Electronic device mount system for weapons

#The present disclosure relates generally to weapons used for hunting. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic device mount system for weapons.

#It is known to attach various electronic devices, such as range finders and video cameras, to weapons. Range finders allow a game hunter to calculate distance to a target and/or bullet drop while video cameras allow a hunter to record a hunt. An electronic device is often attached to a mounting bracket or rail, which is adapted to mount the electronic device to a weapon without impeding use of the weapon.

#An embodiment of the present disclosure is an electronic device mounting system for weapons. The system includes a receiving tray, guide rods, a carriage, resilient damping members, and a first connection element. The receiving tray has a front wall and a rear wall. Guide rods extend within the receiving tray from the front wall to the rear wall. The carriage is mounted on the guide rods and capable of moving with respect thereto. The carriage also includes a platform for supporting the electronic device. The resilient damping members are located between the carriage and both front and rear walls of the receiving tray. The first connection element protrudes from the rear wall of the tray and mates with a weapon mount.

#FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device mounting system attaching a video camera to a scope mounted on a crossbow.

#FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the electronic device mounting system attaching the video camera to the scope mounted on a rifle.

#FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a tray, a carriage, a damping system, and a strap for the electronic device mounting system.

#An electronic device mounting system can be used to attach electronic devices, such as rangefinders and video cameras, to weapons. In general, the mounting system includes a support portion for resiliently supporting the electronic device and a mounting portion for attaching the support portion and attached electronic device to a weapon. The support portion is universal in that it can be used with a number of interchangeable mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for securing the support portion to a particular type of weapon or weapon accessory. For example, the mounting portion can comprise a bow adaptor, a barrel mount, or a scope mount. Details of the electronic device mounting system are described below with reference to specific, non-limiting embodiments.

#FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of electronic device mounting system 10 attaching video camera 12 to scope 14 mounted on crossbow 16. Electronic device mounting system 10 can be generally divided into support portion 18 and mounting portion 20. Support portion 18 can be further divided into support components: tray 22, carriage 24, and strap 26. Mounting portion 20 can be further divided into mounting components: L-shaped bracket 28, scope mount 30, first connection 32, and second connection 34. Together support portion 18 and mounting portion 20 attach an electronic device, such as video camera 12, to a weapon accessory and/or weapon, such as scope 14 mounted on crossbow 16.

#Video camera 12 is attached to support portion 18, which is attached to mounting portion 20, which secures video camera 12 and support portion 18 to scope 14 on crossbow 16. More specifically, video camera 12 is attached to a top surface of carriage 24, which is resiliently mounted in tray 22. A first end of strap 26 is removably attached to a first side of carriage 24 and a second, opposite end of strap 26 is removably attached to a second, opposite side of carriage 26. A central portion of strap located between the first and second ends extends around and secures video camera 12 to carriage 24. L-shaped bracket 28 attaches tray 22 to scope mount 30. L-shaped bracket 28 has a first end forming first connection 32 with a rear end of tray 22 and a second end forming second connection 34 with scope mount 30. Scope mount 30 has a first end surrounding scope 14, which is mounted on crossbow 16, and a second end forming second connection 34 with L-shaped bracket 28. Thus, device mounting system 10 can be used to secure video camera 12 (or another electronic device) to crossbow 16 (or another weapon) for use during game hunting.