Tripod stand with interchangeable weapon mount and its manufacture

Abstract

A tripod stand (1) with a weapon mount (2) comprising a central operating mechanism for quickly opening and closing the tripod stand (1), enabling an operator to transform the tripod stand (1) from a closed, retracted form to an open, extended form and to lock the tripod stand (1) at a desired location and height, the tripod stand (1) comprising the following components: a. a base head (6) with an associated stand head (7) for receiving a weapon mount (2), to which three telescopic stand legs (3) are articulated, each stand leg (3) having at least two leg segments (8, 9) which can be extended and retracted when opening and closing the tripod stand (1) to allow adjustment of the height of the tripod stand (1); and b.a central column (4) connected to the base head (6) with a central control unit (14) which is movable and lockable on the central column (4) and which is connected to each telescopic frame leg (3) via a connecting arm (5), wherein each connecting arm (5) is configured to allow the telescopic frame leg (3) to be locked in the open and closed form of the tripod frame (1); wherein the central control unit (14) is configured to release the lower leg segments (9) of the telescopic frame legs (3) when the tripod frame (1) is between its open and closed form.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] Hunters frequently change their location within their hunting grounds to spot game. The appearance of game can often be fleeting. A precise shot is usually required, so the hunter must shoot from the most advantageous, safest, and most comfortable position. Appropriate supports or weapon rests, placed on the ground, are used to support the hunting weapon and bring it into firing position.

[0002] Such supports or weapon mounts should be as lightweight as possible when carried to the hunting area, as quiet as possible in handling, and as quick as possible to set up in any terrain so that they can be used comfortably, safely, and efficiently by a hunter.

[0003] Numerous portable weapon mounts or shooting sticks are commercially available, including monopods, bipods, and tripods. Tripods originally designed for photographic purposes have also been adapted into suitable weapon mounts with some success.

[0004] A typical tripod stand with weapon mount is known according to the prior art from utility model DE 20 2020 100 525.1 with the following features: A stand consisting of three interconnected legs that can be folded in and out. Above the stand, a support device adjustable with several degrees of freedom for resting a long gun is arranged in two support elements that are mutually opposed.

[0005] With these known stands, the hunter sometimes has to unfold each telescopic leg individually, unlock / lock each leg segment separately, and adjust the stand's length to the surface structure to align it properly for a safe shot. Furthermore, these stands are designed for very low load capacities, meaning they can either only support a portion of the hunting rifle's weight or, at most, the total weight of a lightweight hunting rifle. These stands cannot withstand the hunter's bracing forces during target acquisition and firing.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a novel tripod stand with interchangeable weapon mount for hunting weapons of the type mentioned above, which enables the hunter to operate the tripod stand simply, quickly and user-friendly, and can also absorb the hunter's support forces during target acquisition and shooting.

[0007] According to the invention, the tripod is equipped with a new central operating mechanism for folding and unfolding and for extending and retracting the telescopic legs. This central operating mechanism allows the hunter to quickly and easily transform the tripod with weapon mount from a folded transport configuration to a stable, unfolded shooting configuration. In the compact transport configuration, the retracted legs are arranged almost parallel to a central column of the tripod. By actuating the central operating mechanism, all telescopic legs are opened at a uniform angle to the central column, and simultaneously, the free segments of the telescopic legs are released, allowing the free segment to be pulled out or to slide freely within the telescope to the ground.

[0008] When the tripod is unfolded, for example, on a slope, a rock, or in a hole in the ground, each leg extends according to the surface on which it is to stand. The length of each individual leg when unfolded can differ from the length of the other two legs, which in turn can also differ from each other, depending on the contour of the surface on which the tripod stands. A locking mechanism is part of the central operating mechanism. When the legs are opened and the segments of each leg are extended, this locking mechanism allows three sub-locking mechanisms to be engaged simultaneously. This locking mechanism eliminates the need to open each leg individually, unlock each segment, extend it to the desired length, and finally relock each segment at the desired height.After using the tripod, a similar sequence of steps should be performed in reverse order. The locking components used in the new locking mechanism also provide a stabilizing function, allowing the new tripod to support very high loads. This new tripod with interchangeable weapon mount can therefore be used with heavy hunting rifles, and the tripod with the weapon mount can also absorb the hunter's bracing forces during target acquisition and firing. In addition to the new central control element, the tripod still allows each leg to be manually locked or unlocked, and the tripod's height and position to be adjusted accordingly.

