Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE OF INVENTION
ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR QUICK CONNECT OF TREKKING, SHOOTING AND
WEIGHT ASSIST EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[Para 1] 1. Field of the Invention.
[Para 2] This invention relates to attachment devices, handles and sticks,
including devices attachable to sticks for connecting the sticks to other
objects
or to sticks for creating shooting bipods, tripods, and weight assist devices.
[Para 31 2. Background Information.
[Para 41 Trekkers, hikers, walkers, skiers and others use sticks to assist
them in their activities. A typical trekking stick includes a handle or grip
at one
end and a basket near the bottom end of the stick or shaft. Sometimes a strap
is associated with the handle to allow a user to better secure the stick. The
basket is designed to stop the pole from sinking significantly into deep snow
or
sou, and can range from being small, aerodynamic cones used in racing, to
large snowflake shaped baskets which are used in powder skiing. The shaft or
stick may telescope and adjust to fit the length desired by the user. There
have
been a variety of devices which combine walking or skiing sticks for various
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purposes, such as the devices shown in U.S. Patent Application No.
2016/0135554, or US Patent Nos. 5,842,614, 7,344,320 or 8,590,440. While
some device have benefits, there is room for improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[Para 5] The invention pertains to a combination trekking stick, shooting
bipod, shooting tripod and backpack weight assist, and stick attachment
devices for use with such equipment. In one aspect the invention is an
attachment device configured to connect to a shaft of a stick (or having a
grip
which connects to a shaft of a stick) and designed to allow the stick to quick-
connect to another stick to form a bipod or tripod. The same attachment
device in association with a stick forms a weight assist, such as when
connected
to a receiver of a backpack frame. The attachment device includes a base
configured to be positioned atop a stick, such as by connecting the device
directly to a top or handle of a stick or integrating the base with a grip
which is
slid upon the stick. From the base projects an integrally con nected arm
extending upwardly from the base and a pair of connecting fingers projecting
outwardly from the base and defining a through hole passageway configured to
receive a quick-release pin such that insertion of a pin through the through
hole passageway connects two sticks together. The quick-pin is tool-free in
that it inserts and removes from the through hole without the use of tools
such
as a screwdriver or wrench. Such quick-pin action allows a trekker to quickly
combine sticks or trekking poles to establish a shooting bipod. The bipod may
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also be quickly dismantled so the trekking poles may continue to be used for
trekking. The quick pin inserts into a pin holder for storage when not being
used to connect sticks together.
[Para 6] In a further aspect the invention includes a stick attachment
device
for tool-free quick release connection of a stick to an object, the attachment
device having a base configured to be positioned atop a stick, an arm
extending upwardly from the base, and a first connecting finger projecting
outwardly from the base and defining a through hole configured to receive a
quick-release pin such that tool-free insertion or removal of the quick
release
pin through the through hole quick-connects or quick-releases the first
connecting finger with or from the object. In one aspect the object is another
stick having the same or similar attachment device. In other non-limiting
aspects the object is a weight assist receiver positioned or positionable on a
frame of a backpack.
[Para 7] In one aspect the invention includes a handle or grip configured
to
connect to another handle or grip. The handle is configured to be connected to
a stick such as a trekking stick so that the trekking stick is connectable to
another trekking stick having a like handle or grip. The connected sticks form
a shooting bipod. A quick-detach pin secures the sticks together. In one
aspect the pin is positioned atop a third stick such that when the pin is
inserted
to form the bipod device, a tripod is constructed. In some aspects a zero
clearance or tight-fit clearance arrangement is created between respective
finger projections of the sticks and kept in place by the quick-detach pin.
The
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handle, grip or stick attachment device in one aspect is a single molded piece
that can easily attach and detach to a second stick without any form of tools.
Once connected, two sticks form a "U" shape on the top of the sticks to be
used
as a rest for a camera or firearm as a shooting stick. An optional third stick
can
be attached via an adaptor or port in either of the first two sticks to
provide
more stability. An optional spotting scope or camera shelf adaptor can be
attached to the U shaped structure.
[Para 8] In a further aspect the invention is a device having a first stick
having a tool-free quick release stick attachment having a first arm extending
upwardly from a first base, and a first connecting finger projecting outwardly
from the first base and defining a first through hole, a second stick having a
tool-free quick release stick attachment having a second arm extending
upwardly from a second base, and a second connecting finger projecting
outwardly from the second base and defining a second through hole, and a
quick release pin positioned through the first through hole and the second
through hole connecting the first stick to the second stick, the pin and first
and
second connecting fingers configured for tool-free quick-insertion and quick-
release of the pin.
