Patent Application
20240410669
The present disclosure relates, in general, to portable weapon mounts. In particular, the present disclosure relates to center height adjustable shooting sticks for mountainous and uneven terrain.
“Shooting sticks” is the colloquial term used to describe a class of weapon aiming stabilizers which reduce user fatigue and enhance the shooting accuracy of firearms, crossbows, air rifles, muzzleloaders, etc. Typically, shooting sticks feature two legs, a support structure to which the legs are pivotally attached, and a rest area that supports and stabilizes the weapon for enhanced shooting accuracy. Oftentimes, the weapon rests on the shooting sticks, but is not mechanically attached to the weapon.
Accurate weapon shooting largely relies on the user's ability to minimize or significantly reduce all undesired motion and stabilize the weapon during the crucial aiming, trigger pull, and discharge of the weapon. As the user-to-target distance grows, even miniscule movements of the weapon during aiming and firing can have a profoundly adverse impact on shot accuracy.
Shooting sticks have thus been employed in various forms for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations that used staffs or sticks to steady their weapons during hunting and combat. Modern shooting sticks as known today, however, were likely first developed in the late 17th century for use with muzzleloaders. During this time, soldiers would often use crossed wooden sticks, sometimes with a forked tip, as a rest for their muskets and rifles. While these shooting sticks were not adjustable, they provided a much more stable platform for aiming and shooting as compared to shooting off-hand.
The current design for shooting sticks has only modestly evolved to date. Aside from changes in material composition, the addition of adjustable length legs to modify the shooting height has been the single biggest design improvement. Nevertheless, current shooting sticks with adjustable legs pose numerous drawbacks that make their use inconvenient, impractical, and ineffective in uneven terrain.
In practice, shooting sticks are most often employed with the user in a seated position. This is particularly common in predator, turkey, and deer hunting situations where the user utilizes either mouth blown, manually operated friction-style hand calls, or electronic recordings of wildlife vocalizations to entice the target animal to the user's location. The user typically wears camouflage and utilizes natural occurring foliage and terrain features to minimize their visual human signature. The weapon typically rests in the yoke of the shooting sticks, and is held at the ready so as to minimize movement when the target animal arrives searching for the source of the sound.
If adjustment to the shooting height is needed to achieve a more comfortable stance and clearer sight picture (e.g., field of view), repetitious manual adjustment of each individual leg is required, with consideration given to maintain a level yoke. Once the user tentatively adjusts the shooting height, they again confirm that the sight picture provides them with the best possible targeting of the anticipated animal's approach lane elevation prior to resecuring the legs.
When the adjustable legs on current shooting sticks are fully retracted, the minimum yoke height is approximately twenty-four inches. When the adjustable legs are fully extended, the maximum yoke height is approximately sixty to sixty-two inches. The commonly found twenty-four-inch minimum and sixty-two-inch maximum yoke heights are a limitation of current designs for shooting sticks in the prior art that serve only a portion of the total shooting population. Both those of shorter stature as well as taller individuals are often forced to shoot from awkward or unstable stances to accommodate improperly fitted shooting sticks. In the case of those of shorter stature, the shooting sticks are too tall when shooting seated. For standing users over 6 feet in height, the shooting sticks are too short, even when extended to their maximum height.
Some shooting sticks address this height differential by shortening the legs to achieve a shorter yoke height that serves those of shorter stature, but at the expense of reducing maximum height and adversely affecting those of taller stature. Alternatively, some shooting sticks address this height differential by lengthening the legs to achieve a taller yoke height that serves those of taller stature, but at the expense of increasing minimum yoke height and adversely affecting those of shorter stature.
