CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/777,691, filed Feb. 27, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is directed to portable firearm support storage cases, such as storage cases including a stabilizing platform for use with the firearm support. BACKGROUND Transporting firearm supports to support a firearm during target practice and accuracy testing is a difficult undertaking. By their very nature, firearm supports are often large, heavy and cumbersome. In addition, portions of the firearm support, such as threaded and adjustable components, are relatively delicate in comparison to the size and weight of the rest of the firearm support. If the threaded components of the firearm support are contaminated with dirt or are otherwise damaged or compromised, the components may be rendered inoperable thereby reducing the functionality of the firearm support. Consequently, it is advantageous to use a storage or carrying case that can help protect the components of the firearm support contained in the protective case. Conventional protective cases for firearm supports typically include a fabric, soft-sided or padded case. However there are many disadvantages with these soft-sided cases. First, these cases do not adequately protect the firearm support contained in the case. Although soft-sided cases may shield the firearm support from dirt, soft-sided cases do not protect the firearm support from external forces or from other contaminants, such as rain for example. Moreover, cases that include padded sides can be deformed by external forces and are therefore also insufficient for protecting the firearm support. Further, conventional protective cases fail to provide the additional benefit of a mounting surface or stabilizing support base for use with the firearm support. Therefore, there is a demand for a durable and portable protective case for safely transporting or storing firearm supports in a manner that provides ease of transport, adequate protection, and a stabilizing support base for mounting the firearm support thereon. Accordingly, there exists a need to improve conventional firearm support carrying cases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic partially exploded isometric view of a system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of an open system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of a system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a system for transporting a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the system illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of a system for transporting a firearm support assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview The following disclosure describes several embodiments of storage cases for firearm support and firearm support assemblies. One aspect of disclosure is directed to a storage case for storing the firearm support within the storage case. The storage case includes first and second portions, the first portion and the second portion having semi-rigid conformal interior surfaces configured to receive the firearm support. At least one of the first or second surfaces includes a stabilizing base for the firearm support. In one embodiment, the firearm support is at least partially disassembled when stored in the storage case. In another embodiment, the case is configured to contain a fully assembled firearm support stored and transported in the case, or multiple firearm supports of differing size and weight stored and transported in the case. According to further aspects of the disclosure, the internal structure and conformal surfaces of the case protect the firearm support and resist external forces against the firearm support. The stabilizing platform can be integral with the case and include retaining mechanisms to further stabilize and provide support for the firearm support when using the firearm support in the field. Another embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a system for storing and supporting a firearm rest. The system includes a firearm rest configured for supporting a firearm stored in a container having a semi-rigid first portion and a semi-rigid second portion removably coupled to the first portion. In a closed position, the first portion is coupled to the second portion and the firearm rest is stored in the container, and in an open position, the first portion is removed from the second portion and the second portion includes a firearm rest stabilization platform. The stabilization platform includes one or more mounting portions corresponding to one or more feet of the firearm support. The mounting portions allow a variety of firearm supports to be used with one stabilization platform. According to further embodiments, mounting portions are contained in both a first portion and a second portion of the storage case to provide a second stabilization platform. In other embodiments, the first and second portions include a deformable material, such as a foam material, to contact and protect the firearm rest. In yet another embodiment, a firearm support carrying case includes a first portion having a semi-rigid first exterior surface a second portion having a semi-rigid second exterior surface. In a closed position the first and second portions form a pre-defined interior cavity corresponding to a general shape of a firearm support that may be stored in the cavity. In an open position the second portion is a stabilizing platform for the firearm support when a firearm rests on the firearm support. Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to storage cases, firearm supports and firearm support assemblies. Several details describing well-known structures or processes often associated with storage cases, firearms and firearm supports are not set forth in the following description for purposes of brevity and clarity. Also, several other embodiments of the invention can have different configurations, components, or procedures than those described in this section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the invention may have other embodiments with additional elements, or the invention may have other embodiments without several of the elements shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 1-9. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from other items in reference to a list of at least two items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same features and/or other types of features and components are not precluded. B. Embodiments of Firearm Supports FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a storage case 100 for transporting and storing a firearm support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The case 100 includes a first portion 102 and a second portion 104 releasably coupled to the first portion 102 with a plurality of connection mechanisms 110a-c. Examples of connection mechanisms include but are not limited to a hinge, clasp, latch and/or other suitable connection mechanisms. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a greater or lesser number of connection mechanisms 110a-c may be used than the number of mechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. When the second portion 104 is coupled to the first position 102, the case 100 is in a stored or closed position, and when the portions 102 and 104 are separated the case 100 is an open position. The first and second portions 102 and 104 are preformed, and include semi-rigid interior surfaces (shown in FIGS. 3-8) for retaining the firearm support in the storage case 100 during transportation or storage. For example, the interior surfaces can define a protective zone for the firearm support when the storage case 100 is in a closed position. The internal structure of the cavity resists external forces while providing positioning support to the firearm support to prevent the firearm support from excessive movement within the storage case in the closed position. According to further embodiments, the storage case 100 includes an internal cavity configured to accommodate a variety of firearm support assembly configurations or multiple firearm supports. Moreover, the portions 102 and 104 can be formed in a variety of known manufacturing processes, such as by blow molding, injection molding, roto-molding, stamping, and/or thermoforming for example. The first portion 102 includes a plurality of support surfaces 118 and first and second portions 120a and 120b of a handle 121. The plurality of support surfaces 118 allow the storage case 100 to be set on rough or wet surfaces without causing damage to the storage case 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the support surfaces 118 have a generally rectangular shape, however, the support surfaces 118 may include other sizes or configurations to support the storage case 100. Specifically, the support surfaces 118 may be rectangular, square, spiked, generally V-shaped, planar, or other geometries suitable for supporting the storage case 100. The first portion 120a of the handle 121 is contained on the first portion 102 of the storage case 100, and the second portion 120b of the handle 121 is contained on the second portion 104 of the storage case 100. The first and second portions 120a and 120b combine to form the handle 121 integral with the storage case 100. In certain embodiments, the first and second portions 120a and 120b can slide relative to each other to also act as a closure or connection mechanism for the case 100. In addition, the handle 121 may be affixed to the storage case 100 with a strap (not shown) or other mechanical fixation devices. As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the handle 121 is contained along a top side 123 of the storage case opposite the support surfaces 118. Alternative, the handle 121 may be positioned on any portion of the storage case 100. According to still further embodiments, a plurality of handles may be included on one storage case 100 in order to enable more than one manner of carrying the storage case, or more than one user to carry the storage case. Accordingly, the case 100 provides the benefit of storing and transporting a firearm rest in a protective manner. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the storage case 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Like reference characters refer to like components in FIGS. 2-7 and FIG. 1, and thus the description of such components will not be repeated with reference to FIGS. 2-7. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the first portion 102 of the case 100 includes an exterior surface 113. The exterior surface 113 may have a substantially flat region for placement of instructions or marketing indicia. The storage case 100 is generally triangular shaped in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, however, the storage case 100 can have different configurations and shapes depending on the size of the firearm support being carried, the relative protective zone required, and the overall bulk of the storage case in order to maintain a portable system. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 and discussed below, the storage case 900 may be rectangular shaped. In other embodiments, the storage case may contain two or more firearm supports. FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric partially exploded view of a case 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The case 100 contains a representative firearm support 130 that is at least partially unassembled and in a stored position. The firearm support 130 includes a base or lower portion 150 and an upper portion 154. The lower portion 150 includes a plurality of feet or extensions 152 and is configured to provide a stable base support or foundation for the firearm support 130. Accordingly, the plurality of extensions 152 define a stabilizing footprint of the firearm support 130. The upper portion 154 is configured to removably attach to the lower portion 150 and to receive and provide adjustable support to a firearm. The case 100 shown in FIG. 3 also illustrates the conformal shape of the case 100 to the corresponding firearm support 130. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the case 100 can have a different conformal shape according to different firearm supports. An interior surface 114 of the case 100 defines the preformed interior geometry and shape of the case 100 to receive and protect the firearm support 130. The internal structure of the case 100 resists external forces, such as an impact force if the case 100 is dropped, while providing positioning support to the firearm support 130 to prevent excessive movement of the firearm support 130 within the storage case 100 during transportation. An additional feature illustrated in FIG. 3 is an integral retaining portion 111 corresponding to and configured to receive the connection mechanism 110a shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a top view of the second portion 104 of an open storage case 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In certain embodiments, the case 100 provides a stabilization platform or base in the second portion 104 for the firearm support 130 during use of the firearm support 130. When the firearm support 130 is used while contained in the second portion 104 of the storage case 100, the storage case 100 can define a stabilizing footprint that is larger than the stabilizing footprint of the firearm support 130 alone. In another embodiment, the first and second portions of the case can be configured to provide an eve large stabilizing footprint to help stabilize the firearm support when in use. The case 100 includes a preformed interior cavity 140 that is generally shaped and conforms to the geometry of at least a portion of the firearm support 130 in the stored position. The cavity 140 includes a plurality of mounting portions 132a-c for receiving feet or portions (not shown) of the extensions 152 of the firearm support 130. The mounting portions 132a-c may include but are not limited to preformed indentations, grooves, tabs, detents, slots, depressions and the like. The mounting portions 132a-c are reciprocally positioned relative to the extensions 152 of the firearm support 130 such that feet or portions of the extensions 152 are can be positioned on the mounting portions 132a-c in the cavity 140. For example, the feet or portions of the extensions 152 can be positioned on the mounting portions 132a-c when the firearm support 130 is in the at least partially unassembled and stored position, and also when the firearm support is in the assembled position for use in the field. Moreover, the mounting portions 132a-c may further include a positive retaining mechanism, such as a clamp, strap or other retaining device to secure the extensions 152 in place on the mounting portions 132a-c when the second portion 104 of the storage case 100 is being used as a stabilizing support base. The stabilization platform and mounting portions 132a-c provide a stable configuration for the firearm support in an assembled position. FIG. 5 is a schematic underside bottom view of the second portion 104 of the case 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The second portion 104 includes an exterior surface 115. The surface 115 provides a substantially flat portion adding additional stability to the storage case 100 when the bottom portion 104 is used as a stabilization base for an assembled firearm support 130. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface 115 includes plurality of feet 116a-c to provide additional stability to the system, especially when the storage case 100 is used as a stabilization platform on an uneven surface. The feet 116a-c may correspond to and align with the mounting portions 132a-c described above. In other embodiments, the exterior surface 115 may be completely flat with no feet 116a-c. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the second portion 104 and an at least partially unassembled firearm support 130 including the lower portion 150 and the upper portion 154. The embodiment of the case 100 illustrates the overall low profile that can be achieved when the firearm support 130 is at least partially unassembled and stored in the second portion 104. One skilled in the art will recognize however, that a thicker profile case may be used to store and carry a firearm support that is fully assembled. FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the case 100 illustrated in FIG. 6. The extension 152 shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a foot 134 that can be positioned in or on the mounting point 132a to provide a stable platform and base for the firearm support 130. In an alternate embodiment, the firearm support 130, or the lower portion 150 of the firearm support 130 can be integrally formed with the second portion 104 of the case 100 such that the firearm support 130 is not removable from the second portion 104 of the case 100. FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric view of a storage case 800 for transporting a firearm support assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The storage case 800 is generally similar to the storage case 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7. For example, the storage case 800 includes a first portion 802 and a second portion 804 coupled to the first portion 802. The illustrated storage case 800, however, includes a hinged connection point 812 and a general rectangular shape to accommodate a different sized firearm support or more than one firearm support. Additionally, the storage case 800 contains alternative features which are interchangeable with the features described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Specifically, the storage case 800 includes the hinged connection 812 to retain the first portion 802 and the second portion 804 in a fixed relationship when in the open or partially open position. Alternatively, a clasp, latch or other mechanical fixation device could be used as is known in the art. For example, the first portion 802 and the second portion 804 are latched together in the closed position by latching connection means 810a-b on the first portion 802 to connection means 811a-b on the second portion of the storage case. The case 800 further includes an internal cavity formed by interior surfaces such as 840 and 841 that are preformed to correspond and protect to a firearm assembly 830 positioned in the case 800 in the closed position. Moreover, the firearm assembly 830 is shown in FIG. 8 is a more fully assembled configuration compared to the firearm assembly 130 shown in FIGS. 1-7. For example, the firearm assembly 830 is contained in a stored position on a stabilization base 850 such that extensions 852 and support feet 856a-b are properly positioned at the stabilizing or mounting portions (not shown for clarity) of the stabilization platform. Final assembly of the firearm support 830 can include placing a conformal or flexible firearm bag 854 on top of the firearm support 830. The case can be configured to also contain and carry the firearm bag 854 along with the firearm support. In additional embodiments, the firearm support assembly may be fully assembled when in a stored configuration in the open or closed storage case. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the invention. Furthermore, aspects of the invention described in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited, except as by the appended claims. |