[Para 9] In a further aspect the invention includes a stick attachment
device
for tool-free quick release connection of a stick to an object, the stick
attachment device having a base configured to be positioned atop a stick, an
arm extending upwardly from the base, and a first connecting finger projecting
outwardly from the base and defining a through hole which aligns with a
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through hole of the object and is configured to receive a quick-release pin
therethrough, the arm configured to insert within a gap defined by the object,
the arm having a concave top surface configured to abut against a convex
surface of the object and having a convex outside surface configured to abut
against a concave surface of the object in part defining the gap of the
object.
Insertion of the pin through the through hole while the arm is positioned in
the
gap locks the stick to the object. In one aspect the object is a weight assist
receiver connected to a backpack.
[Para 1 0] In a further aspect the invention includes a stick receiver for
mounting to a frame of an object such as a backpack and for receiving a stick
to provide weight assist of the object, the stick receiver having a housing
105
connected to a frame mount 110 and configured to receive a stick within a gap
defined by the housing, the frame mount configured to mount to a frame
element of the object, the stick having a shaft configured to abut a ground
surface to provide weight-assist to the object, the housing having a core 107
with a receiver wall configured to receive a top surface 38 of an arm
extending
upward from the stick, the gap defined in part by the core 107 and a stop 106
of the housing, the stop having a curved surface to match a convex curve
surface of the arm so as to lock the arm into position. The stick receiver is
made symmetrically so that whatever side of the backpack frame it is mou nted
an inserted arm will be received and locked into position with curved surfaces
abutting a corresponding curved surface of the core and of the stop. The
receivers in one aspect are mounted on a backpack frame where they receive
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the detachable trekking sticks. The sticks or poles can be telescoped outward
to become a weight pack assist (or inward for transport and storage; or
detached altogether). The backpack wearer can use the attached poles as
support fo hold the weight of the backpack when resting or the poles can be
used to hold the backpack up when flot being worn.
[Para 1 1 ] The above partial summary of the present invention is flot
intended
to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of
the present invention. The figures and detailed description and claims that
follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments and further
aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[Para 1 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device made in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention.
[Para 1 3] Figure 2 is a partial reverse enhanced perspective view of the
device of Figure 1.
[Para 141 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a stick aspect of the present
invention with the device of Figure 1 connected to a representative stick.
[Para 1 5] Figure 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of the stick of
Figure
3.
[Para 1 6] Figure 5 is a section view of the stick of Figure 3.
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[Para 17] Figure 6 is a partial enhanced perspective view of the device of
Figure 3.
[Para 18] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a bipod device in accordance with
a further aspect of the invention with the stick device of Figure 3 connected
to a
like device.
[Para 19] Figure 8 is an exploded partial perspective view of the bipod device
of Figure 7.
[Para 20] Figure 9 is an enhanced partial perspective view of the bipod device
of Figure 7.
[Para 21] Figure 10 is a reverse angle view of the device of Figure 9.
[Para 22] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a tripod device in accordance
with a further aspect of the invention with a stick connected to the bipod
device
of Figure 7.
[Para 23] Figure 12 is a partial exploded perspective view of the tripod
device
of Figure 11.
[Para 24] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the tripod device of Figure 11
with further aspects.
[Para 25] Figure 14 is a partial exploded perspective view of the device of
Figure 13.
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[Para 261 Figure 15 is a left side view of the device of Figure 13.
[Para 271 Figure 16 is a perspective view of a further aspect of the present
invention and showing the device of Figure 3 in a representative assist aspect
of
the invention.
[Para 281 Figure 17 is a partial enhanced perspective view of a receiver
aspect of the present invention and showing connection with the device of
Figure 3.
[Para 291 Figure 18 is a perspective view of the receiver of Figure 17.
[Para 30] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the receiver of Figure
18.
[Para 31] Figure 20 is a left side view of the receiver of Figure 17 with a
feature removed for clarity.
[Para 32] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 and
showing a further component.
