Firearm Bipod

The present application for patent is a Continuation of patent application Ser. No. 18/529,421 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Dec. 5, 2023, pending, which is a Continuation of patent application Ser. No. 17/498,787 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Oct. 12, 2021, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,867,473 on Jan. 9, 2024, which is a Continuation of patent application Ser. No. 16/811,791 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Mar. 6, 2020, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,732,991 on Aug. 22, 2023, which is a Continuation of patent application Ser. No. 16/215,106 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Dec. 10, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,627,181 on Apr. 21, 2020, which is a Continuation of patent application Ser. No. 15/939,541 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Mar. 29, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,168,119 on Jan. 1, 2019, which is a Continuation in Part of patent application Ser. No. 15/851,681 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Dec. 21, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,161,706 on Dec. 25, 2018, which claims priority to and the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/438,590 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Dec. 23, 2016, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates generally to firearm accessories. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatuses for a firearm bipod configured to cant, pivot, and fold.

Modern firearms, such as rifles in particular, may be more accurately and conveniently fired by the shooter if the firearm is equipped with a bipod device for supporting and steadying the barrel. Bipods may be fixedly or removably mounted onto firearms, and have been found to be most convenient if they can further be retracted in a storage position when not in use. Exemplary bipods and mounting devices are taught in prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,422 issued Jun. 27, 1967; U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,216 issued Sep. 11, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,620 issued Dec. 2, 1986; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,451 issued Feb. 10, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,425 issued Feb. 27, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,103 issued Jan. 27, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,572 issued Aug. 24, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

However, existing bipods may not have both a cant and pivot feature, and if they do they tend to require separate controls for each degree of freedom. Further, the complexity of bipods tends to make them bulky and adds weight to a firearm. Nor do existing bipods offer a simple means to adjust tension of pivot and cant adjustment.

The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein. As such, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects and/or embodiments, nor should the following summary be regarded to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects and/or embodiments or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect and/or embodiment. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

One aspect of the disclosure can be described as a bipod leg deployment assembly having a housing, a leg housing, two leg assemblies, a pivot rod, a locking knob, and a pivot block. The housing can include a vertical housing aperture, one or more first detent receiving hollows, and one or more second detent receiving hollows. The vertical housing aperture can pass through the housing along a vertical pivot axis. The one or more first detent receiving hollows can be arranged concentrically around the vertical housing aperture. The one or more second detent receiving hollows can be arranged concentrically around the vertical housing aperture. They can also be alternately arranged between the one or more first detent receiving hollows. The one or more first detent receiving hollows can have a greater arcuate width than the one or more second detent receiving hollows. The two leg assemblies can each have a deployed position and a stowed position, and these two positions can have an arcuate separate of at least 45°. Each of the two leg assemblies can have a leg deployment pivot axis around which the respective leg assembly rotates when moved from the deployed position to the stowed position. Each of the two leg assemblies can also have a bipod leg deployment button arranged near, but not coincident with the respective leg deployment pivot axis, and these can be biased outward from the housing. The pivot rod can pass through the vertical housing aperture, and the locking knob can couple to a lower half of the pivot rod. The locking knob can be arranged at least partially below the housing. The pivot block can be fixed to an upper half of the pivot rod and can be pivotally arranged at least partially above the housing.

Another aspect of the disclosure can be characterized as a bipod leg deployment assembly having a housing, a pivot rod, a locking knob, and a pivot block. The housing can have two legs rotationally coupled thereto. The housing can also include a vertical housing aperture arranged around a vertical pivot axis and a plurality of detent receiving hollows arranged concentrically around the vertical pivot axis. Adjacent ones of the detent receiving hollows can have alternating arcuate widths as measured in a circle around the vertical pivot axis. The pivot rod can pass through the vertical housing aperture. A locking knob can be coupled to a lower half of the pivot rod and can be arranged at least partially below the housing. The pivot block can be fixed to an upper half of the pivot rod and can be pivotally arranged at least partially above the housing.