[0009] The ingenious new tripod stand with weapon mount consists primarily of standardized, commercially available hollow profiles or profiled semi-finished products. The connecting elements in the respective hinges are also standardized, commercially available machine elements. All additional components in the new tripod stand with interchangeable weapon mount feature highly complex geometries that can only be manufactured using conventional methods with enormous effort (material removal) and are therefore very expensive for small production runs. These additional components are therefore preferably manufactured using modern additive manufacturing (3D printing). This allows the innovative tripod stand with weapon mount to be produced very cost-effectively, even in small quantities.

[0010] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in principle with reference to the drawings.

[0011] It shows: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 A schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon holder in front and side view in open form. Fig. Figures 3 and 4 show a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon holder as a detailed partial view in fully opened form. Fig. 5 A schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount as a detailed partial view in completely closed form. Fig. 6 A schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount as a detailed partial view in partially opened form. Fig. 7 A schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon holder in fully open form with a 2-point weapon support and additional armrests. Fig. 8 A schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon holder in fully open form with a simpler 1-point weapon support.

[0012] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with a first weapon mount in front and side views in the open position. The example shown in these figures comprises the tripod stand 1 with a stand head 7, which is either an integral part of the tripod stand 1 or separate from it and is configured and operable to accommodate a weapon mount 2. The stand head 7 is rotatably connected to the base head 6, which is connected via hinges to three telescopic stand legs 3 and a central column 4. An end stop 19 is located at the lower end of the central column 4. A sliding central control unit 14 is provided on the central column 4, which has a locking handle 12 attached via a hinge in its upper region and a central joint 13 in its lower region.The central control unit 14 is articulated to each of the telescopic frame legs 3 via connecting arms 51. Each of the telescopic frame legs 3 consists of at least two segments: an upper leg segment 8 and a lower leg segment 9. Optionally, further segments can also be attached to the telescopic frame legs 3. The telescopic frame legs 3 are designed as hollow profiles and can be made of various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, and combinations thereof. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame legs 3 are made of plastic or a light metal to reduce the weight of the tripod frame 1, which is important for the transportability of the tripod frame 1.The tripod frame 1 has a novel central operating mechanism which enables the simultaneous locking of the leg segments 9 by means of the connecting arms 5 and the central operating unit 14 through a locking and an unlocking process.

[0013] The novel operating mechanism is described below with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described in detail. The upper leg segment 8 of the telescopic frame leg 3 is articulated to the base head 6. The underside of the upper leg segment 8 includes a pipe socket 10 in the connection area with the lower leg segment 9. Optionally, a similar pipe socket 10 can be arranged on the underside of the lower leg segment 9 in the connection area with a third leg segment (not shown) to create a connection between the second and third leg segments.