[Para 33] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however,
that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular
embodiments, aspects and features described. On the contrary, the intention is
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to cover ail modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit
and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Para 34] Referring to Figures 1-21, aspects of a handle and associated
devices of the invention are shown. In one aspect, the invention includes a
stick attachment device 20 which is connected to a grip 22 to form a handle 24
as shown in Figure 1. Handle 24 is configured to connect to a shaft 50 of a
first
stick 51 as shown in Figure 3. In one aspect, device 20 is connected to grip
22
by use of a fastener or other connection means. For instance, device 20 may
include a threaded fastener which inserts into a threaded receiver of a grip
or
handle of a stick, or device 20 may include a threaded receiver which receives
a
threaded fastener for connection of device 20 to the grip or handle of a
stick.
Device 20 may thereby screw or thread into connection with grip 22 or onto the
handle of a stick. Other means for connecting device 20 to grip 20 may also be
used, such as with a fastener or fasteners, friction fit, adhesive bond and/or
clasps. In other aspects, as shown in Figure 1, stick attachment device 20 is
integrally connected to grip 22. Grip 22 includes a mouth leading to a
generally cylindrical cavity at a bottom portion 26 of handle 24 to receive
therein a shaft 50 of a stick such as first stick 51. Referring to Figures 4-
6,
handle 24 receives shaft 50. A set screw 27 or other fastener is used in one
aspect to secure handle 25 to the shaft 50 and stick 51. A strap 25 may be
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included with the handle 24 as shown. Shaft 50 may be a shaft associated with
a stick 51 or pole such as a trekking stick 51, ski pole, shooting bipod,
tripod,
receiver, or other structure.
[Para 351 At an upper portion 28 of handle 24 or of grip 22, or on top of grip
22 is positioned a base 30 having an upward extending arm 34. Arm 34
extends from base 30 at a first side 33 of device 20. A finger 40 or fingers
40a, 40b are positioned opposite arm 34 at a second side 35. In one aspect
arm 34 includes a smooth concaved surface spanning to a head portion 36.
The smooth concaved top surface 38 is configured to receive at least a part of
a
camera or firearm to be supported by device 20 and a corresponding stick 51
or sticks. The head portion 36 projects generally upward from arm 34. The
finger 40 or fingers 40a, 40b extend generally outward from base 30. In one
aspect, fingers 40 are oriented generally perpendicularly to head portion 36.
[Para 36] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, fingers 40a, 40b each define a
through hole 42 configured to receive a quick-release pin 44. The respective
through holes 42 are aligned so that a single pin 44 passes there through.
Fingers 40a, 40b are spaced apart and form a gap or slot 46. Slot 46 is
configured to receive a finger 40 of a like attachment 20 as addressed further
below. Fingers 40 also include teeth 48 comprising a set of grooves which
mesh with ribs 49 of a like attachment 20.
[Para 37] In further reference to Figure 3, stick attachment device 20 which
is
part of handle 24 is attached to shaft 50 of first stick 51. In this example
shaft
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50 is segmented and telescopes with a twist-lock mechanism for convenient
length adjustment. A basket 54 may be positioned near the bottom of stick 51
to provide trekking, skiing, walking or other support.
[Para 38] In operation device 20 and/or handle 24 accommodates quick-
connect and quick-release connection of sticks 51, 52 to form a shooting bipod
60. With reference to Figures 7-10, a stick 51 includes a handle 24 and/or
stick attachment device 20. Another stick 52 includes a like stick attachment
device 20, and in the example shown, the attachment device 20' of stick 52 is
identical to the attachment device 20 of stick 51. Device 20 is designed such
that an identical device 20' is interconnected with itself. For instance, and
with
reference to Figure 8, finger 40b is positioned such that it fits within slot
46'
defined by device 20'. Likewise, finger 40b' is positioned such that it fits
within
slot 46 (See Figure 2 for further reference to slot 46) defined by device 20.
Fingers 40b and 40a are off-set from the center of base 30 so that when
rotated 180 degrees, fingers 40a, 40b align with its former self, i.e., finger
40b
inserts into the slot 46 defined by finger 40b and finger 40a. In this manner,
a
single design for device 20 accommodates use of identical devices 20, 20' for
efficient operation and efficient manufacture because only a single mold or
set
of molds is required for manufacture. A first device 20 may be rotated 180
degrees to interlock with an identical second device 20'. Having a single
design
also provides efficiencies where multiple devices 20 are used because ail of
the
devices may interconnect among the group of devices for efficient organization
and use. Devices 20, 20' are interchangeable. As shown in Figure 9, device 20
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and identical device 20' are interlocked by insertion of fingers 40 into
respective slots 46. Pin 44 is inserted through through holes 42 defined by
the
four fingers 40. In one aspect, slot 46 is configured such that a finger 40b
inserted into slot 46 will friction fit therein, or at least partially
friction fit
therein. A tight tolerance between respective surfaces provides a friction
fit.
