US20170122688A1

US20170122688A1 - Collapsible gun stand

Info

Publication number: US20170122688A1
Application number: US14/931,178
Authority: US
Inventors: Gabriel J. Castillo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-11-03
Filing date: 2015-11-03
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

This disclosure describes apparatus, systems, and methods pertaining to gun stands. The gun stands described herein may include collapsible gun stands that can be used for supporting a gun. In some examples, a collapsible gun stand may include a leg assembly that may be transitioned from an open position to a closed position, and vice-versa. The collapsible gun stand may include a gun butt support for engaging a gun butt portion of a gun. Additionally or alternatively, the collapsible gun stand may include a gun barrel support for engaging a gun barrel portion of a gun.

Description

BACKGROUND

Hunters and other gun users often carry a gun by hand when preparing to shoot at a target such as wild game. A hunter may also carry a gun by hand when moving from one hunting location to another. Occasionally, the hunter may want to set the gun down. For example, the hunter may set down a gun to free up their hands or to rest. Options for where to place the gun during a hunt are limited. The hunter may, for instance, place the gun on the ground. However, the ground may cause the gun to get dirty or wet. This may negatively impact the appearance and/or performance of the gun over time. As another example, the hunter may choose to place the gun in a gun case. But the hunter may not be able to quickly access the gun if it is placed in these types of gun cases (e.g., those that substantially enclose the gun). An extended delay in accessing the gun can cause the hunter to miss an opportunity to shoot a target. Thus, hunters are left with few options on where to place a gun during a hunt, and those options leave much to be desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example collapsible gun stand with a leg assembly shown in an open position.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in the open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in the open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second side view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in the open position.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of another example collapsible gun stand with a leg assembly shown in an open position.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 5A with the leg assembly shown in a partially closed position.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 5A with the leg assembly shown in a fully closed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 5A with the leg assembly shown in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system including a collapsible gun stand with a leg assembly shown in a closed position and a carrying sleeve.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for operating a collapsible gun stand to support a gun.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for transitioning a collapsible gun stand from an open position to a closed position so that the collapsible gun stand can be carried.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes, in part, apparatus, systems, and methods pertaining to gun stands. The gun stands described herein may include collapsible gun stands that can be used for supporting a gun and/or a firearm (e.g., a shotgun, a rifle, etc.). In various embodiments, a collapsible gun stand may include a leg assembly that is selectively collapsible from an open position, in which the gun stand is operable to support a gun, to a closed position that facilitates transport of the gun stand. The collapsible gun stand may include a gun butt support configured to engage a gun butt portion of the gun. Additionally or alternatively, the collapsible gun stand may include a gun barrel support configured to engage a gun barrel portion of the gun.
In an illustrative example, suppose a hunter goes out hunting. The hunter arrives at a first location with a gun and a collapsible gun stand, among other things. While the hunter is actively pursuing a target, the hunter is holding the gun. After some time, the hunter decides to take a break. Rather than place the gun on the ground, which can cause the gun to get dirty and/or become damaged, the hunter places the gun on the collapsible gun stand. To do so, the hunter transitions the leg assembly of the collapsible gun stand from a closed position to an open position by pulling outwardly on one or more structural members of the leg assembly. The hunter engages the butt of the gun with the gun butt support of the collapsible gun stand. The hunter also engages the barrel of the gun with the gun barrel support of the collapsible gun stand. Furthermore, the hunter wraps a gun barrel strap, which is attached to the gun barrel support, around the barrel of the gun, and fastens the gun barrel strap to secure the gun barrel in place.
Once break time is over, the hunter removes the gun from the collapsible gun stand in the reverse order of the actions described above with respect to placing the gun on the collapsible gun stand. The hunter then transitions the leg assembly to the closed position by pushing inwardly on one or more structural members of the leg assembly. When the leg assembly is in the closed position, the collapsible gun stand takes a substantially smaller form than when the leg assembly is in the open position.
The hunter decides to move from the first location to a second location. In doing so, the hunter carries the gun by hand and utilizes a carrying strap of the collapsible gun stand to carry the collapsible gun stand to the second location.
In various embodiments, the collapsible gun stand may be lightweight and portable, which may facilitate transporting the collapsible gun stand from one location to another. Furthermore the collapsible gun stand may provide a degree of safety and protect a gun from getting dirty and/or becoming damaged. Moreover, the collapsible gun stand may provide quick and easy access to a gun that has been placed on the collapsible gun stand.
FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an example collapsible gun stand 100 with a leg assembly shown in an open position. FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the example collapsible gun stand 100 of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in a closed position. FIGS. 1A and 1B will be discussed together in the discussion that follows.
In various embodiments, the leg assembly of the collapsible gun stand 100 may include a plurality of leg members, such as a first leg member 102, a second leg member 104, a third leg member 106, and a fourth leg member 108. Although the leg assembly may be described herein as having a particular number of leg members (e.g., four leg members as depicted in FIG. 1A), it should be understood that that collapsible gun stand embodiments may include any suitable number of leg members. For example, in various embodiments, the leg assembly of the collapsible gun stand 100 may include fewer or more than four leg members. The collapsible gun stand 100 may include a gun butt support 110 configured to engage a gun butt portion 112 of a gun 114. Additionally or alternatively, the collapsible gun stand 100 may include a gun barrel support 116 configured to engage a gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114.