[0014] A central control unit 14, which is movable on the central column 4, has a hinged locking handle 12 in its upper section. The locking handle engages in a recess in the central control unit 14. Depending on the position of the locking handle 12, the central control unit 14 is locked or unlocked relative to the central column 4 by means of an eccentric 15. In the unlocked state, the central control unit 14 can be freely slid up and down the central column 4. The central control unit 14 has a central joint 13 in its lower section, which is articulated to the three connecting arms 5. Each connecting arm 5 is articulated at its other end to the pipe sleeve 10 and thus serves as a hinge element to connect the frame legs 3 to the central column 4. The pipe sleeve 10 is fixedly connected to the upper leg segment 8 and serves as a connecting element for the lower leg segment 9.Leg segment 8 is designed such that leg segment 9 is freely movable inside it. The pipe socket 10 has two recesses into which, on the one hand, the connecting arm 5 and, on the other hand, a manual locking mechanism 11 engage. The manual locking mechanism 11 is articulated to the pipe socket 10. Depending on the position of the manual locking mechanism 11, the lower leg segment 9 can be clamped relative to the pipe socket 10 or leg segment 8, or allowed to move freely, by means of an eccentric 18 on the manual locking mechanism 11. The connecting arm 5 can also clamp the lower leg segment 9 relative to the pipe socket 10 or leg segment 8, or allow it to move freely, by means of the eccentrics 16 and 17 on the connecting arm 5. The eccentrics 16 and 17 on the connecting arm 5 are arranged such that the leg segment 8 is locked against the leg segment 9 in both the fully open and fully closed forms of the tripod frame 1.By adjusting the locking handle 12 to a position in which the eccentric 15 does not lock the central control unit 14 to the center column 4, the central control unit 14 can be moved up and down on the center column 4. The leg segments 8 and 9, as well as the center column, are made of a commercially available hollow profile, preferably a round tube.

[0015] The connecting arms 5, the pipe sockets 10, the base head 6, the frame head 7, the locking device 11, the locking handle 12, the central operating unit 14 with central joint 13 and the end stop 19 have complex geometries and undercuts, and are preferably manufactured from plastic using an additive manufacturing process (3D printing).

[0016] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount as a detailed partial view in its fully opened form. The connecting arms 5 are positioned almost at right angles to the central column 4. The central control unit 14, with its integrated central joint 13, is moved to the end stop 19 of the central column 4. The eccentric 16 of the connecting arm 5 locks the inner leg segment 9 against the tube sleeve 10, preventing leg segment 9 from moving relative to leg segment 8. The locking handle 12 is shown in a locked position, with the eccentric 15 of the locking handle 12 locking the central control unit 14 against the central column 4, thus preventing the central control unit 14 from moving freely relative to the central column 4. The locking mechanism 11 is shown in an unlocked position.

[0017] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount as a detailed partial view in its fully enclosed form. In this form, the tripod stand 1 is extremely compact and occupies a very small installation space. The connecting arms 5 are positioned almost parallel to the central column 4. The eccentric 17 of the connecting arm 5 locks the inner leg segment 9 relative to the tube sleeve 10, preventing leg segment 9 from moving relative to leg segment 8. Leg segment 9 is almost completely inserted into leg segment 8. The locking handle 12 is shown in a locked position, with the eccentric 15 of the locking handle 12 locking the central control unit 14 relative to the central column 4, thus preventing the central control unit 14 from moving freely relative to the central column 4. The locking mechanism 11 is shown in an unlocked position.

[0018] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount as a detailed partial view in a partially disassembled form. The connecting arms 5 are slightly angled to the central column 4. The eccentrics 16 and 17 of the connecting arm 5 are not engaged, allowing leg segment 9 to move freely relative to leg segment 8 and thus slide freely to the ground. The locking handle 12 is shown in an unlocked state, with the eccentric 15 of the locking handle 12 not clamping the central control unit 14 relative to the central column 4, thus allowing the central control unit 14 to move freely relative to the central column 4. The locking mechanism 11 is shown in an unlocked state.

