Shock absorber for a rifle

Abstract

A shock absorber for use on the butt of the stock of a rifle, such as a shotgun, that absorbs significant recoil force by means of a foam construction formed to have plural air-trapping chambers in the base, which base is positioned between the butt of the stock of said rifle or shotgun and the shoulder of the user. As the foam base compresses, the air in the plurality of air-trapping chambers (areas compressed); delaying and limiting rearward travel of the force transfer of the stock to the shoulder of the user. Vent nozzle holes in the base allow the air trapped in these chambers to be vented but at the delayed and controlled rate to the outside of the device. Thus, the recoil is brought to a slowed stop as the increase in pressure of the air in the air-trapping chambers slows and eventually matches the rate at which air is vented outside the device through the vent holes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Non-provisional utility patent application claiming the benefit of Provisional Patent titled SHOCK ABSORBER FOR A RIFLE having U.S. application No. 60 / 517,185, and Filing Date of Nov. 04, 2003.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. [0004] Certain rifles, such as shotguns, have a significant recoil or kick. When the trigger is pulled and the round of ammunition detonates, half of the kinetic energy released by the exploding gunpowder in the shell propels the bullet or shot forward through the barrel of the rifle and onward to the target. However, the other half of the kinetic energy goes in the opposite direction, rearward, and the rearward motion causes the force transfer to be absorbed largely by the user. For those who are unaccustomed to firing shotguns or who fire them a lot, the recoil can leave shoulders sore or bruised. [0005...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] According to its major aspects and briefly described, the present invention is a shock absorber for use with a rifle. The present shock absorber fits closely on the butt of the stock of a rifle and is made of foam. In addition to the impact-absorbing quality of the foam construction, the present device is shaped to trap a quantity of air inside air chambers, and release it through vent nozzles, thus using the compression bulge of the air and its delayed release as a way to prevent the immediate impact force transfer of momentum from stock to the shoulder of the user. By decreasing the force which the recoil transfers to the user, the impact is correspondingly reduced and, with it, the likelihood of injury or bruising. While no device can or will greatly arrest the rearward movement of the stock, the pain of recoil impact transfer can be significantly reduced and bruising negated.

[0008] The combination of foam construction, air-tapping chambers, and vent nozzle holes releasing said air are the features of the present invention. This combination allows the recoil kinetic energy to be managed and controlled so that it has less impact on the shoulder of the user.

[0009] The use of vent nozzle holes communicating from the chambers to the exterior of the device is another feature of the present invention. The vent nozzle holes prevent the pressure in the chamber from increasing sharply. As air pressure bulges the chamber construction during recoil, the vent nozzle holes allow compressed air to be released at a predetermined rate thus keeping the compressed air from transferring the recoil impact (force transfer) to the shoulder by the slow cushioning effect of air being vented as compression builds. The use of air venting is not a necessary by-product aiding springs, coils or other devices within cylinders; but a combination of air chambers, foam construction and nozzle release system working as one unit to produce a desired effect.

[0010] The one-piece moldable construction of the present device is another feature of it. By being configured in one simple piece, the present product is easier and cheaper to make. It is made of lightweight foam. Furthermore its shape allows the device to be fitted onto and easily removed from a rifle and transferred to another rifle if desired. It allows an owner of several rifles to own a set of the present shock absorbers at minimal expense, each one tuned to that particular user and rifle. While this one-piece construction is the preferred embodiment, the air chamber design will lend itself to a type construction that can be attached to a stock by screws or other fastening devices.

Problems solved by technology

However, the other half of the kinetic energy goes in the opposite direction, rearward, and the rearward motion causes the force transfer to be absorbed largely by the user.

For those who are unaccustomed to firing shotguns or who fire them a lot, the recoil can leave shoulders sore or bruised.

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