FIREARM STABILIZING DEVICE WITH TETHER

Abstract

A firearm stabilizing device includes a base that is attached or attachable to a garment. The base includes an array of one or more magnets, at least one of the magnets of the array being an attractive magnet configured to cause a firearm magnet that is incorporated into a stock of the firearm to adhere to the base when brought into magnetic range of the attractive magnet. A tether connection structure is configured to enable mechanical suspension of the firearm from the base when the attractive magnet does not cause the firearm magnet to adhere to the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearm stabilizing devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a firearm stabilizing device with a tether.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rifles are used by security personnel, hunters, sports shooters, and others. In order for the rifle to be accurately aimed at a target and avoid pain or injury due to recoil, the rifle must be held properly. It is generally recommended that, when a rifle is properly held, the butt of a rifle should be firmly placed where the upper arm joins the shoulder. This position is often referred to as the shoulder pocket.

Members of security forces and others may wear or carry various items that could interfere with proper holding of the rifle. For example, a military vest, which is generally thicker and stiffer than typical civilian clothing, may cover the shoulder pocket and interfere with support of the rifle butt. This problem may be exacerbated when the vest includes body armor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a firearm stabilizing device including: a base, attached or attachable to a garment, the base including an array of one or more magnets, at least one of the magnets of the array being an attractive magnet configured to cause a firearm magnet that is incorporated into a stock of the firearm to adhere to the base when brought into magnetic range of the attractive magnet; and a tether connection structure configured to enable mechanical suspension of the firearm from the base when the attractive magnet does not cause the firearm magnet to adhere to the base.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base is attached to the garment such that, when the garment is worn by a user, the base is located at the shoulder pocket of the user.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base includes a receptacle for holding one or more of the array of magnets.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the attractive magnet is in the form of a rectangular box, the largest faces of the magnet being pole faces.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the array of magnets further includes a repulsive magnet that is configured to be placed into the receptacle such that the firearm magnet is repelled by repulsive magnet.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the repulsive magnet is in the form of an elongated rectangular box with square transverse cross section.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base includes an attachment structure that is attached to the base is configured to attach the base to a garment.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment structure includes a strap.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, distal ends of the strap include hook-and-loop fasteners.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment structure includes a loop or a clip.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment structure is configured to attach the base to the garment such that, when the garment is worn by a user, the base is located at a shoulder pocket of the user.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tether connection structure includes a loop.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tether connection structure includes a clip.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the base includes a patch.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the patch includes a layer of cloth.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a tether of adjustable length whose proximal end is connectable to the tether connection structure and whose distal end is connectable to the firearm.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tether includes a proximal section that includes a strap that is connectable to the tether connection structure, and a detachable distal section that is configured to attach to the firearm. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the proximal section and the distal section includes a component of a side release buckle for attaching the distal section to the proximal section.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tether includes at least one slider for adjusting the length.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tether connection structure is located at a bottom edge of the base when the base is attached to a garment that is being worn by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the present invention, to be better understood and for its practical applications to be appreciated, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a front side of a firearm stabilizing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a rear side of the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a support magnet array in a receptacle of the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the support magnet array shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a magnetic recoil pad of a firearm that is configured to be supported by the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a side view of the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1A supporting the magnetic recoil pad shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a schematic front view of the firearm stabilizing device and recoil pad shown in FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently. Unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction “or” as used herein is to be understood as inclusive (any or all of the stated options).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a firearm stabilizing device includes a base that may be attached to a garment that is worn by the user. For example, the base may be incorporated into the garment (e.g., stitched, sewn, or otherwise held between two layers of the garment), or may include structure to enable attaching the base to the garment or detaching the base from the garment. As used herein, a garment may refer to a vest, shirt, trouser, coat, harness, belt, strap, or other garment or equipment that may be worn, wrapped around, or that may be otherwise securely carried by a user in a hands-free manner. In some cases, the vest or other garment may incorporate body armor. The base is configured to carry an assembly of one or more support or stabilizing magnets. The base is further configured for attachment of a proximal end of a tether whose distal end is attachable to a firearm.

