WO2024180321A1

WO2024180321A1 - Support for firearms, optical devices and such

Info

Publication number: WO2024180321A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/050497
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert David GEARING
Original assignee: Spartan Boss Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2024-09-06
Also published as: GB2618412B; GB202302787D0; GB2618412A

Abstract

A support (10) suitable for supporting an object or a fitting mounted on the object above a surface (18) when the object or fitting is in a connected condition with the support (10). There are at least two surface-engaging legs (14, 16) which are connected to a support body (12). There is also a spigot (20) for connecting the support (10) to the object or fitting, the spigot (20) having a first elongate narrow stem portion (20NS) and a second wide head portion (20WH) above the narrow stem portion (20NS). The wide head portion (20WH) defines a lower surface (20L) and is suitable for being received within the object or fitting. The support (10) is retained in connection with the object or fitting when in a connected condition by engagement of the object or fitting with the lower surface (20L) of the wide head portion (20WH). There is also at least one detent recess defined by the wide head portion 20WH configured to receive a detent projection extending from the object or fitting. One detent recess is in the form of an elongate track (20ED) formed by a side wall (20SW) of the wide head portion (20WH).

Description

SUPPORT FOR FIREARMS, OPTICAL DEVICES AND SUCH

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of supports for objects such as firearms and optical devices and in particular, but not exclusively, to supporting objects such as firearms, for example rifles, or optical devices, for example telescopes or cameras, by means of support devices such as bipods and tripods.

Background

A variety of supports, such as monopods, bipods, tripods, and quadpods, are known for stably supporting objects such as firearms or optical devices. In the case of firearms, which are often stably supported on bipods, early bipods were mounted permanently or semi-permanently on the firearm. In the case of optical devices such as telescopes, for example, spotting scopes or cameras, where tripods are commonly used, the optical devices may also be mounted permanently or semi-permanently on the tripod. In the context of the invention, “semi-permanent mounting” refers to arrangements where a support is fixed to an object such as a firearm such that a user tends to leave the support so mounted on the object, such that it is ready for use, but is still able to remove the support from the firearm. An example of a bipod which is typically semipermanently mounted on a firearm is a bipod of the Harris type (see US3,327,422) which takes some time to mount on or to demount from a firearm. Such permanent or semi-permanent mounting of relatively heavy bipods is disadvantageous for several reasons. First, the support of the bipod is not required in all situations, for example, in driven shooting or in high seat shooting, and therefore the mounted bipod disadvantageously adds unnecessary weight to a firearm for such situations. This unnecessary weight can affect the accuracy and/ or handling of the firearm. Second, in the case of high value firearms, which often feature finely crafted and highly figured wooden stocks and engraved actions and metal parts, and where aesthetic considerations are important to a user, the presence of a permanently mounted bipod may be aesthetically unattractive to a user.

With the introduction in 2015 of the applicant’s Javelin (RTM) magnetic attachment support system described in EP2880352 (see especially Figures 2 and 3), it has been possible for a user to carry a support such as bipod or a tripod separately to a firearm and to quickly mount the bipod or tripod to the firearm so that the firearm can be stably supported by the bipod or tripod, The support system typically includes a support which has a generally cylindrical magnetic spigot which is received within a recess defined by a correspondingly shaped fitting (typically referred to as an adapter). In this way, a firearm bipod is only carried mounted on the firearm when it is likely to required, for example when preparing for a shot whilst stalking on open ground. Conversely, the support need not be carried when it is not likely to be required - such as in a driven or high seat hunting situation. The bipod may be advantageously light as the spigot is simple and lighter than previous clamp arrangements. Equally, heavy optical devices may be carried separately from a tripod and quickly mounted on a tripod by means of a magnetic attachment involved in applicant’s support system.

The applicant’s further support system described in W02021 /240270A1 (see especially Figures 3A and 3B) discloses an alternative attachment system for connecting objects such as firearms and optical devices to supports. The attachment system again typically involves a support having a generally cylindrical spigot, which may be magnetic or non-magnetic. Such as cylindrical spigot defines a cylindrical side wall. The cylindrical side wall of the spigot defines at least one recess which is engaged by a locking slide to retain the spigot within a generally circular recess.

