GUN FOREARM SUPPORT APPARATUS

Description

I. RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/387,032 filed on Nov. 4, 2023, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 12,480,731 issued on Nov. 25, 2025, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No., 63/425,335, filed on Nov. 15, 2022.

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application discloses and describes a gun forearm support apparatus, and more particularly, a gun forearm support apparatus having adjustable support assembly for adjusting the height.

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of means have been used to support a gun during firing. Among the means used, including gloved-hands, horizontal shelves/benches, compressible bags, and/or bi-pods/tri-pods. Notably, gloved-hands and shelves/benches do not provide much stability. Pre-shot, hands or shelves/benches prevent proper sighting of the target down-range. Because of the instability, it is virtually impossible to sight the target with the precision that many target shooting enthusiasts'desire. Post-shot, during firing of the gun, hands and shelves/benches tend to encourage concussive-movement of the gun post-firing. This type of free post-shot movement might result in injury to the user or others around the user.

Stability devices have been offered, including U.S. Publication No. 20200348101 (published in the name of Preston), describing a gun stability plate assembly with a widened body that attaches to the fore-end of a stock or chassis of a gun by means of a clamping device. The assembly includes a main body, a clamp assembly, and a track. The clamp assembly is in communication with the main body and is configured to translate adjacent an upper surface of the main body.

Similarly, firearm shooting rests have also been conceived, including U.S. Pat. No. 10,514,225 (issued to Cauley, Jr. et al.), wherein the shooting rest includes a forward support and a rear support both supported by a frame, otherwise known as a sled. The forward support is configured to clamp a forward portion of the firearm and permit rotation of the firearm with respect to the frame about a pitch axis to adjust a vertical aim of the firearm and about a yaw axis to adjust a horizontal aim of the firearm. The rear support includes a platform positioned to support a bottom of a trigger hand grip portion of the firearm.

A rifle rest structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,683,730 (issued Moore Moore) and is adapted to receive first and second sand bags and operative to place a rifle thereon for target practice or the like. The rifle rest has a unitary frame construction including a front portion that supports the front of a rifle, a rear portion that supports the rear of the rifle, and a middle portion that rigidly interconnects the front and rear portions.

A firearm support attaches to a lower surface of a firearm and helps steady the firearm during shooting from almost any firing position as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,190,840 (issued to Renteria). The support has a body member that has a firearm lower railing receiving channel on its upper surface and a downwardly and forwardly curving claw extending from the lower surface at the front. The claw has a rounded edge and a centrally disposed wedge opening. The lower surface of the body member is also curved as is the rear surface.

Although compressible bags provide some stability relative to the aforementioned alternatives, such bags have limited utility because of the weighting, sizing, and/or dimensioning that is required. For particular vertical elevations, a user might need multiple compressible bags to properly position the gun. However, the compressibility of the bags still imparts a certain level of instability.

Bi-pod/tri-pod systems provide the most stability and safety of the alternatives presently available. However, most of these systems require additional adjustments to the equipment that necessitates physical connection to the gun itself. This additional expense, effort, and set-up time detract from the experience.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus, system, and/or method that provides a new gun forearm support.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a gun forearm support apparatus including a base, a housing, and a support assembly that cooperatively provide adjustable positioning and stable seating of a cover, the apparatus configured for optimal use as a gun forearm support in the field, including on a gun or firing range.

Broadly envisioned, a gun forearm support apparatus comprises the base that includes a top surface defining an obverse side and a bottom surface defining a reverse side. The top surface incorporates an intermediate channel positioned between opposing braces. Each brace may include a recess for receiving one or more ribs formed along lateral margins of the housing. The intermediate channel may function both as a receiving space for the housing ribs and as a bearing or stabilizing interface that enhances lateral engagement between the base and the housing. In some embodiments, the housing is removably or reversibly secured to the base, permitting selective arrangement or re-orientation. The bottom surface of the base comprises a removable weight.

The housing includes laterally opposed ribs that engage the braces of the base, and may further include a plurality of chambers. In certain embodiments, a central or intermediate chamber receives a mast of a support. The housing may additionally incorporate one or more apertures positioned along its body, which can be selectively aligned with indexing apertures in the mast to receive a pin for positional adjustment of the support. In some versions, the ribs may be biased outwardly to maintain frictional engagement with the recesses of the braces.