The array of stabilizing magnets may be inserted into a receptacle, such as a pocket, cavity, or holding structure of the firearm stabilizing device base. Alternatively or in addition, part or all of the array may be permanently incorporated into the base (e.g., by stitching, to the base, or otherwise being permanently enclosed or encased in a component of the base). The magnet array holding structure is configured to be placed and held on the body of a person (herein referred to as a user) who intends to handle (e.g., aim or fire) the firearm. For example, the magnet array holding structure may be placed at a shoulder pocket of the user, or at another location on the user's body that is suitable for placement of part of the firearm.

The array of magnets is configured to support a part of a firearm, typically a stock of a firearm, at a predetermined position relative to the base. For example, the stock may incorporate a firearm magnet that is configured to be attracted to and adhere to an attractive magnet in the base when the firearm magnet is within magnetic range of the magnet array. As used herein, magnetic range refers to a distance between the firearm magnet and the magnet array, or, more particularly, between the firearm magnet and an attractive magnet of the magnet array, that is sufficiently small such that the magnetic attraction between the firearm magnet and the magnetic array is sufficient to pull the firearm magnet (and any firearm or part of firearm in which the firearm magnet is incorporated) toward the magnet array so as to adhere to the magnet array.

In addition to the magnet array, the firearm stabilizing device includes a tether connection structure. When the firearm stabilizing device is attached to a vest or other garment that is being worn by a user, the tether connection structure may be configured to enable mechanical suspension of the firearm from the base, e.g., when the firearm magnet does not adhere to the magnet array in the base. For example, a tether of adjustable length may be connected to the tether connection structure. As used herein, mechanical suspension or connection of a firearm to the firearm stabilizing device refers to suspension or connection that continues to hold the firearm to the firearm stabilizing device (e.g., when all parts remain unbroken and in working order) until a deliberate action is perform to disconnect the firearm from the firearm stabilizing device. As used herein, mechanical suspension or connection refers to suspension that is effected by mechanical properties of a material (e.g., elasticity, plasticity, material strength, coefficient of friction, or other mechanical properties), and not by magnetic, electrostatic, chemical, or other non-mechanical adhesive forces.

Thus, a user may be able to release the firearm to free the user's hands for other activity. A distal end of a tether that is connectable to the tether connection structure may be configured to attach to the firearm or to a strap or tether that is attachable to the firearm. When the firearm support strap is attached to the firearm, the firearm support strap may prevent the firearm from being dropped or misplaced. The tether may be adjustable to be sufficiently long to enable suspending the firearm at a comfortable or convenient height (e.g., close to the user's hands or arms or elsewhere), and to enable raising the firearm such that the firearm magnet engages the array of stabilizing magnets. Thus, the firearm may be conveniently carried by the user while leaving the user's hands free, but may be quickly and readily stabilized and deployed when raised to firing position (e.g., with the firearm stock near the user's shoulder pocket) to enable accurate aiming by the user.

The support magnet assembly is configured to magnetically engage a cooperating assembly of one or more magnets that is located within the firearm. Engagement of the firearm magnet assembly by the support magnet assembly may assist in supporting the firearm in a desired position. For example, the support magnet assembly may be placed at a selected location on the body of the user. The firearm magnet assembly may be located on a part of the firearm that is configured to rest against the part of the body (e.g., the shoulder pocket or another part) over which the support magnet assembly is to be placed. The support magnet assembly may then attract the firearm magnet assembly to hold the part of the firearm against the location of the body of the user. Assistance in supporting the firearm by the support magnet assembly may remove some of the weight of the firearm from the user's hands and arms. When the support magnet assembly is placed at the shoulder pocket, the assistance in holding the stock of the firearm in place may reduce or eliminate the need for the user's cheek to apply force to the stock to prevent the firearm from slipping during firing of the firearm.