It is desirable to provide alternative support systems for objects, typically sporting and outdoor equipment, such as firearms or optical devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a support system for supporting an object, such as a firearm or optical device, above a surface, the support system including a support and a fitting for mounting on the object and for receiving the support, the support comprising at least two surface-engaging legs which are connected to a support body, the support further comprising a spigot for connecting the support to the fitting when mounted on the object, the spigot having a first elongate narrow stem portion and a second wide head portion arranged above the narrow stem portion, in which the wide head portion is wider than the narrow stem portion and defines a lower surface (when the support is in a nominal upright condition), the wide head portion being received within the fitting mounted on the object when the support is in a connected condition with the object, and the support being retained in connection with the object when in a connected condition by engagement of the fitting with the lower surface of the wide head portion of the spigot.

In one embodiment, there is provided a support system for supporting a firearm, typically a rifle, above a surface, typically the ground or a shooting bench, when the firearm is in a connected condition with the support, the support comprising at least two surface-engaging legs, typically two or three legs, which are connected to a support body, the support further comprising a spigot for connecting the support to the firearm, or more typically to an fitting mounted on the firearm, the spigot having a first elongate narrow stem portion and a second wide head portion arranged above the narrow stem portion, in which the wide head portion is wider than the narrow stem portion and defines a lower surface (when the support is in a nominal upright condition), the wide head portion being received within the firearm or more typically within a fitting mounted on the firearm when the support is connected to the firearm, and the support being retained in connection with the firearm when in a connected or locked condition by engagement of a portion or element of the firearm or the fitting with the lower surface of the wide head portion.

In another embodiment, there is provided a support for supporting an optical device such as a telescope, for example a spotting scope, or a camera above a surface, typically the ground, when the optical device is in a connected condition with the support, the support comprising at least two surface-engaging legs, and typically being three legs in the form of a tripod, which are connected to a support body, the support further comprising a spigot for connecting the support to the optical device, or more typically to an fitting mounted on the optical device, the spigot having a first elongate narrow stem portion and a second wide head portion above the narrow stem portion, in which the wide head portion is wider than the narrow stem portion and defines a lower surface (when the support is in a nominal upright condition), the wide head portion being received within the optical device or more typically within a fitting mounted on the optical device when the support is connected to the optical device, and the support being retained in connection with the optical device when in a connected condition by engagement of a portion or element of the optical device or more typically the fitting with the lower surface of the wide head portion.

The portion or element of the fitting which engages with the lower surface of the wide head portion may be a portion of a slidable element. For example, it may be a lip portion of a slidable element. The slidable element may define an aperture through which the wide head portion can pass in an unlocked condition, with a lip at the edge of the aperture engaging the wide head element portion when in a locked condition. Engagement of the lower surface of the wide head portion of the spigot with a relatively narrow portion of a slidable element is preferred as this allows for quick engagement or disengagement with the lower surface of the wide head portion.

The support is advantageous in that it permits an object such as a firearm or optical device to be securely connected to the support but also permits the rapid disconnection of the support when required by a user. The support of the invention is advantageous in that it is especially compact, particularly in a vertical direction.

The wide head portion of the spigot may be received within a recess defined by the object or more typically by the fitting. The recess defined by the object or fitting may be substantially cylindrical. The wide head portion of the spigot may be able to rotate within the circular recess about a longitudinal axis of the spigot (i.e., the vertical longitudinal axis of the spigot when it is in a nominal vertical condition). Thus, a connected object can smoothly pan when supported by the support. Means may be provided for inhibiting rotational movement of the connected object. For example, the inter-engagement between the support and fitting may be arranged such that the connected object may be retained in one orientation. Alternatively, or additionally, means may be provided for limiting movement of a connected object. In this connection, the object or fitting preferably also engages a side wall of the wide head portion of the spigot as well as the lower surface of the head portion of the spigot. The engagement of the sidewall of the wide head portion of the spigot may provide the means for inhibiting or limiting movement of a connected object.

