Systems and methods of accessory mounting

Abstract

Embodiments according to the present invention provide improved systems and methods for mounting accessories, such as a rangefinder, to supporting structure, such as an archery bow or firearm. The improved accessory mount includes one or more brackets adapted to interface to the accessory and to the supporting structure. Preferred brackets provide universal adaptability between and amongst a variety of supporting structures.

1 . In combination with an archery bow having a riser body with a grip disposed thereon, the riser body having a draw side and a sight side, one or more standoffs coupled to, and extending generally longitudinally outward from, the draw side above the grip, an accessory bracket comprising:
 a support structure interface including a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and second leg being coupled by a hinge member; and   a first standoff notch provided on one of said first and second legs, the first standoff notch configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs,   wherein the accessory bracket is supported by the one or more standoffs.   
     
     
         2 . A combination according to  claim 1  further comprising a second standoff notch provided on the other of said first and second legs, the second standoff notch configured to lie circumjacent to at least a portion of one of the standoffs. 
     
     
         3 . A combination according to  claim 2  wherein the first standoff notch and the second standoff notch cooperate to form a mounting aperture. 
     
     
         4 . A combination according to  claim 3 , wherein the mounting aperture is formed when the legs are arranged in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. 
     
     
         5 . A combination according to  claim 4 , wherein the parallel relationship is secured by a threaded fastener extending through one of the legs and threadably engaging the other leg. 
     
     
         6 . A combination according to  claim 3 , wherein the mounting aperture has a cross-section mateable with one of the standoffs. 
     
     
         7 . A combination according to  claim 1 , further comprising a yoke arm fixed to each leg, each yoke arm extending away from the hinge member to a free yoke end. 
     
     
         8 . A combination according to  claim 7 , wherein when the legs are hingedly moved apart with respect to each other, the yoke arms are moved toward each other. 
     
     
         9 . A combination according to  claim 7 , each yoke free end including a longitudinal slot disposed along a slot length. 
     
     
         10 . A combination according to  claim 9 , said slots having a C-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . A combination according to  claim 9 , at least one slot being terminated at one end. 
     
     
         12 . A combination according to  claim 9 , wherein the slots are parallel and disposed at a relative slot spacing. 
     
     
         13 . A combination according to  claim 12 , further comprising:
 an accessory supported by said accessory bracket, the accessory having two parallel rails disposed thereon, the rails being disposed at a relative rail spacing,   wherein the rail spacing is substantially equal to the slot spacing.   
     
     
         14 . A combination according to  claim 13 , wherein the rails are frictionally engaged with the slots. 
     
     
         15 . A combination according to  claim 14 , wherein the accessory is an electronic range finder. 
     
     
         16 . A combination according to  claim 1  further including an accessory mounted in a spaced relationship from the riser body and supported by the one or more standoffs. 
     
     
         17 . A combination according to  claim 15 , wherein the accessory is a sight mounting bracket. 
     
     
         18 . A combination according to  claim 15 , wherein the accessory is a quiver.