[0019] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount in its fully opened form, featuring a two-point weapon rest and additional armrests. The weapon mount 2 consists of a support 25 with a stock rest 20 and a barrel rest 21, into which the hunting weapon 23 is placed. Thus, this type of weapon mount 2, together with the tripod stand 1, supports the entire weight of the hunting weapon 23. The stock rest 20 and the barrel rest 21 are slidable and lockable on the support 25. The width of the stock rest 20 is also adjustable. Two armrests 22, attached via hinges, are mounted to the rear of the support 25. The armrests 22 are each slidable and lockable on the support 25. In this embodiment, the weapon mount 2 can therefore be individually adapted to the needs of the hunter and to any hunting weapon 23.The weapon mount 2 is rigidly connected to the tripod head 7. The tripod head has several degrees of freedom relative to the tripod stand 1; firstly, the tripod head 7 can rotate, and secondly, it can be tilted. Thus, the hunter can move the weapon mount 2 with the hunting weapon 23 in all directions using the tripod head 7, while the tripod stand 1 remains firmly on the ground. During aiming and firing, the hunter can additionally support himself on the armrests 22 for a safe and precise shot. The tripod stand 1 provides sufficient strength and stability to support the total weight of the hunting weapon 23 as well as a portion of the hunter's weight when supported by the armrests 22.

[0020] The support 25 and the armrests 22 are made from a commercially available profile semi-finished product. The shaft support 20 and the running support 21 have complex geometries and undercuts and are preferably manufactured from plastic using an additive manufacturing process (3D printing).

[0021] In another embodiment not shown, the weapon mount 2 can be made of Fig. 7 may also be designed with only one armrest 22 or without any armrest 22 at all.

[0022] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic embodiment of the tripod stand with weapon mount in its fully opened form, featuring a simpler single-point weapon rest. The weapon rest 2 consists solely of a V-shaped single support 24, which in this case is also part of the stand head 7. This form of weapon rest 2 is therefore significantly simpler, lighter, and more compact. This weapon mount 2 only supports a portion of the weight of the hunting weapon 23 and does not provide the hunter with any additional support.

[0023] The in Fig. 7 and Fig. The 8 weapon rests shown (2) can be easily converted to the tripod stand (1) without tools. Other types of weapon rests can also be created from combinations of components from the weapon rests shown, according to... Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 possible. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2020 100 525.1

[0004]