The gun butt support 110 may be attached to the leg assembly. For example, the gun butt support 110 may be attached to each of the first leg member 102, the second leg member 104, the third leg member 106, and the fourth leg member 108. It should be understood, however, that the gun butt support 110 may be attached to fewer or more leg members than that depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Moreover, the gun butt support 110 may be attached to any other suitable structural member of the collapsible gun stand 100.
In various examples, the gun butt support 110 may comprise a pliable or flexible material. That is, the gun butt support 110 may be constructed of and/or include a material that is capable of taking various shapes and/or forms based on forces it is subjected to. For example, the gun butt support 110 may at least partially be made of a cloth, linen, nylon, hemp, fabric, or any other type of flexible material. The gun butt support 110 can be expanded (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1A) and/or collapsed (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1B) based on forces it is subjected to by the structural members to which the gun butt support 110 is attached.
For instance, the gun butt support 110 may include a first edge portion 120 attached to the first leg member 102, a second edge portion 122 attached to the second leg member 104, a third edge portion 124 attached to the third leg member 106, and a fourth edge portion 126 attached to the fourth leg member 108. As these leg members separate from one another, so may the corresponding edge portions of the gun butt support 110 based on forces (e.g., tensile forces) applied by the leg members; thus, the gun butt support 110 may expand. Likewise, as the leg members move closer to one another, so may the corresponding edge portions of the gun butt support 110 based on forces (e.g., compression forces) applied by the leg members; thus, the gun butt support 110 may collapse.
As noted above, the collapsible gun stand 100 may include a gun barrel support 116 configured to engage the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114. The gun barrel support 116 may be attached to the leg assembly. For example, the gun barrel support 116 may be attached to each of the first leg member 102 and the second leg member 104. It should be understood, however, that the gun barrel support 116 may be attached to fewer or more leg members than that depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Moreover, the gun barrel support 116 may be attached to any other suitable structural member of the collapsible gun stand 100.
In various examples, the gun barrel support 116 may comprise a pliable or flexible material. That is, the gun barrel support 116 may be constructed of and/or include a material that is capable of taking various shapes and/or forms based on forces it is subjected to. For example, the gun barrel support 116 may at least partially be made of a cloth, linen, nylon, hemp, fabric, or any other type of flexible material. The gun barrel support 116 can be expanded (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1A) and/or collapsed (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1B) based on forces it is subjected to by the structural members to which the gun barrel support 116 is attached.
For instance, the gun barrel support 116 may include a first edge portion 128 attached to the first leg member 102, and a second edge portion 130 attached to the second leg member 104. As these leg members separate from one another, so may the corresponding edge portions of the gun barrel support 116 based on forces (e.g., tensile forces) applied by the leg members; thus, the gun barrel support 116 may expand. Likewise, as the leg members move closer to one another, so may the corresponding edge portions of the gun barrel support 116 based on forces (e.g., compression forces) applied by the leg members; thus, the gun barrel support 110 may collapse.
In some embodiments, the collapsible gun stand 100 may include a gun barrel strap 132 that can be wrapped around the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114. For instance, the gun barrel strap 132 may be attached to the gun barrel support 116 to be well positioned for engaging the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114 when the leg assembly is in the open position. In some cases, the gun barrel strap 132 may be a singular strap that is attached to the gun barrel support 116. In other cases, however, the gun barrel strap 132 may include multiple strap components that cooperatively function to secure the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114 to the gun barrel support 116. In such cases, one or more of the multiple strap components may be attached to the gun barrel support 116. The gun barrel strap 132 may be attached to the gun barrel support 116 using any suitable type of fastening mechanism. For example, the gun barrel strap 132 may be stitched to the gun barrel support 116 with thread. Other fasteners that can be used for attaching the gun barrel strap 132 to the gun barrel support 116 include, but are not limited to, rivets, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snap fasteners, cable ties, pins, staples, etc.
In various examples, the gun barrel strap 132 may comprise a pliable or flexible material. That is, the gun barrel strap 132 may be constructed of and/or include a material that is capable of taking various shapes and/or forms based on forces it is subjected to. For example, the gun barrel strap 132 may at least partially be made of a cloth, linen, nylon, hemp, fabric, hook and loop fastener(s), or any other type of flexible material.
The gun barrel strap 132 may be capable of being wrapped around or otherwise at least partially enclose the outer circumference(s) of the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114. The gun barrel portion 118 may rest against the gun barrel strap 132 and the gun barrel support 116. A first end portion of the gun barrel strap 132 may be fastened to a second end portion of the gun barrel strap 132. The first end portion of the gun barrel strap 132 may be disposed opposite the second end portion of the gun barrel strap 132. The first end portion may be attached to the second end portion using any suitable temporary and/or removable type of fastening mechanism. For example, the first end portion may be attached to the second end portion via a hook and loop fastener. Other fasteners that can be used for attaching the first end portion to the second end portion include, but are not limited to, buttons, snap fasteners, buckles, pins, staples, adhesives, etc.
When wrapped around the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114, the gun barrel strap 132 may secure the gun barrel portion 118 to the gun barrel support 116 and/or the collapsible gun stand 100. That is, the gun barrel strap 132 may restrict one or more degrees of freedom of the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114. For instance, the gun barrel strap 132 may prevent the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114 from moving laterally away from the gun barrel support 116 and/or the collapsible gun stand 100. As such, the gun barrel strap 132 may aid with preventing the gun 114 from falling, which can cause dirtying and/or inadvertent firing of the gun 114.
An intermediate portion of the gun barrel strap 132 may extend between the first end portion and the second end portion of the gun barrel strap 132. In some cases, the intermediate portion of the gun barrel strap 132 may be attached to the gun barrel support 116, while the first end portion and the second end portion of the gun barrel strap 132 may have freedom of movement in various directions, such as, but not limited to, toward the gun barrel support 116, away from the gun barrel support 116, toward the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114, away from the gun barrel portion 118 of the gun 114, toward each other (that is, the first end portion may have freedom of movement toward the second end portion and/or vice-versa), and/or away from each other.