Insertion of pin 44 further secures interlocked fingers 40 together. Once pin
44 is inserted, respective sticks 51, 51 are fixed into an angularly connected
position as generally shown. Teeth 48 mesh with ribs 49 of respective devices
20, 20' to further lock the fingers 40 together. A different locked angular
connection may also be achieved by modifying the angle between sticks 51, 52
prior to interlock such that teeth 48 abut ribs 49 at a different angle. The
set
of teeth 48 and ribs 49 accommodate adjustment to the different angular
connections. In further aspects, teeth and ribs are configured to allow for a
ratcheting arrangement to allow angular adjustment while pin 44 is in
position.
As shown in Figure 10, pin 44 extends through the through holes 42. In one
aspect, pin 44 is a metal bail detent pin, sized such that the detent bail
passes
through finger 40a. Pin 44 may alternatively pass through in the reverse
direction so that detent bail passes though finger 40a'. Pin 44 (and device
20)
is "tool-free" in that no tools are required to insert or remove pin 44 from
device 20, 20' (or no tools are required to connect or disconnect one device
20
from another device 20'). Such tool-free insertion or removal of pin 44
achieves a quick release and quick connect feature. An operator may therefore
connect and disconnect devices 20, 20' and respective sticks 51, 52 without
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having to use a separate tool such as a screwd river, wrench or other tool.
The
pin 44 hingedly secures respective devices 20, 20' together. No boit or screw
or nut or other hardware is required. The interlocking fingers 40 hinged
together with pin 44 creates a stable structure that does flot loosen or
detach,
thus a boit and nut configuration is avoided. Once fingers 40 are interlocked
so that through holes 42 are ail in alignment, pin 44 is easily inserted to
lock
the fingers 40 together. Operation is achieved by a simple insertion of pin 44
to overcome the force of the bail detent. The pin is secure until an outward
removal force is applied, which is easily accomplished by grasping the ring at
the end of pin 44 and pulling outward. A pin holder 45 accommodates
insertion and storage of a pin 44 for handy or convenient use. Once the pin 44
is removed from through hole 42, it may be stored at pin holder 45. A pin 44
may be stored in the various pin holders 45 of device 20, 20' for use as
needed,
and for quick connect or disconnect of respective sticks 51, 52.
[Para 39] As shown in Figure 7, bipod 60 includes sticks 51, 52 which are
height adjustable to accommodate stabilization for shooting of a camera or use
of firearm or for stabilization of objects for other purposes. ln operation, a
photographer or hunter may place his or her camera or firearm in the cradle 62
formed by the arms 34, 34'. The smooth and curved top surface 38 of arms 34
cradle the barrel of the camera or firearm and allow the user to stabilize for
a
shot.
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[Para 40] With reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12, pin 44 is connected to a
third stick 53. Insertion of pin 44 transforms bipod 60 into a tripod 70,
having
sticks 51, 52, 53. Stick 53 may also be an adjustable telescoping stick. In
one
aspect, pin 44 is pivotally connected with pin pivot 43. Pin pivot 43 may also
be friction fit (plug into or upon) with stick 53 or may include threads for
threaded connection with stick 53. If a user experiences a broken stick or a
lost pin, stick 53 may be used to provide the needed stick or pin parts by
separating pin pivot from stick 53. Pin 44 locks together respective devices
20,
20' (and sticks 51, 52) while simultaneously providing a third leg 53 for
tripod
support. With a tripod 70 the operator experiences a desired stability for
shooting photographs and/or using firearms. With reference to Figure 21, an
insert 55 such as a threaded insert is positioned within grip 22. The insert
55
is positioned with a downward angle orientation. In one aspect the insert 55
is
located at a grip portion where the surface naturally projects somewhat
downward. The insert is configured to receive a threaded male component of
the third stick 53. For instance, instead of using a pin 44 connected at an
end
of third stick 53, a threaded pin is used for threaded engagement within
insert
55. The third stick 53 may screw into insert 55 much like occurs with
insertion
of a handle into a head of a broom. When sticks 51, 52 are connected together
as in Figure 12, there will be an insert 55 on both sides of the bipod 60 so
that
the third stick 53 may be inserted into either side of bipod 60 to form tripod
70. The angular orientation of insert 55 accommodates angular projection of
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stick 53. A pin pivot 43 may also be used in conjunction with a threaded pin
for the insertion.
