UNIVERSAL FIREARM VISE SYSTEM

Abstract

A Universal Firearm Vise System (UFVS) is provided, wherein the UFVS includes a system support article having an engagement pad and a clamp interface structure and defining a clamp structure cavity. The engagement pad is configured to be movably associated with the system support article to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The UFVS further includes a firearm support article having a firearm support base, a base support clamping article and a firearm support clamping article, wherein the base support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with the claim interface structure. The firearm support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with a firearm mounting article to hold the firearm in a stable position

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vise system for a firearm, and more particularly for a universal firearm vise system that can be used with many different types of firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to ensure the safe, efficient and consistent operation of a firearm, it is important to make sure that the firearm is cleaned and maintained regularly. Typically, this requires holding the firearm in place while the firearm is disassembled and the firearm parts are cleaned, replaced and/or repaired. For larger firearms (such as an AR-15, M16, M4, etc. . . . ) this becomes a laborious task because the size and/or weight of the firemarm makes it difficult to hold the firearm steady while cleaning and/or gunsmithing. Additionally, add in the instability of trying to hold the firearm with one hand while accomplishing this task with the other hand and it becomes very awkward to accomplish without a device to hold the firearm in place. Currently, there exists many types of firearm vises which may be used to hold a firearm in place while performing maintenance, cleaning, gunsmithing and other activities.

Unfortunately, however, current firearm vise designs have several disadvantages associated with them. One such disadvantage involves the fact that current vises are typically designed for a specific type or specific brand of firearm. Accordingly, these firearm vises are limited as to the types of firearms the vise can be used with and are rarely expandable beyond their design scope. As such, a firearm vise that is configured for use with a long gun may not be able to be used with a handgun, and vise versa. Another such disadvantage involves how the firearm vise secures the firearm for maintenance and gunsmithing. Current firearm vises are designed to secure and stabilize the firearm by multiple locations on the firearm. Thus, the firearm typically has to be adjusted multiple times during the cleaning and/or gunsmithing process. Thus, if the area on the firearm being cleaned or repaired is an area of the firearm that the vise is contacting to stabilize the firearm, the firearm has to be adjusted and/or removed from the vise to clean or gunsmith. Still yet another disadvantage involves the configuration of current firearm vise designs. Typically, firearm vises require a large space on a stable table or bench top upon which the vise may be located. Thus, if a person is in the field or does not have access to a large enough stable bench/tabletop space, the firearm vise may not be usable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Universal Firearm Vise System (UFVS) is provided, wherein the UFVS includes a system support article having a clamp interface structure and a firearm support article having a firearm support base, a base support clamping article and a firearm support clamping article. The base support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with the clamp interface structure and the firearm support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with a firearm mounting article to hold the firearm in a stable position.

A Universal Firearm Vise System (UFVS) is provided, wherein the UFVS includes a system support article having an engagement pad and a clamp interface structure and defining a clamp structure cavity. The engagement pad is configured to be movably associated with the system support article to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The UFVS further includes a firearm support article having a firearm support base, a base support clamping article and a firearm support clamping article, wherein the base support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with the claim interface structure. The firearm support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with a firearm mounting article to hold the firearm in a stable position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention should be more fully understood from the accompanying detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the following Figures in which like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1A is a front side view of the Universal Firearm Vise System, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear side view of the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top down, side view of a system support article for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the system support article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the system support article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a front, side view of the system support article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a front, top, side view of the system support article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is bottom view of an engagement pad for use with the system support article of FIG. 2A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a locking knob for use with system claim article of FIG. 2A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the locking knob of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the locking knob and threaded rod of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a firearm support base for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom up, side view of the firearm support base of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the firearm support base of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the firearm support base of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a front side view of a firearm support base for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front side view of a base support clamp for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front side view of a center type locking mechanism for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a dummy ammunition clip for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a firearm support base for use with the Universal Firearm Vise System of FIG. 1A, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the firearm support base of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the firearm support base of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the firearm support base of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the firearm support base of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a front side view of the firearm support base of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the system support article for use with the firearm support base of FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a top down rear view of the system support article of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the system support article associated with the firearm support base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the system support article associated with the firearm support base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the system support article for use with the firearm support base of FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed hereinafter and in accordance with the present invention, a Universal Firearm Vise System and a method for implementing the Universal Firearm Vise System is provided, wherein the Universal Firearm Vise System is more robust than current firearm vises such that the number of different types of firearms that can be used with the Universal Firearm Vise System is greatly increased from current firearm vice designs.

Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a unique and novel Universal Firearm Vise System (UFVS) 100 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, wherein the UFVS 100 includes a system support article 102 and a firearm support article 104.

Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, FIG. 2E, FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, the system support article 102 includes a system support article structure 106 having a system support article structure top 108, a system support article structure bottom 110, a system support article structure first end 112, a system support article structure second end 114, a system support article structure front side 116 and a system support article structure rear side 118. The system support article structure 106 includes a clamp structure cavity 120, wherein the clamp structure cavity 120 is defined by a cavity bottom 122, a cavity top 124, a cavity rear side 126, a cavity front side opening 128, a cavity first end opening 130 and a cavity second end opening 132. It should be appreciated that the cavity front side opening 128, cavity first end opening 130 and cavity second end opening 132 are communicated with the clamp structure cavity 120. Furthermore, the cavity bottom 122 defines a pad cavity 134 and a pad adjust cavity 136, wherein the pad cavity 134 is communicated with the clamp structure cavity 120 and wherein the pad adjust cavity 136 includes a threaded pad adjust inner wall 138 and communicates the outer surface of the system support article structure bottom 110 with the pad cavity 134.

The system support article 102 further includes an engagement pad 140, a locking knob 142 and a threaded locking rod 144 having a first rod end 146 and a second rod end 148, wherein the engagement pad 140 is configured to movably fit within the pad cavity 134. The threaded locking rod 144 is configured to fit within the pad adjust cavity 136 and threadingly engage with the threaded pad adjust inner wall 138 of the pad adjust cavity 136. It should be appreciated that the threaded locking rod 144 is located within the pad adjust cavity 136 such that the first rod end 146 extends into the pad cavity 134 and the second rod end 148 extends out of the system support article structure bottom 110. The locking knob 142 is securely associated with second rod end 148 and the engagement pad 140 is securely associated with the first rod end 146. Thus, as the threaded locking rod 144 is rotated in one direction, the threaded locking rod 144 extends further into the pad cavity 134 thereby causing the engagement pad 140 to extend into the clamp structure cavity 120 and when the threaded locking rod 144 is rotated in the opposite direction the threaded locking rod 144 retracts from the pad cavity 134 thereby causing the engagement pad 140 to be withdrawn back into the pad cavity 134. It should be appreciated that, as the locking knob 142 is rotated, the threaded locking rod 144 threadingly traverses the pad adjust cavity 134 thereby causing the engagement pad 140 to extend into and/or out of the clamp structure cavity 120.

Additionally, the system support article structure 106 includes a clamp interface structure 150, wherein the clamp interface structure 150 is securely connected to the system support article structure top 108 and configured to extend upwardly and away from the system support article structure top 108. It should be appreciated that although the clamp interface structure 150 is shown as being shaped as a ball (or sphere) in this embodiment, in other embodiments the clamp interface structure 150 may be any shape desired and suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a rectangle. It should be further appreciated that in at least one embodiment, the clamp interface structure 150 may be movable and/or rotatable, as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the clamp interface structure 150 may rotate about one or more axes and a locking mechanism may be provided to secure or lock the clamp interface structure 150 in a particular configuration.

It should be appreciated that the system support article 102 may be securely associated with a support structure (such as a table, a bench or other suitable support structure) by associating the system support article 102 with the support structure such that at least a portion of the support structure (i.e. for example, an edge of the support structure top) is located within the clamp structure cavity 120. It should be further appreciated that, in at least one embodiment, the claim interface structure 140 may be pointed substantially upward (i.e. vertical). Once the edge of the support structure is located within the clamp structure cavity 120, the locking knob 142 may be rotated to cause the engagement pad 140 to extend into the clamp structure cavity 120. As the engagement pad 140 extends into the clamp structure cavity 120, the engagement pad 140 compresses the edge of the support structure located therein against the system support article structure top 108 (i.e. the top of the clamp structure cavity 120). The locking knob 142 may be rotated until the system support article 102 is securely associated with the support structure.