In some embodiments, the collapsible gun stand 100 may include a leg assembly strap 134. The leg assembly strap 134 may be capable of being wrapped around or otherwise at least partially enclose multiple leg members of the leg assembly when the leg assembly is in the closed position (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1B). The leg assembly strap 134 may be used to keep the leg assembly in the closed position. That is, the leg assembly strap 134, when wrapped around the multiple leg members of the leg assembly in the closed position, may prevent the leg assembly from transitioning to the open position. In various embodiments, without utilizing a retaining component such as the leg assembly strap 134, gravitational forces and/or other forces applied to the leg assembly may cause the leg assembly to transition to the open position.
In various examples, the leg assembly strap 134 may comprise a pliable or flexible material. That is, the leg assembly strap 134 may be constructed of and/or include a material that is capable of taking various shapes and/or forms based on forces it is subjected to. For example, the leg assembly strap 134 may at least partially be made of a cloth, linen, nylon, hemp, fabric, hook and loop fastener(s), or any other type of flexible material. Additionally or alternatively, the leg assembly strap 134 may be formed from rubber, plastic, elastomers, or other materials having sufficient strength and flexibility.
The leg assembly strap 134 may be attached to one or multiple structural members of the leg assembly. For example, a first end portion 136 of the leg assembly strap 134 may be attached to one or multiple leg members of the leg assembly. In some examples, the first end portion 136 may be attached to the first leg member 102 and/or the second leg member 104. For instance, as depicted, the first end portion 136 is attached to the second leg member 104 below a point where the second leg member 104 and the fourth leg member 108 are joined. In some cases, a second end portion 138 of the leg assembly strap 134, that is opposite the first end portion 136, may not be attached to anything when the leg assembly is in the open position, e.g., when the leg assembly strap 134 is not in use. In other cases, however, the second end portion 138 may be temporarily attached to one or multiple structural members of the leg assembly such that the second end portion 138 is not dangling freely or otherwise potentially causing an unnecessary obstruction, but rather cleanly tucked away.
The first end portion 136 of the leg assembly strap 134 may be attached to the second end portion 138 of the leg assembly strap 134 using any suitable temporary and/or removable type of fastening mechanism. For example, the first end portion 136 may be attached to the second end portion 138 via a hook and loop fastener 140. Other fasteners that can be used for attaching the first end portion to the second end portion include, but are not limited to, buttons, snap fasteners, buckles, pins, staples, adhesives, etc.
In some embodiments, the collapsible gun stand 100 may include another type of retaining mechanism in addition to, or as an alternative to, the leg assembly strap 134. For example, one or multiple leg members of the leg assembly may include one or multiple magnets that counteract gravitational forces and/or other forces applied to the leg assembly, thereby causing the leg assembly to remain in the closed position. As another example, friction elements may be utilized at one or multiple joints to which one or multiple leg members of the leg assembly are connected. The friction elements may prevent the leg members from pivoting and/or rotating when forces applied to the leg members do not satisfy a threshold force that is based at least in part on the coefficient(s) of friction of the friction elements. Accordingly, the friction elements may, in some cases, lock the leg assembly in the closed position until counterforces that satisfy the threshold force are applied to the leg members.
In various examples, the collapsible gun stand 100 may include a carrying strap 142. The carrying strap 142 may be used for carrying the collapsible gun stand 100. For example, a user may place the carrying strap 142 around a shoulder to transport the collapsible gun stand 100 from one location to another. The carrying strap 142 may be attached to one or more structural components of the leg assembly and/or to the collapsible gun stand 100. In some particular instances, the carrying strap 142 may be detachable from the gun stand 100.
For instance, a first end portion 144 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached to a first portion of the leg assembly and/or to a first portion of the collapsible gun stand 100. A second end portion 146 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached to a second portion of the leg assembly and/or to a second portion of the collapsible gun stand 100. In some embodiments, the first portion of the leg assembly and/or the first portion of the collapsible gun stand 100, at which the first end portion 144 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached, can be located proximate the gun barrel support 116. Furthermore, the second portion of the leg assembly and/or the second portion of the collapsible gun stand 100, to which the second end portion 146 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached, can be located proximate the gun butt support 110.
In an illustrative example, the first end portion 144 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached to a first end portion of the first leg member 102, and the second end portion 146 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached to a second end portion of the first leg member 102. In another illustrative example, the first end portion 144 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached to a first end portion of the second leg member 104, and the second end portion 146 of the carrying strap 142 may be attached to a second end portion of the second leg member 104.
In various examples, the leg assembly may include multiple members joined by one or more joints and/or hinges for interconnecting the members. For instance the first leg member 102 may be pivotally attached to the third leg member 106 via a first joint 172. Likewise, the second leg member 104 may be pivotally attached to the fourth leg member 108 via a second joint 174.
In some cases, the leg assembly may include one or more cross-leg support members. For example, the leg assembly may include a front cross-leg support member 148 that extends between the third leg member 106 and the fourth leg member 108. Additionally or alternatively, the leg assembly may include one or more side cross-leg support members, such as a first side cross-leg support member 150 and a second side cross-leg support member 152. The first side cross-leg support member 150 may extend between the first leg member 102 and the third leg member 106. The second side cross-leg member 152 may extend between the second leg member 104 and the fourth leg member 108.