The spigot may be of integral construction, i.e., the wide head portion and the narrow stem portion are formed from a single piece. In a preferred embodiment, the wide head portion of the spigot is substantially disc-shaped. In such an embodiment the side wall is at least substantially cylindrical. The side wall is preferably cylindrical, but could be chamfered, or tapered. Alternatively, the wide head portion of the spigot may have a frustoconical shape.

As noted above, an element or portion of the object or the fitting may slidably engage with the lower surface of the wide head portion of the spigot to retain the spigot in a connected condition. For example, the element or portion of the object or more typically the fitting may slide under the lower surface of the wide head portion of the spigot from a condition of non-engagement into a connected condition in which it prevents disconnection of the spigot from the object or the fitting. The portion may be a portion of a slide element of a fitting which is biased into a locked position, to retain the support in a connected condition with the object or with a fitting mounted on the object but which can be moved into an unlocked position by a user to permit the support to be detached from the object or fitting mounted on the object. The portion or slide element may be biased into a locked position to retain the spigot of a connected support. For example, the slidable element may be biased into a locked position by a resilient element such as a spring . Alternatively, or additionally, the slidable element may be held in a locked position by locking means. For example, the locking means could be in the form of a catch which engages the slidable element to retain the slidable element, but which releases the slidable element when the slidable element is pulled (or pushed) by a user.

The spigot of the support of the invention is retained by its lower surface. Additionally, in a support system according to the invention a detent projection extending, preferably, from one of the object or the fitting or from the wide head portion of the spigot, engages with at least one detent recess defined by the other of the object or fitting or the wide head portion of the spigot. The detent projection may be in the form of a ball detent. A ball detent may include a sprung ball biased by a spring. At least one detent recess may be in the form of an elongate track. Preferably, the elongate track is formed in the side wall of the wide portion of the spigot head. In this way, engagement of the detent projection with the elongate track permits rotation of the connected object through an arc limited by the extent of the track. In one embodiment, the engagement of the detent projection with the elongate track permits smooth panning of the connected object, such as a firearm or optical device, through an arc limited by the extent of the elongate track. For example, the engagement of the detent projection with the elongate track permits smooth panning of the connected object through an arc of 60 to 90 degrees. In the case of a connected object being a firearm, such as a rifle this may be useful for example in a hunting situation where smooth panning is helpful to the hunter. In the case of a connected object being an optical device, such as a telescope or a spotting scope, this may be useful in that the optical device can be smoothly panned whilst being stably supported by the support of the invention - typically a tripod. Other arcs of movement are possible according to the length of the elongate track and the size of the detent projection which engages with the track.

At least one further discrete detent recess may be provided for engagement with a corresponding detent projection. Such a further detent recess may typically substantially circular. Other shapes for the recess, such as square are contemplated. Preferably, such at least one discrete recess is formed in the side wall of the wide portion of the spigot head. Engagement of a detent projection (which may be the same detent projection as referred to immediately above in relation to the detent recess forming an elongate track) with the at least one discrete detent recess which may inhibit rotation of the connected object. For example, where the connected object is a firearm or optical device, the engagement of a detent projection with a discrete detent recess may inhibit rotation of the connected object. For example, in this way a firearm may be held in a fixed orientation relative to the legs of the support. This may be useful when target shooting or zeroing a firearm where panning of the firearm is not required.

There may be several such discrete recesses in order to provide a corresponding number of fixed orientations for the connected object relative to the support. Again, this may be useful in different situations for the use of connected objects such as firearms and optical devices. For example, there may be three substantially discrete detent recesses allowing three discrete positions or orientations for the connected object such as a firearm or optical device in relation to the support.

In a support according to the invention the spigot is pivotally mounted on the support body. For example, the spigot may be pivotally mounted on the support body by a ball socket type arrangement. This allows the connected object to be pivoted into a variety of orientations. In the case of a connected firearm such as a rifle, the rifle may be pivoted upwards ordownwards whilst connected and supported by the support in accordance with the invention .