Referring to FIGS. 5-12, the firearm support article 104 includes a firearm support base 152, a base support clamp 154 and a firearm support clamp 156. The firearm support base 152 includes a base top 158, a base bottom 160, a first base side 162 and a second base side 164.

The base bottom 160 defines a base interface cavity 166 and a base bottom clamp cavity 168, wherein the base interface cavity 166 is configured to at least partially contain the clamp interface structure 150 and the base bottom clamp cavity 168 is configured to movably contain a portion of the base support clamp 154. The base support clamp 154 includes a base support clamp mounting structure 170 and a base interface portion 172, wherein the base interface portion 172 extends downwardly from the base support clamp mounting structure 170 and defines a base interface portion cavity 174 which is configured to contain at least a portion of the clamp interface structure 150.

The base support clamp 154 is movably associated with the firearm support base 152 such that the base support clamp mounting structure 170 is securely and rotatably located within the base bottom clamp cavity 168 and such that the base interface portion cavity 174 is located proximate to and aligned with the base interface cavity 166. A first center type locking mechanism 176 is provided and is movably connected to the firearm support base 152 and the base support clamp 154 via a mounting rod 178 and one or more biasing springs 180. This advantageously allows the base support clamp 154 to be configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Thus, when the base support clamp 154 is configured in the open configuration, the clamp interface structure 150 can be located within a support mounting cavity 151 formed by the base interface cavity 166 and the base interface portion cavity 174. The first center type locking mechanism 176 is then rotated to cause the base support clamp 154 to be configured into the closed configuration thereby compressing and locking the clamp interface structure 150 within the cavity formed by the base interface cavity 166 and the base interface portion cavity 174 and securely associating the firearm support base 152 to the system support article 102.

The base top 158 partially defines a firearm mounting cavity 182 and a firearm support clamp cavity 184, wherein the firearm support clamp cavity 184 is configured to movably contain a portion of the firearm support clamp 156. The firearm support clamp 156 includes a firearm support clamp mounting structure 186 and a firearm interface portion 188, wherein the firearm interface portion 188 extends upwardly from the firearm support clamp mounting structure 186 and defines a firearm interface portion cavity 190 which is configured to enclose at least a portion of the firearm mounting cavity 182. It should be appreciated that when the firearm mounting cavity 182 and the firearm interface portion cavity 190 are secured together a system mounting cavity 191 is formed by the firearm mounting cavity 182 and the firearm interface portion cavity 190 combination is shaped to securely contain a firearm mounting article 192, such as an ammunition magazine (faux or real), a picatinny rail, etc.

The firearm support clamp 156 is movably associated with the firearm support base 152 such that the firearm support clamp mounting structure 186 is securely and rotatably located within the firearm support clamp cavity 184 and such that the firearm interface portion cavity 190 is proximate to and aligned with the firearm mounting cavity 182. A second center type locking mechanism 194 is provided and is movably connected to the firearm support base 152 and the firearm support clamp 156 via a mounting rod 196 and one or more biasing springs 198 (See FIG. 1B). This advantageously allows the firearm support clamp 156 to be configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Thus, when the firearm support clamp 156 is configured in the open configuration, the firearm mounting article 192 can be securely located within the firearm interface portion cavity 190. The second center type locking mechanism 194 is then rotated to cause the firearm support clamp 156 to be configured into the closed configuration thereby compressing the firearm mounting article 192 and securely associating the firearm mounting article 192 to the firearm support base 152.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the Universal Firearm Vise System 100 may be implemented as described hereinafter. The system support article 102 may be associated with a table or other type of suitable support structure, such as a bench, wherein the edge of the table is located within the clamp structure cavity 120. The locking knob 142 is rotated to cause the engagement pad 140 to extend into the clamp structure cavity 120, thereby compressing the edge of the support structure located therein against the system support article structure top 108 (i.e. the top of the clamp structure cavity 120) until the system support article 102 is stably and securely associated with the support structure. The firearm support article 104 is associated with the system support article 102 by operating the first center type locking mechanism 176 to configure the base support clamp 154 into the open configuration, locating the clamp interface structure 150 within the base interface cavity 166 and then operating the first center type locking mechanism 176 to configure the base support clamp 154 into the closed configuration.