The support assembly includes a mast and a saddle coupled together, with the mast telescopically or slidingly received in the central chamber of the housing. The mast may include a plurality of vertically disposed indexing apertures that can be aligned with the housing aperture for pin-based height selection. The saddle is positioned at the upper end of the mast and includes a centered cradle and opposing detents for seating a cover. The cover may include tactile or resilient gripping material and may further include contour features complementary to corresponding contour features of the saddle to ensure secure seating and alignment.

Across the disclosed embodiments, the apparatus provides a robust structural interface between the base, housing, and support, enabling adjustable support height, stable lateral engagement, and reliable seating of the cover.

More particularly, in one specific embodiment, the gun forearm support apparatus includes a base having a top surface defining an obverse side and a bottom surface defining a reverse side. The top surface incorporates an intermediate channel positioned between two opposing braces. Each brace includes a recess configured to receive one or more ribs extending from a housing. The intermediate channel is sized not only to receive the housing but also to retain it and provide a bearing surface that engages the laterally opposed ribs of the housing, thereby enhancing stability. The bottom surface of the base comprises a removable weight.

The housing is coupled to the base by seating its ribs within the recesses of the opposing braces. In this embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of chambers, one of which is configured to receive the mast of a support. The housing further includes an aperture extending through its body to allow positional adjustment of the mast.

The support includes a mast that is received within the chamber of the housing and incorporates a plurality of indexing apertures arranged in a vertically aligned column. These indexing apertures may be selectively aligned with the aperture of the housing by adjusting the vertical position of the mast. A pin may be inserted through the housing aperture and into one of the aligned indexing apertures to secure the mast at the desired height.

At the upper end of the mast, a saddle is provided. The saddle includes opposing detents and a centered cradle for seating a cover. The cover may include a tactile or gripping material and further incorporates contour features that align with corresponding contours on the saddle to enhance secure placement.

In this embodiment, the housing may be removably received by the base and is configured to be reversibly coupled to permit selective orientation or arrangement. Engagement between the ribs of the housing and the recesses of the braces provides lateral stabilization and helps maintain the structural alignment of the apparatus.

In another specific embodiment, the gun forearm support apparatus includes a base having a top surface that defines an obverse side and a bottom surface that defines a reverse side. The top surface includes an intermediate channel positioned between opposing braces. The intermediate channel is shaped to receive one or more ribs formed on a housing, and each of the braces may include a recess that seats a corresponding rib. Engagement within these recesses provides lateral stabilization between the housing and the base. The bottom surface of the base comprises a removable weight.

The housing includes a body with laterally opposed ribs that engage the intermediate channel when the housing is secured to the base. The body of the housing further includes a central chamber disposed between lateral chambers, with the central chamber sized to receive the mast of a support. In this embodiment, the housing also includes a first aperture and a second aperture spaced apart along its body. The laterally opposed ribs of the housing may be biased outwardly so that they frictionally engage the intermediate recesses of the braces, helping to maintain secure attachment. The housing may also be removably secured to the base to allow reconfiguration or repositioning.

The support includes a mast received within the central chamber of the housing. The mast incorporates a plurality of indexing apertures arranged as a vertically aligned column. By adjusting the vertical position of the mast within the chamber, one of these indexing apertures may be aligned with one of the apertures of the housing. A pin may be inserted through the aligned apertures to lock the mast in place at a selected height.

Mounted atop the mast is a saddle that is positioned superjacent to the mast and defined between opposing detents. The saddle includes a centered cradle for receiving a cover. The cover may be constructed from a resilient or tactile material to enhance grip and may include contour features that are geometrically complementary to corresponding contours of the saddle to ensure stable and aligned seating.

In another specific embodiment, the gun forearm support apparatus includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface arranged in mutual opposition, with the top surface defining an obverse side and the bottom surface defining a reverse side. The top surface of the base incorporates an intermediate channel positioned between a first brace on one side and a second brace on the opposite side. Each brace includes a recess—namely, a first recess in the first brace and a second recess in the second brace. These recesses are shaped to receive multiple ribs formed along the lateral margins of a housing so that the ribs seat securely within the respective recesses of the two braces. The bottom surface of the base comprises a removable weight.

The housing includes a body defining a plurality of chambers, with an intermediate chamber positioned between opposing lateral chambers. The housing body further includes a first aperture and a second aperture formed through it, each configured to receive a pin for selective engagement. The housing also includes a plurality of ribs disposed along its laterally opposed margins, and these ribs engage the recesses of the first and second braces when the housing is mounted to the base.