In various examples, the front cross-leg support member 148 may include a first section 154 and a second section 156. One end of the first section 154 may be connected to the third leg member 106 and the opposing end of the first section 154 may be connected to the second section 156 at a hinge 158. Similarly, one end of the second section 156 may be connected to the fourth leg member 108 and the opposing end of the second section 156 may be connected to the first section 154 at the hinge 158. When the leg assembly is in the open position, the first section 154 may be aligned with the second section 156. That is, the first section 154 may be substantially collinear with the second section 156. It should be understood, however, that the cross-leg support members may comprise any other suitable form and/or mechanism for supporting the leg members. In some cases, for instance, the leg assembly may include one or more cross-leg support members that form an “X” extending between leg members.
The hinge 158 may be arranged such that the hinge 158 locks the first section 154 and the second section 156 into alignment when the leg assembly is in the open position. In other words, the hinge 158 may at least partially prevent the first section 154 and/or the second section 156 from folding at the hinge 158 once the first section 154 is aligned with the second section 156. In some embodiments, the hinge 158 may allow the first section 154 and/or the second section 156 to fold at the hinge 158 (e.g., to transition the leg assembly to the closed position) when one or more forces are applied to the hinge 158. For instance, the hinge 158 may be arranged such that the hinge 158 only allows the first section 154 and/or the second section 156 to fold at the hinge 158 when a force is applied at or proximate the hinge 158 in a particular direction (e.g., upwards and/or downwards). Any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) of the cross-leg support members may include a hinge. It should be understood, however, that one or more of the cross-leg support members may not include a hinge.
In some cases, the leg assembly may additionally or alternatively include one or more back cross-leg support members. For instance, the leg assembly may include a first back cross-leg support member 160 and a second back cross-leg support member 162. The first back cross-leg support member 160 may extend between the first leg member 102 and the second leg member 104. The second back cross-leg support member 162 may also extend between the first leg member 102 and the second leg member 104. In an illustrative embodiment, the first back cross-leg support member 160 is substantially perpendicular to the second back cross-leg support member 162.
The leg assembly may include one or more foot members that function as an interface between the collapsible gun stand 100 and a surface (e.g., an outdoor surface such as the ground, an indoor surface such as a floor, etc.). The foot members may have a width that is suitable to provide stability to the collapsible gun stand 100 when the leg assembly is in the open position. In some examples, the leg assembly may include a first foot member 164, a second foot member 166, a third foot member 168, and a fourth foot member 170. The first foot member 164 may be attached to the first leg member 102. The second foot member 166 may be attached to the second leg member 104. The third foot member 168 may be attached the third leg member 106. The fourth foot member 170 may be attached to the fourth leg member 108.
The leg assembly may include one or more joints that connect two or more structural members of the leg assembly with each other. For instance, the leg assembly may include a first joint 172 and a second joint 174. In some cases, the first leg member 102 may be connected to the third leg member 106 via the first joint 172. In an illustrative example, the first leg member 102 may be pivotally connected to the third leg member 106 via the first joint 172. Similarly, the second leg member 104 may be connected to the fourth leg member 108 via the second joint 174. In an illustrative example, the second leg member 104 may be pivotally connected to the fourth leg member 108 via the second joint 174.
In some embodiments, the first joint 172 may define an aperture through which the first leg member 102 can be disposed. As such, the first joint 172 may be arranged as a sliding joint that is capable of sliding along an outer surface of the first leg member 102. Likewise, the second joint 174 may define an aperture through which the second leg member 104 can be disposed. As such, the second joint 174 may be arranged as a sliding joint that is capable of sliding along an outer surface of the second leg member 104.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the example collapsible gun stand 100 of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in the open position. In some cases, the gun barrel strap 132 may be attached to the gun barrel support 116 via stitching 202. For instance, the stitching 202 may be arranged in a pattern that securely attaches the gun barrel strap 132 to the gun barrel support 116. Although depicted in FIG. 2 as having a rectangular shape, the stitching 202 may have any other suitable shape. Furthermore, the stitching 202 does not necessarily need to be centered. In other cases, the gun barrel strap 132 may be attached to the gun barrel support via any other suitable attachment mechanism.
As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gun barrel strap 132 may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion can be fastened to the second end portion. In an illustrative example, the first end portion may include a first set of hook and/or loop elements 204 of at least one hook and loop fastener. Likewise, the second end portion may include a second set of hook and/or loop elements 206 of at least one hook and loop fastener. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 2, the first set of hook and/or loop elements 204 may be disposed on a front side of the gun barrel strap 132, and the second set of hook and/or loop elements 206 may be disposed on a back side of the gun barrel strap 132, and/or vice-versa. In this way, the hook and loop elements of the hook and loop fastener(s) of the gun barrel strap 132 can engage one another by overlapping the first end portion with the second end portion, thereby fastening the gun barrel strap 132. It should be understood, however, that the hook and loop fastener(s), and/or any other suitable fasteners, may be arranged in any suitable manner that allows the gun barrel strap 132 to be wrapped around a gun barrel portion of a gun (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) and fastened.
The collapsible gun stand 100 may have a first width 208. In some cases, the first width 208 may be a distance between two of the structural members of the leg assembly. For instance, the first width 208 may be a distance between the third leg member 106 and the fourth leg member 108. In various embodiments, the first width 208 may be within a range of about 3 inches to about 36 inches. In an illustrative example, the first width 208 may be within a range of about 6 inches to about 30 inches. In another illustrative example, the first width 208 may be within a range of about 12 inches to about 24 inches. In some cases, the first width 208 may be adjustable. It should be understood, however, that the first width 208 may be any other size suitable for the collapsible gun stand 100 to support a gun. That is, the first width 208 may be sized based on the size of the gun that the collapsible gun stand 100 is supporting.
FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the example collapsible gun stand 100 of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in the open position. The first leg member 102 may define a first longitudinal axis 302. The second leg member 104 may define a second longitudinal axis 304. The third leg member 106 may define a third longitudinal axis 306. The fourth leg member 108 may define a third longitudinal axis 308. In some cases, the first longitudinal axis 302 may be substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis 304. Similarly, the third longitudinal axis 306 may be substantially parallel to the fourth longitudinal axis 308.
When the leg assembly is in the open position, the third longitudinal axis 306 and the fourth longitudinal axis 308 may be at a non-zero angle relative to the first longitudinal axis 302 and the second longitudinal axis 304, respectively. That is, the third longitudinal axis 306 and the fourth longitudinal axis 308 may be non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis 302 and the second longitudinal axis 304, respectively. In various cases, when the leg assembly is in the closed position, the first longitudinal axis 302, the second longitudinal axis 304, the third longitudinal axis 306, and the fourth longitudinal axis 308 are substantially parallel with one another.
The collapsible gun stand 100 may have a height 310. In some cases, the height 310 may be a distance between a top portion of the collapsible gun stand 100 and a bottom portion of the collapsible gun stand 100. For instance, the height 310 may correspond to a length of the first leg member 102 and/or the second leg member 104. In various embodiments, the first height 310 may be within a range of about 18 inches to about 48 inches. In an illustrative example, the height 310 may be within a range of about 24 inches to about 40 inches. In another illustrative example, the first width 208 may be within a range of about 30 inches to about 36 inches. In some cases, the height 310 may be adjustable. It should be understood, however, that the first height 310 may be any other size suitable for the collapsible gun stand 100 to support a gun. That is, the first height 310 may be sized based on the size of the gun that the collapsible gun stand 100 is supporting.
FIG. 4 illustrates a second side view of the example collapsible gun stand 100 of FIG. 1A with the leg assembly shown in the open position. The collapsible gun stand 100 may have a second width 402. In some cases, the second width 402 may be a distance between two of the structural members of the leg assembly. For instance, the second width 402 may be a distance between the first leg member 102 and the fourth leg member 108. In various embodiments, the second width 402 may be within a range of about 6 inches to about 42 inches. In an illustrative example, the second width 402 may be within a range of about 12 inches to about 36 inches. In another illustrative example, the second width 402 may be within a range of about 18 inches to about 30 inches. In some cases, the second width 402 may be adjustable. It should be understood, however, that the second width 402 may be any other size suitable for the collapsible gun stand 100 to support a gun. That is, the second width 402 may be sized based on the size of the gun that the collapsible gun stand 100 is supporting.
The collapsible gun stand 100 may have a first distance 404 between a bottom of the collapsible gun stand 100 and at least a portion of the gun butt support 110. For instance, the first distance 404 may be a distance between the bottom of the fourth foot member 164 and the bottom of the first edge portion 120 of the gun butt support 110. In various embodiments, the first distance 404 may be within a range of about 3 inches to about 24 inches. In an illustrative example, the first distance 404 may be within a range of about 8 inches to about 20 inches. In another illustrative example, the first distance 404 may be within a range of about 12 inches to about 18 inches. In some cases, the first distance 404 may be adjustable. It should be understood, however, that the first distance 404 may be any other size suitable for the collapsible gun stand 100 to support a gun. That is, the first distance 404 may be sized based on the size of the gun that the collapsible gun stand 100 is supporting.
The collapsible gun stand 100 may have a second distance 406 between at least a portion of the gun butt support 110 and at least a portion of the gun barrel support 116. For instance, the second distance 406 may be a distance between the top of the first edge portion 120 of the gun butt support 110 and a bottom edge portion of the gun barrel support 116. In various embodiments, the second distance 406 may be within a range of about 12 inches to about 42 inches. In an illustrative example, the second distance 406 may be within a range of about 18 inches to about 36 inches. In another illustrative example, the second distance 406 may be within a range of about 24 inches to about 30 inches. In some cases, the second distance 406 may be adjustable. It should be understood, however, that the second distance 406 may be any other size suitable for the collapsible gun stand 100 to support a gun. That is, the second distance 406 may be sized based on the size of the gun that the collapsible gun stand 100 is supporting.
The collapsible gun stand 100 may have a third distance 408 between a bottom portion of the gun barrel support 116 and a top portion of the gun barrel support 116. That is, the third distance 408 may define a height of the gun barrel support 116. In various embodiments, the third distance 408 may be within a range of about 2 inches to about 18 inches. In an illustrative example, the third distance 408 may be within a range of about 4 inches to about 12 inches. In another illustrative example, the third distance 408 may be within a range of about 6 inches to about 10 inches. In some cases, the third distance 408 may be adjustable. It should be understood, however, that the third distance 408 may be any other size suitable for the collapsible gun stand 100 to support a gun. That is, the first third distance 408 may be sized based on the size of the gun that the collapsible gun stand 100 is supporting.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-4, the leg assembly of the collapsible gun stand 100 may be selectively collapsible from an open position, in which the collapsible gun stand 100 is operable to support a gun, to a closed position that facilitates transport of the collapsible gun stand 100. As discussed above, the leg assembly may include various structural members. For instance, the leg assembly may include multiple elongate leg members. In some cases, the leg assembly may also include other structural members, such as support members, joints, and the like. The structural members of the leg assembly may be constructed of any suitable material. For instance, the structural members of the leg assembly may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel, nickel, copper, brass, chrome, titanium, etc.), plastic, polymers, wood, etc. In some cases, one or multiple structural members may be constructed of a different material than one or multiple other structural members.
In various embodiments, the collapsible gun stand 100 may weigh at least or about 8 ounces, at least or about 9 ounces, at least or about 10 ounces, at least or about 11 ounces, at least about or 12 ounces, at least or about 13 ounces, at least or about 14 ounces, at least or about 15 ounces, or at least or about 1 pound. Further, the collapsible gun stand 100 may weigh no greater than or about 5 pounds, no greater than or about 4 pounds, no greater than or about 3 pounds, no greater than or about 2 pounds, no greater than or about 1 pound, no greater than or about 15 ounces, no greater than or about 14 ounces, no greater than or about 13 ounces, no greater than or about 12 ounces, no greater than or about 11 ounces, no greater than or about 10 ounces, or no greater than or about 9 ounces. It should be understood, however, that the collapsible gun stand may weigh any other suitable amount.
FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of another example collapsible gun stand 500 with a leg assembly shown in an open position. FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the example collapsible gun stand 500 of FIG. 5A with the leg assembly shown in a partially closed position. FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the example collapsible gun stand 500 of FIG. 5A with the leg assembly shown in a fully closed position. FIGS. 5A-5C will be discussed together in the discussion that follows.
In various embodiments, the collapsible gun stand 500 may include a leg assembly having a plurality of leg members, such as a first leg member 502, a second leg member 504, a third leg member 506, and a fourth leg member 508. The collapsible gun stand 500 may include a gun butt support 510 configured to engage a gun butt portion of a gun. The collapsible gun stand 500 may additionally or alternatively include a gun barrel support 516 configured to engage a gun barrel portion of a gun. In some cases, the collapsible gun stand 500 may include a gun barrel strap 514, a leg assembly strap (e.g., the leg assembly strap 134 in FIG. 1A), and/or a carrying strap (e.g., the carrying strap 142 in FIG. 1A).
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the example collapsible gun stand of FIG. 5A with the leg assembly shown in the open position. In some embodiments, the gun butt support 510 may be attached to one or more structural members of the leg assembly. The structural members to which the gun butt support 510 is attached may, in some cases, exclude the leg members. For example, the leg assembly may include a first elongate member 602 and a second elongate member 604. A first portion of the gun butt support 510 may be attached to the first elongate member 602, and a second portion of the gun butt support 510 may be attached to the second elongate member 604.
The first elongate member 602 and/or the second elongate member 604 may be attached to one or more structural members of the leg assembly. For instance, the first elongate member 602 may be attached to at least one of the first leg member 502 or the third leg member 506. The second elongate member 604 may be attached to at least one of the second leg member 504 or the fourth leg member 508. In some examples, the first elongate member 602 and/or the second elongate member 604 may be pivotally attached to one or more structural members of the leg assembly. Furthermore, the first elongate member 602 and/or the second elongate member 604 may be attached to one or more structural members of the leg assembly via one or more joints.
In some cases, the gun butt support 510 may include a pocket 606. That is, the gun butt support 510 may define a recess that can be characterized as a pocket 606 for receiving a gun butt portion of a gun. When a gun butt portion of a gun is placed at least partially in the pocket 606, the gun butt support 510 may restrict lateral movement of the gun butt portion of the gun relative to the gun butt support 510.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system 700 including a collapsible gun stand 702 with a leg assembly shown in a closed position and a carrying sleeve 704 (or case). The collapsible gun stand 702 may be retained in the closed position using a leg assembly strap 706. The carrying sleeve 704 may define a recess 708 for receiving at least a portion of the collapsible gun stand 702. In some cases, the recess 708 may be sized such that the carrying sleeve 704 may completely enclose the collapsible gun stand 702.
The carrying sleeve 704 may have an outer surface 710. In some embodiments, the outer surface 710 and/or the carrying sleeve 704 may comprise a pliable or flexible material. In some examples, the carrying sleeve 704 can be compacted into a smaller form, which may facilitate traveling with the carrying sleeve 704. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 710 and/or the carrying sleeve 704 may comprise a rigid material, which may protect the collapsible gun stand 702 from being damaged if, for example, the carrying sleeve 704 is dropped while the collapsible gun stand 702 is contained therein. In various examples, the outer surface 710 and/or the carrying sleeve 704 may be formed from one or more of a cloth, linen, nylon, hemp, fabric, metal, plastic, polymer, vinyl, paracord, or any other suitable material. In some cases, the outer surface 710 and/or the carrying sleeve 704 may be formed of one or more waterproof materials.
In various embodiments, the system 700 may include a carrying strap 712. For instance, the carrying strap 712 may be attached to the carrying sleeve 704 (e.g., to the outer surface 710 of the carrying sleeve 704. In some cases, the carrying strap 712 may be considered part of the carrying sleeve 704. In other cases, the carrying strap 712 may be considered a separate component of the system 700 that may be attached to or removed from the carrying sleeve 704. In an illustrative example, the carrying strap 712 may additionally or alternatively be attached to or removed from the collapsible gun stand 702. Although only one carrying strap 712 is depicted in FIG. 7, it should be understood that the system 700 may include any suitable number of carrying straps. For example, the system 700 may include two carrying straps such that the collapsible gun stand 702 and/or the carrying sleeve 704 may be carried in a manner similar to a backpack.
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process 800 for operating a collapsible gun stand to support a gun. At 802, a determination is made as to whether the collapsible gun stand is in the open position. If the collapsible gun stand is in the closed position, then the collapsible gun stand may be transitioned to the open position, at 804. Alternatively, if the collapsible gun stand is in the open position, then the gun butt portion of the gun is engaged with the gun butt support of the collapsible gun stand, at 806. At 808, the gun barrel portion of the gun is engaged with the gun barrel support of the collapsible gun stand. At 810, the gun barrel strap of the collapsible gun stand is wrapped around the gun barrel portion of the gun. At 812, the gun barrel strap is fastened.
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process 900 for transitioning a collapsible gun stand from an open position to a closed position so that the collapsible gun stand can be carried. At 902, a determination is made as to whether a gun is mounted on the collapsible gun stand. If a gun is mounted on the collapsible gun stand, then the gun is removed from the collapsible gun stand, at 904. If a gun is not mounted on the collapsible gun stand, then a determination is made as to whether the collapsible gun stand is in the closed position, at 906. If the collapsible gun stand is not in the closed position, then the collapsible gun stand is transitioned to the closed position, at 908. If it is determined, at 906, that the collapsible gun stand is in the closed position, or if the collapsible gun stand has been transitioned, at 908, to the closed position, then leg assembly strap of the collapsible gun stand is wrapped around the leg assembly of the collapsible gun stand, at 910. At 912, the leg assembly wrap is fastened. At 914, the collapsible gun stand is carried using the carrying strap.
Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A collapsible gun stand, comprising:

a leg assembly that is collapsible from an open position to a closed position, the collapsible gun stand operable to support a gun in the open position and to facilitate transport in the closed position, the leg assembly including:

a first elongate leg member defining a first longitudinal axis;

a second elongate leg member defining a second longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel with the first longitudinal axis;

a third elongate leg member defining a third longitudinal axis, the third elongate leg member having a first end portion that is pivotally attached to the first elongate leg member at a first point, the first longitudinal axis and the third longitudinal axis defining a first plane and the first point at a first height;

a fourth elongate leg member defining a fourth longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel with the third longitudinal axis, the fourth elongate leg member having a second end portion that is pivotally attached to the second elongate leg member at a second point, the second longitudinal axis and the fourth longitudinal axis defining a second plane that is substantially parallel with the first plane and the second point at the first height;

a gun butt support being attached at a third point on the third elongate leg member and a fourth point on the fourth elongate leg member and the gun butt support at least partially extending between the first plane and the second plane, the third point and fourth point at a second height, the second height lower than the first height, and wherein the gun butt support forms a pocket configured to engage a gun butt portion of the gun when the leg assembly is in the open position, the pocket having an perimeter height and an interior height, the interior height below the perimeter height and the second height when the gun butt portion of the gun is engaged; and

a gun barrel support for engaging a gun barrel portion of the gun the open position, the gun barrel support attached at a fifth point on the first elongate leg member and a sixth point on the second elongate leg member and at least partially extending between the first plane and the second plane, the fifth point and sixth point at a third height, the third height higher than the first height.

2. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein the gun butt support includes:

a first edge portion attached to the first elongate leg member;

a second edge portion attached to the second elongate leg member;

a third edge portion attached to the third elongate leg member; and

a fourth edge portion attached to the fourth elongate leg member.

3. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein the gun barrel support includes:

a first end portion attached to the first elongate leg member; and

a second end portion attached to the second elongate leg member.

4. The collapsible gun stand of claim 3, further comprising a gun barrel strap attached to an intermediate portion of the gun barrel support, wherein the intermediate portion extends between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the gun barrel strap is capable of being wrapped around the gun barrel portion of the gun to restrict lateral displacement of the gun barrel portion relative to the gun barrel support.

5. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein one or more external surfaces of each of the first elongate leg member, the second elongate leg member, the gun butt support, and the gun barrel support define a space free of material that separates the gun butt support from the gun barrel support in the open position.

6. The collapsible gun stand of claim 5, wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a third plane, and the gap separates the gun butt support from the gun barrel support along the third plane by at least about 15 inches.

7. (canceled)

8. A collapsible gun stand, comprising:

a leg assembly that is collapsible from an open position to a closed position, the gun stand operable to support a gun in the open position, the leg assembly including a plurality of elongate members;

a first support configured to engage a first portion of the gun, the first support being attached to a first member of the plurality of elongate members at a first height and to a second member of the plurality of elongate members at the first height, and the first support extending between the first leg member and the second leg member in the open position and the support having a center that has a second height when a gun butt is engaged with the support, the second height below the first height; and

a second support configured to engage a second portion of the gun, the second support being attached to a third member of the plurality of elongate members and to a fourth member of the plurality of elongate members, and the second support extending between the third member and the fourth member in the open position.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The collapsible gun stand of claim 8, wherein:

the third member of the plurality of elongate members is pivotally connected to the first member of the plurality of elongate members via a first joint;

the fourth member of the plurality of elongate members is pivotally connected to the second member of the plurality of elongate members at a second joint;

the first joint defines a first aperture through which the first member is disposed; and

the second joint defines a second aperture through which the second member is disposed.

12. The collapsible gun stand of claim 8, wherein the second support is further attached to the first member of the plurality of elongate members and to the second member of the plurality of elongate members.

13. The collapsible gun stand of claim 8, further comprising a gun barrel strap attached to the first support, wherein the gun barrel strap is capable of being wrapped around a gun barrel of the gun in the open position.

14. The collapsible gun stand of claim 8, further comprising a leg assembly strap attached to at least one member of the plurality of elongate members, wherein the leg assembly strap is capable of being wrapped around the leg assembly in the closed position.

15. (canceled)

16. The collapsible gun stand of claim 8, further comprising a carrying strap for facilitating carrying of the collapsible gun stand, wherein the carrying strap includes a first end that is attached to a first portion of the leg assembly and a second end that is attached to a second portion of the leg assembly.

17. The gun stand of claim 8, wherein the collapsible gun stand is no greater than about 1 pound in weight.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. A collapsible gun stand, comprising:

a leg assembly that is collapsible from an open position to a closed position, the collapsible gun stand configured to support a gun in the open position and to facilitate transport of the gun in the closed position, the leg assembly including:

a first leg;

a second leg substantially parallel with the first leg;

a third leg, the third leg having a first end that is pivotally attached to the first leg at a first point, the first point at a first height;

a fourth leg, the fourth leg having a second end that is pivotally attached to the second leg at a second point, the second point at the first height;

a gun butt support being attached at a third point on the third leg and a fourth point on the fourth leg and the gun butt support at least partially extending between the third leg and the fourth leg, the third point and the fourth point at a second height, the second height higher than the first height, and wherein the gun butt support forms a pocket configured to engage a gun butt portion of the gun when the leg assembly is in the open position, the pocket having an perimeter height and an interior height, the interior height below the perimeter height and the second height when the gun butt portion of the gun is engaged; and

a gun barrel support for engaging a gun barrel portion of the gun the open position, the gun barrel support attached at least at a fifth point on the first leg and a sixth point on the second leg and the gun barrel support at least partially extending between the first leg and the second leg, the fifth point and sixth point at a third height higher than the first height.

23. The collapsible gun stand of claim 22, further comprising of a first strap attached to the gun barrel support, wherein the strap is capable of being wrapped around a gun barrel of the gun.

24. (canceled)

25. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein:

the first elongate leg member has a bottom point in contact with an environmental surface; and

the second height is between three inches and twelve inches from the environmental surface.

26. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein a distance between a top edge of the gun butt support and a bottom edge of the gun barrel support is between twelve inches and forty-two inches.

27. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein a distance between a top edge of the gun barrel support and a bottom edge of the gun barrel support is between two inches and twelve inches.

28. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first elongate leg member and the second elongate leg member is adjustable.

29. The collapsible gun stand of claim 1, wherein:

the first elongate leg member has a first bottom point in contact with an environmental surface;

the second elongate leg member has a second bottom point in contact with an environmental surface; and

a distance between the first bottom point and the second bottom point is between six inches and twelve inches.