초록

A mounting apparatus for supporting an article, such as a weapon within a vehicle.

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What is claimed is: 1. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be coupled to the floor of the vehicle; an

What is claimed is: 1. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be coupled to the floor of the vehicle; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction, the upright including opposing lower and upper ends; a weapon holder supported by the upright and configured to support a weapon substantially parallel to the upright and in spaced relation above the base frame; a coupler connecting the upright to the base frame, the coupler configured to permit selective movement of the upper end of the upright relative to the base frame; and wherein the weapon holder is configured to move the weapon concurrently with movement of the upright. 2. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes a first pivot connector and a second releasable connector positioned above the first pivot connector, the releasable connector adapted to release the upright for movement about the pivot connector upon application to the upright of a force greater than a predetermined value. 3. The mounting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupler further includes a pair of mounting flanges extending upwardly from the base frame and receiving the lower end of the upright. 4. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes an inhibiting member configured to prevent movement of the upright relative to the base frame in a first direction while permitting movement of the upright relative to the base frame in a second direction. 5. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weapon holder includes a trigger guard provided proximate an end of the elongated support, the trigger guard including: a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of a weapon; and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an upper surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon, the two side walls extending outwardly beyond the insert to receive a portion of a weapon therebetween. 6. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weapon holder includes: a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of a weapon; and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 7. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the weapon holder further includes: a weapon trigger guard provided in spaced relation to the lock mechanism for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein, the weapon trigger guard including, a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon. 8. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be supported by the floor of the vehicle within the rear occupant area; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction behind the at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, wherein the upright is configured to provide clearance for the pivoting movement of a back of the at least one seat; and a weapon holder supported by the upright and including a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of a weapon, and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 9. The mounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the upright is angled between 10 degrees and 70 degrees from vertical. 10. The mounting apparatus of claim 9, wherein the upright is angled between 15 degrees and 45 degrees from vertical. 11. The mounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base frame includes: an elongated support having opposing first and second ends; first and second mounting members supported proximate the first and second ends of the support; and wherein the first and second mounting members are configured to secure the base frame to the floor of the vehicle. 12. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second mounting members each include a mounting aperture configured to receive a seat mounting stud coupled to the floor of the automobile. 13. The mounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the weapon holder further includes: a weapon trigger guard provided in spaced relation to the lock mechanism for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein, the weapon trigger guard including, a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon. 14. The mounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the weapon holder includes a trigger guard provided proximate an end of the elongated support, the trigger guard including: a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of a weapon; and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon, the two side walls extending outwardly beyond the insert to receive a portion of a weapon therebetween. 15. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be supported by the floor of the vehicle, the base frame including an elongated base member and first and second mounting members supported proximate opposing ends of the base member, the first and second mounting members each including a mounting aperture configured to receive a fastener, wherein a distance between the aperture of the first mounting member and the aperture of the second mounting member is adjustable; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction, the upright including opposing lower and upper ends; and a weapon holder supported by the upright and configured to hold a weapon. 16. The mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the base member includes a first portion and a second portion telescopingly received within the first portion. 17. The mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fastener configured to be received within each mounting aperture comprises a seat mounting stud coupled to the floor of the automobile. 18. The mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the weapon holder includes: a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of a weapon; and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 19. The mounting apparatus of claim 18, wherein the weapon holder further includes: a weapon trigger guard provided in spaced relation to the lock mechanism for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein, the weapon trigger guard including, a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon. 20. The mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the weapon holder includes a trigger guard provided proximate an end of the elongated support, the trigger guard including: a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of a weapon; and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon, the two side walls extending upwardly beyond the insert to receive a portion of a weapon therebetween. 21. A method of supporting an accessory within a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first base including a support and first and second mounting members coupled to the support, the first and second mounting members configured to couple to seat mounting studs of a first vehicle; coupling the first base to the seat mounting studs of the first vehicle; providing an upright; coupling the upright to the first base; providing a second base including a support and first and second mounting members coupled to the support, the first and second mounting members configured to coupled to seat mounting studs of a second vehicle; coupling the second base to the seat mounting studs of the second vehicle; uncoupling the upright from the first base; removing the upright from the first vehicle; and coupling the upright to the second base. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of coupling an accessory mount to the upright. 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of adjusting the horizontal position of the upright relative to the first base following the step of coupling the upright to the first base. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the upright includes a connecting member, and an upright panel coupled to the connecting member, and an elongated slot is formed within at least one of the connecting member of the upright and the mounting platform of the first base, the elongated slot being configured to receive a coupler connecting the upright to the first base. 25. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be supported by the floor of the vehicle; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction, the upright including opposing lower and upper ends; a coupler connecting the upright to the base frame, the coupler configured to permit selective movement of the upper end of the upright relative to the base frame; and a weapon holder supported by the upright and configured to receive a weapon, wherein the weapon holder includes a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of a weapon, and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 26. The mounting apparatus of claim 25, wherein the weapon holder further includes: a weapon trigger guard provided in spaced relation to the lock mechanism for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein, the weapon trigger guard including, a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon. 27. The mounting apparatus of claim 25, wherein the weapon holder includes a trigger guard provided proximate an end of the elongated support, the trigger guard including: a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of a weapon; and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an upper surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon, the two side walls extending outwardly beyond the insert to receive a portion of a weapon therebetween. 28. The mounting apparatus of claim 25, wherein the coupler includes a first pivot connector and a second releasable connector positioned above the first pivot connector, the releasable connector adapted to release the upright for movement about the pivot connector upon application to the upright of a force greater that a predetermined value. 29. The mounting apparatus of claim 28, wherein the coupler further includes a pair of mounting flanges extending upwardly from the base frame and receiving the lower end of the upright. 30. The mounting apparatus of claim 25, wherein the coupler includes an inhibiting member configured to prevent movement of the upright relative to the base frame in a first direction while permitting movement of the upright relative to the base frame in a second direction. 31. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be supported by the floor of the vehicle within the rear occupant area; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction behind the at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, wherein the upright is configured to provide clearance for the pivoting movement of a back of the at least one seat; a weapon holder supported by the upright and configured to receive a weapon, the weapon holder including a weapon trigger guard for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein. 32. The mounting apparatus of claim 31, wherein the upright is angled between 10 degrees and 70 degrees from vertical. 33. The mounting apparatus of claim 32, wherein the upright is angled between 15 degrees and 45 degrees from vertical. 34. The mounting apparatus of claim 31, wherein the base frame includes: an elongated support having opposing first and second ends; first and second mounting members supported proximate the first and second ends of the support; and wherein the first and second mounting members are configured to secure the base frame to the floor of the vehicle. 35. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first and second mounting members each include a mounting aperture configured to receive a seat mounting stud coupled to the floor of the automobile. 36. The mounting apparatus of claim 31, wherein the weapon holder includes: a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of a weapon; and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 37. The mounting apparatus of claim 36, wherein the weapon trigger guard includes: a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon. 38. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be supported by the floor of the vehicle, the base frame including an elongated base member and first and second mounting members supported proximate opposing ends of the base member, wherein a distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjustable; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction, the upright including opposing lower and upper ends; a weapon holder supported by the upright and configured to hold a weapon; and wherein the base member includes a first portion and a second portion telescopingly received within the first portion. 39. The mounting apparatus of claim 38, wherein the first and second mounting members each include a mounting aperture configured to receive a seat mounting stud coupled to the floor of the automobile. 40. The mounting apparatus of claim 38, wherein the weapon holder includes: a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of a weapon; and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 41. The mounting apparatus of claim 40, wherein the weapon holder further includes: a weapon trigger guard provided in spaced relation to the lock mechanism for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein, the weapon trigger guard including, a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon. 42. The mounting apparatus of claim 38, wherein the weapon holder includes a trigger guard provided proximate an end of the elongated support, the trigger guard including: a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of a weapon; and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon, the two side walls extending upwardly beyond the insert to receive a portion of a weapon therebetween. 43. A mounting apparatus for supporting a weapon within a vehicle including a floor, front and rear occupant areas, and at least one seat supported in the front occupant area, the mounting apparatus comprising: a base frame configured to be supported by the floor of the vehicle, the base frame including an elongated base member and first and second mounting members supported proximate opposing ends of the base member, wherein a distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjustable; an upright extending upwardly from the base frame in a generally vertical direction, the upright including opposing lower and upper ends; and a weapon holder supported by the upright and configured to hold a weapon, the weapon holder including a barrel rest for receiving a barrel of the weapon, and a lock mechanism provided in spaced relation to the barrel rest for receiving and securing the weapon therein. 44. The mounting apparatus of claim 43, wherein the base member includes a first portion and a second portion telescopingly received within the first portion. 45. The mounting apparatus of claim 43, wherein the first and second mounting members each include a mounting aperture configured to receive a seat mounting stud coupled to the floor of the automobile. 46. The mounting apparatus of claim 43, wherein the weapon holder further includes: a weapon trigger guard provided in spaced relation to the lock mechanism for receiving a trigger portion of the weapon therein, the weapon trigger guard including, a base having two spaced apart side walls which extend outwardly from the base to form a channel for receiving a trigger assembly of the weapon, and an insert secured in the channel and including a slot in an outer surface thereof for receiving a trigger and trigger guard of the weapon.