In rocky, outdoor terrain, as is often encountered, for example, in the Rocky Mountain West and the Appalachian Mountains of the East, the impediment of height adjustments is magnified. In a very common scenario, a target animal enters above the field of view of a scoped or iron sighted weapon resting on the yoke at the initial height setting. The user is then forced to attempt to squeeze the legs together from a stable open position to a closed position to gain a very slight elevation rise (less than +/−1 inch when utilizing 24-inch legs opened to sixty degrees). In doing so, the user loses significant stability, which essentially changes the stable shooting sticks into a monopod, giving the user an awkward, unstable shooting platform.
Relatedly, if the target animal enters below the field of view of the initial height setting, the user may attempt to widen the legs apart from a stable open position to a wider position to achieve a very slight elevation reduction, again reducing stability of the shooting platform. In both scenarios, the user must go through the time consuming and repetitive adjustment procedure on each individual leg in an attempt to lengthen or shorten them and achieve the desired overall height adjustment to bring the target animal into the center of the field of view for the scoped or iron sighted weapon.
The above scenarios are further complicated where the shooting sticks are deployed on uneven terrain, wherein one leg may need to be lengthened or shortened several inches as compared to the other to compensate for uneven ground commonly encountered while hunting outdoors. Subsequent alteration of the yoke height via adjustments to the length of the legs results in lost time, as well as excess movement and noise that scare the animal way. Oftentimes, adjustments cannot be accomplished at all because of physical impediments such as rocks, debris, and foliage that prevent movement of the legs.
Accordingly, there is a need for shooting sticks with an adjustable yoke height that is independent of the height of the legs, thereby enhancing shooting accuracy without undue modifications in the moment. In addition, the shooting sticks must further be adjustable to compensate for uneven, mountainous terrain, and extend the range of usability for persons of shorter and taller stature, whether seated or standing. The center height adjustable shooting sticks, discussed herein, solve these problems and others.
In some embodiments, center height adjustable shooting sticks comprise a first leg, a second leg, a center column, an assembly collar, a locking mechanism, a quick release mechanism, and a yoke. The first and second legs may be telescopically adjustable to compensate for deployment in uneven terrain and may further comprise one or more leg locks and feet to promote stability. The first and second legs may be incrementally spread apart until a stop point is reached, without limitation, at an angle relative to the center column between 0-90degrees. The first and second legs are couplable to the center column via the assembly collar, wherein a height of the center column is adjustable to enable a user while seated or standing to change the field of view without adjusting the height and/or angle of the first and second legs.
In some embodiments, the yoke may comprise two arms substantially forming a “V” or “U” shaped cradle having a non-slip surface. The yoke may be coupled to the center column via the quick release mounting bracket, allowing the user to easily substitute the yoke for alternative shooting platforms and supports.
The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).
As previously discussed, there is a need for shooting sticks with an adjustable yoke height that is independent of the height of the legs, thereby enhancing shooting accuracy without requiring time-consuming readjustments of the legs. The shooting sticks need to also compensate for uneven terrain and extend the range of usability for persons of shorter and taller stature, whether seated or standing. As discussed herein, the center height adjustable shooting sticks disclosed herein addresses these problems and others.
As shown in
From the initial collapsed state, the first and second legs 102, 104 may be incrementally spread apart (e.g., pivoted) until a stop point is reached, without limitation, at an angle relative to the center column 106 between 0-90 degrees, with a stop point preferably between 25-70degrees. Each leg 102, 104 may be pivoted to a unique angle via the respective hinge 103A, 103B coupled to each, the hinges 103A-B coupling the respective leg 102, 104 to the assembly collar 108. It will be appreciated that the stop point prevents wider angles that can induce leg flex, movement, and instability when a firearm, often weighing from 7-12 pounds, is rested in the yoke 114. Additionally, wider angles can interfere with placement of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 when deployed in cluttered, debris-strewn, rocky terrain. In preferred embodiments, though without limitation, a stop point of sixty degrees is optimal for structural strength, rigidity, and stability.