A support assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a mast and a saddle. The mast contains a plurality of indexing apertures and telescopes within the intermediate chamber of the housing so that its elevation can be selectively adjusted. The saddle, positioned at the upper end of the mast, includes a centered cradle and opposing detents that seat a cover. The cover may be formed of a tacky or gripping material and includes contour features that align with corresponding contours of the saddle for secure, stable placement.

In this embodiment, the first aperture and the second aperture are each formed through the housing body and positioned to permit selective engagement with the mast. It is further envisioned that the plurality of indexing apertures are disposed as a single vertically aligned column, wherein the mast is vertically adjustable within the intermediate chamber to align one of the plurality of indexing apertures with at least one of the first aperture or the second aperture of the housing body. In such an embodiment, a pin is insertable into and removable from one of the apertures of the housing body and one of the plurality of indexing apertures aligned therewith. In such an embodiment, the saddle includes the centered cradle positioned between the opposing detents. Engagement between the plurality of ribs of the housing body and the recesses of the first brace and the second brace provides lateral stabilization.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gun forearm support apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the adjustable upright and saddle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the saddle;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the saddle including a port for accessing an interior space of the base;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the apparatus and illustrating the physical orientation of the first upright and second upright using an impinging article or tool;

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the apparatus and illustrating the physical orientation of the first upright and the second upright wherein the second upright is raised relative to FIG. 7a and secured using an impinging article or tool;

FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b and FIG. 8c are perspective views of the apparatus and illustrating the base and its elements, including obverse and reverse surfaces and views;

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of the apparatus and illustrating the housing;

FIG. 9b is a front or rear view of the apparatus and illustrating the housing as represented in FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10a a is perspective view of the apparatus and illustrating the support assembly;

FIG. 10b is a front or rear view of the apparatus and illustrating the support assembly as represented in FIG. 10a; and,

FIG. 10c is a front or rear view of the apparatus and an alternative embodiment illustrating the support assembly having a pair of masts depending from the saddle.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

According to at least one embodiment, and consistent with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a gun forearm support apparatus (generally denoted by reference character 10) is disclosed and described. The forearm support 10 comprises a base 12, an adjustable upright 14, and a saddle 16. The upright 14 comprises two opposing ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the base 12 via an articulating hinge (or hinges) 13, wherein the second end supports the saddle 16. Upon deployment, the forearm support 10 vertically supports a gun forearm within the saddle 16 as supported by the upright 14 depending from the base 12.

Consistent with FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the base 12 is a generally planar element having at least one hinge (13) that provides support and/or articulation to the upright 14 supported thereby. It is envisioned that the base 12 has a dimension sufficient to stand on a relatively flat surface without additional manipulation. It is envisioned that the base 12 includes weight or ballast to provide additional stability to the apparatus 10 overall. For example, in FIG. 3, the base 12 includes one or more weights 26 disposed within the base 12. The weight(s) 26 may be secured via a recess, collar, and/or mechanical means, such as fasteners (e.g., screws or wingnuts).

In another embodiment, consistent with FIG. 6, it is envisioned that the base 12 might include a port 24 for accessing a hollow interior, wherein the user could insert or remove material to provide ballast or weight to the base 12 as may be desired under certain circumstances. The port 24 may include a variety of configurations for providing ingress and egress to the interior of the base 12. The port 24 may comprises a void defining an opening into the base 12 and may include a cap, cover, or valve 25 that prevents the inserted material from inadvertent removal when the apparatus 10 is moved from one location to another. Upon displacement or removal of the cap, cover, and/or valve 25, the material may be selectively added to, removed, or otherwise emptied from the base 12 interior. The base 12 is in direct mechanical and physical communication with the upright 14.

The upright 14 may comprise a variety of configurations. The upright 14 is adjustable in multiple facets. For example, and consistent with the directional arrows illustrated in FIG. 2, the upright 14 is adjustable through 180 degrees of articulation in combination with the articulating hinge(s) 13 and as supported on the interior of base 12 and depending from the base 12 in a vertical orientiation or disposition. One or more indexing mechanisms (generally denoted by 15) may be used to fix the upright 14 at an angle relative to the base. In particular, it is envisioned that the mechanism 15 may include a lock, an adjustable knob or nut, or other similar means that is released to provide the articulated movement of the upright 14 and then secured to fix the upright 14 in position. More particularly, it is envisioned that the upright 14 will preferably be fixed substantially vertical relative to the base, and approximately 90 degrees relative to the base 12.