Another aspect of the disclosure can be characterized as a method of locking out a pivot function of a firearm bipod. The method can include rotating a locking knob of a bipod in a first direction to enable a pivot block to move vertically, relative to a housing, sufficiently to allow one or more detents extending down from a bottom of the pivot block to exit corresponding first detent receiving hollows in the housing and to clear a top surface of the housing, the housing arranged between the locking knob and the pivot block. The method can also include rotating the pivot block 180°. The method can yet further include rotating the locking knob in a second direction to pull the pivot block and the one or more detents downward and cause the one or more detents to enter corresponding second detent receiving hollows in the housing. The first and second detent receiving hollows can have different arcuate widths as measured in a circle around a vertical pivot axis through the housing.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Preliminary note: the flowcharts and block diagrams in the following Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, some blocks in these flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The bipod can include a housing with two leg assemblies attached thereto. The housing can include an aperture through which passes a pivot rod, the pivot rod having a threaded coupling to a locking knob arranged below the housing, wherein turning of the locking knob results in the pivot rod moving up or down along a vertical axis passing through the pivot rod and the housing. A top of the pivot rod can be coupled to a cant nut having a tubular shape and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis. A firearm interface can include an aperture having a similar shape to the cant nut, and the cant nut arranged within this aperture in the firearm interface. The firearm interface can rotate or cant around the cant nut to provide canting to a firearm mounted to the firearm interface. A pivot block can be arranged between the housing and the firearm interface and can pivot atop the housing. The pivot block can include a concave hollow into which a portion of a bottom of the firearm interface is shaped to rest in such that when the locking knob is tightened, the pivot block and firearm interface pivot in unison. Rotation of the locking knob pushes the cant nut and thereby the firearm interface up or down to lock or unlock the firearm interface into the concave hollow in the pivot block. The firearm interface can be shaped to fit a variety of known and yet-to-be-known accessory interfaces, such as, but not limited, to M-LOK, Picatinny rail, and NATO rail.

illustrates one embodiment of a bipod according to an embodiment of this disclosure whileillustrates an exploded view of the same.illustrate alternative views of this embodiment of the bipod. The bipodenables selective and lockable cant and pivoting and interfacing with a firearm, such as a rifle, via one of various known interfacing platforms (e.g., M-LOK, NATO Rail, Picatinny). The legs can also telescope and be stored in a position roughly 90 rotated from a deployed position (i.e., folded up to a position near the forend of the firearm. The bipodcan include a firearm interface, which in this embodiment is configured for interfacing with a firearm, handguard of a firearm, etc. via the M-LOK platform. While many of the figures in this disclosure show an M-LOK interface, these are not intended to be limiting, andshow examples of Picatinny and NATO Rail interfaces, respectively, to provide two other non-limiting examples. The firearm interfaceis also partially responsible for canting of the firearm, and thus can have a tubular or curved bottomand a tubular apertureextending along, and concentric with, a horizontal axisof the firearm interface. A cant nutcan be arranged within the tubular apertureand can have a rotational coupling to the firearm interfacethereby enabling the firearm interfaceto cant around the cant nut. The tubular aperturecan be flush with or nearly flush with the cant nut. The cant nuthas a vertical tubular aperturethat accepts a pivot rod, this vertical tubular aperturebeing arranged along and concentric with a vertical axis. The horizontal and vertical axes,can be perpendicular to each other regardless of a rotational position of the firearm interface. Thus, the vertical tubular aperturecan be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the firearm interfaceas well as a longitudinal axis of the cant nut. The vertical tubular aperturesurrounds an upper portion of the pivot rod. The cant nutcan include a longitudinal apertureshaped to accept a locking pin. The locking pincan pass through the longitudinal apertureand through a locking pin aperturein the upper end of the pivot rodthereby creating a fixed relationship between the cant nutand the pivot rod. As such, the cant nutand the pivot rodcan both pivot around the vertical axisand move vertically along the vertical axisin unison. The horizontal axiscan pivot with the cant nutand the firearm interfaceso that the longitudinal axes of these two components are always aligned with the horizontal axis.