[Para 41] With reference to Figures 13-15, arms 34 of devices 20, 20' are
configured to receive a cap 72. In one aspect, cap 72 includes a shoulder 74
configured to fit upon a head 76 defined by arm 34. In one aspect shoulder 74
and head 76 both includes a pin hole 47 which align and are configured to
receive pin 44. A pin 44 inserted into the aligned pin holes 47 of head 76 and
shoulder 74 secure cap 72 upon arm 34. Cap 72 may include a further
shoulder 74 to likewise secure upon head 76 of a connected device 20. Cap 74
operates as a structure to secure additional objects. In one aspect cap 74 is
configured fo receive an accessory, such a camera mount 80 equipped with
swivel and pan capabilities. A camera may be mounted upon mount 80 for film
and photography operation. A variety of accessories may be interchanged upon
cap 72 as desired. A variety of devices may also be used in conjuction with
camera mount 80.
[Para 42] With reference to Figures 16-20, stick attachment device 20 is
shown in connection with a weight-assist receiver 100 of a backpack 102 or of
a frame of another object. An attachment device 20 attached to a stick 51 and
inserted into receiver 100 allows a user to experience a weight relief in
supporting a backpack of other object. For instance, the user will insert a
pair
of sticks 51, 52 into a pair of receivers 100 which are positioned on a frame
of
the backpack 102. The sticks 51, 52 extend downward to connect the ground
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and allow the weight of the backpack to be supported, at least in part, thus
providing at least some temporary relief to the user without having to remove
the backpack. The sticks 51, 52 may be retracted during normal travel and
then extended when desired. Sticks 51, 52 may also be detached during
normal travel, or con nected when concluding travel to operate as a partial
stand
for the backpack (to self-lean against a tree or other structure, for
instance).
The sticks 51, 52 also assist the user in removing of the backpack 102 by
having the weight at least partially supported during removal of the backpack
or frame.
[Para 43] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, receiver 100 includes a housing
105 and a frame mount 110. Housing 105 is configured to receive a stick 51
within a gap 108 defined by the housing 105. The frame mount 110 is
configured to mount to a frame element of the object, such as to a backpack
frame or to the frame of a backpack or other object. The housing 105 includes
a core 107 (See Figure 20) having a receiver wall 104 (or a pair of receiver
walls
104, 104'). The receiver wall is configured to receive the top surface 38 of
an
arm 34 extending upward from the stick 51. The through hole 42 of device 20
is configured to align with through holes 42 of housing 105 and to receive pin
44 which also passes within through holes 42 of housing 105. Arm 34 is
configured to abut against receiver wall 104 and to extend between a gap 108
defined between core 107 (or wall 104) and stop 106. Stop 106 is positioned at
a terminal portion of housing 105. In one aspect wall 104 has a surface
contoured to match the concave contour of arm 34. Particularly, the wall 104
is
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constructed to match the contour of top surface 38. In one aspect stop 106
has a surface contoured to match the contour of an outside convex surface 39
(see also Figure 6, Figure 20) of arm 34. Arm 34 and receiver 100 are
configured such that when arm is inserted into gap 108, both the convex
surface 39 and concave contoured surface 38 of arm 34 simultaneously abut
the respective concave and convex surfaces of core 107 (or wall 104) and stop
106. When arm 34 is secured within gap 108, pin 44 is inserted into through
holes 42 to lock arm 34 and device 20 into receiver 100 as shown in Figure 20.
In such configuration, arm and device 20 are locked and inhibited from
movement or rotation from within receiver 100 with a simple insertion of a
single quick-release pin 44.
[Para 44] In further aspects, housing 105 is made of a first receiver
casing
101 connected to a second receiver casing 103. Each casing 101, 103 includes
a portion of core 107 such that when combined the complete core 107 is
provides. Fasteners having lock heads and nuts are used to secure the first
receiver casing 101 to the second receiver casing 103. Countersunk openings
receive the head of fasteners and nuts to provide a smooth user-friendly
finish
and ease of assembly. Housing 105 is symmetrical about a central plane P¨P
passing through a center hole 117 as shown in Figure 20. For instance, wall
104 on one side of core 107 is symmetrical to the wall 104' on the opposite
side of core 107, and stop 106 is symmetrical with stop 106'. Such symmetry
makes for convenient use and attachment of receiver 100 to either a left side
or
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a right side of an object or frame, there being no requirement to worry about
an upside or a downside aspect of the housing 105.