For example, the firearm may include a rifle. A typical rifle may be designed for aiming and firing when the butt of the rifle is resting in the shoulder pocket of a user (e.g., the ventral side of the shoulder joint where the upper arm attaches to the shoulder). In this case, the firearm stabilizing device may be attached to or incorporated into a portion of a vest that is configured to cover the shoulder pocket of a user when the vest is worn. For example, the firearm stabilizing device may be attached to a shoulder strap of an armored vest near the attachment of the shoulder strap to a front plate or section of the vest. The support magnet assembly may, therefore, be located, except for the thickness of the vest, at the shoulder pocket of the user. The firearm magnet assembly may be incorporated into a butt of the rifle. For example, the firearm magnet assembly may be incorporated into the stock of the rifle, e.g., by replacing the entire rifle stock. In some cases, the firearm magnet assembly may be attached to or incorporated into an existing rifle stock. For example, a recoil pad that incorporates the firearm magnet assembly may be attached to the butt of the rifle (e.g., by replacing an existing recoil pad of a stock of the rifle). Proper stabilization of other types of firearms, other than rifles, may require different placement of the support magnet assembly and of the firearm magnet assembly.

In some cases, the firearm magnet assembly may include a single magnet. The single magnet may be oriented such that one of the pole faces of the magnet is oriented parallel to a surface of the firearm (e.g., the rifle butt in the example above) that is configured to contact and be held a surface the firearm stabilizing device. The support magnet assembly may include at least one magnet that is oriented so as to attract the magnet of the firearm magnet assembly. For example, the attractive magnet of the support magnet assembly may have the form of a rectangular box (or cuboid), where all of the faces are rectangular. Two opposite faces of the attractive magnet function as pole faces (the magnetic field that is created by the magnet being strongest at the pole faces). In particular, the two opposite largest faces of the rectangular box may serve as the pole faces of the magnet. The orientation of the poles of the attractive magnet when incorporated into the firearm stabilizing device is such as to attract a surface of the firearm that includes the firearm magnet (e.g., the butt of a rifle or elsewhere). Thus, when the firearm magnet assembly is brought near the support magnet assembly, the poles of the magnet of the firearm magnet assembly are oriented parallel (both in orientation and magnetic polarity) to the attractive magnet of the support magnet assembly (such that the unlike poles face one another).

In some cases, the support magnet assembly may include more than one magnet. In an example of such a case, one magnet of the support magnet assembly (e.g., typically the largest or strongest magnet of the support magnet assembly) may be configured to attract the magnet of the firearm magnet assembly. A magnet that is adjacent to the attractive magnet may be configured to repel the magnet of the firearm magnet assembly. For example, the poles of the adjacent magnet may be antiparallel to the poles of the attractive magnet (such that like poles face one another). The repulsion by the adjacent magnet may serve to guide the firearm magnet assembly to a predetermined region of the firearm stabilizing device. For example, the repulsive magnet may be in the form of an elongated rectangular box with square transverse cross section, where two of the opposite long sides serve as pole faces.

The firearm stabilizing device base may be attached to a vest that is to be worn by a user. For example, the firearm stabilizing device base may be provided with structure that enables attachment of the firearm stabilizing device to a loop, strap, receptacle, or other structure on the vest. The firearm stabilizing device base may include flaps that may be fastened around a strap of the vest. The flaps may include hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro™), snaps, buttons, latches, zippers, or other fastening structure.

A proximal end of a firearm tether is configured to be attached to the firearm stabilizing device base. A distal end of a firearm tether of the firearm stabilizing device is configured to attach to the firearm. For example, a firearm stabilizing device strap of the firearm tether may be configured to hold the firearm when the user's hands are not holding the firearm. In this manner, the firearm stabilizing device strap may prevent the firearm from damage if the firearm is dropped Similarly, the firearm stabilizing device strap may prevent the firearm from becoming separated from the user in the event that the firearm has been set down or released by the user. In some cases, the firearm tether may be configured to enable quick attachment of the firearm to the firearm stabilizing device, or quick detachment of the firearm from the firearm stabilizing device.