The first and second legs 102, 104, in some embodiments, may each comprise one or more leg locks 116A-F and one or more feet 118A-B. The one or more leg locks 116A-F may be twist locks, lever locks, clamp locks, or other locks that enable a length of the first and second legs 102, 104 to be modified and secured by a user through telescopic adjustment. The one or more feet 118A-B may comprise spikes, claws, tips, base members, or other form factors that grip the ground during use and thereby provide additional stability for shooting when used in mountainous or other terrain.
To facilitate telescopic adjustment, the first leg 102 may comprise a first leg segment 105A, a second leg segment 105B, and a third leg segment 105C, and the second leg 104 may comprise a first leg segment 107A, a second leg segment 107B, and a third leg segment 107C. Each respective first and second leg segments 105A-C and 107A-C may be tubular members having hollow cavities whereby the height of the first and second legs 102, 104 may be telescopically adjusted. For example, the height of the first leg 102 may be adjusted by sliding the first leg segment 105A and/or second leg segment 105B and/or third leg segment 105C outward from the first leg 102 and then tightening the one or more leg locks 116A-C to set and secure the positioning. Likewise, the height of the second leg 104 may be adjusted by sliding the second leg segment 107A and/or second leg segment 107B and/or third leg segment 107C outward from the second leg 104 and then tightening the one or more leg locks 116D-F to set and secure the positioning.
Without limitation, in some embodiments, the first leg segment 105A and 107A may each have a length of twenty inches, the second leg segment 105B and 107B may each have a length of nineteen inches, and the third leg segments 105C, 107C may each have a length of eighteen inches. The first and second legs 102, 104 may thereby telescopically extend to a total additional length, without limitation, of fifty-seven inches. If the legs 102, 104 are each twenty-four inches, this provides a maximum height of eighty-one inches for the respective legs 102, 104. While first and second legs 102, 104 are discussed herein, it will be appreciated that the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 may comprise more than two legs (e.g., a tripod) without departing from the teachings herein. Additionally, while leg segments 105A-B and 107A-B are discussed, they are not required. Further, and as shown in
In some embodiments, the first leg 102 is decouplable from the assembly collar 108 via the removal of a quick release pin, bolt, screw, or other fastener. The first leg 102 may then be coupled to the center column 106, thereby converting the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 into a monopod for shooting support, as an alternative to a bipod. In some embodiments, a threaded region on the first leg 102 may be coupled to a threaded region on the center column 106, or vice versa, for convenient conversion of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 into the monopod, even when in the outdoors. While threaded regions are discussed herein, the first leg 102 may be couplable to the center column 106 via telescopic fit (similar to the configuration of the first leg 102 and leg segments 105A-B described earlier, including a locking mechanism to maintain height-adjustability), compression fit, alternative couplings of mating surfaces, or other fastening mechanisms known in the art.
The center column 106, in some embodiments, is coupled to the first and second legs 102, 104 by the assembly collar 108, wherein a height of the center column 106 is adjustable by means of a lock 110 (e.g., a twist lock, cam lock, etc.). When the lock 110 is loosened, the center column 106 may be extended either upwards or downwards along the longitudinal axis of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100, through the assembly collar 108, and locked into position again by tightening the lock 110. In some embodiments, the lock 110 may be twisted counterclockwise by hand to loosen and twisted clockwise to tighten.
As best seen in
shooting sticks 100 may comprise a first configuration 122 wherein the yoke 114 is seated against, or proximal to, the lock 110 and a majority or entire length of the center column 106 is positioned beneath the lock 110. The first configuration 122 is appropriate for shooting while seated or for users of shorter stature while standing. In addition, as best seen in
The user may also incrementally adjust, within millimeters, a desired height of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 to better align with the user's eyeline, whether while seated or standing, anywhere along a range of lengths afforded between the first and second configurations 122, 124. For example, adjustment of the height of the center column 106, in addition to the length of the first and second legs 102, 104 (via leg segments 105A-B and 107A-B), together enable a wider range of usability for persons of varying heights, as well as assist deployment on uneven terrain. In some embodiments, though without limitation, the center column 106 may adjust the height of the yoke 114 by up to twelve inches without modifying the lengths of the first and second legs 102, 104, overcoming limitations in the prior art.