[Para 45] Receiver 100 is firmly secured to a frame 112 of backpack 102 by
use of frame mount 110. Frame mount 110 includes cooperating brackets 114,
116 which wrap about frame 112 and secure together with fasteners such as
bolts 118, nuts 119, screws or other fasteners. A boit 118' is also provided
through mount 110 and through a hole in frame 112 and secured with nut
119'. ln one aspect boit 118' has a head which is received in a holder defined
by bracket 116 for convenient holding of boit 118' from spinning during
threading of boit 119'. Boit 118' also passes through a center hole 117
running through receiver 100. Bracket 116 defines a curve 115 configured to
receive a portion of frame 112 to accommodate wrap-around of frame mount
110 about frame 112, for instance. Bracket 114 has a similar or corresponding
curve to also accommodate placement and firm securing to frame 112.
[Para 46] Bracket 114 includes teeth 120 which mesh with like teeth 120
contained within respective receiver casings 101, 103 of receiver 110.
Receiver
casings 101, 103 join together with bolts or other fasteners to form housing
105 and in part define gap 108. Bolts, nuts or other fasteners are countersunk
into countersink holes formed in receiver 100 and frame mount 110. Housing
105 may be adjusted to secure to frame mount 110 at different angles by
rotating receiver casing 103 about bracket 114 so that housing 105 is situated
within bracket teeth at a new orientation. Thus, the inserted stick 51 may
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project from the frame 112 or object of a different angle, which may be easily
adjusted by loosening of nut 119' and readjustment of housing 105 about
bracket 114.
[Para 47] Receiver 100 is configured for attachment to frame 12 at various
locations on backpack 102 (or upon other object) and may be used
symmetrically such that either upside or downside is identical so that
receiver
100 may be mounted on either a right side or left side or other side of
backpack 102. As shown in Figure 20, arm 34 may alternatively abut against
wall 104' and insert into gap 108 from top to bottom, so that the same or
similar receiver may be mounted to a fame element on a reverse side of
backpack 102. In such alternative mounting, the convex contour of arm 34
would abut against the concave contour of stop 106a for a locking
arrangement. Quick release pin 44 accommodates easy and single tool-free
connection and detachment of sticks 51, 52 from backpack.
[Para 48] Device 20 allows a user fo achieve multiple functions for sticks 51,
52, such as for connection to form a shooting bipod, tripod, or component for
weight assist of objects such as backpacks. A further aspect of the invention
includes sticks 51, 52 comprising the device 20. Yet further aspects of the
invention include a shooting bipod comprising a first stick 51 and a second
stick 52 each equipped with the attachment device 20 and a quick release pin
44 positioned through the through holes 42. A further aspect of the invention
includes a tripod utilizing the bipod as described where the quick-release pin
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44 is connected to a third stick 53. Yet a further aspect of the invention
includes the bipod 60 or the tripod 70 including a cap 72 configured to
receive
an accessory. In one aspect the invention includes device 20 configured to
screw into a threaded receiver positioned at a top of a stick which may
include
insertion into a grip or handle of a stick or pole. Thus, device 20 may be
removed from a stick as desired for use on a different stick. Alternatively,
device 20 is connected (and alternatively integrally connected) to a grip or a
handle which grip or handle in turn is attached (and/or removable) from
various
sticks.
[Para 49] In one aspect device 20 (including cap 72) and receiver 100 are
made using hardened plastic and molded into the desired configuration. A
variety of different materials may also be used. In a further example grip 22,
base 30, arm 34 and fingers 40 are integrally connected, and in a further
aspect
are made using a hardened nylon reinforced with fiberglass. A variety of
polymers may also be used for the materials used to create device 20 (and cap
72) and receiver 100, including hardened PVC or other plastics. Pin holder 45
may be comprised of an inserted metal piece configured to receive the pin 44
for storage. The inserted metal piece may be molded in place during
production. Shaft 50 (and also receiver 100) may be made from a variety of
different materials, including metal (such as aluminum or other metal), carbon
fibers, wood, plastics, or a variety of alloys and/or combinations. Shaft 50
is of
a telescoping or collapsible variety and may include joints which twist and
lock
shaft segments to a desired position or length for easy adjustment. Camera
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mount 80 may include a standard camera mount configured to attach and
swivel to traditional tri-pod devices. A camera or other device may be
connected to mount 80 as desired.
[Para 50] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to
exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in
the
following claims.
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