The manner with which the firearm tether is configured to hold the firearm may be specific to a particular firearm or to a specific type of firearm. In some cases, the firearm tether may include a single firearm stabilizing device strap whose distal end may be configured (e.g., with a buckle or otherwise) to attach to a loop or handle of the firearm. In some cases, the distal end of the firearm stabilizing device strap may terminate with connection structure. For example, the connection structure may include male or female a side release buckle or other structure that enables quick connection and disconnection. The connection structure may engage mating connection structure that is attached to the firearm.

In some cases, the proximal end of the firearm tether may include the firearm stabilizing device strap, while the distal end includes a detachable firearm strap. For example, the connection structure may include male or female a side release buckle or other structure that enables quick connection and disconnection. The firearm strap may be attached to structure of the firearm.

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a front side of a firearm stabilizing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a rear side of the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1A.

As used herein, a front side of firearm stabilizing device 10, or of a component of firearm stabilizing device 10, refers to a side that, when in use to support or stabilize a firearm, is configured to face outward from the user's body, toward the supported firearm (referred to herein as a frontward or forward direction). The rear side, as used herein, refers to a side of firearm stabilizing device 10, or of a component of firearm stabilizing device 10, that faces inward, toward the user's body (referred to herein as a rearward direction), when in use to support or stabilize a firearm.

In some cases, firearm stabilizing device base 13 of firearm stabilizing device 10 may be configured to attach to a vertical strap or loop of a vest. Alternatively or in addition, a firearm stabilizing device may be configured to attach to a horizontal strap or loop, or to other structure of a vest, or another garment or piece of equipment, that is worn or otherwise carried in a hands-free manner by a user of a firearm. Alternatively or in addition, firearm stabilizing device 10 may be incorporated into a vest or other garment in a manner that does not enable removal or attachment by the user (e.g., without access to special equipment, such as a sewing machine).

Garment attachment structure 14 of firearm stabilizing device 10 may include a strap, as shown, or other structure that is configured to attach to a strap or loop of a vest (to be understood as being representative of any garment). As firearm stabilizing device 10 may typically be used, garment attachment structure 14 is configured to attach to a vertical strap. When garment attachment structure 14 is opened, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one or both of attachment strap ends 14a may be wrapped around the vertical strap or loop. Attachment strap ends 14a of garment attachment structure 14 may be closed to maintain garment attachment structure 14 in a closed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A). For example, the distal end of each attachment strap end 14a may include a hook-and-loop fastener surface 16. In the example shown, each hook-and-loop fastener surface 16 on one side of garment attachment structure 14 (e.g., the front side of garment attachment structure 14 that is visible in FIG. 1A, or the rear side that is visible in FIG. 1B) includes hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 16 in the form of loop surfaces, while the other side includes a hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 16 in the form of hook surfaces. Thus, attachment strap ends 14a may be attached to one another without regard to which of attachment strap ends 14a is on top of the other. Alternatively or in addition, other structure (e.g., one or more snap fasteners, buttons, zippers, buckles, clips, or other appropriate structure) may be provided for attachment of attachment strap ends 14a to one another.

In addition, firearm stabilizing device base 13 may include attachment loop 15. For example, a strap or belt of a vest may be caused to pass through attachment loop 15. Thus, attachment loop 15 may assist in maintaining firearm stabilizing device 10 at a desired orientation relative to the vest.

In addition, firearm stabilizing device base 13 may include attachment clip 17. For example, an attachment clip 17 may be attached to strap or loop of a vest. Thus, attachment clip 17 may assist in maintaining firearm stabilizing device 10 at a desired orientation relative to the vest.

For example, one or more of garment attachment structure 14, attachment loop 15, and attachment clip 17 may be attached to one or more appropriate straps or loops of a vest such that firearm stabilizing device 10 is located at the shoulder pocket of a user.

Firearm stabilizing device 10 includes tether connection structure 19 to enable mechanical connection of firearm tether 21 to firearm stabilizing device 10. Firearm tether 21 may impede or prevent separation of a firearm from firearm stabilizing device 10. Tether connection structure 19 may be located on firearm stabilizing device base 13 such that tether connection structure 19 is located at a bottom edge of firearm stabilizing device base 13 when firearm stabilizing device base 13 is attached to a garment that is being worn by a user in an intended manner. Alternatively or in addition, tether connection structure 19 may be located elsewhere on firearm stabilizing device base 13.