Claims

[1] A tripod stand (1) with a weapon mount (2) comprising a central operating mechanism for quickly opening and closing the tripod stand (1), enabling an operator to transform the tripod stand (1) from a closed, retracted form to an open, extended form and to lock the tripod stand (1) at a desired location and height, the tripod stand (1) comprising the following components: a. a base head (6) with an associated stand head (7) for receiving a weapon mount (2), to which three telescopic stand legs (3) are articulated, each stand leg (3) having at least two leg segments (8, 9) which can be extended and retracted when opening and closing the tripod stand (1) to allow adjustment of the height of the tripod stand (1); and b.a central column (4) connected to the base head (6) with a central control unit (14) which is movable and lockable on the central column (4) and which is connected to each telescopic frame leg (3) via a connecting arm (5), wherein each connecting arm (5) is configured to allow the telescopic frame leg (3) to be locked in the open and closed form of the tripod frame (1); wherein the central control unit (14) is configured to release the lower leg segments (9) of the telescopic frame legs (3) when the tripod frame (1) is between its open and closed form. [2] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the position angle of the stand legs (3) of the tripod stand (1) to the central column (4) can be controlled by a central control unit (14) which is positioned and movable on the central column (4), and wherein the position of the central control element (14) along the central column (4) functionally determines whether the stand legs (3) are locked or unlocked. [3] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 2, comprising the central control unit (14) having a movable locking handle (12) to unlock the tripod stand (1) and to allow movement of the central control unit (14) along the central column (4) and to relock the tripod stand (1) in a desired shape. [4] A tripod (1) according to claim 3, wherein the locking handle (12) comprises an eccentric (15) which, in a first position of the locking handle (12), locks the central control unit (14) to the central column (4) by engagement, and in a further position of the adjusting handle (12) is disengaged and unlocks the central control element (14) from the locked state with the central column (4) and allows movement of the central control unit (14) to another position on the central column (4) in order to be locked again by engagement of the eccentric (15). [5] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 4, wherein, when the tripod stand (1) is fully open or fully closed, the locking handle (12) locks the central control unit (4) by appropriate positioning, and when the tripod stand (1) is partially open, the central control unit (14) is unlocked; and the locking handle (12) is positioned such that it allows the transition from the locked to the unlocked state. [6] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 1, wherein, when the leg segments (8,9) are inserted into one another, the lifting of the central control unit (14) along the central column (4) and subsequent locking of the tripod stand (1) by means of a locking handle (12) is completed. [7] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 1, wherein a: each stand leg (3) has at least two leg segments (8, 9) configured to be extended and retracted when opening and closing the tripod stand (1) to allow adjustment of the height of the tripod stand (1); and b. the central control unit (4) has a central joint (13) connected to each of the stand legs (3) via a corresponding connecting arm (5), each connecting arm (5) being configured to cause the lower leg segment (9) to lock in its open and closed form of the tripod stand (1);and wherein the central control unit (4) is configured to release the leg segments (9) when the tripod stand (1) is between its open and closed forms, so that the leg segments (9) can slide freely to change the height of the stand legs (3), thereby enabling the user to convert the tripod stand (1) into one of the following forms: tripod stand (1) with closed stand legs (3) and fully retracted leg segments (9); tripod stand (1) with closed stand legs (3) and partially retracted leg segments (9); tripod stand (1) unlocked with partially open stand legs (3) and partially extended leg segments (9); tripod stand (1) locked with fully open stand legs (3) and partially extended leg segments (9); and tripod stand (1) with fully open stand legs (3) and fully extended telescopic segments (9). [8] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 7, wherein the angle of the stand legs (3) of the tripod stand (1) can be controlled by a central control unit (14) which is positioned on the central column (4) and movable along it, and wherein the position of the central control unit (14) along the central column (4) and the position of the locking handle (12) functionally determines whether the stand legs (3) and the central control unit (14) are locked or unlocked. [9] A tripod (1) according to claim 7, wherein the connecting arm (5) comprises two eccentrics (16,17) which lock the leg segments (9) in a fully open and fully closed form of the tripod (1) and release the leg segments (9) in a partially open form of the tripod (1). [10] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 7, wherein the leg segments (9) can be manually locked and unlocked by a locking mechanism (11). [11] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 1 with three telescopic stand legs (3), wherein each stand leg (3) has at least two segments (8, 9) and a central control unit (14); wherein the central control unit (14) is configured to unlock and open the tripod stand (1) in one operation in which all stand legs (3) are moved from a closed form in which the stand legs (3) are nearly parallel to each other to an open form in which the stand legs (3) are positioned at an angle relative to their position in the closed form; and wherein, upon opening the stand legs (3), the leg segments (9) of each stand leg (3) are automatically released to slide freely to a desired height according to the specific surface height near each stand leg (3). [12] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 11, wherein the central control unit (14) comprises a locking handle (12) configured to release the central control unit (14) from a fixed position on the central column (4) and to allow movement of the central control unit (14) to another position on the central column (4) in order to be locked again. [13] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 12, wherein when the tripod stand (1) is fully open or fully closed, the central control unit (14) is locked, and when the tripod stand (1) is partially open, the central control unit (14) is unlocked; and the locking handle (12) is configured to allow the transition from the locked to the unlocked state. [14] A tripod stand (1) according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the central control unit (14) on the central column (4) in the open form of the tripod stand (1) is limited by an end stop (19) on the central column (4). [15] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder (2) is designed as a 2-point support for the weapon (23). [16] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 15, wherein the 2-point support has a stock support (20) and a barrel support (21) which are slidably arranged on a carrier (25). [17] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 15, wherein the weapon holder (2) has at least one armrest (22). [18] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 15, wherein the weapon holder (2) has two armrests (22). [19] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 15, wherein the weapon holder (2) is connected to the stand head (7). [20] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the weapon holder (2) is designed as a 1-point support for the weapon (23). [21] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 19, wherein the 1-point support has a barrel support (24) and is part of the stand head (7). [22] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the components (5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 24) are manufactured by additive manufacturing. [23] A tripod stand (1) with weapon holder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the components (5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 24) are manufactured from plastic by additive manufacturing.

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