In another embodiment, the spigot may be pivotally mounted on the support body to move about a generally horizontal axis when the support is in a nominal upright condition. For example, a support according to the invention in the form of a bipod comprising two legs which are pivotally mounted for rotation about respective inclined intersecting axes, the spigot being mounted on, or integral with, a pivotable element carried by the support body and which is arranged to pivot about an axis extending within a triangular area defined by the inclined intersecting axes about which the legs pivot and a plane defined by corresponding upper surfaces of the legs when depending from the support body in a nominal upright condition. This allows a connected object, such as a firearm or optical device, to tilt or cant about the access when connected and supported by the support in accordance with the invention. For example, a connected firearm may be tilted so that it is in a generally upright orientation when the support in accordance with the invention below is on an uneven surface.

The spigot of a support in in accordance with the invention and the fitting may be magnetically attracted to each other, so as to enhance engagement of the spigot and fitting, and retention of the spigot within the fitting. Alternatively, the spigot and fitting may not be magnetically attracted to each other as the use of magnetic attraction is not required for retention of the support and connected object.

Preferably, a support in accordance with the invention is in the form of a bipod having two such surface-engaging legs, or in the form of a tripod having three such surface-engaging legs. The surface-engaging legs may be pivotally mounted to the support body. In a preferred embodiment, the surface-engaging legs can be moved between a number of distinct positions and retained or locked in each of those positions. For example, in the case of a bipod in accordance with the invention, it is preferred that each leg is independently pivotable from the nominal upright condition through, for example, 90 degrees forwards or backwards or through 45 degrees forwards or backwards. When pivoted through 90 degrees forwards or backwards, and when used in connection with a firearm, the legs will lie along the length of the firearm in a position which is more convenient for carrying the firearm. Alternatively, in the case of a tripod in accordance with the invention, the legs may be pivoted inwardly or outwardly so that the tripod is raised or lowered.

It will be appreciated that the object is not part of support system of the invention which comprise a support and a fitting for mounting to the object to be supported. In some embodiments, the support may be directly mounted to the object. For example, a recess may be provided in the underneath of the fore stock for receiving the spigot of the support of the invention. Typically, such a fore stock is formed from a synthetic material and the recess is formed in the lower surface of the stock. A sliding plate is arranged to slide in relation to the lower surface between an unlocked and a locked position. In the locked position, the plate engages the lower surface of the spigot of the support’s wide head portion to hold the wide head portion in the recess. In the unlocked or retracted position, the plate is slid back and spigot can be withdrawn from the recess in the fore stock. Typically, the plate is biased into a locked condition. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a support according to the invention, and an object, optionally with a fitting mounted on the object for connecting the spigot of the support to the object. Preferably there is provided a combination of a support according to the invention and an object which is one of a firearm or an optical device. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention there is provided a combination of a firearm, typically a rifle, with a fitting mounted on the firearm and which is connected to the spigot of the support according to the invention in a connected condition. The combination is advantageous in that the combination of the support, which is typically a bipod, and firearm can be relatively light and compact.

In another embodiment according to this aspect of the invention there is provided a combination of an optical device, typically a telescope or spotting scope, with a fitting mounted on the optical device and which is connected to the spigot of the support according to the invention in a connected condition.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for retaining the spigot to the object is operable by a user, especially from a use position for the user. Where the object is a firearm, this use position may be from a firing position i.e. , where the user is arranged behind and operating the firearm.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a support for supporting an object above a surface when the object is in a connected condition with the support, the support comprising at least two surface-engaging legs which are connected to a support body, the support further comprising a spigot for connecting the support to the object, or to an fitting mounted on the object, the spigot having a first elongate narrow stem portion and a second wide head portion above the narrow stem portion, in which the wide head portion is wider than the narrow stem portion and defines a lower surface, the wide head portion being received within the object or within a fitting mounted on the object when the support is connected to the object, and the support being retained in connection with the object when in a connected condition by engagement of the object or the fitting with the lower surface of the wide head portion, the support further comprising a detent projection extending from the object or fitting, wherein the detent projection engages with at least one detent recess defined by the wide head portion of the spigot, and wherein the detent projection is in the form of a ball detent, and wherein one detent recess is in the form of an elongate track formed by a side wall of the wide head portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Supports and a combination of such supports in accordance with the invention and objects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 11 , in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a support system comprising a bipod in accordance with the invention on a surface, connected to a fitting in the form of an adapter and with the legs of the bipod in a deployed or nominal condition, the other side corresponds;

Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a spigot from the bipod of Figure 1 ;

Figure 2 is an elevation of the front of the bipod of Figure 1 and the connected adapter;

Figure 3 is an elevation of the rear of the bipod of Figure 1 and the connected adapter;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the adapter in a partially disassembled state in relation to the bipod (without its legs) of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4A is a partial cutaway view of the upper portion of the bipod of Figure 1 and the connected adapter;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the bipod of Figure 1 and the connected adapter on the axis A-A of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a transverse cross section of the bipod and the fitting as shown in Figure 5 on an axis which is at right angles to the axis A-A of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tripod head in accordance with the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the tripod head of Figure 7 with legs attached and connected to a fitting for mounting on an object to be supported;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of another tripod head in accordance with the invention;

Figure 10 is an elevation of a combination in accordance with the invention comprising a firearm supported by a support in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 11 is an elevation of another combination in accordance with the invention comprising a firearm supported by another support in accordance with the invention.

Description

A support system which is in the form of bipod 10 connected to a fitting or adapter 11 for mounting on an object such as a firearm or optical device is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The. bipod 10 comprises a support body 12 and legs 14 and 16 which are pivotally mounted on the support body 12 by means of pivots 14P and 16P respectively. The legs 14 and 16 engage surface 18. In this embodiment, surface 18 is the ground but in the case of a firearm being supported by the bipod could equally be, for example, a shooting bench. The bipod 10 is shown in elevation in Figure 1 and from the front in Figure 2 in a nominal upright condition with respect to surface 18. A spigot 20 of integral construction extends upwardly from the support body 12. More particularly, the spigot 20 extends upwardly from a pivotable body 22 which is mounted for pivotal movement on the support body 12 about a horizontal axis, which is defined by the shaft of a locking lever 24, in the nominal upright condition of the bipod 10. The spigot 20 is fast with the pivotable body 22. As shown in Figure 1 A, spigot 20 comprises a narrow stem portion 20NS and an integral wide head portion 20WH. The narrow stem portion 20NS is cylindrical. The wide head portion 20WH is also generally cylindrical, having a greater diameter than the narrow stem portion 20NS. The lower surface 20L of wide head portion 20WH is flat. The sidewall 20SW of the wide head portion 20WH defines several detent recesses. An elongate detent recess 20ED forms a track in the side wall 20SW. Three further discrete circular detent recesses are formed in the sidewall 20SW. One of the circular recesses 20CR1 (obscured in Figure 1 A) is opposed to the elongate detent recess 20ED. The other two discrete circular detent recesses, 20CR2 (also obscured in Figure 1 A) and 20CR3, are formed at 90 degrees in opposing directions to the first circular recess 20CR1 i.e., circular recesses, 20CR2 and 20CR3 are opposed to each other.

As described above, the pivotable body 22 can pivot about a generally horizontal axis defined by the shaft of the locking lever 24. This allows the spigot 20 of bipod 10 to pivot so that a supported object, such as a firearm or optical device, can be kept generally upright. The horizontal axis extends within a triangular area defined by the inclined intersecting axes about which the legs 14, 16 pivot on pivots 14P and 16P respectively and a plane defined by corresponding upper surfaces of the legs 14-16 when depending from the support body in a nominal upright condition. This allows a connected object, such as a firearm or optical device, to tilt or cant about a generally horizontal axis when connected and supported by the support in accordance with the invention. For example, a connected firearm may be tilted so that it is in a generally upright orientation when supported on uneven ground.

