Systems and methods of accessory mounting

Abstract

Embodiments according to the present invention provide improved systems and methods for mounting accessories, such as a rangefinder, to supporting structure, such as an archery bow or firearm. The improved accessory mount includes one or more brackets adapted to interface to the accessory and to the supporting structure. Preferred brackets provide universal adaptability between and amongst a variety of supporting structures.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 404,944, filed 12 Oct. 2010, and entitled “Systems and Methods of Accessory Mounting.”[0002]This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 229,406, filed 22 Aug. 2008, and entitled “Archery Bow Accessory Mount,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates generally to the field of supporting structures, such as brackets and the like, and more particularly to the positioning and support of an accessory, such as a rangefinder, in relation to a weapon, such as an archery bow or a firearm, or other structure.[0004]Generally, an archery bow comprises a riser body and a pair of limbs extending from opposite ends of the riser body. Strung between the limbs is a bowstring. An archery bow may be provided as a compound bow or a long bow; a compo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved apparatus for positioning an accessory in relation to a support structure and to allow for uniform mounting structure to be provided on various weapons to allow for ease of transfer of an accessory from one weapon or support structure to another. The apparatus includes a bracket with a support structure interface including a first leg and a second leg, which are coupled by a hinge member. The bracket also includes one or more standoffs that may support an accessory, such as an electronic range finder or an arrow quiver. The standoffs have a notch that may cooperate with another notch to form a mounting aperture for the accessory. The bracket also includes yoke arms that move simultaneously with the legs and may support the accessory. The accessory has parallel rails that fit into slots on the yoke arms. The technical effects of the invention include improved mounting flexibility and ease of transfer of accessories between weapons."

Problems solved by technology

However, other accessories that may be of value to a user of an archery bow may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the bow.

While limited mounting locations may be provided on a rifle, other locations, and perhaps other accessories, that may be of value to a shooter may not have been designed to be integrated onto or supported by the rifle.

While devices and methods have been developed for supporting accessories on weapons and other structures, such developments may not have appreciated relative positioning of accessories in relation to the weapon, as well as desired interchangeability between mounting the same accessory on first an archery bow and then on a firearm, or vice versa.

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