For the purposes of this disclosure, “pivot” or “pivoting” refers to rotation about the vertical axisand “cant” or “canting” refers to rotation around the horizontal axis.

The curved bottomof the firearm interfaceis shaped to fit partially into and rotationally interface with a concave hollowin a pivot block. The pivot blockcan rest on and partially within a housing. The housingcan include a vertical housing apertureconcentrically arranged around the pivot rodand accepting a tubular detentextending from a bottom of the pivot block. The pivot blockcan also include a vertical pivot block aperturethat is concentric with the tubular detentand the vertical axisand allows the pivot rodto pass through and rotate within the pivot block.

The housingcan have a generally cylindrical shape with two leg housingson each side of the housing, each disposed at an angle, θ, relative to the vertical axis(see e.g.,). The leg assembliescan be arranged at an angle, θ, relative to each other. The leg housingscan be closed on four sides (e.g., top, sides, and rear) and open on two sides (e.g., front and bottom), and can each accept an upper portion of a leg assembly. Each leg assemblycan include an inner leg portionand an outer leg portion. The inner leg portioncan have a profile that fits within a hollow interiorof the corresponding outer leg portion(e.g., see) such that the outer leg portioncan slide along the inner leg portionwhile always partially surrounding the inner leg portion(e.g., see). Each leg assemblyfurther includes a leg extension locking component(e.g., see). The leg extension locking componentcan be depressed and slide perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding leg assemblyto release the leg assemblyfor telescoping of the leg assembly.

The leg assembliescan have a rotational coupling to the leg housingsvia fastening means(e.g., a screw passing through a bushing, the bushing arranged in an aperture in an outside of the leg housing, the screw passing through an opposing side of the leg housingand threading into a washerinside the housing). A snap pin fastener or other means could also be used to couple the leg assembliesto the leg housings. The fastening meanscan pass through a rotation aperturenear a top of each inner leg portion(e.g., see). Both the fastening meansand the rotation aperturecan be aligned with and concentric around a leg deployment pivot axisof the leg assembly(e.g., see).

A leg release buttonfor each leg assemblycan have a sliding arrangement within a leg locking aperturein each side of the housing.shows a first leg release buttonon a right of the page being depressed, whereas a second leg release buttonon a left of the page is not depressed. The leg release buttoncan be biased from a center of the housingtoward an exterior of the leg locking apertures. Such biasing may be provided by a spring or other button biasing mechanism(see). In a locked state, the leg release buttonsmay rest at or proud of the leg locking apertures. When depressed the leg release buttonsmay be pushed into the leg locking apertures(i.e., toward the housing). In the locked state, the leg release buttonsact as a leg rotation lock and prevent the leg assembliesfrom rotating. In other words, a torque applied to one of the leg assemblies, when the corresponding leg release buttonis in the locked state (not depressed), will fail to rotate the leg assembly. When depressed, the leg release buttonsno longer oppose rotation of the leg assemblies, and therefore the leg assembliescan rotate from a deployed position (as seen in) toward a stowed position (rotation toward the stowed position can be seen in). The stowed position can comprise the leg assembliesbeing substantially 90° rotated from the deployed position, or arranged substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the firearm, or arranged substantially parallel with the horizontal axis. However, in other embodiments, more or less than 90° can separate the stowed and deployed positions. For instance, the arcuate separation between these two positions can be 45° or at least 45°. As another non-limiting example, the arcuate difference between these two positions can be between 85° and 95° apart. In another embodiment, the arcuate difference between these two positions can be between 80° and 100° apart. In yet another embodiment, the arcuate difference between these two positions can be between 75° and 105° apart.