At this point, the system support article 102 is securely associated with a table or other support structure and the firearm support article 104 is securely associated with the system support article 102. A firearm may then be associated with the firearm support article 104 by operating the second center type locking mechanism 194 to configure the firearm support clamp 156 into the open configuration. The firearm mounting article 192 is then located within the firearm mounting cavity 182 and the second center type locking mechanism 194 is operated to configure the firearm support clamp 156 into the closed configuration thereby securing the firearm mounting article 192 to the firearm support article 104. It should be appreciated that if the firearm mounting article 192 is a dummy ammunition clip, then the firearm to be cleaned or gunsmithed, can receive and interface with the dummy ammunition clip and be stabilized that way. However, one of the unique and novel advantages of the Universal Firearm Vise System 100 of the present invention is that the firearm mounting article 192 may also be a picatinny rail system. As such, if the firearm to be cleaned, repaired or otherwise gunsmithed includes a picatinny rail, the firearm can be securely attached to the Universal Firearm Vise System 100 via the picatinny rail. It should be appreciated that one major advantage of the present invention is that the Universal Firearm Vise System 100 may be used with almost any firearm without having to modify the firearm.

Referring to FIGS. 13-18, a firearm support article 200 shown in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the firearm support article 200 is configured to securely associate with another type of clamp interface structure 150 having a different shape than a sphere or ball. It should be appreciated that any type or shape of clamp interface structure 150 may be used, suitable to the desired end purpose. Additionally, referring to FIGS. 19-22, a system support article 300 is shown in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the system support article 300 is configured for use on a surface, such as a table top, a bench, a floor, etc. It should be appreciated that the system support article 300 includes a system support article structure 302 and a clamp interface structure 304. Additionally, in one embodiment, the system support article structure 302 may include a plurality of structure legs 306 to support the system support article 300 above the surface upon which it is placed. It is contemplated that one or more of the structure legs 306 may be configured to be telescoping to allow the system support article 300 to be adjustably configured as level as desired if the surface upon which it is placed is not flat or level. Furthermore, the system support article structure includes one or more depressions or trays 308 for holding parts and tools and may also include a retractable draw 310 having a draw handle 312 for containing tools or parts, wherein the draw can be lockably secured.

Moreover, referring to FIG. 23, a system support article 400 is shown in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the system support article 400 is configured as a tripod for use on a surface, such as a table top, a bench, a floor, etc. It should be appreciated that the system support article 400 includes a system support article structure 402 and a clamp interface structure 404, wherein the system support structure 402 includes a plurality of structure legs 406 to support the system support article 400 above the surface upon which it is placed. It is contemplated that one or more of the structure legs 406 may be configured to be telescoping to allow the system support article 400 to be adjustably configured at a level that is desired by the user. Moreover, it is contemplated that in one embodiment, the clamp interface structure 150, 304, 404 may be configured to be removable so that it can be replaced if broken or swapped to another type or shaped clamp interface structure 150, 304, 404.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, the embodiments and/or parts of the embodiments may be combined in whole or in part without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

1. A Universal Firearm Vise System (UFVS), comprising: a system support article having a clamp interface structure; anda firearm support article having a firearm support base, a base support clamping article and a firearm support clamping article, wherein the base support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with the clamp interface structure, andwherein the firearm support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with a firearm mounting article to hold the firearm in a stable position.

2. The UVFS of claim 1, wherein the system support article further includes an engagement pad and defines a clamp structure cavity and a pad cavity.

3. The UVFS of claim 2, wherein the engagement pad is movably associated with the system support article to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration.