A proximal end of firearm tether 21 may be mechanically connected to tether connection structure 19 on firearm stabilizing device base 13. For example, a proximal end of firearm stabilizing device strap 18 of firearm tether 21 may be connected to tether connection structure 19 of firearm stabilizing device base 13. Tether connection structure 19 may include one or more of a loop 23, clip 25 (e.g., for connection to a loop 31 at the proximal end of firearm tether 21 or firearm stabilizing device strap 18), or another type of buckle, clip, or other type of attachment or connection structure. A proximal end of firearm tether 21 may include a loop 31 (e.g., for mechanical attachment to clip 25 or other structure of tether connection structure 19) or other structure that is configured to mechanically connect to tether connection structure 19. Alternatively or in addition, firearm tether 21 or support strap 18 may be otherwise permanently (e.g., by stitching, riveting, stapling, or otherwise) or detatchably (e.g., by one or more hooks, latches, buckles, snaps, buttons, laces, knots, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, pins, screws, or other detachable structure) mechanically connected to firearm stabilizing device base 13. Tether connection structure 19 may be configured to impede or prevent unintentional detachment of firearm tether 21 or firearm stabilizing device strap 18 from firearm stabilizing device base 13.

When a firearm is attached to firearm stabilizing device strap 18, firearm tether 21 of firearm stabilizing device 10 may prevent a firearm that is dropped or released by the user's hands from becoming separated from the user. For example, a distal end of firearm stabilizing device strap 18 may be attached to a firearm.

In the example shown, firearm tether 21 includes a proximal section that includes firearm stabilizing device strap 18 and a distal section the distal section that includes firearm strap 22. The sections may be connected to one another by connection structure, such as side release buckle 20. The distal end of firearm stabilizing device strap 18 terminates in a component of side release buckle 20 of firearm tether 21 (e.g., in a male or a female component of side release buckle 20). The cooperating component of side release buckle 20 (e.g., the female or male component, respectively) may be connected to an end of firearm strap 22 of firearm tether 21. For example, firearm strap 22 may be relatively permanently attached to the firearm (e.g., in a manner that requires a deliberate action in order to detach firearm strap 22 from the firearm), e.g., to a loop or handle that is incorporated into, or attached to, the firearm. When a firearm is to be attached to firearm stabilizing device 10, a user of firearm stabilizing device 10 may simply insert the male component of side release buckle 20 into the female component of side release buckle 20. Thus, the user may easily (e.g., using one hand) and quickly (e.g., requiring no more time than one or two seconds) connect the firearm to firearm stabilizing device strap 18. Similarly, when the firearm is to be detached from firearm stabilizing device strap 18, the user may easily and quickly open side release buckle 20 to detach firearm strap 22 from firearm stabilizing device strap 18.

A length of firearm tether 21 may be adjustable. For example, firearm stabilizing device strap 18, firearm strap 22, both, or another part of firearm tether 21 may include a length-adjustment strap slider 27 (e.g., a double-loop slider) or other structure (e.g., selectable hook-and-eye structure, hook-and-loop fastener, snap, clip, or other length adjustment structure) to enable adjustment of a length of firearm tether 21.

Firearm stabilizing device 10 includes support magnet array receptacle 12. In the example shown, support magnet array receptacle 12 is in the form of a pocket made of a cloth fabric. Alternatively or in addition, a support magnet array receptacle 12 may be made of plastic, wood, cardboard, or another magnetically permeable material that is sufficiently strong so as to restrain the support magnet array when attracted by another strong magnet.