When the leg assembliesare in the stowed position, the leg release buttonsare again biased away from a center of the housingin a locked position. Yet, from the stowed position, the leg assembliescan be rotated toward the deployed position with a threshold amount of force, or depression of the leg release buttons. This makes deploying the leg assembliesfaster and simpler than stowing thereof. In particular, in the stowed position, a first torque applied to the leg assemblies(e.g., to move them from the stowed to the deployed position) will again not cause rotation of the leg assemblies. However, a second torque, greater than the first (e.g., greater than an unlocking threshold), will cause the leg release buttonsto backdrive (e.g., move in a direction opposing the bias on the leg release buttons) such that the leg assembliescan rotate toward the deployed position. In practice, this means that the leg assembliescannot be moved from the deployed position unless the leg release buttonsare sufficiently depressed, while in the stowed positions, the leg assembliescan be unfolded without directly depressing the leg release buttons, as long as sufficient torque to overcome the unlocking threshold is applied. As such, small jostling or accidental torques, such as those seen during user marches or rapid vehicle exits, will not deploy the leg assembliesfrom the stowed position.

illustrates an embodiment of a footthat can be removably coupled to a bottom of each leg assembly. Fixed, non-removable, feet can also be implemented. Each footcan be round, as shown, can include one or more spikes, texture, and/or other variations suited to different ground conditions. In some embodiments, the feet can be multifunctional, for instance, having a spike that retracts within a ball-shaped foot, and can be extended for use on softer/looser ground.

illustrates a close-up of an exploded view of the leg housing, the leg assembly, and the leg release button. The leg housingis coupled to the housingat an angle and is open on a front and bottom side to accept the leg assemblyin either the deployed or stowed positions. The leg assemblycan be rotationally coupled to the leg housingvia the fastener means(e.g., a screw passing through a bushing and threading into a screw within the housing). The fastening meansand the leg assemblycan rotate around the leg deployment pivot axisof the leg assembly(see). The leg assemblycomprises an inner leg portionand an outer leg portion, the outer leg portionslides along the inner leg portionto effect telescoping of the leg assembly. The leg release buttoncan be arranged within the leg locking aperture. The leg release buttoncan have a maximum outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the leg locking aperture. The leg release buttonand the leg locking aperturecan be concentric to and arranged along a common axis (not shown), and the leg release buttoncan be biased along this axis away from the housingand can be depressed toward the housingto reach the unlocked state. The leg release buttoncan be biased away from the housingvia the button biasing mechanism(e.g., a spring). The spring or button biasing mechanismcan be arranged between the leg release buttonand an inner end of the leg locking aperture.

The leg release buttoncan be split into at least two lengths, a first length, and a second length, as seen in. The second lengthcan have a smaller diameter than the first length. A third length,, may be arranged between the first and second lengths,, and may have a conical shape such that it creates a smooth transition between the first and second lengths,. The first lengthmay be tubular or conical, however, if conical, its angle is less than the angle of the third length. The inner leg portioncan include at least two conical cutoutsand, and optionally a third conical cutout(see). The first conical cutoutcan be arranged near a top of the inner leg portion, and along a narrow side edge of the inner leg portion. The first conical cutoutcan have the shape of a portion of a cone (i.e., a conical frustum), and this shape can mimic or be similar to the conical shape of a first lengthof the leg release button(e.g., see). Accordingly, when the leg release buttonis in the locked state, and the leg assemblyis in the deployed position, the first lengthand the first conical cutoutare shaped and positioned to interface and make a flush arcuate connection (e.g., see). Given this interface, the leg assemblycannot rotate. However, when the leg release buttonis depressed to the unlocked state (e.g., see), then the leg assemblycan rotate since the leg assemblyis able to clear the second length.

It should be noted that cylindrical cutouts can be used in place of the first and third conical cutouts,. Additionally, a cylindrical cutout can be substituted for the second conical cutout. While the interfacing to the leg release buttonmay not be as beneficial as conical cutouts, the inventors have found that cylindrical shapes will also acceptably interface. Where cylindrical cutouts are used, the cutouts can be angled slightly relative to a longitudinal axis of the leg assembly to better interface with the conical frustum shaped first and third lengths,of the leg release button.

