearm mount of claim 2 wherein the saddle is integral to the housing.
4. The bipod firearm mount of claim 2 wherein the saddle comprises a removable and interchangeable part.
5. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 further comprising a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, connected to each bipod leg.
6. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.
7. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.
8. The bipod firearm mount of claim 7 wherein the notched wheel mechanism is aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.
9. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises:
- a plurality of enclosed detent channels for holding the detent elements;
- a plurality of enclosed receiving channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed detent channels to receive the pivot elements; and
- a plurality of latch channels located perpendicularly to the enclosed receiving channels to receive the latching elements.
10. The bipod firearm mount of claim 1 wherein each pivot element is rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.
11. A kit for a rear bipod firearm mount comprising:
- a housing, having a top surface, opposing sides and a saddle affixed to the top surface, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock;
- a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is adapted to be rotatably mounted to one side of the housing, where each pivot element includes a mounting surface;
- a pair of bipod legs, one of each is adapted to be located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is adapted to be rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements;
- where each pivot element is adapted to allow a connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and
- where each bipod leg is further adapted to be rotated about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
12. The kit of claim 11 wherein the saddle is built in integral to the housing.
13. The kit of claim 12 wherein the saddle comprises symmetrical opposing portions.
14. The kit of claim 12 wherein the saddle comprises a removable, interchangeable saddle.
15. The kit of claim 11 further comprising a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, connected to each bipod leg.
16. The kit of claim 11 wherein the housing includes a top portion and a symmetrical bottom portion adapted to be coupled to each other to form apertures and channels for receiving connecting elements.
17. The kit of claim 11 wherein the pivot elements comprise a notched wheel mechanism adapted to be rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing.
18. The bipod firearm mount of claim 17 wherein the notched wheel mechanism is adapted to be aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements.
19. The bipod firearm mount of claim 11 wherein each pivot element is adapted to be rotatably connected to each bipod leg and each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is adapted to be captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents.
20. A rear bipod firearm mount, for mounting to a firearm stock, the rear bipod firearm mount comprising:
- a housing, having a top surface, opposing sides and a saddle integrated into the top of the housing, the housing being adapted to mount to a firearm stock;
- wherein the saddle is adapted to snugly receive a firearm stock;
- a pair of pivot elements, where one of each is rotatably mounted to one of the opposing sides of the housing, where the pivot elements include a mounting surface, wherein the pivot elements each comprise a notched wheel mechanism rotatably mounted within a channel of the housing, and wherein the notched wheel mechanism is aligned with a plurality of detent channels containing detent elements, wherein each pivot element is rotatably connected to each bipod leg, and wherein each bipod leg includes a plurality of detents arranged in a circular pattern around a slot, wherein a pair of tension springs is mounted between a pair of balls within the pivot element and is captured by an aligned pair of the plurality of detents;
- a pair of bipod legs, one of each is located on each side of the housing and each of the pair of bipod legs is rotatably connected to the mounting surface of one of the pair of pivot elements;
- a latching mechanism having a pair of first latching portions contained in the housing and a pair of second, mating latching portions, connected to each bipod leg;
- where each pivot element allows its connected bipod leg to swivel around the housing substantially up to 360°; and
- where each bipod leg further can rotate about the mounting surface up to 180° to form an angle transverse to the housing and each bipod leg can be independently positioned with respect to the other.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 31, 2016
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Inventor: Jerod Scalf (Olympia, WA)
Application Number: 15/253,322