Support magnet array receptacle 12 is mounted (e.g., by stitching or otherwise) on firearm stabilizing device base 13. In some cases, firearm stabilizing device base 13 may include a patch that is formed of layers of cloth fabric, vinyl, leather or simulated leather, or other materials. The layers may be stitched together or otherwise held together. Alternatively or in addition, firearm stabilizing device base 13 may be include one or more layers of wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, or another material. A rear side of firearm stabilizing device base 13 may include receptacle flap 24. Receptacle flap 24 may be opened in order access the interior of support magnet array receptacle 12. In some cases, support magnet array receptacle 12 may be permanently sealed (e.g., requiring special tools or equipment to insert an object into support magnet array receptacle 12 or to remove an object from support magnet array receptacle 12).

For example, receptacle flap 24 may be opened in order to enable insertion of a support magnet array into support magnet array receptacle 12 or removal of a support magnet array from support magnet array receptacle 12.

A support magnet array that is inserted into support magnet array receptacle 12 is configured to support a part of a firearm (e.g., a butt of the firearm or another part) that is placed against or near front cover 11 of support magnet array receptacle 12.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a support magnet array in a receptacle of the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 2, receptacle flap 24 of support magnet array receptacle 12 has been opened. Therefore, support magnet array 30, which has been inserted into support magnet array receptacle 12, is visible. In the example shown, support magnet array 30 includes a single attractive magnet 32 and a single repulsive magnet 34. Attractive magnet 32 is configured to attract a magnet that is incorporated into or attached to a firearm. Repulsive magnet 34 is configured to repel the magnet of the firearm.

Receptacle flap 24 may be provided with a sealing mechanism to impede or prevent unintentional opening of receptacle flap 24. For example, an inner surface of receptacle flap 24 and a region of the rear side of firearm stabilizing device base 13 may be covered with cooperating hook-and-loop fastener surfaces 36. In one example, hook-and-loop fastener surface 36 on the inner surface of receptacle flap 24 may include a hook surface of the hook-and-loop fastener and hook-and-loop fastener surface 36 on the rear side of firearm stabilizing device base 13 may include a loop surface of the hook-and-loop. Alternatively, hook-and-loop fastener surface 36 on the inner surface of receptacle flap 24 may include the loop surface and hook-and-loop fastener surface 36 on the rear side of firearm stabilizing device base 13 may include the hook surface. Alternatively or in addition, receptacle flap 24, firearm stabilizing device base 13, or both may be provided with one or more snap fasteners, buttons, zippers, buckles, clips, or other appropriate structure that may be used to seal receptacle flap 24.

Support magnet array 30 may be placed into, and retained by, support magnet array receptacle 12. Support magnet array receptacle 12 may be configured to protect the support magnet from being scratched by contact with the firearm or other objects. In some cases, support magnet array receptacle 12 may be configured to cushion any impact of an object with the support magnet.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the support magnet array shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, support magnet array 30 is viewed from the front (e.g., as would be visible through front cover 11 of support magnet array receptacle 12.

Front face 38 of attractive magnet 32 and front face 40 of repulsive magnet 34 of support magnet array 30 are configured to face forward when placed in support magnet array receptacle 12. The magnetic polarity (being a north or south seeking pole) of front face 38 of attractive magnet 32 is opposite the magnetic polarity (south or north seeking, respectively) of front face 40 of repulsive magnet 34.

In this manner, attractive magnet 32 may attract a firearm magnet that is attached to, or is incorporated into, a firearm. Similarly, repulsive magnet 34 may repel the firearm magnet in order to facilitate alignment of the firearm with firearm stabilizing device 10. When attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 are arranged such that the polarities of front face 38 of attractive magnet 32 and of front face 40 of repulsive magnet 34 are opposite, attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 may attract one another. Thus, attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 may be magnetically connected to one another at magnet interface 39.

As shown in FIG. 3, attractive magnet 32 of support magnet array 30 is located to the right of repulsive magnet 34 as viewed from the front. This configuration of attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 may be typical when, for example, firearm stabilizing device 10 is placed at the right shoulder pocket of a user (e.g., as would be typical for a right handed user). When firearm stabilizing device 10 is to be placed at the left shoulder pocket (e.g., as for a left handed user), the positions of attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 may be reversed. For example, in order to reverse the configuration, support magnet array 30 may be removed from support magnet array receptacle 12, rotated (e.g., in the plane of FIG. 3) through 180°, and replaced in support magnet array receptacle 12. When support magnet array 30 is replaced in support magnet array receptacle 12, front face 38 of attractive magnet 32 and front face 40 of repulsive magnet 34 continue to face forward toward front cover 11 of support magnet array receptacle 12.

Attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 are constructed of a ferromagnetic material. Such ferromagnetic materials may include rare-earth materials (e.g., a neodymium alloy or other rare earth material), iron, ferrites, alnico, or another type of ferromagnetic material.

In the case of a firearm whose butt is configured for placement in the shoulder pocket of a user, the firearm magnet may be incorporated into a butt of a firearm. For example, a recoil pad that is configured for incorporation into the stock or butt of the firearm may enclose the firearm magnet.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a magnetic recoil pad of a firearm that is configured to be supported by the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1A.

In the example shown, magnetic recoil pad 50 may be connected to the stock of a firearm. For example, magnetic recoil pad 50 may be provided with one or more mounting brackets 54, or other mounting structure, to enable magnetic recoil pad 50 to be mounted on a stock of a firearm.

Magnetic recoil pad 50 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, wood, or another suitable material. Outer surface 51 of magnetic recoil pad 50 may be embossed or otherwise textured. The texturing of outer surface 51 may prevent slippage of magnetic recoil pad 50 (e.g., when not magnetically supported by firearm stabilizing device 10.

Magnetic recoil pad 50 encloses firearm magnet 52. Firearm magnet 52 may be constructed similarly to attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34. For example, firearm magnet 52 may be inserted into magnetic recoil pad 50 via magnet access opening 53. Magnet access opening 53 may be sealed after insertion of firearm magnet 52 into magnetic recoil pad 50.

In other cases, a firearm magnet may be otherwise inserted into the butt of a firearm. For example, a stock of the firearm may be assembled with a firearm magnet enclosed, a side of the stock may be removable to enable insertion of the firearm magnet, a part of the stock may be constructed of a magnetized material, or the firearm magnet may be otherwise incorporated into the firearm.

Proximal face 56 of firearm magnet 52 faces outer surface 51 of magnetic recoil pad 50. In order to enable magnetic recoil pad 50 to be supported properly by support magnet array 30, firearm magnet 52 may be oriented such that the magnetic polarity of proximal face 56 is opposite to the magnetic polarity of front face 38 of attractive magnet 32. Thus, the magnetic polarity of proximal face 56 may be the same as the magnetic polarity of front face 40 of repulsive magnet 34.

When a firearm is to be supported by firearm stabilizing device 10, magnetic recoil pad 50 or another part of a firearm that includes firearm magnet 52 may be brought into the proximity of support magnet array 30 in support magnet array receptacle 12 of firearm stabilizing device 10. When firearm magnet 52 is sufficiently close to support magnet array 30, attractive magnet 32 of support magnet array 30 may begin to attract firearm magnet 52.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the area of front face 38 of attractive magnet 32 is larger than front face 40 of repulsive magnet 34. The magnetization of attractive magnet 32 and repulsive magnet 34 may be of similar magnitude. Thus, when firearm magnet 52 is approximately equidistant from front face 38 and front face 40, the attractive force between attractive magnet 32 and firearm magnet 52 may be greater than the repulsive force between repulsive magnet 34 and firearm magnet 52. Therefore, the net force longitudinal force may be attractive toward attractive magnet 32, with a smaller lateral force from repulsive magnet 34 toward attractive magnet 32.

The magnetic forces between firearm magnet 52 and support magnet array 30 may cause magnetic recoil pad 50, or another component of the firearm that includes firearm magnet 52, to magnetically adhere to support magnet array 30. Thus, firearm stabilizing device 10 may magnetically support a firearm that includes firearm magnet 52.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a side view of the firearm stabilizing device shown in FIG. 1A supporting the magnetic recoil pad shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5B is a schematic front view of the firearm stabilizing device and recoil pad shown in FIG. 5A.