provide another view of the interfacing of the leg assemblyand the leg release buttonin the locked () and unlocked states (). The top or end of the inner leg portionof the leg assemblycan include a curved edge, and this curved edgecan extend in an arcuate fashion between two of the conical cutouts,,(e.g., between a first and third conical cutout,). The curved edgecan have a circular profile and thus maintains a constant distance or radius, R, from the leg deployment pivot axisalong its whole curved circumference. An innermost edge of the first conical cutoutcan be arranged a second distance, R, from the leg deployment pivot axis. When the first lengthand the first conical cutoutinterface, in the locked state of the leg deployment button, a circumference of the second lengthis a third distance, R, from the leg deployment pivot axis. The first distance, R, is less than the third distance, R, while the second distance, R, is less than both Rand R. Because the radius, R, of the curved edgeintersects with the first lengthin the locked state (i.e., the first distance, R, is greater than the second distance, R), the leg assemblycannot rotate. However, when the leg release buttonis depressed into the unlocked state (), the leg assembly(or the curved edge) lines up with the second lengthrather than the first length, and since the first distance, R, is less than the third distance, R, the leg assemblycan rotate and the curved edgeis able to clear the second length.

The second conical cutoutcan be arranged at a top end of the inner leg portion, and be scalloped out of one side of that top end as seen in. The second conical cutoutcan have the shape of a portion of a cone, and this shape can mimic or be similar to the conical shape of the third lengthof the leg release button. In other words, the angle of the second conical cutoutcan be greater than an angle of the first and third conical cutouts,. Accordingly, when the leg release buttonis in the locked state, and the leg assemblyis in the stowed position, the third lengthand the second conical cutoutare shaped and positioned to interface and make a flush arcuate connection. Given this interface, the leg assemblycan rotate when sufficient torque is applied to backdrive the leg release button. The greater angle of the third lengthmakes it possible for backdriving, whereas the shallow angle of the first lengthprevents backdriving. In other words, an angle or shape of the third lengthcan be selected to select the unlocking threshold and the angle or shape of the first lengthcan be selected to prevent backdriving under most torque conditions. A steeper angle of the third lengthleads to a lower unlocking threshold, and a shallower angle leads to a higher unlocking threshold (i.e., an inverse relationship between the two). While the leg assemblyis in the stowed position, the leg release buttoncan also be depressed into an unlocked state, thereby providing an alternative way to deploy the leg assembly.

The leg release buttonis arranged near, but not coincident with the leg deployment pivot axis(see). The leg release buttoncan have a locked state (see) and an unlocked state (see, andB) when the leg assemblyis in the deployed position. When the leg release buttonis depressed, it can move from the locked state to the unlocked state-moving toward the housing. In, the housingis arranged to the left of the figures. Thus, in the unlocked state,, the leg release buttonhas been moved closer to the housing.

shows a side view of the interaction between the leg release button(dashed lines) and an end of the inner leg portionof the leg assembly.shows an overhead view of the interaction between the leg release buttonand the end of the inner leg portionof the leg assembly.shows a side view of the interaction between the leg release button(dashed lines) and the end of the inner leg portionof the leg assembly.shows an overhead view of the interaction between the leg release buttonand the end of the inner leg portionof the leg assembly.

The first lengthcan have a tubular or conical shape. If tubular, then the first lengthhas a diameter, D, and if conical, then the first length has two diameters, Dand D, where D>D. The second lengthhas a diameter, D<D<D, and if applicable, D<D. If the third lengthis implemented, then it has a conical shape and thus two diameters, Dand D. Where the first and third lengths,meet, they have the same diameter, D, and where the second and third lengths,,meet, they have the same diameter, D.

While both the first and second lengths,can be conical, an angle of the third lengthrelative to the common axis between the leg release buttonand the leg locking aperture, can be greater than an angle of the first lengthrelative to this axis. This is easily seen in the greater conical nature of the third lengthseen in. In an embodiment, the angle of the first lengthcan be less than or equal to 20°. In another embodiment, the angle of the first lengthcan be less than or equal to 15°. In another embodiment, the angle of the first lengthcan be less than or equal to 10°. In another embodiment, the angle of the first lengthcan be less than or equal to 5°. In an embodiment, the angle of the third lengthcan be 45°. In an embodiment, the angle of the third lengthcan be between 40° and 50°. In an embodiment, the angle of the third lengthcan be between 30° and 60°.