The yoke 114 may be any stable shooting platform or support that enables the user to rest the barrel or the stock of the firearm thereon. As depicted, in some embodiments, the yoke 114 may comprise two arms substantially forming a “V” or “U” shaped cradle, though it will be appreciated that other form factors may also be used, including a simple flat resting surface. The yoke 114 may comprise a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface may be a plurality of ridges or grooves, a texturized covering, or other surface that grips the firearm and enables well-controlled, precision movement of the firearm. The yoke 114 may be fixed or otherwise swivel 360 degrees to help with tracking a target. The yoke 114 may be coupled to the center column 106 via the quick release mounting bracket 112, allowing the user to easily substitute the yoke 114 for alternative shooting platforms and supports. The alternative shooting platforms may be more compatible with, or better accommodate, user preferences for varying types of firearms and weapons. The quick release mounting bracket 112 may comprise a twist lock, a mounting bracket, a latch, or any other fastening mechanism that enables removal and substitution of the yoke 114.
In some embodiments, the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 further comprise a counterweight hook 120 (
It will be appreciated that the center column 106 does not increase an overall collapsed length of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 when compared to industry standard 62-inch shooting sticks, while also allowing a significantly higher 74-inch max height adjustment (a 12-inch improvement in total height). Moreover, the adjustability of the center column 106 eliminates the cumbersome, time consuming, and repetitive adjustment procedures on each individual leg that the user must attempt with other shooting sticks in the art in order to achieve an initial desired shooting height and/or to modify the shooting height based on an animal's approach elevation in relation to the user's position. These enhancements are a profound improvement in the ease, speed, and stability of use over shooting sticks in the prior art, especially as deployed in mountainous terrain.
In some embodiments, without limitation, a method of using center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 comprises pivoting the first and second legs 102, 104 apart from one another up to a stop point (e.g., an angle of sixty degrees relative to the center column 106). In some embodiments, the angle formed by the stop point ranges between 25-70 degrees. The method further comprises loosening the lock 110 and adjusting a length of the center column 106 between a first configuration 122 and a second configuration 124. Said another way, the center column 106 is adjusted upwards along a longitudinal axis of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 such that at least a portion of the center column 106 extends above the lock 110.
Once the height of the center column 106 has been adjusted to the eye level of the user or otherwise according to the user's shooting preferences, the lock 110 is tightened. The user may then rest or mount a weapon on the yoke 114 of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 and begin to track targets. In some embodiments, a height of the yoke 114 is extendable, without limitation, twelve inches above the lock 110, comfortably accommodating shooters that are six foot five inches in height.
Referring to
In further response to an animal approaching from above or below the initial field of view provided by the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100, the user simply readjusts the height of the center column 106 either up or down to recenter the animal within the field of view. This may be accomplished by loosening or otherwise unlocking the lock 110, adjusting the height of the center column 106, and then retightening or otherwise locking the lock 110. It will be appreciated that this adjustment does not require any changes to the lengths of the first and second legs 102, 104, nor does it affect the overall stability of the center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 as often results from changes in the length and/or angles of the legs of other shooting sticks.
Accordingly, the present disclosure addresses the problems of the prior art by providing center height adjustable shooting sticks 100 that have telescoping legs 102, 104 to compensate for uneven and mountainous terrain, an adjustable center column 106 that enables quick modification to the user's field of view without readjusting the telescoping legs 102, 104, and an extended range of usability that accommodates users of both shorter and taller stature, whether seated or standing.
It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/506,806,filed on Jun. 7, 2023, and further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/515,390, filed on Jul. 25, 2023, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63506806 | Jun 2023 | US | |
| 63515390 | Jul 2023 | US |