When magnetic recoil pad 50 is supported by firearm stabilizing device 10, firearm magnet 52 may be held by magnetic attraction to attractive magnet 32 of support magnet array 30. For example, in the front view shown in FIG. 5B, attractive magnet 32 may be directly behind firearm magnet 52 (such that firearm magnet 52 is projected onto attractive magnet 32). In the same (projected) front view, repulsive magnet 34 of support magnet array 30 may be laterally offset and adjacent to firearm magnet 52.

For example, magnetic recoil pad 50 may approach support magnet array receptacle 12, e.g., when attracted by attractive magnet 32 within support magnet array receptacle 12. When approaching attractive magnet 32, repulsive magnet 34 may exert a repulsive force on firearm magnet 52. Thus, the repulsive force between repulsive magnet 34 and firearm magnet 52 may cause magnetic recoil pad 50 to move laterally away from repulsive magnet 34 and toward attractive magnet 32. The continued attraction by attractive magnet 32 may, when outer surface 51 of magnetic recoil pad 50 contacts front cover 11 of support magnet array receptacle 12, cause magnetic recoil pad 50 to adhere to a region of front cover 11 that covers attractive magnet 32.

In addition, firearm stabilizing device strap 18 (or firearm strap 22 that is connectable to firearm stabilizing device strap 18 using side release buckle 20 or otherwise) may be connected to a firearm to which magnetic recoil pad 50 is attached (e.g., using mounting brackets 54 and one or more pins, straps, sockets, buckles, or other cooperating structure of a stock of the firearm). For example, a distal end of firearm stabilizing device strap 18 or an end of firearm strap 22 may be attached (e.g., using a buckle, clip, or otherwise) to a loop, handle, or other structure on the firearm.

As shown in FIG. 5A, straps of garment attachment structure 14 are closed. For example, garment attachment structure 14 may be closed about vertical strap 58, e.g., of a vest or other garment, or about another type of strap or loop of a vest or other garment. Thus, garment attachment structure 14 may keep firearm stabilizing device base 13 and firearm stabilizing device 10 connected to the garment.

Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A firearm stabilizing device comprising:

a base attached or attachable to a garment, the base including an array of one or more magnets, at least one of the magnets of the array being an attractive magnet configured to cause a firearm magnet that is incorporated into a stock of the firearm to adhere to the base when brought into magnetic range of the attractive magnet; and

a tether connection structure configured to enable mechanical suspension of the firearm from the base when the attractive magnet does not cause the firearm magnet to adhere to the base.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base is attached or attachable to the garment such that, when the garment is worn by a user, the base is located substantially at the shoulder pocket of the user.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base includes a receptacle for holding one or more of the array of magnets.

4. The device of any of claims claim 1, wherein the attractive magnet is in the form of a rectangular box, the largest faces of the magnet being pole faces.

5. The device of any of claims claim 1, wherein the array of magnets further comprises a repulsive magnet that is configured to be placed into the receptacle such that the firearm magnet is repelled by repulsive magnet.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the repulsive magnet is in the form of an elongated rectangular box with square transverse cross section.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises an attachment structure that is attached to the base and is configured to attach the base to a garment.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachment structure includes a strap.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein distal ends of the strap comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachment structure comprises a loop.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachment structure comprises a clip.

12. The device of claim 7, wherein the attachment structure is configured to attach the base to the garment such that, when the garment is worn by a user, the base is located at a shoulder pocket of the user.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether connection structure comprises a loop or a clip.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a patch.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the patch comprises a layer of cloth.

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tether of adjustable length whose proximal end is connectable to the tether connection structure and whose distal end is connectable to the firearm.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the tether comprises a proximal section that includes a strap that is connectable to the tether connection structure and a detachable distal section that is configured to attach to the firearm.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein each of the proximal section and the distal section includes a component of a side release buckle for attaching the distal section to the proximal section.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the tether comprises at least one slider for adjusting the length.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether connection structure is located at a bottom edge of the base when the base is attached to a garment that is being worn by a user.