To enter the unlocked state, the inner leg portionclears the first lengthas seen in. If part of the inner leg portionis still overlapping the first length, then the leg release buttonis still considered in a locked state. Where the third lengthis implemented, the unlocked state may be defined as a position where the inner leg portionclears both the first and second lengths,(also see in). Said another way, in the locked state the first conical cutoutinterfaces with (and is optionally flush with) the first length. In the unlocked state, the first conical cutoutdoes not interface with the first length. The first conical cutoutmay be aligned with the third lengthas shown in, but due to the difference in diameter between the first conical cutoutand the second length, no interfacing between these two is possible, and thus the leg assemblyis able to freely rotate from the deployed toward the stowed position.

show the leg release buttonin a locked state. Here, the second conical cutoutinterfaces with, and is optionally flush with, the third length. When a torque is applied to the leg assembly, a force into or out of the page inis applied from the leg assemblyto the third length. Since the third lengthis conical, a force into or out of the page has a component of lateral force as well. If the torque is equal to or exceeds the unlocking threshold, then the leg release buttonis backdriven, or forced to move against the bias of the button biasing mechanism(recall). As the leg release buttonis backdriven, moved to the left in, the leg assemblycan clear the second lengthand is thus able to rotate back toward the deployed position.

While only first and second conical cutouts,have been described, in some embodiments, the third conical cutoutcan be implemented (and as shown in the figures). The third conical cutoutcan be shaped like the first conical cutout, but can be arranged on an opposing narrow edge of the inner leg portion, and can have the same functionality as the first conical cutoutwhen the leg assembliesare reversed.

While the conical cutouts,,have been described as having conical shapes, in other embodiments these cutouts can be scalloped or curved.

The leg assembliescan each include the inner leg portionand the outer leg portionhaving a sliding relation to each other—the inner leg portionsliding within the outer leg portion. This sliding relation allows the leg assembliesto extend and shorten in length (i.e., telescope). To control extension of the leg assemblies, a leg extension locking componentcan have a sliding coupling to each leg assembly. The leg extension button can be arranged on an inside or outside of the leg assemblies(an inside arrangement is shown in the figures). The leg assembliesare reversible, such that the leg extension locking componentscan be arranged on an outside of the leg assemblies.

The leg extension locking componentcan be biased into position via springs or another biasing apparatus (e.g., see). The biasing force can be arranged parallel to the horizontal axiswhen the leg assembliesare in the deployed position. Thus, the leg extension locking componentsare biased in parallel to the horizontal axis, and a user can depress the leg extension locking componentsparallel to the horizontal axisto oppose the biases, and release the leg assembliesfor telescoping.shows how depressing a leg extension button allows a leg to be extended (or shortened).

show close-up views of an embodiment of the leg extension locking component. The leg extension locking componentcan include an inner sideand an outer side. The inner sidecan include a detentshaped to fit within any of the horizontal tracksin inner leg portion. When the leg extension locking componentis depressed, the detentis moved sideways into a vertical trackin the inner leg portionwhere vertical movement of the detent along the vertical trackis possible. Since the leg extension locking componentis coupled to the outer leg portion, the outer leg portioncan slide along the inner leg portionuntil a desired extension point. When the leg extension locking componentis released, the bias pushes the leg extension locking componentalong one of the horizontal tracksand out of the vertical trackand prevents further telescoping.

The illustrated embodiments show seven horizontal tracks, though this number can be larger or smaller depending on the size of the bipod and the level of desired telescoping granularity. The vertical trackcan be included on both sides of the inner leg portionas can the horizontal tracks, to enable reversibility of the leg assemblies.