Additionally, and consistent with FIG. 4, the upright 14 may also be vertically adjustable (as indicated by the vertically oriented bi-directional arrow) along its height. Vertical adjustment of the upright 14 permits adjustment to the relative vertical positioning of the saddle 16 and the seat 16c forming part of the saddle 16 that depend from the upright 14. Vertical adjustment of the upright 14 (and therefore the saddle 16 and its elements) provide versatility to the apparatus 10 by accommodating individuals of various sizes, skills, abilities and disabilities, and eccentricity(ies) of positioning and/or style to get optimal utilization from the apparatus 10.

Consistent with FIG. 4, and in one iteration, the upright 14 may comprise multiple segments that are telescopically arranged to provide the vertical positioning desired without need for removable mechanical elements for interference. In such an embodiment, the telescopically extendable segment or segments extending from the upright 14 may include a variety of means and mechanisms integral to the elements that allow for variable vertical positioning, including collars and/or stops that provide a vertical range for each segment (or segments).

In another version, also consistent with FIG. 4, the upright 14 comprises a first upright 14a and a second upright 14b, wherein the second upright 14b has a smaller dimension than the first upright 14a so that the second upright 14b may retract within and/or extend from the first upright 14a. In such a version, the second upright 14b is fixed into a specific vertical position or orientation by the alignment of indexing aperture(s) 18 aligned along the first upright 14a and second upright 14b. More particularly, and in one embodiment consistent with FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7a and 7b, a single indexing aperture 18a is formed on the first upright 14a and a plurality of indexing apertures 18b aligned as a single vertical column are formed on the second upright 14b. It is further envisoned that a plurality of indexing apertures 18a may be formed on the first upright 14a with a similar arrangement and scheme as may be found with the plurality of indexing apertures 18b formed on the second upright 14b, wherein each plurality of indexing apertures 18a and 18b are disposed in a single vertical column on each upright 14a and 14b, respectively.

A variety of means may be used to fix or impinge the aperture(s) 18, including one or more removable articles or tools 20 (e.g., sliding pin or bolt). It is envisioned that the impinging article or tool 20 may be removed and stowed when not being used. It is also envisioned that the impinging article 20 may include a tether 22 that inhibits loss or misplacement of the impinging article 20 when not being used. Alternatively, an outwardly biased spring button or other similarly constructed means may be used for fixing the uprights 14a and 14b into a stable position. In addition, it is envisioned that both an article or tool 20 and a combination of outwardly biased spring button or other similar means may be used in combination to secure the uprights 14a and 14b into a stable position.

Consistent with FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the saddle 16 depends from the terminus of the adjustable upright 14. The saddle 16 comprises a first pommel 16a and a second pommel 16b with a vertically recessed seat 16c disposed between the pommels 16a, 16b. As the immediate support for a gun forearm, the seat 16c receives and supports the gun forearm with the pommels 16a, 16b providing lateral bumpers to reduce the horizontal/lateral movement of the gun forearm during use with the forearm support apparatus 10. Consistent with the illustrations, and in particular, the saddle 16 (and elements 16a-16c) is disposed at the vertical terminus of second upright 14b, and with the saddle 16 temporarily fixed at a vertical height through mechanical manipulation and impingement of second upright 14b relative to the first upright 14a.

It is envisioned that the saddle 16 may comprise a variety of materials suitable for contact with and in physical support of a gun forearm, including but not limited to natural or faux-natural materials including leather, hide, pleather, or the like, and/or synthetic materials including returnably resilient material, foam, rubber, vinyl, and the like.

The utilization of the gun forearm support apparatus 10 allows a user to place the apparatus on a surface, whether it is the ground, an article placed on the ground, on an elevated surface, or other similar structures, with the forearm of the gun or firearm placed within the saddle 16. The base 12 provides stability to the apparatus 10, and assists in supporting the saddle 16 in its positioning via the upright(s) 14. The upright(s) 14 and saddle 16 height positioning may be adjustable between a minimum and maximum height, with the first upright 14a and its indexing aperture 18a aligned with the appropriately positioned indexing aperture 18b (as selected from the plurality of indexing apertures 18b) from the second upright 14b to set the desired height. The utilization of the apparatus 10 achieves a plurality of goals, including (i) enhanced firearm safety by providing the appropriately tailored height adjustment for the physical structure and ability of the user, (ii) improved firearm sighting, (iii) improved firearm accuracy and performance, and (iv) improved aesthetic appearance and general durability of the firearm(s) used with the apparatus 10.

