Stabilizing apparatus and method

Abstract

A stabilizing apparatus and method according to which a force is applied to a line to place the line in tension and stabilize a component associated with the line, thereby facilitating the aiming of the component.

1 . Apparatus comprising: 
 a line; and    means extending from the line for receiving a force so that the force is applied to the line via the means;    wherein the apparatus has a stabilizing configuration in which: 
 the line is connected to a structure;  
 the connection between the line and the structure resists the force applied to the line to place the line in tension; and  
 the tension in the line stabilizes a component associated with the line to facilitate the aiming of the component.  
   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the receiving means comprises a first loop.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a second loop extending from the line and spaced from the first loop by a predetermined increment along the line.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising a third loop extending from the line and spaced from the second loop by another predetermined increment along the line wherein the second loop is disposed between the first and third loops.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the length of extension of the line is adjustable.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising means for adjusting the length of extension of the line.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the component is supported by a user of the apparatus; 
 wherein at least a portion of a hand of the user extends through the loop; and    wherein the force is applied to the line via the hand and the loop.    
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the component is a gun.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the component is a bow.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising means for connecting the line to the structure.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the connecting means comprises a loop having an adjustable diameter.  
   
   
       12 . A method comprising: 
 connecting a line to a structure;    applying a force to the line wherein the connection between the line and the structure resists the force to place the line in tension; and    aiming a component associated with the line wherein the tension in the line stabilizes the component to facilitate the aiming.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein a loop extends from the line and wherein the force is applied to the line via the loop.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising extending at least a portion of a hand of a user of the component through the loop; 
 wherein the force is applied to the line via the hand and the loop; and    wherein the user supports the component.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising adjusting the length of extension of the line between the structure and the loop.  
   
   
       16 . Apparatus for stabilizing a component to facilitate the aiming thereof, the apparatus comprising a line connectable to a structure and associated with the component wherein the line is placed in tension to stabilize the component when the line is connected to the structure and a force is applied to the line.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising at least one loop extending from the line and via which a force is applied to the line to place the line in tension.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein at least a portion of a hand of a user of the component extends through the loop and wherein the force is applied to the line via the hand and the loop.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising means for connecting the line to the structure.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising means for adjusting the length of extension of the line.