Although this description has used the term horizontal track, in other embodiments, notches or other shapes and volumes could be used to accept the detentout of the vertical trackwhen the leg extension locking componentis released.

illustrates a view of the hollow interiorof the outer leg portionof the leg assembly, where the hollow interioris configured to accept the inner leg portion. The inner leg portioncan have narrower dimensions than the outer leg portion, such that the inner leg portioncan telescopically slide within the hollow interiorof the outer leg portion. The inner leg portioncan have one of various shapes designed to enhance strength, while minimizing weight and size (e.g., an elongated, diamond-shaped, or ovular cross section as shown), though an elongated or diamond-shape is used for illustration.

illustrate various views of the elongated cross section of the leg assemblies. The general characteristic of the elongated cross section is a width W that is less than a length L of the cross sections as seen in. The result is strength in a more compact package (i.e., a narrower bipod when viewed head on). Exemplary dimensions are shown in. The inner leg portionhas a width, W, and a length, L, while the hollow interior of the outer leg portionhas a width, W, and a length, L. The widths are both smaller than the lengths (i.e., W<Land W<L) and the width and length of the inner leg portionare smaller than the width and length of the hollow interiorof the outer leg portion, respectively (i.e., W<Wand L<L).

Each inner leg portionmay also include a plurality of horizontal tracksor notches, these depressions occurring on either side of a given vertical track. Both the vertical tracks,and the horizontal trackscan be shaped and sized to accept the detentof the leg extension locking component.

Each outer leg portioncan include an alignment detentextending inward from an inner long side of each outer leg portion, each alignment detentcorresponding to and shaped to fit within and interface with the vertical tracks,of a corresponding inner leg portion. For instance, where a single vertical trackis implemented on an inner leg portion, a single alignment detenton the outer leg portioncan be used (not shown). Where two vertical tracks,are implemented, two alignment detentscan be used (as shown).

illustrates an exploded view of the components associated with pivot and canting of the bipod. As seen, the pivot/cant assemblycan be pivotally coupled to the housing. The housingcan include a vertical housing aperturehaving a first diameter. The pivot/cant assemblycan include the pivot block, the firearm interface, the cant nut, and optionally the locking pin. The pivot blockcan include the tubular detentextending down from a bottom of the pivot blockand having a second outer diameter smaller than the first diameter. As such, the tubular detentcan fit into and rotate within the vertical housing aperturein the housing. The pivot blockmay further include a concave hollowon a top of the pivot blockopposite to the tubular detent. The pivot/cant assemblymay include the firearm interfaceincluding the curved bottom surface, the curved bottom surfacehaving the same or a similar diameter as the concave hollowof the pivot block. The pivot/cant assemblymay further include the pivot rodhaving a smaller outer diameter than the first diameter of the vertical housing aperturesuch that the pivot rodcan pass through the vertical housing apertureand pivot relative to the housing. Coupled to a top of the pivot rodcan be the cant nuthaving a tubular shape and a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the tubular aperturein the firearm interface, such that the firearm interfacecan rotate or cant around the cant nut.

A locking knobcan be pivotally coupled to a bottom of the pivot rod(e.g., via a threaded connection to the pivot rod). When the locking knobis rotated, the pivot rodmoves up or down along the vertical axis. As the cant nutis coupled to a top of the pivot rod, when the locking knobis rotated, both the pivot rodand the cant nutmove up and down in unison. As a result, the cant nutmoves up to release the pivot blockas well as the firearm interface. When the cant nutis pulled down, it presses the bottom of the firearm interfaceagainst the concave hollowof the pivot block, and the cant/pivot assemblyis locked (or at least tightened) in a given cant position (e.g., via friction fit). However, the pivot blockis still free to pivot atop the housing. In this way, a cant of the firearm relative to the bipod can be selected and locked, while still allowing pivoting of the firearm. If an optional pivot lock detentis not implemented, then the pivot blockand firearm interfacecan pivot 360° even when the locking knobhas been turned to lock the firearm interfaceinto a given cant position. However, and as discussed in detail later, if the pivot lock detentis implemented along with detent receiving hollows in the housing, then pivoting may be limited once the firearm interfacehas been locked down or at least tightened down.