Consistent with FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, and 10a through 10c, a gun forearm support apparatus 10 is depicted and described. The apparatus 10 generally comprises a base 12, a housing 14a, and a support 14b assembly that cooperatively function to provide adjustable support height and stable seating of a saddle cover on the saddle 16. The apparatus may be implemented in several variations or embodiments, ranging from broadly characterized structural configurations to more specific arrangements described in greater detail herein. In all embodiments, the components interface to provide controlled vertical adjustment of a support mast 14b while ensuring lateral stability between the base 12 and the housing 14a, and secure positioning of a cover on a saddle 16.

Broadly, the base 12 includes a top surface 12a defining an obverse side and a bottom surface 12b defining a reverse side. The top surface 12a may incorporate an intermediate channel 12c positioned between two opposing braces 12d, 12e. Each brace 12d, 12e may include a recess or receiving region 12f configured to interface with one or more ribs 14c formed on the housing 14. The intermediate channel 12c may serve multiple functions including receiving the ribs 14c of the housing 14, retaining the housing 14 in a selected orientation, and providing a bearing or stabilizing surface for lateral engagement between the base 12 and the housing 14. In some embodiments, the base 12 is configured to permit removable or reversible coupling of the housing 14 to allow rearrangement or selective reorientation of the apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the base 12 comprises a bottom surface that is a removable weight 12g. It is envisioned that the removable weight 12g comprises a metal plate or other weighted material that is removable and/or replaceable as desired. It is further envisioned that a series of removable weights 12g may be provided to increase or decrease the weight included as circumstances warrant to increase or decrease ballast and fine tune the stability of the base 12 as desired.

The housing 14a may include a body having laterally opposed ribs 14c that engage the recesses 12f formed in the braces 12d, 12e of the base 12. In some variations, the ribs 14c may be outwardly biased to enhance frictional or mechanical engagement with the recesses 12f. The housing 14 may further include a plurality of chambers 14d-14f. In many embodiments, an intermediate or central chamber 14e is positioned between two lateral chambers 14d and 14f, with the intermediate chamber 14e dimensioned to receive a mast 14m of a support assembly 14b. One or more apertures 14g may be formed through the housing body and may be positioned to align with indexing apertures 14n in the mast 14m to allow insertion of a pin 20 for securing the mast 14m at a selected height.

The support assembly 14b generally includes a mast 14m and a saddle 16 operatively coupled together. The mast 14m may telescope or slide within the intermediate chamber 14e of the housing 14a and may include a plurality of indexing apertures 14n disposed in a vertically aligned column. These vertically aligned indexing apertures 14n may be selectively aligned with an aperture 14g of the housing 14a so that a pin 20 can be inserted to set the mast 14m at a chosen vertical position. The saddle 16 positioned at the top of the mast 14m may include a centered cradle 14o and opposing detents 14p for receiving and seating a cover. The cover may incorporate a tactile, resilient, or tacky material to enhance grip, and may include contour features that align with corresponding contour features of the saddle 16.

In one particular embodiment, the gun forearm support apparatus 10 includes a base 12 having an obverse side defined by a top surface 12a and a reverse side defined by a bottom surface 12b. The top surface 12a includes an intermediate channel 12c located between two opposing braces 12d, 12e. The braces 12d, 12e may include recesses or receiving features 12f shaped to accept ribs 14c extending from a housing 14a. In this embodiment, the intermediate channel 12c is sized to receive and optionally retain the housing 14a, providing a bearing interface that stabilizes lateral forces transmitted through the housing 14a.