4. The UVFS of claim 3, wherein when the engagement pad is configured in the first configuration, the engagement pad is located within the pad cavity and when the engagement pad is configured in the second configuration, the engagement pad is located within the clamp structure cavity.

5. The UVFS of claim 2, wherein the clamp structure cavity is configured to contain an edge portion of a support structure.

6. The UVFS of claim 5, wherein the support structure is at least one of a table and bench.

7. The UVFS of claim 1, wherein the firearm support base defines a firearm support base interface cavity and wherein the base support clamping article defines a clamping base interface portion cavity.

8. The UVFS of claim 7, wherein the base support clamping article is configured to movably and lockingly associate with the firearm support base to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration.

9. The UVFS of claim 8, wherein when the base support clamping article is associated with the firearm support base, the firearm support base interface cavity is proximate to and adjacent with the clamping base interface portion cavity to form an interface cavity.

10. The UVFS of claim 9, wherein when the base support clamping article is in the first configuration, the interface cavity is configured to loosely contain the clamp interface structure and when the base support clamping article is in the second configuration, the interface cavity is configured to securely contain the clamp interface structure.

11. The UVFS of claim 1, wherein the firearm support base defines a firearm mounting cavity and wherein the firearm support clamping article defines a firearm interface portion cavity.

12. The UVFS of claim 11, wherein the firearm support clamping article is configured to movably and lockingly associate with the firearm support base to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration.

13. The UVFS of claim 12, wherein when the firearm support clamping article is associated with the firearm support base, the firearm mounting cavity is located proximate to and adjacent with the firearm interface portion cavity to form a system mounting cavity.

14. The UVFS of claim 13, wherein when the firearm support clamping article is in the first configuration, the system mounting cavity is configured to loosely contain the firearm mounting article and when the firearm support clamping article is in the second configuration, the system mounting cavity is configured to securely contain the firearm mounting article.

15. The UVFS of claim 1, wherein the firearm mounting article is at least one of a picatinny rail and a firearm ammunition magazine.

16. A Universal Firearm Vise System (UFVS), comprising: a system support article having an engagement pad and a clamp interface structure and defining a clamp structure cavity, wherein the engagement pad is configured to be movably associated with the system support article to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; anda firearm support article having a firearm support base, a base support clamping article and a firearm support clamping article, wherein the base support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with the claim interface structure, andwherein the firearm support clamping article is configured to securingly associate with a firearm mounting article to hold the firearm in a stable position.

17. The UVFS of claim 16, wherein the engagement pad is movably associated with the system support article to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein when the engagement pad is configured in the first configuration, the engagement pad is located within the pad cavity and when the engagement pad is configured in the second configuration, the engagement pad is located within the clamp structure cavity.

18. The UVFS of claim 16, wherein the firearm support base defines a firearm support base interface cavity and wherein the base support clamping article defines a clamping base interface portion cavity,wherein the base support clamping article is configured to movably and lockingly associate with the firearm support base to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration,wherein when the base support clamping article is associated with the firearm support base, the firearm support base interface cavity is proximate to and adjacent with the clamping base interface portion cavity to form an interface cavity, andwherein when the base support clamping article is in the first configuration, the interface cavity is configured to loosely contain the clamp interface structure and when the base support clamping article is in the second configuration, the interface cavity is configured to securely contain the clamp interface structure.

19. The UVFS of claim 16, wherein the firearm support base defines a firearm mounting cavity and wherein the firearm support clamping article defines a firearm interface portion cavity,wherein the firearm support clamping article is configured to movably and lockingly associate with the firearm support base to be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration,wherein when the firearm support clamping article is associated with the firearm support base, the firearm mounting cavity is located proximate to and adjacent with the firearm interface portion cavity to form a system mounting cavity, andwherein when the firearm support clamping article is in the first configuration, the system mounting cavity is configured to loosely contain the firearm mounting article and when the firearm support clamping article is in the second configuration, the system mounting cavity is configured to securely contain the firearm mounting article.

20. The UVFS of claim 16, wherein the firearm mounting article is at least one of a picatinny rail and a firearm ammunition magazine.