The legs 14 and 16 of the bipod 10 have been shown extending from the support body 12 in a normal nominal upright condition in Figures 1 to 6. At the top of each leg there is a locking and indexing mechanism which permits rotation of each leg into other positions, and the retention of a leg in a selected position. In other conditions, the legs 14 and 16 can be pivoted about the pivot points 14P and 16P respectively and locked in a variety of positions e.g., through and into 90 degrees forwards or aft, or into 45 degrees forwards or aft. The fitting of the support system or adapter 11 is shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 4A. The adapter 11 comprises two principal components- a mount 11 M which is to be fitted to (e.g., fixed by bolts 1 1 B) or integrated with an object to be supported by the support 10, and a slide 1 1 which slides on tracks formed by the body of the mount 11 M. The mount 11 M is formed from aluminium in this example, and forms a central, circular recess 11 R which is dimensioned to receive the spigot 20 of the bipod 10. The slide 11 S forms a generally D-shaped aperture 11 A, which is dimensioned to allow the spigot wide head portion 20WH to pass through . The D-shaped aperture 11 A has a straight lip portion 11 L. The slide 1 1 S is normally biased into a locked condition by a compression spring 11 C carried by the mount 11 M. The slide 11 S carries an internal projection 11 P, shown e.g., in Figure 5, which extends through the wall of recess 11 R of the mount 11 M and is dimensioned to engage with the recesses 20ED and 20 CR1 -3 of the spigot’s wide head portion 20WH.

Engagement of the bipod 10 and adapter 11 is shown in more detail in Figure 4A. The wide head portion 20WH is received within the recess 11 R of the adapter. The lower surface 20L of the wide head portion 20WH is held by the narrow lip portion 11 L of slide 11 S, the slide 11 S being biased by the compression spring 11 C into the locked condition shown. To release the bipod 10 from the adapter 11 , the slide 11 S is slid against the bias of the compression spring 11 C so that the lip 11 L no longer holds the lower surface 20L of the spigot - i.e., the slide 11S is in an unlocked condition - and the wide head portion 20WH can be withdrawn through the aperture 11 A. The slide 11 S is then returned to the locked condition by the compression spring 11 C (albeit without now holding the spigot). Generally, the slide 11 S is operated by the thumb of a user positioned behind the support- for example in a firing position when the object supported is a firearm , pushing the slide 11 S against the bias of the spring 11 C.

The function of the recesses 20ED and 20CR1 -20CR3 is to permit limited panning of the object or to inhibit panning of the object mounted on the support system respectively. When the projection 11 P is received within the elongate recess 20ED, limited panning of the object is possible which is limited by the ends of the recess 20ED. This can be useful, for example, when the object is a firearm and used in a hunting situation in which smooth panning of the firearm while still supported is useful. Alternatively, when the object is an optical device such as a telescope again smooth panning can also be useful whilst the optical device is still supported by the support device of the invention. Alternatively, if the projection 11 P is received within the discrete recess 20CR2 - which is opposed to the elongate recess 20ED - then rotational movement of the object is inhibited. This can be useful when the object is a firearm , for example, when zeroing at a firing range. Alternatively, when the object is an optical device such as a spotting scope, then inhibiting rotational movement can be useful , for example, when the spotting scope is pointed at a target. The inter-engagement between projection 11 P and the other discrete recesses 20CR1 and 20CR3 provide alternate optional fixed positions for the object in relation to the support or vice versa.

Another support

Another support system in accordance with the invention and which is in the form of a tripod is illustrated in Figure 7 and 8. In Figure 7, the three full elongate legs of the tripod 30 are not shown for reasons of clarity. The tripod 30, more specifically the tripod head, includes a chassis- or tripod body 32 to which the legs of the tripod would normally be pivotally mounted, and to which is rotatably mounted a locking ring 34. A spigot 36 which comprises a wide head portion 36WH and a narrow stem portion 36NS is mounted on a ball 38 allowing movement in several directions. The ball 38 can be clamped by operation of the locking ring 34 to prevent further movement of the spigot 36.

In use, the tripod 30 is connected to an object such as a firearm or optical device on which is mounted a fitting such as the adapter 11 described above. The spigot head 36 WH would be received within the adapter generally as described above in relation to the bipod 10 and adapter 11 . Such an adapter 40 is shown in Figure 8, which also shows the legs 42, 44 and 46 of the tripod. In this way, the object such as a firearm or optical device can be securely mounted on the tripod and can be rotated, tilted or canted by loosening the locking ring 34 to allow movement of the ball 38 and therefore the attached spigot. In this way the attached object can be smoothly panned or tilted or canted by the user.