The housing 14a includes laterally opposed ribs 14c that align with the recesses 12f of the braces 12d, 12e and engage the intermediate channel 12c of the base 12. In one embodiment, the ribs 14c are fixed. In another embodiment, the ribs 14c are outwardly biased to click within the recess(es) and displaceable to remove the rib(s) 14c from the recess(es) 12c. The housing 14a may include a plurality of chambers 14d-14f, and in some versions includes an intermediate chamber 14e suitable for receiving a mast 14m of a support assembly 14b. In other embodiments, the lateral chambers 14d-14e are suitable for receiving a first mast 14m and a second mast 14m of a support assembly 14b (FIG. 10c). One or more apertures 14g may be formed through the housing body to facilitate alignment with indexing apertures 14n of the mast 14m for height adjustment. The aperture(s) 14g are formed through the housing body in alignment with the respective chamber(s) 14d or 14e or 14f receiving the mast 14m or masts 14m as arranged. In some embodiments, the base 12 comprises a bottom surface 12b is a removable weight. It is envisioned that the removable weight 12g comprises a metal plate or other weighted material that is removable and/or replaceable as desired. It is further envisioned that a series of removable weights 12g may be provided to increase or decrease the weight included as circumstances warrant to increase or decrease ballast and fine tune the stability of the base 12 as desired.

The support assembly 14b includes a mast 14m received within the intermediate chamber 14e of the housing 14a and a saddle 16 operatively positioned at its upper end. In one embodiment, the support assembly 14b comprises a single mast 14m disposed and depending from the center of the saddle 16. In another embodiment, the support assembly 14b comprises a pair of masts 14m (FIG. 10c), which can assume a variety of arrangements, including a first mast 14m corresponding with a lateral chamber 14d or 14f, a second mast 14m corresponding with the opposing lateral chamber 14d or 14f, or a first mast 14m corresponding to the intermediate chamber 14e and the second mast 14m corresponding to one of the lateral chambers 14d or 14f. The saddle 16 may include a centered cradle 14o and two detents 14p for receiving a cover. The cover may include a gripping or tactile material and may include contour features corresponding to those of the saddle 16. For example, the cover may include pommels 16a and 16b, and a cradle 16c corresponding to the contours of the saddle 16 skeleton.

In this broad embodiment, structural elements such as the outward biasing of ribs, multiple housing apertures, or reversible coupling to the base may or may not be included.

In a more specific embodiment, the base 12 includes a top surface 12a with an intermediate channel 12c flanked by opposing braces 12d, 12e, each brace 12d, 12e having a recess 12f shaped to seat a rib 14c of the housing 14a. Engagement between the ribs 14c and the recesses 12f provides lateral stabilization between the base 12 and the housing 14a.

The housing 14a includes a central chamber 14e disposed between two lateral chambers 14d and 14f. In other embodiments, the lateral chambers 14d and 14f are suitable for receiving a first mast 14m and a second mast 14m of a support assembly 14b. The aperture(s) 14g are formed through the housing body in alignment with the respective chamber(s) 14d or 14e or 14f receiving the mast 14m or masts 14m as arranged. The ribs 14c positioned on laterally opposed margins of the housing 14a engage the recesses 12f in the braces 12d, 12e of the base 12. In one embodiment, the ribs 14c are fixed. In another embodiment, the ribs 14c are outwardly biased to click within the recess(es) 12f and displaceable to remove the rib(s) 14c from the recess(es) 12f. The housing 14a may include a first aperture 14g and a second aperture 14g spaced along its body to permit selective engagement with indexing apertures 14n of the mast 14m. In this version, the ribs 14c may be outwardly biased such that when the housing 14a is installed on the base 12, the ribs 14c frictionally seat into the recesses 12f for enhanced mechanical retention. The housing 14a may be removably secured to the base 12, such that it may be repositioned or reconfigured. In some embodiments, the base 12 comprises a bottom surface 12b that is a removable weight 12g. It is envisioned that the removable weight 12g comprises a metal plate or other weighted material that is removable and/or replaceable as desired. It is further envisioned that a series of removable weights 12g may be provided to increase or decrease the weight included as circumstances warrant to increase or decrease ballast and fine tune the stability of the base 12 as desired.

The support 14b includes a mast 14m received into the central chamber 12e and having a plurality of vertically aligned indexing apertures 14n. In one embodiment, the support assembly 14b comprises a single mast 14m disposed and depending from the center of the saddle 16. In another embodiment, the support assembly 14b comprises a pair of masts 14m (FIG. 10c), which can assume a variety of arrangements, including a first mast 14m corresponding with a lateral chamber 14d or 14f, a second mast 14m corresponding with the opposing lateral chamber 14d or 14f, or a first mast 14m corresponding to the intermediate chamber 14e and the second mast 14m corresponding to one of the lateral chambers 14d or 14f. By adjusting the mast 14m vertically within the chamber 14d or 14e or 14f, one of the indexing apertures 14n may be aligned with either the first or the second aperture 14g of the housing 14a. A pin 20 may be inserted through the housing aperture 14g and the aligned indexing aperture 14n to secure the mast 14m at a selected elevation.