The locking knoband the pivot rodcan be in threaded relation such that turning of either causes a relative vertical movement between these two components (i.e., when the locking knobis fixed in a vertical position against the underside of the housing, then the pivot rodwill move up and down relative to the locking knobwhen the locking knobis rotated). The firearm interfacecan include an ovular aperturethat intersects the tubular aperture, the ovular aperturepassing through a bottom of the firearm interface, but not through a top or an entirety thereof. Thus, the ovular apertureand the tubular apertureform a t-shaped hollow within the firearm interfacethat accept the t-shaped assembly of the pivot rodand the cant nut. The ovular apertureof the firearm interfaceis shaped to accept an upper portion of the pivot rod. The ovular aperturein the firearm interfacecan have an ovular cross section (e.g., see), such that the firearm interfacecan cant upon the cant nutwithout the pivot rodrunning into sides of the ovular aperture.

A biasing means(e.g., spring, stacked springs, coaxial springs, washers, one or more split-lock washers, stacked split-lock washers, wave washers) can be arranged between the locking knoband a bottom of the housing. Alternatively, the bottom of the housingcan include an indentation shaped to accept some or all the biasing meanssuch that the locking knobcan rest virtually flush against a bottom of the housing. The biasing means, can create a bias tending to push the locking knoband the housingapart.

illustrates a close up of the pivot rod, locking knob, biasing means and a thrust washer. Around the pivot roda thrust washercan be arranged. The thrust washercan include a faceted aperturethat can include one or more facets or flat edges. These one or more facets or flat edges can be shaped to fit one or more flat faceson the threaded portion of the pivot rod. As illustrated, only a single flat faceof the pivot rodis shown. The faceted aperturecan be generally circular, where this circular shape is interrupted by the one or more facets or flat edges. The thrust washercan be arranged between the biasing meansand the locking knoband thereby be pressed by the biasing meansagainst a top of the locking knob. As such, the thrust washerhelps to rotationally lock the pivot rodto the locking knob. Without the thrust washerit may be possible for the locking knobto rotate relative to the pivot rodand thereby “unscrew” itself from the pivot rod. Such may occur if the housingcontacts the locking knoband thereby creates enough friction to keep the locking knobfrom fixed rotation with the pivot rod. Thus, the thrust washerkeeps rotation of the pivot rodfrom inadvertently unscrewing the locking knobfrom the pivot rod. Although the thrust washeris shown as being arranged below the biasing means, in other embodiments, the thrust washercan be arranged between elements of the biasing means, for instance where the biasing meanscomprises stacked springs or stacked split-lock washers. Alternatively, the thrust washercan be arranged above the biasing means.

In alternative embodiments, the thrust washercan be replaced by any rod-to-knob locking element that maintains rotational fixation between the pivot rodand the locking knob, unless the locking knobis intentionally unscrewed from the pivot rod.

illustrates another view of the pivot and cant assembly of, showing the ovular aperturein a bottom of the firearm interface. This allows the pivot rodto pass through the ovular aperturewhile also allowing various cant angles of the firearm interface.

shows an embodiment of a cant and pivot assemblyin three different positions showing rotation of the locking knobto loosen the cant nutand hence the firearm interfacefrom the pivot block. Specifically, rotating the locking knobin a first direction (left image) allows the pivot rod, the cant nut, and the firearm interfaceto move upwards (middle image) thereby enabling the firearm interfaceto cant (right image). When a desired cant is achieved, the locking knobcan be tightened and the firearm interfaceis once again pulled down into the concave hollowthereby locking the degree of cant. In practice, a weight of the firearm on the firearm interfacewill keep the firearm interfaceand pivot blockin contact even when the locking knobis loosened. However, for illustrative purposes, a gap has been shown between the firearm interfaceand the pivot block.

In some embodiments, the entire cant/pivot assemblycan pivot relative to the housing. Rotation of the locking knobcan adjust resistance to pivoting of the cant/pivot assemblyby adjusting friction between the pivot blockand the housing. In this way, the degree of cant can be locked in, yet allow pivoting of the firearm, and where a looseness of pivoting is selectable via the locking knob.