Another tripod

Another support in accordance with the invention, which is also in the form of a tripod, is shown in Figure 9. The tripod 50 has a different arrangement of legs each including a locking device e.g., 52LM. In the embodiment shown, the tripod body or chassis 54 partially encloses a ball 56. A slot extends from the ball to the perimeter of the body 54 so that the body forms a clamp about the ball. The ball 56 is fast with the base of a spigot 58 which comprises a narrow stem portion 58NS and an upper wide head portion 58WH. A screw (obscured) is operable to tighten the clamp portion of the tripod body or chassis 54 against the ball 56. With this arrangement, the screw can be loosened to permit the ball 56 to rotate within the tripod body or chassis 54 or tightened to inhibit the movement of the ball 56. The wide head of the spigot 58 WH can be received within a fitting such as the adapter 40 described above in relation to another tripod support in accordance with the invention. In this way, the tripod can be used to support an object such as a firearm or optical device, and, by releasing the clamp to allow the object to be smoothly panned or tilted or canted in a variety of directions, generally as described above in relation to the tripod 30.

Combinations of a support and a firearm A combination of a support system and a firearm in accordance with a further aspect of the invention is shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows a bipod 60 of the support system supporting a firearm 62 above a surface 64. The bipod 60 is, in fact, a bipod 10 as described above.

In a combination of a support in accordance with the invention, such as bipod 10 as described above and a firearm, when the two are connected by a fitting of the system mounted on the firearm such as adapter 11 , this permits the firearm to pan smoothly in a substantially planar manner through an arc of fire. This arc of fire may be restricted by the design of the bipod, specifically the interaction of the recess 20ED in the side wall of the spigot wide head 20WH and the projection 11 P of the corresponding fitting so that the firearm is not moved into positions in which it is not stably supported by the bipod. For example, the arc may be about 60 degrees of rotation. Other arcs of fire are possible with different designs of spigot and track. By engagement of the fitting with the discrete recesses 20CR1 -3, the firearm can be supported in fixed positions with respect to the bipod.

The firearm 62 may be tilted, or canted, through the pivoting of the pivotable body 22, so that the firearm 62 is generally upright when the bipod 10 is placed on sloping ground. The tilting is limited by the limits of the pivotable body 22. This contact inhibits over-tilting of the firearm which could lead to the firearm and bipod toppling over.

The legs of the bipod 10 can be pivoted or folded into forward or rearward conditions. This makes the mounted bipod more compact on the firearm. This is advantageous when the firearm is to be carried as it will significantly reduce the risk of the bipod catching on e.g., vegetation, clothing, etc., as the firearm is handled by a user.

Another combination of support system in accordance with the invention and a firearm is shown in Figure 11 . Figure 11 shows a tripod 70 in accordance with the invention supporting a firearm 72 above a surface 74, typically by connection of the tripod to the firearm by a fitting such as the adapters described above. The tripod may be, for example, one of the tripods 30 or 50 as described above. The tripod design permits an object, such as a firearm mounted on the tripod to be tilted or canted into a variety of positions.

Claims

1. A support (10) for supporting an object above a surface when the object is in a connected condition with the support (10), the support (10) comprising at least two surface-engaging legs (14, 16) which are connected to a support body (12), the support (10) further comprising a spigot (20) for connecting the support (10) to the object, or to an fitting mounted on the object, the spigot (20) having a first elongate narrow stem portion (20NS) and a second wide head portion (20WH) above the narrow stem portion (20NS), in which the wide head portion (20WH) is wider than the narrow stem portion (20NS) and defines a lower surface (20L), the wide head portion (20WH) being received within the object or within a fitting (1 1 ) mounted on the object when the support (10) is connected to the object, and the support (10) being retained in connection with the object when in a connected condition by engagement of the object or the fitting with the lower surface (20L of the wide head portion (20WH).

2. A support (10) according to claim 1 , in which the wide head portion of the spigot (20) is received within a recess defined by the object or the fitting (11 ).

3. A support (10) according to claim 2, in which the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20) can rotate within the recess about a longitudinal axis of the spigot (20).

4. A support (10) according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the recess defined by the object or fitting (11 ) is substantially cylindrical.

5. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the object or fitting (11 ) engages a side wall (20SW) of the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20) and the lower surface (20L) of the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20).

6. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20) is substantially disc-shaped.

7. A support (10) according to the preceding claim in which the side walls (20SW) of the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20) are cylindrical.

8. A support (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20) is substantially frusto-conical in shape.

9. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a portion of the object or the fitting (11 ) slidably engages with the lower surface (20L) of the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20) to retain the spigot (20) in a connected condition.

10. A support (10) according to claim 9, in which the said portion is provided by a slide (11S) element of a fitting (11 ) which is biased into a locked position, to retain the support (10) in a connected condition with the object or with a fitting (11 ) mounted on the object but which can be moved into an unlocked position by a user to permit the support (10) to be detached from the object or fitting (11 ) mounted on the object.

11. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a detent projection (11 P) extending, preferably, from one of the object or fitting (11 ), or from the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20), engages with at least one detent recess (20ED, 20CR1 , 20CR2, 20CR3) defined by the other of the object or fitting (11 ) or the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20).

12. A support (10) according to claim 11 , in which the detent projection (11 P) is in the form of a ball detent.

13. A support (10) according to claim 12, in which one detent recess (20ED) is in the form of an elongate track formed by a side wall (20SW) of the wide head portion (20WH).

14. A support (10) according to claim 13, in which engagement of the detent projection (11 P) with the elongate track permits rotation of the connected object through an arc limited by the extent of the track.

15. A support (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, in which at least one further detent recess (20CR1 , 20CR2, 20CR3) is substantially circular.

16. A support (10) according to claim 15, in which engagement of the detent projection (11 P) with the at least one further detent recess (20CR1 , 20CR2, 20CR3) inhibits rotation of the connected object.

17. A support (10) according to claim 16, in which there are three substantially circular detent recesses (20CR1 , 20CR2, 20CR3).

18. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the narrow stem portion of the spigot (20) is pivotally mounted on the support body (12).

19. A support (10) according to claim 18, in which the narrow stem portion (20NS) of the spigot (20) is mounted on the support body (12) by a ball socket type arrangement.

20. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in the form of a bipod or in the form of a tripod.

21 . A support (10) according to claim 20, in the form of a bipod comprising two legs (14, 16) which are pivotally mounted for rotation about respective inclined intersecting axes, the spigot (20) being mounted on, or integral with, a pivotable element (22) carried by the support body (12) and which is arranged to pivot about an axis extending within a triangular area defined by the inclined intersecting axes about which the legs (14, 16) pivot and a plane defined by corresponding upper surfaces of the legs (14, 16) when depending from the support body (12) in a nominal upright condition.

22. A support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the spigot (20) and fitting (11 ) are magnetically attracted to each other or which the spigot (20) and fitting (11 ) are not magnetically attracted to each other.

23. A combination of a support (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an object to be supported, optionally with a fitting (11 ) mounted on the object for connecting the spigot (20) of the support (10) to the object.

24. A combination according to claim 23, in which the object is a firearm or an optical device.

25. A support (10) for supporting an object above a surface when the object is in a connected condition with the support (10), the support (10) comprising at least two surface-engaging legs (14, 16) which are connected to a support body (12), the support (10) further comprising a spigot (20) for connecting the support to the object, or to a fitting (11) mounted on the object, the spigot (20) having a first elongate narrow stem portion (20NS) and a second wide head portion (20WH) above the narrow stem portion (20NS), in which the wide head portion (20WH) is wider than the narrow stem portion (20NS) and defines a lower surface (20L), the wide head portion (20WH) being received within the object or within a fitting (11 ) mounted on the object when the support (10) is connected to the object, and the support (10) being retained in connection with the object when in a connected condition by engagement of the object or the fitting (1 1 ) with the lower surface (20L) of the wide head portion (20WH), the support (10) further comprising a detent projection (11 P) extending from the object or fitting (11 ), wherein the detent projection engages with at least one detent recess (20ED, 20CR1 , 20CR2, 20CR3) defined by the wide head portion (20WH) of the spigot (20), and wherein the detent projection (11 P) is in the form of a ball detent, and wherein one detent recess (20ED) is in the form of an elongate track formed by a side wall (20SW) of the wide head portion (20WH).