The saddle 16 mounted atop the mast 14m includes a centered cradle 14o and opposing detents 14p between which a cover is seated thereon. The cover may be constructed from a material providing tactility or grip and may include contour features complementary to contours of the saddle 16 to ensure consistent and secure seating.

In another embodiment representing a more specific configuration, the base 12 includes a top surface 12a defining an intermediate channel 12c between a first brace 12d and a second brace 12e. The first brace 12d includes a first recess 12f and the second brace 12e includes a second recess 12f. Each recess 12f is configured to receive multiple ribs 14c formed along lateral margins of the housing 14a. When the housing 14a is mounted to the base 12, its ribs 14c engage the recesses 12f to provide defined lateral alignment and support.

The housing 14a body includes an intermediate chamber 14e between two lateral chambers 14d and 14f and further includes a first aperture 14g and a second aperture 14g formed through the chamber walls. In other embodiments, the lateral chambers 14d and/or 14f are suitable for receiving a first mast 14m and a second mast 14m of a support assembly 14b. The aperture(s) 14g are formed through the housing body in alignment with the respective chamber(s) 14d and/or 14f receiving the mast or masts 14m as arranged. The ribs 14c are located on laterally opposed margins and seat securely in the brace 12d, 12e and their recesses 12f. In this embodiment, the ribs 14c and recesses 12f cooperate to provide enhanced lateral stabilization by constraining movement of the housing 14a in directions transverse to the intermediate channel 12c. In one embodiment, the ribs 14c are fixed. In another embodiment, the ribs 14c are outwardly biased to click within the recess(es) 12f and displaceable to remove the rib(s) 14c from the recess(es) 12f. In some embodiments, the base 12 comprises a bottom surface 12b that is a removable weight. It is envisioned that the removable weight 12g comprises a metal plate or other weighted material that is removable and/or replaceable as desired. It is further envisioned that a series of removable weights 12g may be provided to increase or decrease the weight included as circumstances warrant to increase or decrease ballast and fine tune the stability of the base 12 as desired.

The support assembly 14b includes a mast 14m and saddle 16. The mast 14m telescopes within the intermediate chamber 14e of the housing 14a and includes a plurality of vertically aligned indexing apertures 14n. The mast 14m may be elevated or lowered to position one indexing aperture 14n into alignment with either the first aperture 14g or the second aperture 14g of the housing 14a. A pin 20 may be inserted through the selected housing aperture 14g into the aligned indexing aperture 14n of the mast 14m to lock the mast 14m in place. In one embodiment, the support assembly 14b comprises a single mast 14m disposed and depending from the center of the saddle 16. In another embodiment, the support assembly 14b comprises a pair of masts 14m, which can assume a variety of arrangements, including a first mast 14m corresponding with a lateral chamber 14d or 14f, a second mast 14m corresponding with the opposing lateral chamber 14d or 14f, or a first mast 14m corresponding to the intermediate chamber 14e and the second mast 14m corresponding to one of the lateral chambers 14d or 14f.

The saddle 16 is mounted at the upper end of the mast 14m and includes a centered cradle 14o and opposing detents 14p that receive and support a cover. The cover is formed of a tacky or high-grip material and includes contour features matched to contours of the saddle 16 to ensure precise alignment and seating.

In this particular embodiment, the engagement between the ribs 14c of the housing body and the recesses 12f of the first and second braces 12d, 12e provides defined lateral stabilization. Additionally, the articulated mast-and-pin arrangement provides discrete, selectable height adjustment for the saddle.

The embodiments described herein illustrate various levels of structural specificity while maintaining a coherent functional theme. The disclosed apparatus 10 provides a robust interface between a base 12, a housing 14a, and a height-adjustable support assembly 14b, enabling adjustable mast 14m positioning, reliable lateral stability, and secure seating of a cover.

It is envisioned that the various embodiments may omit the use of braces and dispose the recess(es) 12f below the apex of the top surface 12a. In such an embodiment, the rib(s) 14c may engage the recess(es) 12f upon insertion of the housing 14 into the intermediate channel 12c of the base 12. The rib(s) 14c may comprise resilient and/or outwardly biased mechanism(s) and/or means for facilitating the insertion and removal of a respective rib 14c into and from a respective recess 12f.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended hereto.